Image forming system

Abstract

To operate a humidifying heater to prevent the occurrence of dew condensation, while saving power.SOLUTION: A control unit, upon receiving a first signal notifying that a dew condensation occurrence condition is satisfied through network communication in a state where a power saving mode is set, cancels the power saving mode and causes a switching unit to turn on energization to a humidifying heater, and subsequently controls a setting unit to make a transition to the power saving mode. The control unit, upon receiving a second signal notifying that a dew concentration avoidance condition is satisfied through the network communication, cancels the power saving mode and causes the switching unit to turn off energization to the humidifying heater, and subsequently controls the setting unit to make a transition to the power saving mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus provided with a dehumidifying heater.

Background Art

[0002] In an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral (MFP), there is a concern that dew condensation may occur in an image reading unit (scanner) or an image forming unit (printer) due to a rapid temperature change in the installation environment, resulting in a deterioration in the quality of image reading or image formation. Therefore, there is an image forming apparatus in which a dehumidifying heater is provided at an appropriate position of the apparatus main body to prevent the occurrence of dew condensation.

[0003] Conventional image forming apparatuses provided with a dehumidifying heater have operated the dehumidifying heater when the main power supply is turned off or when shifting to the sleep mode to prevent the occurrence of dew condensation. For this reason, the dehumidifying heater was continuously energized even in an environment where dew condensation did not occur, wasting power.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent the occurrence of dew condensation by operating a dehumidifying heater while achieving power saving and can prevent deterioration in quality due to dew condensation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, the image forming apparatus comprises an image forming apparatus body, a dehumidifying heater, a switching unit, a setting unit, and a control unit. The image forming apparatus body has an image forming unit and an image reading unit. The dehumidifying heater is provided inside the image forming apparatus body. The switching unit switches the power supply to the dehumidifying heater on and off. The setting unit sets a power saving mode in which network communication is enabled. When the control unit receives a first signal via network communication notifying that the condensation occurrence conditions are met while the power saving mode is set, it cancels the power saving mode, switches the switching unit to turn on the power supply to the dehumidifying heater, and then controls the setting unit to transition to the power saving mode. Furthermore, when the control unit receives a second signal via network communication notifying that the condensation avoidance conditions are met, it cancels the power saving mode, switches the switching unit to turn off the power supply to the dehumidifying heater, and then controls the setting unit to transition to the power saving mode. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of a multifunction printer. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the multifunction printer. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the details of the heater control circuit and the functional configuration of each part related to the heater control circuit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the judgment unit in a room air conditioner. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit in a multifunction printer. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a timing diagram showing the state of each part in response to the first and second signals output from the room air conditioner. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus that prevents condensation by operating a dehumidifying heater while saving power, thereby preventing quality degradation due to condensation. This embodiment illustrates a multifunction printer installed in a workspace as an example of an image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the multifunction device 10, and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the multifunction device 10. As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction device 10 includes a scanner 101 as an image reading unit, a printer 102 as an image forming unit, and an operation panel 103 as a user interface.

[0010] The scanner 101 is installed on top of the main unit 100 of the multifunction printer. The scanner 101 is a device that optically reads images from a document. The scanner 101 has a document glass 104 on which the document to be scanned is placed. The scanner 101 scans the document placed on the document glass 104. The scanner 101 has a carriage and a photoelectric converter, etc. The carriage and photoelectric converter, etc. are installed below the document glass 104. The scanner 101 reads the image of the entire document by moving the carriage in the sub-scanning direction and acquiring image data in the main scanning direction with the photoelectric converter.

[0011] An automatic document feeder (ADF) 105 is provided above the scanner 101. The ADF 105 is installed so as to be openable and closable. The ADF 105 also functions as a cover for the scanner 101's document glass. When closed, the ADF 105 covers the entire document scanning area of ​​the document glass 104. The ADF 105 includes a paper feed tray and a transport system. When closed, the ADF 105 takes out documents one by one from the paper feed tray and transports the documents so that the scanning surface of the taken-out documents passes through a predetermined scanning position. When the ADF 105 transports documents, the scanner 101 reads the image of the entire document by reading the surface of the document as it passes through the predetermined scanning position.

[0012] The printer 102 has a transport system and an image forming mechanism. The transport system transports the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 106. The paper feed cassette 106 stores the paper that will be used as the image-forming medium for printing images. For example, the paper feed cassette 106 is detachable from the bottom of the multifunction printer body 100. The paper stored in the paper feed cassette 106 is dispensed one sheet at a time by the paper feed roller. The transport system then transports the paper dispensed from the paper feed cassette by the paper feed roller to the image forming position.

[0013] The image forming mechanism forms an image on paper that has been transported to the image forming position by a transport system. The image forming mechanism forms an image by transferring the image formed on an intermediate transfer body to paper supplied by the transport system at the image forming position. The image forming mechanism is, for example, an electrophotographic system equipped with a photosensitive drum, a developer, an exposure device, a transfer roller, etc. The image forming mechanism may be an inkjet system or a thermal transfer system. Furthermore, the image forming mechanism may form a color image or a monochrome image.

[0014] The control panel 103 has a touch panel 107 and operation buttons 108. The touch panel 107 displays operation instructions and pre-set content. The touch panel 107 also displays icons as controls. The touch panel 107 detects the area touched by the user on the display screen. The operation buttons 108 include a numeric keypad and function buttons that indicate specific functions. The user inputs operation instructions using the touch panel 107 or the operation buttons 108.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the multifunction device 10 comprises a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14. The multifunction device 10 connects the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14 via a system transmission path 15. The system transmission path 15 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The multifunction device 10 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, and communication interface 14 via the system transmission path 15. The multifunction device 10 then connects a scanner 101, a printer 102, an operation panel 103, and a heater control circuit 20 to this computer via the system transmission path 15.

[0016] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls each part in order to realize various functions of the multifunction device 10 according to the operating system or application software. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU.

[0017] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or application software. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used when the processor 11 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may store the above application software.

[0019] The communication interface 14 is connected to the router 40 via the hub 30. The communication interface 14 performs data communication with other computers via the LAN (Local Area Network) 50 connected to the router 40. The other computers are one or more personal computers installed in the workspace. The communication interface 14 receives print data from other computers via the LAN 50. The communication interface 14 transmits, for example, data read by the scanner 101 to other computers via the LAN 50.

[0020] Also, the communication interface 14 is connected to the room air conditioner 60 via the hub 30. The room air conditioner 60 is an example of a temperature control device that adjusts the temperature inside the room of the workspace where the multifunction machine 10 is installed.

[0021] The heater control circuit 20 is a circuit for controlling the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 provided in the multifunction machine main body 100. The dehumidifying heater 71 is provided near the scanner 101. When dew condensation occurs on the glass surface of the original document table glass 104 provided in the scanner 101, the image reading accuracy deteriorates. The dehumidifying heater 71 performs dehumidification by heating the vicinity of the original document table glass 104 under the control of the heater control circuit 20, preventing the glass surface from dew condensation. The dehumidifying heater 72 is provided near the printer 102. When dew condensation occurs on the surface of the photosensitive drum provided in the printer 102, the image forming accuracy deteriorates. The dehumidifying heater 72 performs dehumidification by heating the vicinity of the photosensitive drum under the control of the heater control circuit 20, preventing the surface of the photosensitive drum from dew condensation.

[0022] The multifunction machine 10 with such a configuration has a sleep mode as a power saving mode. That is, when a state where no operation is performed elapses for a predetermined time, the multifunction machine 10 automatically shifts to the sleep mode. Also, there is a power saving button SE among the operation buttons 108 provided on the operation panel 103. When the power saving button SE is operationally input by the operator, the multifunction machine 10 forcibly shifts to the sleep mode. When shifting to the sleep mode, the multifunction machine 10 stops operations other than the communication interface 14. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the scanner 101 and the printer 102 while in standby. However, even when shifting to the sleep mode, the communication interface 14 does not stop operating, so the multifunction machine 10 can receive a data signal from the outside via the communication interface 14. That is, the sleep mode is a power saving mode in which network communication is effective. Incidentally, in the sleep mode, when the power saving button SE is operationally input, the multifunction machine 10 returns to the normal mode in which image reading and image formation are possible. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the details of the heater control circuit 20 and the functional configurations of each part related to the heater control circuit 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the heater control circuit 20 includes a thermostat 21 for the dehumidifying heater 71, a thermostat 22 for the dehumidifying heater 72, and a switching unit 23.

[0023] Thermostat 21 is a device for maintaining a constant temperature of the dehumidifying heater 71 by switching the operation of the heating device or cooling device on and off. The temperature of the dehumidifying heater 71, which is kept constant by thermostat 21, and the temperature of the dehumidifying heater 72, which is kept constant by thermostat 22, may be the same or different.

[0024] The switching unit 23 is a circuit for switching the power supply to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 on and off. The switching unit 23 is a latching relay including a switch 231, a setting coil 232, and a reset coil 233. The switch 231 is inserted into the power line 24 that supplies AC power to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72. The switch 231 includes a terminal a, which connects the thermostat 21 of the dehumidifying heater 71 and the thermostat 22 of the dehumidifying heater 72 in parallel, and an open terminal b. When current flows through the setting coil 232, the switch 231 connects to terminal a. The switch 231 maintains this state even when the current is interrupted. Similarly, when current flows through the reset coil 233, the switch 231 connects to terminal b. The switch 231 maintains this state even when the current is interrupted. When switch 231 is connected to terminal a, dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 are connected to the AC power supply via thermostats 21 and 22, respectively. In other words, power is turned on to dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72. When switch 231 is connected to terminal b, the power line 24 is disconnected. In other words, power is turned off to dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72.

[0025] The processor 11 has the functions of a setting unit 111 and a control unit 112. The setting unit 111 has a function to set sleep mode, which is a power-saving mode when network communication is enabled. In the normal mode when the scanner 101 and printer 102 are powered on, the setting unit 111 switches the operating mode from normal mode to sleep mode if no operation is performed for a predetermined period of time. The setting unit 111 also switches the operating mode from normal mode to sleep mode when the power saving button SE is pressed in normal mode. Thus, the setting unit 111 sets sleep mode. When sleep mode is set, power to the scanner 101 and printer 102 is turned off, so power consumption is reduced.

[0026] When the control unit 112 receives the first signal Sa via the communication interface 14 while sleep mode is set, it temporarily disables sleep mode. Then, the control unit 112 flows current through the setting coil 232 of the switching unit 23 to connect the switch 231 to terminal a. In other words, the control unit 112 switches the switching unit 23 so that power is supplied to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72. After that, the control unit 112 controls the setting unit 111 to transition to sleep mode. When the control unit 112 receives the second signal Sb via the communication interface 14, it temporarily disables sleep mode. Then, the control unit 112 flows current through the reset coil 233 of the switching unit 23 to connect the switch 231 to terminal b. In other words, the control unit 112 switches the switching unit 23 so that power is supplied to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 off. After that, the control unit 112 controls the setting unit 111 to transition to sleep mode.

[0027] The first signal Sa and the second signal Sb are signals transmitted by the network communication function of the room air conditioner 60. The first signal Sa is a signal to indicate that the conditions for condensation occurrence are met. The second signal Sb is a signal to indicate that the conditions for avoiding condensation are met. The first signal Sa and the second signal Sb transmitted from the room air conditioner 60 are received by the communication interface 14 via the hub 30.

[0028] The room air conditioner 60 has a temperature sensor 601, a humidity sensor 602, a determination unit 603, and an output unit 604 for transmitting a first signal Sa and a second signal Sb. The temperature sensor 601 measures the indoor temperature of the workspace where the room air conditioner 60 is installed. The humidity sensor 602 measures the indoor humidity of the same workspace.

[0029] The determination unit 603 determines whether the conditions for condensation occurrence are met and whether the conditions for avoiding condensation are met. The conditions for condensation occurrence are, for example, the following three: Occurrence condition 1: When the set temperature set by the remote control 61 is higher than the room temperature measured by the temperature sensor 601. Occurrence condition 2: When the set temperature set by the remote control 61 is higher than the room temperature measured by the temperature sensor 601 by a predetermined temperature or more. The predetermined temperature is arbitrary. Occurrence condition 3: When the set temperature set by the remote control 61 is higher than the indoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor 601, and the indoor humidity measured by the humidity sensor 602 is higher than a predetermined humidity. The predetermined humidity is arbitrary.

[0030] If these conditions are met, condensation may occur in the multifunction device 10, which is installed in the same workspace as the room air conditioner 60, on surfaces such as the glass surface of the document glass 104 of the scanner 101, or the surface of the photosensitive drum of the printer 102.

[0031] On the other hand, there are three conditions for avoiding condensation, for example: Avoidance condition 1: When the indoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor 601 rises to the set temperature. Avoidance condition 2: When a predetermined time has elapsed since the room temperature, as measured by the temperature sensor 601, has risen to the set temperature. The predetermined time is arbitrary.

[0032] Avoidance condition 3: When a predetermined time has elapsed since the output of the first signal. The predetermined time is arbitrary.

[0033] If these avoidance conditions are met, there is virtually no possibility of condensation occurring in the multifunction printer 10, which is installed in the same workspace as the room air conditioner 60.

[0034] If the determination unit 603 determines that the conditions for condensation occurrence are met, the output unit 604 outputs a first signal Sa to the multifunction device 10 to notify that the conditions for condensation occurrence are met. If the determination unit 603 determines that the conditions for avoidance are met, the output unit 604 outputs a second signal Sb to the multifunction device 10 to notify that the conditions for avoidance of condensation are met.

[0035] Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 6, an example of the operation of the room air conditioner 60 and the multifunction printer 10 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the determination unit 603 in the room air conditioner 60. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 112 in the multifunction printer 10. Figure 6 is a timing diagram showing the states of the multifunction printer 10, the switching unit 23, the dehumidifying heater 71 and the dehumidifying heater 72 in response to the first signal Sa and the second signal Sb output from the room air conditioner 60. As a premise, it is assumed that the multifunction printer 10 is set to sleep mode by the setting unit 111.

[0036] First, the operation of the determination unit 603 will be explained.

[0037] When the room air conditioner 60 is activated by a command from the remote control 61, the determination unit 603 acquires the indoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor 601 and the indoor humidity measured by the humidity sensor 602 as ACT1 in Figure 4. The determination unit 603 also acquires the indoor set temperature set by the remote control 61 as ACT2. Having acquired the indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and set temperature, the determination unit 603 proceeds to ACT3.

[0038] The determination unit 603 determines whether the conditions for condensation occurrence are met as ACT3. For example, the determination unit 603 determines whether the aforementioned occurrence condition 1 is met. The determination unit 603 may also determine whether the aforementioned occurrence condition 2 or occurrence condition 3 is met. The choice of which occurrence condition to adopt is arbitrary. It is sufficient to decide in advance which occurrence condition to adopt.

[0039] The determination unit 603 obtains the determination result for the condensation occurrence conditions as ACT4. If the determination result is "not satisfied", the determination unit 603 proceeds from ACT4 to ACT10. The processing of ACT10 will be described later.

[0040] If the judgment result is "satisfied," the determination unit 603 proceeds from ACT4 to ACT5. As ACT5, the determination unit 603 instructs the output unit 604 to output the first signal Sa. Upon receiving this instruction, the output unit 604 outputs the first signal Sa. The first signal Sa output from the output unit 604 is received by the communication interface 14 of the multifunction device 10 via the hub 30.

[0041] The determination unit 603, which controls the output of the first signal Sa, proceeds to ACT6. As ACT6, the determination unit 603 acquires the indoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor 601 and the indoor humidity measured by the humidity sensor 602. Then, as ACT7, the determination unit 603 determines whether or not the condensation avoidance conditions are satisfied. For example, the determination unit 603 determines whether or not the aforementioned avoidance condition 1 is satisfied. The determination unit 603 may also determine whether or not the aforementioned avoidance condition 2 or avoidance condition 3 is satisfied. The choice of which avoidance conditions to adopt is arbitrary. The avoidance conditions to be adopted should be decided in advance.

[0042] The determination unit 603 obtains the determination result of the condensation avoidance conditions as ACT8. If the determination result is "not satisfied", the determination unit 603 returns from ACT8 to ACT6. That is, the determination unit 603 obtains the indoor temperature and indoor humidity and waits for the condensation avoidance conditions to be satisfied. If the determination result is "satisfied", the determination unit 603 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT9. As ACT9, the determination unit 603 commands the output unit 604 to output the second signal Sb. Upon receiving this command, the output unit 604 outputs the second signal Sb. The second signal Sb output from the output unit 604 is received by the communication interface 14 of the multifunction device 10 via the hub 30.

[0043] The determination unit 603, which controls the output of the second signal Sb, proceeds to ACT10. That is, the determination unit 603 proceeds to ACT10 if the condensation occurrence conditions are not met, or if the condensation avoidance conditions are met after the condensation occurrence conditions are met. As ACT10, the determination unit 603 waits for the set temperature to be changed by the remote control 61. When the set temperature is changed, the determination unit 603 returns to ACT1. The determination unit 603 executes the processing from ACT1 onward in the same manner as described above. That is, if the condensation occurrence conditions are not met, the determination unit 603 waits for the set temperature to be changed by the remote control 61. If the condensation occurrence conditions are met, the determination unit 603 controls the output unit 604 to output the first signal Sa. After that, it waits for the condensation avoidance conditions to be met, and when the avoidance conditions are met, it controls the output unit 604 to output the second signal Sb.

[0044] Next, the operation of the control unit 112 will be described.

[0045] When the multifunction printer 10 enters sleep mode, the control unit 112 checks whether it has received the first signal Sa as ACT11 in Figure 5. If it has not received the first signal Sa, the control unit 112 checks whether sleep mode has been released as ACT12. If sleep mode has not been released, the control unit 112 returns to ACT11. In this way, the control unit 112 waits for the first signal Sa to be received or for sleep mode to be released in ACT11 and ACT12.

[0046] When the power saving button SE of the operation button 108 is pressed and the sleep mode is canceled while ACT11 and ACT12 are in standby mode, the control unit 112 terminates the operation of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0047] In response to this, when the first signal Sa is received at the communication interface 14 while in the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12, the control unit 112 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT13. As ACT13, the control unit 112 temporarily cancels the sleep mode. Then, as ACT14, the control unit 112 turns on the switching unit 23. That is, the control unit 112 flows current through the setting coil 232 of the latching relay to switch the connection destination of the switch 231 from a b contact to an a contact. After that, as ACT15, the control unit 112 controls the setting unit 111 to transition to sleep mode. Incidentally, in sleep mode, current cannot be flowed through the setting coil 232 of the latching relay. For this reason, the sleep mode is canceled in ACT13.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, when the output unit 604 of the room air conditioner 60 outputs the first signal Sa at time ta, the sleep mode (SM) set by the setting unit 111 in the multifunction device 10 is temporarily deactivated. Then, at time tb during the period when this sleep mode (SM) is deactivated, the switching unit 23 is turned on. When the switching unit 23 is turned on, power is supplied to the dehumidifying heater 71 and the dehumidifying heater 72.

[0049] After the switching unit 23 is turned on, the setting unit 111 sets the sleep mode (SM) again. However, the ON state of the switching unit 23 continues even after transitioning to sleep mode (SM). Therefore, the power supply to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 remains ON, and the temperature of the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 is kept constant by the thermostats 21 and 22, respectively. As a result, the area near the document glass 104 of the scanner 101 is dehumidified by heating with the dehumidifying heater 71, so there is no risk of condensation forming on the glass surface of the document glass 104. Also, the area near the photosensitive drum of the printer 102 is dehumidified by heating with the dehumidifying heater 72, so there is no risk of condensation forming on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0050] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. In ACT15, the control unit 112 controls the setting of the sleep mode and proceeds to ACT16. In ACT16, the control unit 112 checks whether or not it has received the second signal Sb. If it has not received the second signal Sb, the control unit 112 checks in ACT17 whether or not the sleep mode has been deactivated. If the sleep mode has not been deactivated, the control unit 112 returns to ACT16. In this way, in ACT16 and ACT17, the control unit 112 waits for the second signal Sb to be received or for the sleep mode to be deactivated.

[0051] In the standby state of ACT16 and ACT17, when the power saving button SE of the operation button 108 is operated and the sleep mode is canceled, the control unit 112 proceeds from ACT17 to ACT18. As ACT18, the control unit 112 turns off the switching unit 23. That is, the control unit 112 flows current to the reset coil 233 of the latching relay and switches the connection destination of the switch 231 from a contact to b contact. With this, the control unit 112 completes the operation of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0052] In response to this, when the second signal Sb is received at the communication interface 14 while in the standby state of ACT16 and ACT17, the control unit 112 proceeds from ACT16 to ACT19. As ACT19, the control unit 112 temporarily cancels the sleep mode. Then, as ACT20, the control unit 112 turns off the switching unit 23. That is, the control unit 112 flows current through the reset coil 233 of the latching relay to switch the connection destination of the switch 231 from a contact to a contact b contact. After that, as ACT21, the control unit 112 controls the setting unit 111 to transition to sleep mode. Incidentally, in sleep mode, current cannot be flowed through the reset coil 233 of the latching relay. For this reason, the sleep mode is canceled in ACT19.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, when the second signal Sb is output at time tc due to the action of the output unit 604 of the room air conditioner 60, the sleep mode (SM) set by the setting unit 111 in the multifunction device 10 is temporarily canceled. Then, at time td during the period when this sleep mode (SM) is canceled, the switching unit 23 is turned off. When the switching unit 23 is turned off, power is stopped to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72.

[0054] Furthermore, the off state of the switching unit 23 is maintained even when the device enters sleep mode (SM). Therefore, the power supply to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 remains off even in sleep mode. At this time, the temperature and humidity environment of the workspace where the multifunction printer 10 is installed is not an environment where condensation occurs. Therefore, there is no need to power the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72, and power is not wasted.

[0055] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. In ACT21, the control unit 112 controls the resetting of the sleep mode and returns to ACT11. The control unit 112 enters a standby state for ACT11 and ACT12. In this standby state, when it receives the first signal Sa again, the control unit 112 executes the processing of ACT13 to ACT21 in the same manner as described above. On the other hand, when the sleep mode is released while in the standby state for ACT11 and ACT12, the control unit 112 terminates the operation of the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 5.

[0056] Furthermore, once sleep mode is released and the operating mode returns to normal mode, the control unit 112 will not operate even if it receives the first signal Sa or the second signal Sb via the communication interface 14.

[0057] As detailed above, power is supplied to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 of the multifunction printer 10 only during periods when the conditions for condensation are met. Once the conditions for avoiding condensation are met, power is no longer supplied to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72. Therefore, it is possible to prevent wasted power consumption by continuously supplying power to the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 even when the environment is not conducive to condensation. As a result, it is possible to provide a multifunction printer 10 that can prevent condensation by properly operating the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 while saving power, thereby preventing a decrease in the quality of image reading or image formation due to condensation.

[0058] The above describes an embodiment of an image forming apparatus that prevents condensation by operating a dehumidifying heater while saving power, thereby preventing a decrease in the quality of image reading or image formation due to condensation. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0059] For example, in the above embodiment, the dehumidifying heaters 71 and 72 are provided near the scanner 101, which is the image reading unit, and the printer 102, which is the image forming unit, respectively. However, the location of the dehumidifying heater 72 is not particularly limited. It is sufficient to provide it in a location where condensation is likely to occur when the conditions for condensation occurrence are met within the main body of the image forming apparatus. There are also multifunction printers that have a dehumidifying heater provided near the paper feed cassette 106 to prevent moisture from getting into the paper stored in the paper feed cassette 106. In such multifunction printers, the dehumidifying heater can also be controlled on and off in the same way as in the above embodiment to achieve power saving effects.

[0060] In the above embodiment, three examples were given for condensation occurrence conditions and avoidance conditions, but the occurrence and avoidance conditions are not limited to these. Appropriate occurrence and avoidance conditions should be set considering the installation environment of the multifunction printer 10, etc.

[0061] In the above embodiment, a room air conditioner 60 was exemplified as a temperature control device that outputs a first signal Sa and a second signal Sb, but the temperature control device is not limited to a room air conditioner 60. For example, the temperature control device may be an air conditioner that not only adjusts the temperature and humidity of the room, but also performs air purification, ventilation, airflow adjustment, etc.

[0062] The image forming apparatus is not limited to the multifunction device 10. A single-function copier, printer, scanner, etc., equipped with a dehumidifying heater, can also be configured in the same way as in the above embodiment. In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out 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 variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus main body having an image forming unit and an image reading unit; a dehumidifying heater provided in the image forming apparatus main body; a switching unit for switching the power supply to the dehumidifying heater on and off; a setting unit for setting a power saving mode in which network communication is enabled; and a control unit which, when a first signal is received via network communication indicating that the conditions for condensation occurrence are satisfied while the power saving mode is set, the power saving mode is deactivated, the switching unit is switched on to turn on the power supply to the dehumidifying heater, and then the setting unit is controlled to transition to the power saving mode; and when a second signal is received via network communication indicating that the conditions for avoiding condensation are satisfied, the power saving mode is deactivated, the switching unit is switched off to turn off the power supply to the dehumidifying heater, and then the setting unit is controlled to transition to the power saving mode. [2] The image forming apparatus as described in Appendix [1], wherein the switching unit includes a setting coil and a reset coil, and when current flows through the setting coil, it turns on a switch inserted in the power line supplying power to the dehumidifying heater, and maintains the ON state of this switch until current flows through the reset coil. [3] The image forming apparatus as described in Appendix [1] or [2], wherein the first signal and the second signal are taken in from a temperature control device that adjusts the temperature of the room in which the image forming apparatus body is installed. [4] The image forming apparatus as described in Appendix [3], wherein the temperature control device outputs the first signal when adjusting the temperature of the room to a set temperature. [5] The image forming apparatus as described in Appendix [4], wherein the temperature control device outputs the second signal when the temperature of the room rises to a set temperature, or when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the temperature of the room rose to a set temperature, or when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the first signal was output. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 10...Multifunction printer, 11...Processor, 12...Main memory, 13...Auxiliary storage device, 14...Communication interface, 15...System transmission line, 20...Heater control circuit, 30...Hub, 40...Router, 50...LAN, 60...Room air conditioner, 71,72...Dehumidifying heater, 101...Scanner, 102...Printer, 103...Control panel, 104...Document glass, 105...ADF, 106...Paper cassette, 107...Touch panel, 108...Operation buttons, SE...Power saving button.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having an image forming unit and an image reading unit, A temperature control device that adjusts the temperature of the room in which the image forming apparatus is installed, Includes, The temperature control device is A first transmitting means transmits a first signal to the image forming apparatus that indicates that the conditions for condensation are met, A second transmitting means transmits a second signal to the image forming apparatus indicating that the condensation avoidance conditions are met, It is equipped with, The image forming apparatus is A dehumidifying heater provided within the image forming apparatus, A switching unit that switches the power supply to the dehumidifying heater on and off, A setting unit for setting a power saving mode with network communication enabled, When the power saving mode is set and the first signal is received from the temperature control device via the network communication, the control unit controls the setting unit to deactivate the power saving mode, switch the switching unit to turn on power to the dehumidifying heater, and then transition to the power saving mode; when the second signal is received from the temperature control device via the network communication, the control unit controls the setting unit to deactivate the power saving mode, switch the switching unit to turn off power to the dehumidifying heater, and then transition to the power saving mode; An image forming system comprising the following:

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit includes a setting coil and a reset coil, and when current flows through the setting coil, it turns on a switch inserted in the power line supplying power to the dehumidifying heater, and maintains the ON state of this switch until current flows through the reset coil, a latching relay.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device transmits the first signal to the image forming apparatus when adjusting the temperature of the room to a set temperature.

4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the temperature control device transmits the second signal to the image forming apparatus when the temperature of the room rises to a set temperature, or when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the temperature of the room rose to a set temperature, or when a certain amount of time has elapsed since the first signal was transmitted.

Images