Image formation device

Abstract

To reliably control germicidal lamps so as not to impose the operation burden on people.SOLUTION: An image formation device includes: an image formation unit; a communication interface; and a control unit that supplies power to the image formation unit in a normal mode, limits power supply to the image formation unit less in a power saving mode than the normal mode, communicates with a germicidal lamp device via the communication interface so as not to cause a germicidal lamp device to generate germicidal light when in the normal mode, and communicates with the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface so as to cause the germicidal lamp device to generate germicidal light when in the power saving mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a germicidal lamp device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a convenient stand-type germicidal lamp that can be easily moved and placed in places like restaurant kitchens and hotel rooms. The germicidal lamp in Patent Document 1 turns off when a human body detection sensor detects that a person has entered the irradiation range of the germicidal light, which may have an adverse effect on the human body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jitsuto 3012680 Bulletin Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The use of germicidal lamps to sterilize devices that people touch has been considered. From the viewpoint of safety, it is required to control the germicidal lamp so that germicidal light is emitted when people are not within the irradiation range of the germicidal light and so that the germicidal light is not emitted when people touch the device, reliably and without imposing a burden on the person to operate it. The problem to be solved by the present invention is to control the germicidal lamp reliably and without imposing a burden on the person to operate it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment includes an image forming unit; a communication interface; and a control unit that supplies power to the image forming unit in a normal mode, limits the power supply to the image forming unit to a level lower than that in the normal mode in a power saving mode, communicates with the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface to prevent the germicidal lamp device from generating germicidal light in the normal mode, and communicates with the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface to cause the germicidal lamp device to generate germicidal light in the power saving mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, viewed from the upper front left. [Figure 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, as viewed from the front side; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart relating to mode control of power supply in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a germicidal lamp device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a germicidal lamp device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of connection between an image forming apparatus and a germicidal lamp device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of connection between an image forming apparatus and a germicidal lamp device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment of controlling a germicidal lamp reliably and without placing a burden on the operator will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of an image forming apparatus 1 according to one embodiment, viewed from the upper left front. In the lower left of Fig. 1, an arrow x points from the left to the right of the image forming apparatus 1, an arrow y points upward from the floor side, and an arrow z points from the front to the rear side.

[0008] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a display 110, a control panel 120, an image forming unit 130, an image reading unit 200, a human sensor 150, and a system controller 300.

[0009] A toner cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The toner cartridge may be filled with erasable toner that can be erased later, or may be filled with toner that cannot be erased later. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a sheet using the toner.

[0010] The display 110 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The display 110 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus 1.

[0011] The control panel 120 has a plurality of buttons for receiving user operations. The display 110 and the control panel 120 may be configured as an integrated touch panel.

[0012] The image forming unit 130 forms an image on a sheet based on image information generated by the image reading unit 200 or image information received via a communication path.

[0013] The image reading unit 200 reads the image information of the reading target as brightness and darkness of light. The image reading unit 200 records the read image information. The recorded image information may be transmitted to another information processing device via a network. The recorded image information may be formed into an image on a sheet by the image forming unit 130.

[0014] The human presence sensor 150 detects a person near the image forming apparatus 1. The human presence sensor 150 outputs a detection signal when a person is present within the detection range. The human presence sensor 150 may be a sensor that detects changes in light caused by a person's movement. The human presence sensor 150 may be a pyroelectric sensor that detects changes in infrared rays caused by a person's movement. The system controller 300 controls each part to realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0015] 2 is a configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 as seen from the front side. The image forming apparatus 1 has an image reading section 200 and an image forming unit 130.

[0016] The image forming unit 130 has a sheet storage section 140, a conveying section 5, an image forming section 25Y, an image forming section 25M, an image forming section 25C, an image forming section 25K, an exposure section 26, a transfer belt 27, a fixing device 29, toner cartridges 33Y, 33M, 33C, and 33K, and a transfer belt cleaner 35.

[0017] The sheet storage section 140 stores sheets. The conveying section 5 has a registration roller 24 and a transfer roller 28. The registration roller 24 adjusts the posture of the leading edge of the sheet taken out from the sheet storage section 140 and conveys the sheet in accordance with the timing at which the image forming unit 130 transfers a toner image onto the sheet. The registration roller 24 conveys the sheet to the transfer roller 28.

[0018] Transfer belt 27 has an image forming surface that faces image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K. To ensure sufficient length, the image forming surface is inclined at an angle D relative to the floor, decreasing from left to right when viewed from the front. Transfer belt 27 has rollers 271L and 271R on the back side of the image forming surface, which determine the inclination angle D of the image forming surface. Transfer belt 27 has transfer rollers 9 between rollers 271L and 271R on the back side of the surface that faces image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K, which attract the toner images from image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K. Transfer belt 27 conveys the toner images received, stacked in order, from image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K toward transfer roller 28. Transfer roller 28 transfers the toner images onto a sheet.

[0019] Image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K are lined up in order in the direction of travel of the opposing surfaces of transfer belt 27. From left to right as viewed from the front side, image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K are installed close to the floor at an inclination angle D so as to follow transfer belt 27, which is inclined relative to the floor. Image forming unit 25Y forms a yellow toner image. Image forming unit 25M forms a magenta toner image. Image forming unit 25C forms a cyan toner image. Image forming unit 25K forms a black toner image. Each of image forming units 25Y, 25M, 25C, and 25K has a photosensitive drum 7 and performs charging, development, cleaning, and static elimination on the photosensitive drum 7.

[0020] The exposure unit 26 exposes the four photosensitive drums 7 to light to form electrostatic latent images.

[0021] The fixing device 29 fixes the toner image onto the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer roller 28 .

[0022] Above transfer belt 27 are toner cartridges 33Y, 33M, 33C, and 33K. Toner cartridge 33Y contains yellow toner to be supplied to image forming unit 25Y via a supply pipe. Toner cartridge 33M contains magenta toner to be supplied to image forming unit 25M via a supply pipe. Toner cartridge 33C contains cyan toner to be supplied to image forming unit 25C via a supply pipe. Toner cartridge 33K contains black toner to be supplied to image forming unit 25K via a supply pipe.

[0023] The transfer belt cleaner 35 removes the toner remaining on the transfer belt 27 after the toner image has been transferred to a sheet by the transfer roller 28 .

[0024] 3 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading section 200, an image forming unit 130, a display 110, a control panel 120, a human presence sensor 150, and a system controller 300. The system controller 300 includes an image processing section 172, a control section 174, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 175, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 176, a non-volatile memory 177, a communication interface 178, and a page memory 180.

[0025] The image reading unit 200 optically reads an image of a document and outputs the image data.

[0026] The image processing unit 172 performs various image processing operations on the image data obtained by the image reading unit 200 and the image data input via the communication interface 178. The page memory 180 stores the image data output by the image processing unit 172.

[0027] The image forming unit 130 forms an image based on the image data stored in the page memory 180 .

[0028] The communication interface 178 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The communication interface 178 is used for communication with external devices. The communication interface 178 is, for example, a wired LAN communication adapter. The communication interface 178 may function as a PSE (Power sourcing equipment) in a so-called PoE (Power over Ethernet) standard such as IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt. The communication interface 178 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication adapter. The communication interface 178 may also be a wireless LAN communication adapter, a short-range wireless communication adapter, or the like, which performs wireless communication with other devices in accordance with a communication standard.

[0029] The display 110 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the display 110 displays images for setting various functions of the image forming apparatus 1, an image showing the remaining amount of toner, and the like.

[0030] The control panel 120 accepts operation inputs from the user.

[0031] The control unit 174 controls each unit to realize the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with various programs.

[0032] For example, the control unit 174 accepts jobs such as scan jobs and copy jobs input by the user through the control panel 120 and stores them in the RAM 176. The control unit 174 accepts print jobs received from an external device through the communication interface 178 and stores them in the RAM 176. The control unit 174 organizes the scheduling of the jobs stored in the RAM 176, for example, by separating a copy job into a scan job and a print job and organizing the execution order.

[0033] The control unit 174 controls the image reading operation in the image reading unit 200, which is specified in the scan job. The control unit 174 controls the image processing operation in the image processing unit 172, which is specified in the job. The control unit 174 controls the image forming operation in the image forming unit 130, which is specified in the print job.

[0034] The control unit 174 controls the power supply to the image reading unit 200, the image forming unit 130, the display 110, etc., based on the detection signal output by the human presence sensor 150. There are, for example, a normal mode and a power saving mode as power supply modes. In the normal mode, power is supplied to the image reading unit 200, the image forming unit 130, the display 110, etc. In the power saving mode, the power supply to the image reading unit 200, the image forming unit 130, the display 110, etc. is limited to a lower level than in the normal mode. Even in the power saving mode, power is supplied to the human presence sensor 150.

[0035] When the control unit 174 receives a detection signal from the human sensor 150 in the power saving mode, detects an operation on the control panel 120, or receives a print job from an external device via the communication interface 178, the control unit 174 switches the power supply mode to the normal mode.

[0036] The control unit 174 switches the power supply mode to the power saving mode when a certain time has elapsed in normal mode without receiving a detection signal from the human sensor 150, without detecting an operation on the control panel 120, and without receiving a print job from an external device through the communication interface 178.

[0037] When the control unit 174 receives a detection signal from the human presence sensor 150 in normal mode, detects an operation on the control panel 120, or receives a print job from an external device through the communication interface 178, the control unit 174 postpones switching the power supply mode to the power saving mode.

[0038] The control unit 174 may be configured to postpone the period for switching to the power saving mode when it receives a print job from an external device through the communication interface 178 in the normal mode, so that the period is longer when the print job contains a small number of pages and shorter when the print job contains a large number of pages.

[0039] The control unit 174 supplies power to the external device through the communication interface 178. In the normal mode, the control unit 174 suspends power supply from the communication interface 178 to the external device.

[0040] When the control unit 174 receives a detection signal from the human sensor 150, the control unit 174 may be configured to suspend power supply from the communication interface 178 to external devices before starting to supply power to the image reading unit 200, the image forming unit 130, the display 110, etc.

[0041] When the control unit 174 detects an operation on the control panel 120, the control unit 174 may be configured to suspend power supply from the communication interface 178 to external devices before starting to supply power to the image reading unit 200, the image forming unit 130, the display 110, etc.

[0042] In the power saving mode, the control unit 174 supplies power to the external device from the communication interface 178. It is also possible to set the control unit 174 so that power is supplied to the external device from the communication interface 178 even in the normal mode.

[0043] The control unit 174 can control the time from when the power saving mode is entered until when power starts to be supplied to external devices via the communication interface 178. The user can operate the control panel 120 to input the time from when the control unit 174 is entered into the power saving mode until when power starts to be supplied to external devices via the communication interface 178.

[0044] When control unit 174 receives a print job from an external device through communication interface 178 in normal mode, the time from when it enters power saving mode until it starts supplying power to the external device through communication interface 178 may be configured to be longer when the print job contains a small number of pages and shorter when the print job contains a large number of pages.

[0045] The control unit 174 may be configured to transmit, via the communication interface 178, a signal indicating that a detection signal from the human sensor 150 has not been received or a signal indicating that an operation on the control panel 120 has not been detected, and may be configured to supply power to the external device in an amount necessary to process the transmitted signal, which is less than the amount of power supplied in the power saving mode.

[0046] The control unit 174 may be configured to transmit a signal indicating the power supply mode through the communication interface 178, and may be configured to supply power to the external device in an amount necessary to process the transmitted signal, which is less than the amount of power supplied in the power saving mode.

[0047] The control unit 174 may be configured to transmit a signal to control the operation of an external device through the communication interface 178, and may be configured to supply power to the external device in an amount necessary to process the signal to control the operation of the external device, which is less than the amount of power supplied in the power saving mode. Since the required amount differs for each external device, the amount of power supplied may differ for each external device identified by a unique identifier.

[0048] If it is difficult to supply power to external devices through the communication interface 178, for example because the power capacity of the image forming device 1 is small, the control unit 174 may be configured to send a signal through the communication interface 178 indicating that it has not received a detection signal from the human presence sensor 150 or a signal indicating that it has not detected an operation on the control panel 120, thereby not supplying power to external devices.

[0049] If it is difficult to supply power to external devices through the communication interface 178, for example because the power capacity of the image forming apparatus 1 is small, the control unit 174 may be configured to send a signal indicating the power supply mode through the communication interface 178, and may be configured not to supply power to external devices.

[0050] If it is difficult to supply power to an external device through communication interface 178, for example because the power capacity of image forming apparatus 1 is small, control unit 174 may be configured to send a signal to control the operation of the external device through communication interface 178, and may be configured not to supply power to the external device. If the image forming apparatus 1 is configured not to supply power to the external device, it is necessary to configure the external device to receive power from a source other than image forming apparatus 1.

[0051] The control unit 174 may be configured to receive a signal indicating whether or not a human presence sensor of the external device has detected a human or the like from the external device via the communication interface 178. The control unit 174 may use a signal indicating whether or not a human presence sensor of the external device has detected a human or the like, similar to the detection signal of the human presence sensor 150, as a condition for transitioning between the normal mode and the power saving mode or for continuing the mode. When the control unit 174 is configured to receive a signal indicating whether or not a human presence sensor of the external device has detected a human or the like from the external device via the communication interface 178, it is preferable to configure the communication interface 178 so that power is supplied even in the power saving mode.

[0052] The control unit 174 may be configured to receive signals indicating the operating status of external devices from the external devices through the communication interface 178. The control unit 174 may be configured to display the operating status of each external device on the control panel 120 based on the signals indicating the operating status of the external devices.

[0053] Such a control unit 174 is configured with one or more processors. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). ROM 175 stores various programs and the like required for the control of control unit 174. RAM 176 temporarily stores data required for the control of control unit 174. Non-volatile memory 177 stores updated programs, various parameters, and the like. Note that non-volatile memory 177 may store some or all of the various programs.

[0054] FIG. 4 is an example of a flowchart of the control by the control unit 174 regarding the mode control of the power supply.

[0055] When the power saving mode starts, the control unit 174 checks whether the communication interface 178 is receiving a job from an external device (ACT 110).

[0056] If a job is received (Yes in ACT110), the power saving mode is ended and the normal mode is started.

[0057] If no job has been received (No in ACT110), the control unit 174 checks whether the human sensor 150 is outputting a detection signal (ACT120).

[0058] If a detection signal is being output (Yes in ACT120), the external device is notified via the communication interface 178 that the human sensor 150 is outputting a detection signal (ACT125), and then the power saving mode is ended and the normal mode is started.

[0059] If a detection signal is not being output (No in ACT120), the control unit 174 checks whether the communication interface 178 has received a signal from the external device indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like (ACT130).

[0060] If a signal indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like is received (Yes in ACT130), the power saving mode is ended and the normal mode is started.

[0061] If the control unit 174 does not receive a signal indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like (No in ACT130), the control unit 174 checks whether a user operation has been input from the control panel 120 (S140).

[0062] If the user has input an operation from the control panel 120 (Yes in ACT140), the power saving mode ends and the normal mode starts. If the user has not input an operation from the control panel 120 (No in ACT140), the control unit 174 performs S110 again.

[0063] When the normal mode starts, the control unit 174 resets the timer (ACT 200) and checks whether the communication interface 178 is receiving a job from an external device (ACT 210).

[0064] If a job has been received (Yes in ACT210), the control unit 174 performs S200 again. If a job has not been received (No in ACT210), the control unit 174 checks whether the human sensor 150 is outputting a detection signal (ACT220).

[0065] If the detection signal is being output (Yes in ACT120), the control unit 174 notifies the external device via the communication interface 178 that the human presence sensor 150 is outputting a detection signal (ACT225), and then performs S200 again. If the detection signal is not being output (No in ACT220), the control unit 174 checks whether the communication interface 178 has received a signal from the external device indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like (ACT230).

[0066] If the control unit 174 receives a signal indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like (Yes in ACT230), the control unit 174 performs S200 again. If the control unit 174 does not receive a signal indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like (No in ACT230), the control unit 174 checks whether or not a user operation has been input from the control panel 120 (ACT240).

[0067] If the user has input an operation from the control panel 120 (Yes in ACT240), the control unit 174 performs S200 again. If the user has not input an operation from the control panel 120 (No in ACT240), the control unit 174 checks whether the time measured by the timer has exceeded a certain time (ACT250).

[0068] If the time measured by the timer has not exceeded the fixed time (No in ACT250), the control unit 174 performs S210 again. If the time measured by the timer has exceeded the fixed time (Yes in ACT250), the normal mode is ended and the power saving mode is started.

[0069] 5 is a diagram showing an appearance of a germicidal lamp device 1000 according to one embodiment. The germicidal lamp device 1000 includes a housing 1001, a germicidal lamp 1002, a range notification light 1013, a support pole 1003, a motion sensor 1004, an operating indicator light 1006, an inactive indicator light 1007, a bottom plate 1008, and a connection terminal 1010.

[0070] The housing 1001 supports a germicidal lamp 1002, a range notification lamp 1013, a human sensor 1004, and the like.

[0071] Germicidal lamp 1002 generates germicidal light. The germicidal light is, for example, ultraviolet light. The germicidal light is reflected by housing 1001 and emitted downward. The direction of emission of the germicidal light can be changed by rotating housing 1001.

[0072] The range notification light 1013 emits visible light when the germicidal lamp 1002 is emitting germicidal light. The range notification light 1013 may be a fluorescent lamp or an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0073] The irradiation range of the visible light emitted by the range notification lamp 1013 should preferably include the irradiation range of the germicidal light emitted by the germicidal lamp 1002. If the germicidal light emitted by the germicidal lamp 1002 is invisible or difficult to see, it is safe for people if the irradiation range of the germicidal light can be determined by the visible light emitted by the range notification lamp 1013.

[0074] The human presence sensor 1004 detects a person near the germicidal lamp device 1000. The human presence sensor 1004 outputs a detection signal when a person is present within the detection range.

[0075] The human presence sensor 1004 may be a sensor that detects changes in light caused by human movement. The human presence sensor 1004 may be a pyroelectric sensor that detects changes in infrared rays caused by human movement. The human presence sensor 1004 may be a sensor that can measure the ambient illuminance, or a sensor that outputs a high illuminance detection signal when it detects that the illuminance is above a certain level.

[0076] The support 1003 rotatably supports the housing 1001. The support 1003 is provided with an operating indicator lamp 1006 and an idle indicator lamp 1007.

[0077] The operating indicator lamp 1006 lights up when the germicidal lamp 1002 is emitting germicidal light. The operating indicator lamp 1006 may be a fluorescent lamp or an LED. If the germicidal light emitted by the germicidal lamp 1002 is invisible or difficult to see, it is safer for people if the operating indicator lamp 1006 emits visible light to indicate that the germicidal lamp 1002 is emitting germicidal light.

[0078] The inactive indicator lamp 1007 is lit when the germicidal lamp 1002 is not emitting germicidal light. The inactive indicator lamp 1007 may be a fluorescent lamp or an LED. If the germicidal light emitted by the germicidal lamp 1002 is invisible or difficult to see, it is reassuring for people if the inactive indicator lamp 1007 emits visible light to indicate that the germicidal lamp 1002 is not emitting germicidal light.

[0079] A range notification light 1013 may be provided on the support post 1003. A human sensor 1004 may be provided on the support post 1003.

[0080] The bottom plate 1008 vertically supports the lower part of the support column 1003 .

[0081] The connection terminal 1010 is a terminal for communicating with the communication interface 178 of the image forming apparatus 1. The connection terminal 1010 may also serve as a terminal for inputting power to be used by the entire germicidal lamp device 1000. If the germicidal lamp device 1000 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the image forming apparatus 1, the connection terminal 1010 may function only as a terminal for inputting power to be used by the entire germicidal lamp device 1000. Furthermore, if the germicidal lamp device 1000 is configured to include a battery that covers the power used by the entire germicidal lamp device 1000, the connection terminal 1010 may not be necessary.

[0082] 6 is a block diagram of the germicidal lamp device 1000. A system controller 1300 and a communication interface 1178 are housed in a housing 1001. The system controller 1300 includes a control unit 1174, a ROM 1175, a RAM 1176, and a non-volatile memory 1177.

[0083] The communication interface 1178 is an interface for communicating with other devices. The communication interface 1178 is used for communication with external devices. The communication interface 178 is, for example, a wired LAN communication adapter. The communication interface 178 may function as a PD (Powered Device) in a so-called PoE standard, such as IEEE802.3af, IEEE802.3at, or IEEE 802.3bt. The communication interface 178 is, for example, a USB communication adapter. The communication interface 1178 may input and output signals via the connection terminal 1010. If the connection terminal 1010 functions as a terminal for inputting power used by the entire germicidal lamp device 1000, the communication interface 1178 functions as a power input circuit. The communication interface 1178 may also be a wireless LAN communication adapter, a short-range wireless communication adapter, or the like, that performs wireless communication with other devices in accordance with a communication standard.

[0084] The control unit 1174 controls each unit to realize the functions of the germicidal lamp device 1000 in accordance with various programs. For example, the control unit 1174 causes the range notification light 1013 to emit visible light when the germicidal lamp 1002 is emitting germicidal light. The control unit 1174 controls the light emission intensity of the range notification light 1013 so that the irradiation range of the visible light emitted by the range notification light 1013 includes the irradiation range of the germicidal light emitted by the germicidal lamp 1002. When the control unit 1174 detects that the human sensor 1004 has output a detection signal, it causes the germicidal lamp 1002 to stop emitting germicidal light. The control unit 1174 turns on the operating indicator lamp 1006 when the germicidal lamp 1002 is emitting germicidal light. The control unit 1174 turns on the pause indicator lamp 1007 when the germicidal lamp 1002 is not emitting germicidal light.

[0085] The control unit 1174 may be configured to stop the germicidal lamp 1002 from emitting germicidal light when it detects that the ambient illuminance obtained by the human sensor 1004 is equal to or greater than a certain level.

[0086] The control unit 1174 can select a sterilizing lighting mode and a non-sterilizing lighting mode as the lighting mode. In the sterilizing lighting mode, the control unit 1174 causes the range notification light 1013 to emit visible light when the sterilizing lamp 1002 is emitting sterilizing light. In the non-sterilizing lighting mode, the control unit 1174 causes the range notification light 1013 to emit visible light without causing the sterilizing lamp 1002 to emit sterilizing light. In the non-sterilizing lighting mode, the control unit 1174 may turn on the pause indicator light 1007 without turning on the operating indicator light 1006 when the range notification light 1013 is emitting visible light.

[0087] The control unit 1174 receives power from an external device through the communication interface 1178. When the control unit 1174 does not detect that the human sensor 1004 has output a detection signal and is receiving power from an external device through the communication interface 1178, the control unit 1174 causes the germicidal lamp 1002 to emit germicidal light. When the control unit 1174 is no longer receiving power from the external device through the communication interface 1178, the control unit 1174 causes the germicidal lamp 1002 to stop emitting germicidal light.

[0088] The control unit 1174 receives a signal indicating whether the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like from the external device through the communication interface 1178. When the control unit 1174 does not detect that the human presence sensor 1004 has output a detection signal and receives a signal indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has not detected a person or the like through the communication interface 1178, the control unit 1174 causes the germicidal lamp 1002 to emit germicidal light.

[0089] If a certain time has passed without detecting that the human presence sensor 1004 has output a detection signal, the control unit 1174 may be configured to inquire of the external device via the communication interface 1178 whether the human presence sensor of the external device has detected a person or the like, and if a signal indicating that the human presence sensor of the external device has not detected a person or the like is received as a response, to cause the germicidal lamp 1002 to emit germicidal light. The reason for checking that the external device has not detected a person or the like is to further avoid a dangerous situation in which a person is within the irradiation range of the germicidal light generated by the germicidal lamp 1002 even if the human presence sensor 1004 no longer detects a person or the like.

[0090] The control unit 1174 receives a signal indicating the power supply mode of the image forming apparatus 1 from the image forming apparatus 1 through the communication interface 1178. When the control unit 1174 does not detect that the human sensor 1004 has output a detection signal and when the control unit 1174 receives a signal from the image forming apparatus 1 through the communication interface 1178 indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the power saving mode, the control unit 1174 causes the germicidal lamp 1002 to emit germicidal light. When the control unit 1174 receives a signal from the image forming apparatus 1 through the communication interface 1178 indicating that the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal mode, the control unit 1174 causes the germicidal lamp 1002 to stop emitting germicidal light.

[0091] Such a control unit 1174 is configured with one or more processors. The processor is, for example, a CPU. The ROM 1175 stores various programs and the like required for the control of the control unit 1174. The RAM 1176 temporarily stores data required for the control of the control unit 1174. The non-volatile memory 1177 stores updated programs and various parameters and the like. Note that the non-volatile memory 1177 may store some or all of the various programs.

[0092] 7 is a perspective view showing an example of connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the germicidal lamp device 1000. A connector 160 is provided on the image forming apparatus 1. The germicidal lamp device 1000 is attached to the connector 160 of the image forming apparatus 1 without a bottom plate 1008 attached to it. The connector 160 has sufficient rigidity to support the germicidal lamp device 1000. The connector 160 is connected to a connection terminal 1010 to mediate communication and power supply between the system controller 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the system controller 1300 of the germicidal lamp device 1000. The germicidal lamp device 1000 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via the connector 160 is suitable for irradiating germicidal light onto areas that are likely to be touched by people, such as the display 110, control panel 120, and image reading unit 200 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0093] A structure in which the germicidal lamp device 1000 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 with the connector 160 and is self-supporting with the bottom plate 1008 eliminates the need for construction work such as installation on the ceiling, wall, or floor of a building, making installation easier. If the operating indicator lamp 1006 and the pause indicator lamp 1007 of the germicidal lamp device 1000 are provided at a position higher than the image forming apparatus 1, it can be seen from a distance whether the germicidal lamp 1002 is emitting germicidal light or not, providing peace of mind to people.

[0094] 8 is a perspective view showing an example of connection between the image forming apparatus 1 and the germicidal lamp device 1000. The germicidal lamp device 1000 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a connector 160, and communicates with two germicidal lamp devices 2000 and 3000, each equipped with a bottom plate 1008. The germicidal lamp device 2000 is positioned so that the irradiation range of the germicidal light it generates does not overlap the image forming apparatus 1. The germicidal lamp device 3000 is positioned and oriented so that the irradiation range of the germicidal light it generates overlaps the table 4000.

[0095] When the image forming apparatus 1 is in the normal mode, the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000 do not emit germicidal light. When the image forming apparatus 1 is in the power saving mode, the germicidal lamp devices 1000 emit germicidal light.

[0096] The system controller 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to cause each germicidal lamp device 1000, 2000, and 3000 to stop generating germicidal light immediately when the human presence sensor 150 of the image forming apparatus 1 detects the presence of a person within its detection range, before the image forming apparatus 1 switches from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

[0097] The system controller 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to promptly stop the generation of germicidal light from each germicidal lamp device 1000, 2000, and 3000 when the image forming apparatus 1 detects an operation on the control panel 120, before the image forming apparatus 1 switches from the power saving mode to the normal mode.

[0098] Even when the image forming apparatus 1 is in normal mode, for example, a germicidal lamp device 3000 that is located far from the image forming apparatus 1 and is intended to emit germicidal light without affecting the person operating the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to emit germicidal light.

[0099] System controller 300 of image forming apparatus 1 may be configured so that setting as to whether or not germicidal light is to be emitted can be performed for each of germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000, which are external devices from image forming apparatus 1.

[0100] Even when image forming apparatus 1 enters power saving mode, germicidal lamp device 3000, which is located far from image forming apparatus 1 and is expected to emit germicidal light later than when image forming apparatus 1 enters power saving mode because a person who has finished using image forming apparatus 1 is likely to pass nearby, may be configured to emit germicidal light later than when image forming apparatus 1 enters power saving mode. System controller 300 of image forming apparatus 1 may be configured so that the delay in emitting germicidal light from when image forming apparatus 1 enters power saving mode can be set for each germicidal lamp device 1000, 2000, 3000, which are external devices from image forming apparatus 1, for each unique identifier of the external device.

[0101] Even when the image forming device 1 is in the power saving mode, the germicidal lamp device 3000 may be configured to emit visible light from the range notification lamp 1013, for example, if the germicidal lamp device 3000 is located far from the image forming device 1 and is intended to illuminate the path of a person who has finished using the image forming device 1 and is leaving, as the person is likely to pass nearby.

[0102] When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a print job in normal mode, the period for postponing switching to the power-saving mode, the time until power starts being supplied to the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000, and the time until the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000 emit germicidal light may be configured to be longer when the print job contains a small number of pages and shorter when the print job contains a large number of pages.When a print job contains a small number of pages, it is relatively common for a person to come and pick up the printed materials immediately, so for safety reasons, the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000 are prevented from hastily emitting germicidal light.

[0103] The system controller 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured so that for each germicidal lamp device 1000, 2000, 3000, which is an external device from the image forming apparatus 1, a setting as to whether or not visible light is to be emitted from the range notification lamp 1013 when the image forming apparatus 1 enters power saving mode can be set for each unique identifier of the external device.

[0104] The image forming apparatus 1 may be configured to display on its display 110 the operating status of each of the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000, which are external devices, such as whether germicidal light is being emitted or whether visible light is being emitted from the range notification lamp 1013.

[0105] The system controller 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured so that whether or not to emit visible light from the range notification light when the image forming apparatus 1 is in the power saving mode can be set for each unique identifier of an external device.

[0106] The conditions for transitioning or continuing the normal mode and power saving mode of the image forming device 1 may be a signal indicating whether the human presence sensor 1004 of the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000 has detected a person, etc., similar to the detection signal of the human presence sensor 150 or the detection of operation of the control panel 120.

[0107] The conditions for transitioning or continuing the normal mode and power saving mode of the image forming apparatus 1 may be determined using signals indicating the operating states of the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000, particularly whether germicidal light is being emitted.

[0108] The system controller 300 of the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured so that the setting of which signal from the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000 to use can be made for each unique identifier of the external device.

[0109] In a configuration in which the operating state of the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000, particularly whether or not to generate germicidal light, is controlled in conjunction with the transition and continuation of the normal mode and power-saving mode of the image forming device 1, the conditions for the transition and continuation of the power supply mode of each part of the image forming device 1 take into account the operating state of the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000 and whether or not the human presence sensor 1004 has detected a person, etc., so that the germicidal lamp devices 1000, 2000, and 3000 can be controlled reliably and without placing a burden on people to operate them.

[0110] When not connected to the image forming apparatus 1 as an external device, each of the germicidal lamp devices 2000, 3000 generates germicidal light if it does not detect that the human presence sensor 1004 has output a detection signal. When connected to the image forming apparatus 1 as an external device, each of the germicidal lamp devices 2000, 3000 generates germicidal light if it does not detect that the human presence sensor 1004 has output a detection signal, it can confirm that the image forming apparatus 1 as an external device has not detected a person or the like, and it can confirm that the image forming apparatus 1 as an external device is in power-saving mode.

[0111] When each germicidal lamp device 2000, 3000 is connected to the image forming device 1 as an external device, if the distance to the image forming device 1 as an external device is long, the control unit 1174 may be configured to not take into account that the image forming device 1 as an external device has not detected a person or is in power saving mode when determining whether to emit germicidal light.

[0112] Whether the distance to the image forming apparatus 1 as an external device is far may be determined, for example, based on whether the distance is farther than the irradiation range of the germicidal light of each germicidal lamp device 2000, 3000. The distance to the image forming apparatus 1 as an external device may be obtained according to a communication standard such as a wireless LAN communication adapter or a short-range wireless communication adapter.

[0113] The germicidal lamp device may be configured to include a germicidal lamp that generates germicidal light and a range notification lamp that irradiates visible light within an irradiation range that includes the irradiation range of the germicidal light generated by the germicidal lamp. The germicidal lamp device may be configured so that the range notification lamp emits visible light when the germicidal lamp is emitting germicidal light. The germicidal lamp device may be configured to include a human presence sensor and a control unit that stops the germicidal lamp from emitting germicidal light when the human presence sensor detects a human. The germicidal lamp device may be configured to include an illuminance sensor and a control unit that stops the germicidal lamp from emitting germicidal light when the illuminance sensor detects that the ambient illuminance is equal to or greater than a certain illuminance. The germicidal lamp device may be configured to include an operating indicator lamp that emits visible light when the germicidal lamp is emitting germicidal light. The germicidal lamp device may be configured to include an in-operation indicator lamp that emits visible light when the germicidal lamp is not emitting germicidal light. The germicidal lamp device may be configured to have the control unit select a germicidal lighting mode in which the germicidal lamp emits germicidal light while the range notification lamp emits visible light, and a non-gericidal lighting mode in which the range notification lamp emits visible light without emitting germicidal light. The germicidal lamp device may be configured to have the control unit turn on the pause indicator lamp without turning on the operation indicator lamp when the range notification lamp emits visible light in the non-gericidal lighting mode. The germicidal lamp device may include a communications interface for communicating with an image forming apparatus that supplies power to an image forming unit in a normal mode and limits the power supply to the image forming unit to a level lower than in the normal mode in a power-saving mode, and the control unit may be configured to prevent the germicidal lamp from emitting germicidal light when the image forming apparatus is in the normal mode and to cause the germicidal lamp to emit germicidal light when the image forming apparatus is in the power-saving mode.A germicidal lamp device may include a communication interface for communicating with an image forming device having a motion sensor, wherein the control unit prevents the germicidal lamp from emitting germicidal light when it receives a signal via the communication interface indicating that the motion sensor of the image forming device has detected a person, and causes the germicidal lamp to emit germicidal light when it receives a signal via the communication interface indicating that the motion sensor of the image forming device has not detected a person.A germicidal lamp device may include a communication interface for communicating with an image forming device having a first motion sensor and a second motion sensor, wherein the control unit prevents the germicidal lamp from emitting germicidal light when it receives a signal via the communication interface indicating that the first motion sensor of the image forming device has detected a person or when the second motion sensor has detected a person, and causes the germicidal lamp to emit germicidal light when it receives a signal via the communication interface indicating that the first motion sensor of the image forming device has not detected a person and the second motion sensor has not detected a person. The germicidal lamp device may be configured to include a communication interface that communicates with an image forming device that has a first human presence sensor, and a second human presence sensor, and the control unit may make an inquiry to the image forming device via the communication interface when a certain period of time has passed without the second human presence sensor detecting a human, and to cause the germicidal lamp to emit germicidal light when the control unit receives a signal via the communication interface from the image forming device in response to the inquiry, indicating that the first human presence sensor has not detected a human.

[0114] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1···Image forming apparatus, 1000, 2000, 3000···Germicidal lamp device, 1001···Housing, 1002···Germicidal lamp, 1003···Support, 1006···In-operation indicator lamp, 1007···Inactive indicator lamp, 1008···Bottom plate, 1010···Connection terminal, 1013···Range notification lamp, 110···Display, 120···Control panel, 130···Image forming unit, 140···Sheet storage section, 150, 1004···Human presence sensor, 160···Connector, 172···Image processing section, 174, 1174···Control section, 175, 11 75···ROM, 176, 1176···RAM, 177, 1177···Non-volatile memory, 178, 1178···Communication interface, 180···Page memory, 200···Image reading unit, 25C, 25K, 25M, 25Y···Image forming unit, 26···Exposure unit, 27···Transfer belt, 271L, 271R···Roller, 29···Fuser, 300, 1300···System controller, 33C, 33K, 33M, 33Y···Toner cartridge, 35···Transfer belt cleaner, 4000···Desk, 5···Conveyor unit, 9···Transfer roller.

Claims

1. an image forming unit; a communication interface; In the normal mode, power is supplied to the image forming unit, In the power saving mode, the power supply to the image forming unit is limited to a value less than that in the normal mode, communicating with the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface so as not to cause the germicidal lamp device to emit germicidal light in the normal mode; communicating with the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface to cause the germicidal lamp device to emit germicidal light when in the power saving mode; An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit;

2. The control unit further includes a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person.

2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein when the human presence sensor detects the presence of a person, the image forming apparatus communicates with the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface to prevent the germicidal lamp device from emitting germicidal light before transitioning from the normal mode to the power saving mode.

3. The control unit further includes a control panel that accepts user operation inputs; 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when a user's operation input is received on the control panel, before the image forming apparatus transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the image forming apparatus communicates with the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface to prevent the germicidal lamp device from emitting germicidal light.

4. The control unit 4. The image forming apparatus of claim 3, wherein the time from when the power saving mode is entered until the germicidal lamp device starts to emit germicidal light is input via the control panel.

5. The control unit receiving a signal from the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface indicating whether a human presence sensor of the germicidal lamp device has detected a human; 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode when the signal indicates that a human has been detected by a human presence sensor of the germicidal lamp device.

6. further comprising a display; The control unit receiving a signal from the germicidal lamp device via the communication interface indicating whether the germicidal lamp device is emitting germicidal light; 2. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the display indicates whether the germicidal lamp device is emitting germicidal light.

7. The control unit When a print job is received via the communication interface in a normal mode, The time until the germicidal lamp device generates germicidal light is When the number of pages included in the print job is small, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print job is shortened when the number of pages included in the print job is large.

Images