Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To remove impurities to use ozone generated in an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: an image forming unit (imaging unit 20) that has a process of generating ozone; a duct 17 that is communicated from the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus; one or more blowers (fans 15) that blow air inside the duct 17 from the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus; an opening 172 that is provided in a wall surface of the duct 17; an opening and closing part 11 that allows opening and closing of the opening 172; an ozone filter 13 that is provided on the downstream side of a space accessible from the opening 172; and a dust-proof filter 12 that is provided on the upstream side of the space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for effectively using ozone generated in an image forming apparatus is known (for example, Patent Document 1). However, with the conventional techniques, it has not been possible to remove impurities such as scattered toner and dust generated in the image forming unit including the photoreceptor. Therefore, it has not been possible to remove impurities such as toner contained in the air flow, and there has been a risk of applying impurities to an article to be sterilized in the sterilization area.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to utilize ozone generated in an image forming apparatus after removing impurities.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] To solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus of the present invention includes an image forming unit having a process for generating ozone, a duct connecting from the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus, one or more blowing devices for blowing air in the duct from the image forming unit to the outside of the apparatus, an opening provided on a wall surface of the duct, an opening / closing unit for making the opening openable and closable, an ozone filter provided on the downstream side of a space accessible through the opening, inside the duct and a dust filter provided on the upstream side of the space. It is configured to include these.

Effects of the Invention

[0005] ​According to the present invention, ozone generated in an image forming apparatus can be used after removing impurities.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing for explaining the embodiments of the present invention, for components such as members and components having the same function or shape, the same reference numerals are attached as much as possible to avoid redundant explanations after the first description.

[0008] In the present invention, when configuring to effectively utilize ozone in an image forming apparatus while removing impurities, a dust filter is installed in the air flow path in front of the space where ozone is utilized. By doing so, the dust filter can prevent the entry of scattered toner, dust, etc., and supply air from which impurities have been removed to the space where ozone is utilized. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings for a configuration in which ozone generated in an image forming apparatus is used for sterilization (hereinafter referred to as "configuration using ozone").

[0009] Embodiment 1. In Embodiment 1, an example of an embodiment that is the basis of the configuration using ozone will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a configuration using ozone provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an image forming unit 20 as an image forming section and a configuration using ozone. The configuration using ozone includes at least an opening / closing section 11, a dust filter 12, an ozone filter 13, a fan 15 as a blower, and a duct 17. In FIG. 1, an example of the arrangement as viewed from one direction is shown for the outer edge of the duct 17 and each component provided inside or around the duct 17.

[0010] The image forming unit 20 has a process of generating ozone. The duct 17 is a tubular member that connects from the image forming unit 20 to the outside of the apparatus and exhausts ozone. Further, the duct 17 has an opening 172 in the wall surface, and a sterilization area 10 is provided as a space where ozone is utilized. The sterilization area 10 is a space inside the duct 17 accessible from the outside through the opening 172.

[0011] The opening / closing part 11 can open and close the opening 172. The opening / closing part 11 can be moved between a closed state in which the opening 172 is closed and an open state in which the opening 172 is opened. The opening / closing part 11 shown in FIG. 1 is, as an example, a cover-shaped one that can be opened and closed with the fulcrum 113 as a starting point, and shows an example of a state in which the opening 172 is opened. Note that the opening / closing part 11 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and it does not matter whether the opening / closing method is a rotary type, a slide type, or the like.

[0012] The dust filter 12 is provided on the upstream side (the image forming unit 20 side) of the sterilization area 10 and removes impurities flowing with the air. The ozone filter 13 is provided on the downstream side of the sterilization area 10 and removes ozone contained in the air.

[0013] The fan 15 blows the air in the duct 17 from the image forming unit 20 to the outside of the apparatus. The fan 15 may be controlled, for example, by a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

[0014] The image forming apparatus includes, for example, a control unit that controls the entire apparatus. The control unit controls, for example, image forming processing by the image forming unit 20, message output to the operation panel, operation of the fan 15, etc. The control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and is configured such that the CPU uses the RAM as a work memory based on a program stored in the ROM to control each part of the image forming apparatus and execute each process.

[0015] In the configuration example of FIG. 1, in the duct 17 that exhausts the air of the image forming unit 20, the sterilization area 10 is provided in the middle thereof. The sterilization area 10 is configured such that a user can access it from the outside of the image forming apparatus by the opening / closing part 11 that can open and close the opening 172. Thereby, a desired object J to be sterilized can be placed inside the sterilization area 10 to perform sterilization.

[0016] The ozone supplied for sterilization is generated in the charging process of the image forming unit 20 of the image forming apparatus, and is carried as an air flow 14A through the duct 17 to the sterilization area 10. The air flow 14A contains impurities such as ozone and scattered toner generated in the image forming unit 20. Since the impurities are removed by passing the air flow 14A through the dust filter 12 at a stage before entering the sterilization area 10, an air flow 14B with increased ozone purity can be supplied to the sterilization area 10. As a result, the object J can be sterilized in a clean state without being affected by impurities such as scattered toner.

[0017] The air flow 14B containing ozone supplied to the sterilization area 10 passes through the ozone filter 13 at the downstream part of the sterilization area 10 and is removed, and is discharged outside the apparatus as an air flow 14C containing almost no ozone, minimizing the impact on the human body and the environmental situation. The fan 15 for generating the series of air flows 14A, 14B, and 14C may be located at any position of the above configuration. In the example of FIG. 1, it is installed at the downstream part of the sterilization area 10, and by sucking the air from the image forming unit 20, the air flow 14B containing ozone is supplied to the sterilization area 10.

[0018] As described above, in an image forming apparatus, near the image forming unit (a unit including a developing device and a photoreceptor) during the image forming operation, scattered toner is likely to be contained. In an image forming apparatus having an air flow configuration in which the air containing ozone near the charging process and the air containing scattered toner near the developing unit and the photoreceptor are exhausted together, if the air around the image forming unit is directly induced into the sterilization space, the scattered toner will fall on the object to be sterilized and contamination will occur.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 20 and the sterilization area 10 are connected by a duct 17, and access to the sterilization area 10 in the duct is made possible through an openable and closable opening 172 provided on the wall surface of the duct 17. In addition, a dust filter 12 is installed on the upstream side of the sterilization area 10 (between the image forming unit 20 and the sterilization area 10), and an ozone filter 13 is installed on the downstream side. With such a configuration, toner is not conveyed to the sterilization area 10, and ozone can be supplied without causing contamination.

[0020] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, an aspect in which a configuration using ozone is provided in the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an image forming apparatus equipped with a configuration using ozone. FIG. 2 is an example in the case where the basic configuration around the sterilization area 10 of FIG. 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 1, and shows a configuration using ozone, an air supply duct 16, an intake louver 18, an exhaust louver 19, an image forming unit 20, and a cover 31 that houses the main part of the configuration using ozone, omitting the exterior and frame.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the details of the configuration using ozone shown in FIG. 2. The configuration using ozone shown in FIG. 3 does not explicitly show the sterilization area, but the sterilization area continues behind the opening / closing part 11, and the sterilization area is located between the dust filter 12 and the ozone filter 13. The opening / closing part 11 is provided with a handle shape 111 for facilitating the opening / closing operation. Also, the configuration using ozone in Embodiment 2 has two fans 151 and 152 as a blower device.

[0022] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration using ozone mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Inside the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming unit 20 is arranged at the central part, and an image forming operation is performed in combination with an intermediate transfer unit, a paper conveyance unit, and a fixing device (not shown). Ozone is generated from the image forming unit 20 by the image forming operation, and phenomena such as heat generation at the bearing part occur.

[0023] For ozone recovery and in-machine cooling, an intake air duct 16 for taking in outside air is provided, and an intake louver 18 is provided for the purpose of removing dust during air intake and for safety reasons to prevent the user's finger from touching the operating fan. Although not shown, a fan for blowing air is installed inside the air flow path of the intake air duct 16, and outside air can be supplied to the imaging unit 20.

[0024] The air that has passed through the imaging unit 20 contains impurities such as ozone and scattered toner, and is carried as air flow 14A to the vicinity of the sterilization area by the duct 17. Since the air flow 14A also contains impurities such as toner, it is supplied to the sterilization area as air flow 14B containing ozone through the dust filter 12.

[0025] The dust filter 12 and the ozone filter 13 are configured as units that can be detachably attached and detached by insertion and removal (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 4), and are configured to be easily replaceable by a service technician or user performing maintenance work. The user can access the subsequent sterilization area inside by operating the opening / closing part 11 provided in the upper right front of the image forming apparatus 1. The air flow in the sterilization area passes through the ozone filter 13 and is exhausted outside the machine through the exhaust louver 19 as air flow 14C that contains almost no ozone.

[0026] In addition, in FIG. 2, the connection positions and directions of the upstream and downstream ducts in the sterilization area are not limited. The configuration using ozone in this embodiment is not limited in terms of spatial direction, such as intake from the left and exhaust to the right, intake from above and exhaust to the back side, or intake from the lower right diagonal and exhaust to the lower left diagonal. The configuration using ozone in this embodiment is characterized by the positional relationship between the sterilization area and the ozone filter 13 along the direction of the air flow.

[0027] In FIG. 3, two fans, a fan 151 and a fan 152, are used to generate the air flows 14A, 14B, and 14C. By doing so, when the user opens the opening / closing part 11, fan control can be performed to minimize the release of ozone to the outside of the machine. The image forming apparatus is provided with a sensor (not shown) for detecting the open / closed state of the opening / closing unit 11, and by performing OFF / ON control of the fan according to the detection state of the sensor, it becomes possible to minimize the ozone emission to the outside of the machine. The fan control may be performed by, for example, the above-described control unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

[0028] As specific controls, for example, there are the following two controls. · Control Example 1 The following selective control is adopted. (1) When the opening / closing unit 11 is in the open state, the operation of the fan 151 is stopped and the operation of the fan 152 is carried out. (2) When the opening / closing unit 11 is in the closed state, the operations of both the fan 151 and the fan 152 are carried out.

[0029] In this way, when the opening / closing unit 11 is in the closed state, the air containing ozone can always circulate as the airflows 14A, 14B, and 14C. When the opening / closing unit 11 is in the open state, since the operation of the fan 151 is stopped, a new airflow 14B containing ozone is no longer supplied to the sterilization area. Also, since the operation of the fan 152 continues, most of the ozone remaining in the sterilization area passes through the ozone filter 13, and it becomes possible to exhaust it to the outside of the machine as the airflow 14C containing almost no ozone.

[0030] · Control Example 2 When the opening / closing unit 11 is in the open state, the output of the fan 152 is made higher than the output of the fan 151. In this way, the air pressure in the sterilization area decreases, and the outflow amount from the opening 172 of the sterilization area when the opening / closing unit 11 is opened can be reduced. Also, depending on the ratio of increasing the output, an airflow can be generated that is sucked from the opening toward the fan 152 when the opening / closing unit 11 is opened, and the leakage of the air containing ozone to the outside can be prevented. By continuously operating the fan 151, the cooling of the image forming unit 20 can be performed simultaneously.

[0031] By the above-described control, when the user opens the opening / closing unit 11, the outflow of ozone to the outside of the machine can be suppressed. In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration example in which a fan is provided on each of the upstream side and the downstream side of the sterilization area has been described. However, a plurality of fans may be provided on both or one of the upstream side and the downstream side.

[0032] Embodiment 3. In this embodiment, the filter unit will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a detachable dust filter unit. The filter case 122 is provided with a knob portion 123 at its end for easy insertion and removal. The knob portion 123 may be in the shape of a handle or a device that indents the shape of the main body side where the filter is set. The dust filter 12 can be attached to the filter case 122 and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus by moving it in the insertion / removal direction 124. Although not shown, by appropriately filling the gaps with a sponge or the like, it is possible to more effectively pass the airflow through the filter.

[0033] In FIG. 4, the dust filter unit has been described. However, by using an ozone filter as the filter to be attached, an ozone filter unit having a similar attachment / detachment function can be configured.

[0034] Embodiment 4. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism for controlling the opening and closing of the opening / closing portion 11 will be described. In the configuration using ozone in each of the above-described embodiments (see FIG. 1 or FIG. 3), when the user opens the opening / closing portion 11 during the operation of the fan 15 (or fans 151 and 152), due to the pressure loss of the filter, the airflow 14A becomes considerably weak, and a new airflow is generated on the side that sucks from the opening 172. At this time, the cooling function of the image forming unit 20 becomes weak, and there is a possibility that problems caused by a temperature rise may occur. To prevent this, when the fan 15 is operating during the printing operation or during extended cooling after printing, it is desirable to lock the opening / closing portion 11 so that the user cannot open it.

[0035] The opening / closing part 11 is provided with a locking mechanism that can be locked / unlocked in conjunction with the control of the fan 15, and this problem can be solved by performing the following control. The locking mechanism includes, for example, means for locking so that the user cannot operate the opening / closing part 11. The opening / closing part 11 is locked by the locking mechanism when the fan 15 is in operation, and is controlled to be unlocked when the fan 15 is not in operation. The locking / unlocking control may be performed, for example, by the above-described control unit included in the image forming apparatus. The means for locking may, for example, prevent the opening / closing part 11 from being operated by a fitting member, or may prevent the opening / closing part 11 from moving by electrical control.

[0036] In this way, the opening / closing part 11 cannot be opened during the operation of the fan 15, so that it is possible to prevent ozone from flowing out of the machine and to maintain the cooling function of the image forming unit 20.

[0037] Embodiment 5. In this embodiment, a modification example of the opening / closing part will be described. In Embodiment 2, a specific method for avoiding a large amount of ozone flowing out of the machine by fan control was shown. In this embodiment, a specific method for minimizing the outflow of ozone to the outside of the machine by a mechanical component configuration without depending on fan control will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a closed state of a configuration example in which the opening / closing part slides. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an open state of the configuration example of FIG. 5.

[0038] The duct 17 branches into a sterilization path that communicates with the sterilization area 10 and a bypass path 101 that bypasses the sterilization area 10 on the upstream side of the sterilization area 10. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the sterilization area 10 is used as the sterilization path. Further, the bypass path 101 may be configured to merge with the sterilization path on the downstream side of the sterilization area 10. The opening / closing part 11A is of a slide type that moves across the sterilization path and the bypass path 101, and is switchable so as to communicate the sterilization area 10 (sterilization path) in the closed state, cut off the sterilization area 10 in the open state, and communicate the bypass path 101. The details will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0039] The opening / closing part 11A can open and close the opening 172 and is configured to be slidable between the dust filter 12 and the sterilization area 10. An opening 112 that interlocks with the opening / closing part 11A is provided in the movable part. In the closed state of the opening / closing part 11A, access to the sterilization area 10 from the outside is not possible. The slide-type opening / closing part 11A extends across the duct, and the opening 112 that interlocks with the opening / closing part 11A is provided only in the part leading to the sterilization area 10. Thereby, in the closed state of FIG. 5, all of the air flow 14B containing ozone that has passed through the dust filter 12 flows into the sterilization area 10, enabling sterilization.

[0040] Next, when the slide-type opening / closing part 11A is opened, the opening 112 that interlocks with the opening / closing part 11A moves to the back side of the duct and reaches the bypass path 101 provided on the back side of the sterilization area 10. The sterilization area 10 is partitioned by the wall formed by the opening / closing part 11A, and the supply of ozone stops. On the other hand, the bypass path 101 on the back side communicates with the opening 112 that interlocks with the opening / closing part 11A, and the air flow 14B containing ozone can be guided to the exhaust without passing through the sterilization area 10. In this way, while the user has the opening / closing part 11A open, it is possible to perform stable exhaust while continuing the image forming operation without newly supplying ozone to the sterilization area 10.

[0041] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the destination of the bypass path 101 is the same as that of the ozone filter 13 installed downstream of the sterilization area 10, and it has a duct configuration that merges after passing through the ozone filter 13. From the viewpoints of space saving and cost reduction, a configuration in which the bypass path 101 is merged as shown in the figure is desirable. However, for reasons such as using the air flow 14B containing ozone at another location, it may be good to leave it branched. For example, it is assumed that it is used for heat insulation of hot air near the fixing unit or for reducing condensation caused by water vapor generated from the paper that has passed through the fixing device by supplying it near the duplex paper discharge unit.

[0042] Also, if only the ozone supply to the sterilization area 10 is cut off, an opening 112 may be provided in the opening / closing part 11A as a sliding door and it does not need to communicate with the bypass path 101. However, if it is completely covered with a wall, the air flow from the image forming unit 20 will stagnate and the ozone exhaust near the image forming unit 20 will not be possible. As a result, problems specific to the image forming apparatus such as the occurrence of abnormal images due to ozone or abnormal images and toner fixing due to insufficient cooling of the image forming unit 20 will newly occur. To prevent this, it is preferable to create a configuration in which the exhaust of the image forming unit 20 is constantly performed while ozone does not flow out to the outside of the machine.

[0043] In addition, when the opening / closing part 11A is opened, it is also conceivable to stop a fan (not shown) for exhausting the image forming unit 20 in order to stop the ozone supply to the sterilization area 10. However, in that control, it is difficult to suppress the rise in the internal temperature of the machine, and there is a high possibility of causing other problems specific to the image forming apparatus such as toner fixing and abnormal images, which is not a good solution.

[0044] Furthermore, even in the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, as shown in the specific control example of FIG. 3, two fans 151 and 152 are used, and by a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the opening / closing part 11A (not shown) and the control of the downstream fan, control may be performed to increase the downstream flow rate in the open state of the opening / closing part 11A. Thereby, it becomes possible to minimize the leakage of ozone remaining in the sterilization area 10 to the outside of the apparatus.

[0045] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both suppression of ozone emission and continuous cooling of the imaging unit without using a locking mechanism or fan control. In addition, by providing a bypass duct and merging the bypass duct back into the original duct downstream, the number of ozone filters installed can be reduced, resulting in cost reduction.

[0046] Embodiment 6. In the present embodiment, another modification example of the opening / closing part will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a rotating door in which the opening / closing part is interlocked with the floor surface part of the sterilization area, where (A) shows the closed state and (B) shows the open state. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of a rotating door in which the opening / closing part is interlocked with the floor surface part of the sterilization area. FIG. 8 is a modified example of the wall shape of the configuration example of FIG. 7 and shows the open state. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a cross-section of the sterilization area 10 from the side. Also, although the dust filter 12, ozone filter 13, etc. are omitted, they are provided in the same arrangement order as in FIG. 1.

[0047] The opening / closing part 11B shown in FIG. 7 has a cover part 1136 that opens and closes the opening 172 and a floor surface part 1137 that extends into the sterilization area 10, and forms a rotating door. The opening / closing part 11B is provided as an integrally shaped component in which the cover part 1136 and the floor surface part 1137 are integrally shaped. The floor surface part 1137 is provided with a wall shape 1133 having an opening / closing part depth end part 1131. The opening / closing part 11B is characterized by a fulcrum 113 that is the rotation center of the opening / closing part 11, an opening / closing part depth end part 1131, an opening / closing part front end part 1132, and an opening end part 1721.

[0048] In the closed state shown in Fig. 7(A), the front end of the opening / closing part 1132 and the end of the opening 1721 are close to each other, and it is impossible to access the sterilization area 10 from the outside. A gap is provided between the depth end 1131 of the opening / closing part and the duct wall surface, and the air flow 14B containing ozone after passing through the dust filter 12 (not shown) reaches the sterilization area 10 in a form that wraps around from the back of the sterilization area 10. The exhaust from the sterilization area 10 is discharged through the exhaust port 191 leading in the back direction in Fig. 7 after passing through the ozone filter 13 (not shown), and is finally exhausted outside the machine.

[0049] In the open state shown in Fig. 7(B), the depth end 1131 of the opening / closing part and the end of the opening 1721 stop at the position where they are in contact with each other by a regulating member in the rotation area (not shown). As the regulating member in the rotation area, for example, any of the following may be used. · Determine the dimensions so that the depth end 1131 of the opening / closing part and the end of the opening 1721 come into contact with each other · Provide a magnet near the depth end 1131 of the opening / closing part and the end of the opening 1721 · Arrange a butting member that restricts the amount of rotation near the fulcrum 113 of the opening / closing part

[0050] In the open state of Fig. 7(B), since no new ozone is supplied to the sterilization area 10, it is possible to prevent the continuous release of ozone outside the machine. Also, when shifting from the closed state or the open state to the open state, it is preferable that the shape on the back side of the rotating part does not completely cover the exhaust port 191. In Fig. 7(B), although the rotating part is shown in a form that does not completely cover the exhaust port 191, even if it is in a shape that partially covers the exhaust port 191, the exhaust function is not completely lost.

[0051] Thereby, even when shifting from the closed state or the open state to the open state, the air flow can continue to flow, and the risk of problems such as abnormal images due to ozone and toner fixing accompanying an increase in the temperature inside the machine does not increase.

[0052] The opening / closing part 11C shown in Fig. 8 is obtained by changing the wall shape 1133 provided on the floor surface part 1137 shown in Fig. 7 to an arcuate wall shape 1134, and the rest is the same as the opening / closing part 11B in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 8, by making the wall shape 1134 into an arcuate shape along the locus of the end part 1131 of the depth of the opening / closing part, it is also possible to ensure that the end part 1721 of the opening and the wall shape 1134 on the arc are always in contact even during rotation.

[0053] According to the above-described opening / closing parts 11B and 11C, it is possible to achieve both suppression of ozone emission and continuous cooling of the image forming unit without using a lock mechanism or a fuser control.

[0054] Embodiment 7. In this embodiment, the position where the configuration using ozone is installed in the image forming apparatus will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement position of the opening / closing part in the image forming apparatus. In Fig. 9, the positional relationship among the opening / closing part 11 of the sterilization area 10 arranged on the front surface of the image forming apparatus, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader 23 as a reading part for an electronic information medium, and an operation panel 22 is shown. Fig. 9 shows a state where the opening / closing part 11 of the sterilization area 10 is arranged on the front surface 21 of the image forming apparatus. In a floor-standing type image forming apparatus with casters, the user stands in front of the image forming apparatus 1 and performs various operations from the operation panel 22. Therefore, it is important from the viewpoint of improving usability that each operation system is arranged on the same side as the front surface 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 or on the upper surface of the front surface 21 of the image forming apparatus.

[0055] In the arrangement example of Fig. 9, (i) An example in which the opening / closing part 11 connected to the sterilization area 10 and the operation panel 22 are arranged on the front surface 21 of the image forming apparatus (ii) An example in which the opening / closing part 11 connected to the sterilization area 10 and the authentication IC card reader 23 are arranged on the front surface 21 of the image forming apparatus are shown together. However, an arrangement of at least one of (i) and (ii) may be sufficient.

[0056] With the recent increase in hygiene awareness, the need for disinfection of public goods is also on the rise. In the image forming apparatus 1, in order to perform various operations such as an output operation, a scan operation, and a FAX transmission operation, it is almost always necessary to touch the operation panel 22. Therefore, it is expected that the need for disinfection, such as a touch pen for operating the operation panel and a cloth for cleaning, will tend to be high. In (i), since the opening / closing part 11 as a door for accessing the disinfection area and the operation panel 22 are close to each other (especially when both are arranged on the front surface), it is possible to use the necessary articles immediately after taking them out from the disinfection area and to immediately return them to the disinfection area, improving convenience.

[0057] In (ii), an embodiment is shown in which an IC card reader for authentication and a door for accessing the disinfection area are arranged on the front surface of the machine. As items to be disinfected, expensive items such as smartphones are assumed. From the viewpoint of preventing theft, it is desirable to have a function that allows only specific users to perform locking / unlocking. In order to smoothly perform the operation of the IC card and the opening / closing operation of the door, it is preferable to arrange them on the front surface of the image forming apparatus main body, respectively. Although details of the control of the IC card are omitted, when placing an article in the disinfection area and locking it, the user in use is memorized from the information of the IC card. The unlocking is not performed until the same user logs in again (a mechanism that cannot be unlocked by anyone other than the person who locked it). The control (such as locking / unlocking) based on the information of the IC card may be performed by, for example, the above-described control unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

[0058] In addition, in FIG. 9, the opening / closing part 11 is shown as a door for accessing the disinfection area, but the same applies to other opening / closing parts (for example, opening / closing parts 11A, 11B, 11C). Further, in FIG. 12, the position of the opening / closing part 11 is shown and the preferable arrangement of the opening / closing part 11 is explained, but the same applies to the opening formed by the opening / closing part 11. By arranging the opening on the front surface or the upper surface of the image forming apparatus, access to the disinfection area becomes easy. The electronic information medium is not limited to an IC card (contact type or non-contact type), and may be other media on which a reading unit can be installed in the image forming apparatus. For example, it may be a communication terminal (e.g., a smartphone) with built-in NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0059] Embodiment 8. In this embodiment, an example of improving the air flow in the sterilization area will be described. In each of the above-described embodiments, in the configuration using ozone, it is preferable to provide a placement surface for placing an object inserted from the opening in the sterilization area, and the placement surface may be provided with a plurality of openings.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an example of an opening / closing part in which the floor surface of the sterilization area is improved. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific shape example of the floor surface of the sterilization area. On the premise that the ozone supply source is below the sterilization area 10, the location of the exhaust port is not limited. When creating an air flow that blows upward from below, a dust filter 12 is installed below the sterilization area 10. At this time, if the object J to be sterilized is directly placed on the dust filter 12, there is a high risk of problems such as damage to the filter or blockage of the air flow by completely blocking the filter. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is characterized in that a floor surface is provided in the sterilization area 10. The detailed configuration will be described below.

[0061] An example of the configuration using ozone in this embodiment further has a placement surface for placing an object inserted from the opening in the sterilization area 10. In addition, the placement surface is provided with a plurality of openings through which the air flow passes. FIG. 10 shows a cross-section near the sterilization area 10 as a specific example. The opening / closing part 11D is a configuration example in which the floor surface part 1137 of the opening / closing part 11D shown in FIG. 7 is changed to a floor surface part 1135 provided with an opening, and the floor surface part 1135 is used as the placement surface.

[0062] As a first feature, a plurality of holes are provided in the floor surface portion 1135, and an air flow 14B-1 containing ozone that has passed through the dust filter 12 can pass through these holes and be supplied to the sterilization area 10. The plurality of hole shapes provided in the floor surface portion 1135 include those with wires stretched in a mesh pattern, those with circular holes arranged like punching metal, those with regular hexagonal holes laid out like the cross-section of a honeycomb, and the like. By providing a plurality of holes, it becomes possible to supply an air flow from the floor surface portion 1135. Thereby, even if the object J to be sterilized has a flat shape (for example, when a smartphone is placed flat), ozone can be evenly applied.

[0063] As a second feature, the flow path of the duct after passing through the dust filter 12 is branched into at least two or more so that ozone can be supplied from locations other than the plurality of holes in the floor surface portion 1135. In FIG. 10, the second air flow path is connected to the sterilization area 10 in such a way that the air flow 14B-2 wraps around from the back side. If a flat object is placed and the floor surface portion 1135 is covered, it becomes impossible to supply ozone to the sterilization area 10 through the floor surface portion 1135. As shown in FIG. 10, by providing a plurality of air flow paths and creating ozone supply ports other than the floor surface portion 1135, this problem can be solved.

[0064] Note that FIG. 10 shows a configuration example in which the opening / closing portion 11B in FIG. 7 is deformed, but it may be applied to other opening / closing portions. Also, in the present embodiment, the floor surface portion 1135 may not be interlocked when the opening / closing portion 11 rotates. For example, the floor surface portion 1135 may be fixed to a duct, for example, without being related to the fulcrum 113. Also, there is no limitation regarding the form of the opening / closing portion 11 (such as a slide type or a rotation type), and it is not limited to the front-back rotation in which the floor interlocks as shown in FIG. 11.

[0065] Furthermore, an embodiment with a device that allows the air flow to wrap around will be described. In each of the above-described embodiments, when the air flow flows from the side direction, the configuration using ozone may be provided with a wall surface that avoids contact with the dust filter 12 in the sterilization area 10. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the wall surface surrounding the sterilization area. (A) is an example without forming a detour, and (B) is an example with a detour formed. In FIG. 12, it is assumed that the air flow flows from the left side to the right side of the figure. Also, the ozone filter 13 disposed on the downstream side (the right side in FIG. 12) of the sterilization area 10 is omitted.

[0066] In FIGS. 10 and 11, the improvement of the sterilization efficiency and the configuration that can continuously flow the air flow when a flat object is placed on the floor surface were described. In FIG. 12, the case where the air flow flows from the side direction is shown, and the configuration that can improve the sterilization efficiency and continuously flow the air flow is shown. The opening / closing part 11E shown in FIG. 12 has a cover part 1136 and a wall 1138 that can open and close the opening. FIG. 12(A) is partitioned by a wall 1138 having a plurality of holes so that the object J to be sterilized does not directly touch the dust filter 12 upstream of the sterilization area 10. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the problem that the dust filter 12 is damaged.

[0067] However, when a flat and large article is placed in the sterilization area as shown in FIG. 12(A), the air flow 14B is completely blocked, and it is difficult to exhaust to the right side. As shown in FIG. 12(B), by providing a detour air flow path in the duct 17 to generate the air flow 14B-3, it is possible to supply ozone to the right surface of the object J to be sterilized and exhaust the air flow 14B-3 containing ozone at the same time.

[0068] Note that the wall 1138 is shown as an L-shaped one having a wall along the dust filter 12 and a wall along the duct 17 in FIG. 12, but it is not limited to this, and a shape without providing a wall along the duct 17 may also be used.

[0069] According to the present embodiment, the sterilization efficiency can be increased. Also, a decrease in the cooling performance of the imaging unit 20 can be suppressed.

[0070] Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Within the scope of the present invention, each element of the above embodiments can be easily changed, added, or converted by those skilled in the art. Also, it is possible to appropriately combine two or more of the embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 10 Sterilization area 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E Opening / closing part 12 Dust filter 13 Ozone filter 15, 151, 152 Fan 17 Duct 20 Image forming unit 111 Handle shape 112 Opening 113 Fulcrum 122 Filter case 172 Opening 1131 Depth end of the opening / closing part 1132 Front end of the opening / closing part by hand 1135, 1137 Floor surface part 1136 Cover part 1138 Wall 1721 End of the opening

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0072]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An image forming unit having a process for generating ozone, A duct connecting to the outside of the machine from the image forming unit, One or more blowers for blowing air in the duct from the image forming unit to the outside of the machine, An opening provided on the wall surface of the duct, An opening / closing part capable of opening and closing the opening, An ozone filter provided on the downstream side of the space in the duct accessible through the opening, A dust filter provided on the upstream side of the space, An image forming apparatus comprising the above.

2. Further comprising a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the opening / closing part, The one or more blowers are, Provided one or more each on the upstream side and the downstream side of the space, When the sensor detects an open state, the upstream blower stops and the downstream blower operates, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the sensor detects a closed state, the upstream and downstream blowers operate.

3. Further comprising a sensor for detecting the open / closed state of the opening / closing part, The one or more blowers are, Provided one or more each on the upstream side and the downstream side of the space, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the sensor detects an open state, the output of the downstream blower becomes larger than the output of the upstream blower.

4. Further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the opening / closing part, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening / closing part is locked by the locking mechanism when the one or more blowers are operating.

5. The duct branches into a sterilization path communicating with the space and a bypass path bypassing the space on the upstream side of the space, The opening / closing part is of a slide type and is switchable so as to communicate the sterilization path in the closed state, cut off the sterilization path in the open state, and communicate the bypass path. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bypass path merges with the sterilization path on the downstream side of the space.

7. The opening / closing part has a cover part that opens and closes the opening by rotation, and a floor part that is integrally formed with the cover part, extends into the space in the open state, and abuts against the end of the opening in the closed state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the bed surface portion does not block the airflow flowing into the ozone filter while shifting from the open state or the closed state to the open state.

9. further comprising an operation panel, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the opening and the operation panel are disposed on a front surface or an upper surface of the apparatus main body.

10. further comprising a reading unit for an electronic information medium, The opening and the reading unit are disposed on a front surface or an upper surface of the apparatus main body, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images