Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can exhibit various functions.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit, a fan, a filter, a container, a duct, and a switching mechanism. The image forming unit forms a toner image on an electrified photoreceptor. The fan sucks in gas including ozone generated through the electrification. The filter captures the ozone. The container can store liquid. The duct sends gas to the container. The switching mechanism switches a destination of sending gas from the fan between the filter and the duct.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus has an image forming unit that forms a toner image on a charged photoreceptor. There is a demand for providing an image forming apparatus having various functions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus having various functions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment includes an image forming unit, a fan, a filter, a container, a duct, and a switching mechanism. The image forming unit forms a toner image on a charged photoreceptor. The fan sucks a gas containing ozone generated by charging. The filter captures ozone. The container can store a liquid. The duct sends the gas to the container. The switching mechanism switches the destination of the gas from the fan between the filter and the duct.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus main body. [Figure 3] Hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4]Perspective view of the image forming unit and the ozone processing unit. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the area surrounding the ozone treatment unit. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the operation of the switching mechanism. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the container. [Figure 8] A perspective view of the back of the door. [Figure 9] Perspective view of the locking mechanism. [Figure 10] Diagram illustrating the operation of the locking mechanism. [Figure 11] Perspective view of the door sensor. [Figure 12] Flowchart for preparing ozone solution. [Figure 13] The first example of the control panel display. [Figure 14] A second example of the Control Panel display. [Figure 15] Third example of the Control Panel display. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The image forming apparatus of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus M according to an embodiment. For example, the image forming apparatus M is located in a workplace such as an office. The image forming apparatus M comprises an image forming apparatus body 1 and an ozone processing unit 20.

[0008] In this application, the Z, X, and Y directions of the Cartesian coordinate system are defined as follows: The Z direction is the vertical direction, and the +Z direction is upward. The X and Y directions are horizontal. The X direction is the left-right direction of the image forming apparatus body 1. The Y direction is the front-to-back direction of the image forming apparatus body 1, and the +Y direction is forward.

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus main body 1. The image forming apparatus main body 1 performs a process of forming an image on the sheet S. The sheet S may be paper. The image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a scanner unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet supply unit 4, a conveyance unit 5, a reversing unit 9, a tray 7, a control panel 8, and a control unit 6.

[0010] The scanner unit 2 reads the image information of the copying object as the light brightness and generates an image signal. The scanner unit 2 outputs the generated image signal to the image forming unit 3. The image forming unit 3 forms a toner image based on the image signal from the scanner unit 2 or from the outside. The toner image is an image formed of toner or other materials. The image forming unit 3 transfers the toner image onto the surface of the sheet S. The image forming unit 3 heats and presses the toner image on the surface of the sheet S to fix the toner image on the sheet S.

[0011] The sheet supply unit 4 supplies the sheets S one by one to the conveyance unit 5 in accordance with the timing when the image forming unit 3 forms the toner image. The sheet supply unit 4 includes a sheet storage unit 10 and a pickup roller 11. The sheet storage unit 10 stores sheets S of a predetermined size and type. The pickup roller 11 takes out the sheets S one by one from the sheet storage unit 10. The pickup roller 11 supplies the taken-out sheets S to the conveyance unit 5.

[0012] The conveyance unit 5 conveys the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 4 to the image forming unit 3. The conveyance unit 5 includes a conveyance roller 12 and a registration roller 13. The conveyance roller 12 conveys the sheet S supplied from the pickup roller 11 to the registration roller 13. The conveyance roller 12 abuts the leading end of the sheet S in the conveyance direction against the nip RN of the registration roller 13. The registration roller 13 aligns the position of the leading end of the sheet S in the conveyance direction by bending the sheet S at the nip RN. The registration roller 13 conveys the sheet S according to the timing when the image forming unit 3 transfers the toner image onto the sheet S.

[0013] The image forming unit 3 will be described. The image forming unit 3 includes a plurality of image forming sections F, a laser scanning unit 16, an intermediate transfer belt 17, a transfer section 18, and a fixing device 19. The image forming section F includes a photosensitive drum (photoconductor) D, a charger 14, and a developer 15. The image forming section F forms a toner image corresponding to the image signal on the charged photosensitive drum D. The plurality of image forming sections FY, FM, FC, FK form toner images using yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners on the photosensitive drums DY, DM, DC, DK, respectively.

[0014] The photosensitive drum D includes the first photosensitive drum (first photoconductor) DY of the first image forming section FY, the second photosensitive drum (second photoconductor) DM of the second image forming section FM, the third photosensitive drum (third photoconductor) DC of the third image forming section FC, and the fourth photosensitive drum (fourth photoconductor) DK of the fourth image forming section FK. A yellow first toner image is formed on the first photosensitive drum DY. A magenta second toner image is formed on the second photosensitive drum DM. A cyan third toner image is formed on the third photosensitive drum DC. A black fourth toner image is formed on the fourth photosensitive drum DK.

[0015] The charger 14 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum D. The developer 15 contains a developer including yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners. The developer 15 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum D in order to form toner images of each color on the photosensitive drum D.

[0016] The laser scanning unit 16 scans the charged photoreceptor drum D with laser light L to expose the photoreceptor drum D. The laser scanning unit 16 also exposes the photoreceptor drums DY, DM, DC, and DK of each color image forming section FY, FM, FC, and FK with separate laser lights LY, LM, LC, and LK to form electrostatic latent images.

[0017] The first to fourth photoreceptor drums DY, DM, DC, and DK can contact the intermediate transfer belt 17. When performing color printing, all four photoreceptor drums DY, DM, DC, and DK contact the intermediate transfer belt 17, and the toner images of the first to fourth drums are first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17. When performing monochrome printing, only the fourth photoreceptor drum DK contacts the intermediate transfer belt 17, and only the toner image of the fourth drum is first transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 17.

[0018] The transfer unit 18 transfers the toner image, which has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 17, onto the surface of the sheet S at the secondary transfer position. The fixing device 19 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the sheet S to fix the toner image to the sheet S.

[0019] The inversion unit 9 inverts the sheet S in order to form an image on the back surface of the sheet S. The inversion unit 9 reverses the front and back sides of the sheet S discharged from the fixing device 19 by switching back. The inversion unit 9 then transports the inverted sheet S toward the register roller 13. Tray 7 holds the sheet S on which the image has been formed and discharged. The control panel 8 is part of the input section where the operator inputs information to operate the image forming apparatus main unit 1. The control panel 8 also serves as a display section for displaying information. The control panel 8 has a touch panel and various hard keys.

[0020] The control unit 6 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus M. Figure 3 is a hardware diagram of the image forming apparatus M. The image forming apparatus M is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, memory 92, auxiliary storage device 93, etc., connected by a bus, and executes programs. Through program execution, the image forming apparatus M functions as a device comprising a scanner unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet supply unit 4, a transport unit 5, an inversion unit 9, a control panel 8, a communication unit 90, and an ozone processing unit 20.

[0021] The CPU 91 functions as a control unit 6 by executing programs stored in the memory 92 and auxiliary storage device 93. The control unit 6 controls the operation of each functional part of the image forming apparatus M. The auxiliary storage device 93 is configured using storage devices such as magnetic hard disk drives and semiconductor storage devices. The auxiliary storage device 93 stores information. The communication unit 90 is configured to include a communication interface for connecting its own device to an external device. The communication unit 90 communicates with the external device via the communication interface.

[0022] The ozone treatment unit 20 will now be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the image forming unit F and the ozone processing unit 20. The high-voltage substrate B of the image forming unit F supplies a bias current to the charger 14 (see Figure 2). The charger 14 charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum D. At this time, ozone is generated in the image forming unit F. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the area surrounding the ozone treatment unit 20. The ozone treatment unit 20 includes a fan 21, a filter 22, an ozone liquid creation unit 30, and a switching mechanism 70.

[0023] Fan 21 draws in gas containing ozone generated by static charge. For example, fan 21 is positioned in the -Y direction of the image forming unit F (see Figure 4). The filter 22 captures ozone contained in the gas sent from the fan 21. The gas that has passed through the filter 22 is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus body 1.

[0024] The ozone liquid preparation unit 30 uses ozone generated in the image forming unit F to prepare an ozone liquid. The ozone liquid preparation unit 30 includes a duct 32, a hose 34, and a container 36 (see Figure 1). The duct 32 delivers the gas blown out from the fan 21 to the container 36. The duct 32 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A through-hole 33 is formed in the center of the duct 32 through which the gas passes. Hose 34 delivers gas from duct 32 to container 36. The first end of hose 34 is connected to the through-hole 33 of duct 32. A pump 35 is installed in the middle of hose 34.

[0025] The switching mechanism 70 switches the destination of the gas sent from the fan 21 between the filter 22 and the duct 32. The switching mechanism 70 includes a connector 72 and a guide 71. The connector 72 consists of a filter 22 and a duct 32 connected to each other, arranged in the X direction (first direction). The filter 22 is positioned in the +X direction (second side of the first direction), and the duct 32 is positioned in the -X direction (first side of the first direction).

[0026] Guide 71 extends in the X direction. Guide 71 contacts the ±Z and +Y surfaces of connector 72. Connector 72 is slidable along guide 71 in the X direction. An outlet for the gas discharged from fan 21 is formed in the X-center of guide 71. The gas outlet opens in the -Y direction. As connector 72 moves in the X direction, one of the filter 22 and duct 32 is positioned in the -Y direction of the gas outlet. This positions one of the filter 22 and duct 32 downstream of fan 21.

[0027] The container 36 of the ozone liquid preparation unit 30 will now be described. As shown in Figure 1, the container 36 is connected to the corners in the -Y and +Z directions at the +X end face of the image forming apparatus body 1.

[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container 36. The container 36 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box from a resin material or the like. The container 36 can contain a liquid (e.g., water) that will be the material for the ozone solution. The second end of the hose 34 opens to the bottom inside the container 36. Gas containing ozone is released from the hose 34 into the liquid. Ozone dissolves into the liquid by bubbling, creating an ozone solution (e.g., ozonated water). Pressurizing the gas with the pump 35 (see Figure 5) increases the concentration of ozone in the ozone solution.

[0029] The container 36 includes an ozone concentration sensor 37, a door 38, a locking mechanism 40, a door sensor 50, and a hook mechanism 60. The ozone concentration sensor 37 detects the concentration of ozone contained in the ozone liquid created inside the container 36. The ozone concentration sensor 37 transmits an ozone concentration signal corresponding to the ozone concentration to the control unit 6.

[0030] The container 36 has an opening 39 at the -X end on the surface in the +Z direction. The door 38 can open and close the opening 39 of the container 36. The door 38 has a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The door 38 is positioned along the surface of the container 36 in the +Z direction. The door 38 is slidable in the X direction. The door 38 moves to the closed position in the -X direction to close the opening 39. The door 38 moves to the open position in the +X direction to open the opening 39.

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the rear of door 38. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the locking mechanism 40. The locking mechanism 40 can fix the door 38 in the closed position. The locking mechanism 40 includes a solenoid unit 41, a first engaging member 45, and a second engaging member 47. The solenoid unit 41 and the first engaging member 45 are mounted inside the container 36 at the -X and -Y corners of the opening 39. The second engaging member 47 is mounted on the -Z surface of the door 38 at the -X and -Y corners.

[0032] The solenoid unit 41 includes a plunger 42 and a plunger spring 43. The plunger 42 is movable in the X direction. The plunger spring 43 biases the plunger 42 in the +X direction. The solenoid unit 41 has a coil inside. When energized, the coil moves the plunger 42 in the -X direction against the biasing force of the plunger spring 43.

[0033] The first engaging member 45 has a flat plate shape parallel to the XY plane. The first engaging member 45 is rotatable around a pivot axis parallel to the Z direction. The second engaging member 47 has a flat plate shape parallel to the XZ plane. The second engaging member 47 has a slit 48 extending in the X direction.

[0034] Figure 9 shows the solenoid unit 41 with the coil unenergized. The plunger 42 is positioned at the +X end due to the biasing force of the plunger spring 43. Figure 10 shows the solenoid unit 41 with the coil energized. The energized coil moves the plunger 42 in the -X direction against the biasing force of the plunger spring 43. The plunger 42 pushes the first engaging member 45 and rotates it around the pivot axis. The first engaging member 45 enters the slit 48 of the second engaging member 47. The -X end of the first engaging member 45 comes into contact with the -X end of the slit 48. This prevents the door 38 from moving in the -X direction and fixes the door 38 in the closed position.

[0035] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the door sensor 50. The door sensor 50 detects that the door 38 is in the closed position. For example, the door sensor 50 includes a photosensor 52 and a light-shielding member 54. The photosensor 52 is mounted inside the container 36 at the +X and -Y corners of the opening 39. The light-shielding member 54 is mounted at the +X and -Y corners on the -Z surface of the door 38.

[0036] The photosensor 52 has a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section arranged opposite each other in the Z direction. When the door 38 is not in the closed position, the light-receiving part of the photosensor 52 receives light from the light-emitting part. When the door 38 is in the closed position, the light-shielding member attached to the door 38 enters the space between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the photosensor 52. At this time, the light-receiving part of the photosensor 52 does not receive light from the light-emitting part. As a result, the door sensor 50 detects that the door 38 is in the closed position. The door sensor 50 transmits a door closure signal (first signal) indicating that the door 38 is in the closed position to the control unit 6.

[0037] The hook mechanism 60 can temporarily fix the door 38 in the closed position. As shown in Figure 8, the hook mechanism 60 has a shaft 64, a button 62, and a pair of hooks 67. The shaft 64, the button 62, and the pair of hooks 67 are positioned along the -X edge of the door 38. The shaft 64 and the pair of hooks 67 are mounted on the -Z surface of the door 38.

[0038] The shaft 64 extends in the Y direction. The shaft 64 is rotatable about a pivot axis parallel to the Y direction. The shaft 64 is rotatably supported by a support member 65. Button 62 is positioned in the center in the Y direction. Button 62 has a front member positioned in the +Z direction of the door 38 and a back member positioned in the -Z direction of the door 38. The front member and the back member are connected. The back member is fixed to the shaft 64. A compression spring is positioned between the back member and the door 38.

[0039] A pair of hooks 67 are positioned at both ends of the shaft 64 in the Y direction and are fixed to the shaft 64. When the door 38 is in the closed position, the pair of hooks 67 engage with hook receivers mounted on the inside of the container 36. This temporarily fixes the door 38 in the closed position. The operator pushes the front member of button 62 in the -Z direction. Button 62 rotates against the biasing force of the compression spring. The shaft 64 and the pair of hooks 67 rotate together with button 62. The engagement between the pair of hooks 67 and the hook receivers is released. This releases the temporary fixing of the door 38 in the closed position.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the switching mechanism 70 switches the destination of the gas sent from the fan 21 between the filter 22 and the duct 32. As shown in Figure 7, the switching mechanism 70 has a wire 74 and a second spring 76 as connecting members that connect the door 38 and the connector 72. The first end of the wire 74 is connected to the +X end of the door 38. Preferably, the first end of the wire 74 is connected to the +X and -Y corners of the door 38, as well as the +X and +Y corners. The wire 74 is routed through a plurality of pulleys 75 to near the connector 72 shown in Figure 5.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the switching mechanism 70 includes a first spring (biasing member) 73 and a second spring 76. The second spring 76 connects the second end of the wire 74 to the +X end of the connector 72. The first spring 73 is positioned between the -X end of the connector 72 and the -X end of the guide 71. The first spring 73 biases the connector 72 in the -X direction.

[0042] The operation of the switching mechanism 70 will now be explained. When the door 38 shown in Figure 7 is in the open position, the connector 72 shown in Figure 5 is positioned near the -X end of the guide 71 due to the biasing force of the first spring 73. As a result, the filter 22 included in the connector 72 is positioned in the -Y direction of the gas outlet in the guide 71. That is, the filter 22 is positioned downstream of the fan 21. Gas containing ozone generated in the image forming unit F (see Figure 4) is drawn in by the fan 21 and sent to the filter 22. The filter 22 captures the ozone contained in the gas. The gas with reduced ozone concentration is discharged to the outside of the image forming apparatus body 1.

[0043] When performing the ozone solution preparation process, the operator moves the door 38 shown in Figure 7 to the closed position. As the door 38 moves in the -X direction, the wire 74 connected to the door 38 moves. The wire 74 moves the connector 72 shown in Figure 5 in the +X direction against the biasing force of the first spring 73.

[0044] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the switching mechanism 70. The duct 32 included in the connector 72 is positioned in the -Y direction of the gas outlet in the guide 71. That is, the duct 32 is positioned downstream of the fan 21. The gas containing ozone generated in the image forming unit F (see Figure 4) is sucked in by the fan 21 and sent to the duct 32. The gas is sent through the through-hole 33 and hose 34 of the duct 32 to the container 36 shown in Figure 7. This creates ozone liquid inside the container 36.

[0045] This section describes the detailed process for preparing ozone solution. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the ozone solution preparation method. Figures 13-15 show the first to third display examples of the control panel 8. As shown in Figure 13, the touch panel 80 of the control panel 8 displays a "ozone solution preparation mode" touch button 82. The operator presses the "ozone solution preparation mode" touch button 82 to turn on the ozone solution preparation mode (ACT10) as input for starting the ozone solution preparation mode. When the control panel 8 receives input for starting the ozone solution preparation mode, it sends a start signal (second signal) to the control unit 6.

[0046] The control unit 6 determines whether it has received a door closure signal from the door sensor 50 in addition to the start signal for the ozone liquid creation mode (ACT12). If the control unit 6 has not received a door closure signal (ACT12:NO), it requests that the door 38 be closed (ACT14). Specifically, the control unit 6 displays information prompting the closing of the door 38 on the control panel 8, as shown in Figure 14. The operator checks the display on the control panel 8 and moves the door 38 to the closed position. The door sensor 50 transmits a door closure signal to the control unit 6. Note that even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the information prompting the closing of the door 38 was displayed on the control panel 8, the door 38 may not be closed. In that case, the control unit 6 may turn off the ozone liquid creation mode and return the display on the control panel 8 to the state shown in Figure 13.

[0047] When the control unit 6 receives a door closing signal (ACT12:YES), it locks the door 38 using the locking mechanism 40 (ACT16). Specifically, the control unit 6 energizes the coil of the solenoid unit 41 in the locking mechanism 40 shown in Figure 10. The plunger 42 moves in the -X direction, and the first engaging member 45 enters the slit 48 of the second engaging member 47. This fixes the door 38 in the closed position.

[0048] As the door 38 moves to the closed position, the connector 72 moves in the +X direction, as shown in Figure 6. The duct 32 included in the connector 72 is positioned downstream of the fan 21.

[0049] The control unit 6 generates ozone in the image forming unit F shown in Figure 2 (ACT18). Specifically, the control unit 6 separates the first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, DC of the first to third image forming units FY, FM, FC from the intermediate transfer belt 17, similar to the case when performing monochrome printing. The control unit 6 rotates the first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, DC. The control unit 6 supplies a bias current from the high-voltage substrate B (see Figure 4) to the charger 14 of the first to third image forming units FY, FM, FC. The surfaces of the first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, DC become charged, and ozone is generated.

[0050] The first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, and DC are used less frequently in image formation processing compared to the fourth photoreceptor drum DK. By using only the first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, and DC in the ozone solution preparation process, the degradation of the fourth photoreceptor drum DK can be suppressed. Alternatively, the ozone solution preparation process may be performed using all four photoreceptor drums DY, DM, DC, and DK.

[0051] The control unit 6 may increase the bias current supplied from the high-voltage substrate B to the charger 14 during the ozone solution preparation process compared to the image formation process. This results in a greater amount of ozone being generated during the ozone solution preparation process than during the image formation process.

[0052] The control unit 6 drives the fan 21 shown in Figure 6. The ozone-containing gas generated in the image forming unit F is drawn in by the fan 21 and sent to the duct 32. The gas is sent to the container 36 shown in Figure 7 through the through-hole 33 and hose 34 of the duct 32. The ozone dissolves into the liquid contained inside the container 36 to create an ozone solution.

[0053] The ozone concentration sensor 37 detects the concentration of ozone contained in the ozone solution. The ozone concentration sensor 37 transmits an ozone concentration signal corresponding to the ozone concentration to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 determines whether the ozone concentration exceeds a predetermined value (ACT20). If the ozone concentration does not exceed the predetermined value (ACT20:NO), the control unit 6 continues to generate ozone.

[0054] If the ozone concentration exceeds a predetermined value (ACT20:YES), the control unit 6 stops ozone generation (ACT22). The control unit 6 unlocks the door 38 using the locking mechanism 40 (ACT24). The control unit 6 indicates that the door 38 of the container 36 can be opened (ACT26). Specifically, the control unit 6 displays the information that the door 38 can be opened on the control panel 8, as shown in Figure 15.

[0055] The operator checks the display on the control panel 8 and presses button 62 on the door 38 shown in Figure 7. The temporary locking of the door 38 in the closed position by the hook mechanism 60 is released. The door 38 moves to the open position due to the biasing force of the first spring 73 shown in Figure 5. The operator removes the ozone liquid from inside the container 36. The ozone liquid can be used for disinfection and sterilization treatments.

[0056] As detailed above, the image forming apparatus M of this embodiment includes an image forming unit F, a fan 21, a filter 22, a container 36, a duct 32, and a switching mechanism 70. The image forming unit F forms a toner image on a charged photoreceptor drum D. The fan 21 draws in gas containing ozone generated by the charging. The filter 22 captures the ozone. The container 36 is capable of containing liquid. The duct 32 supplies gas to the container 36. The switching mechanism 70 switches the destination of the gas from the fan 21 between the filter 22 and the duct 32.

[0057] By switching the destination of the gas from fan 21 to duct 32, the gas containing ozone is sent to container 36. The ozone dissolves into the liquid contained in the container, creating an ozone solution. This makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus with diverse functions.

[0058] The switching mechanism 70 has a connecting body 72 in which the filter 22 and the duct 32 are connected side by side in the X direction. The connecting body 72 is slidable in the X direction. The switching mechanism 70 includes a first spring 73 and a wire 74. The first spring 73 biases the connector 72 in the -X direction so that the filter 22 is positioned downstream of the fan 21. The wire 74 connects the door 38 that opens and closes the container 36 to the connector 72. The opposite side of the -X direction is the +X direction. The wire 74 slides the connector 72 in the +X direction in conjunction with the closing of the door 38, positioning the duct 32 downstream of the fan 21.

[0059] When performing the ozone solution creation process, the operator closes the door 38 of the container 36. In conjunction with the closing of the door 38, the duct 32 is automatically positioned downstream of the fan 21. Therefore, the ozone solution creation process can be carried out reliably. On the other hand, when performing the image forming process, the operator opens the door 38 of the container 36. Due to the biasing force of the first spring 73, the filter 22 is automatically positioned downstream of the fan 21. Therefore, the ozone generated during the image forming process can be captured by the filter 22.

[0060] The image forming apparatus M further includes a door 38, a door sensor 50, and a locking mechanism 40. The door 38 opens and closes the container 36. The door sensor 50 detects that the door 38 is in the closed position and outputs a door closure signal. The locking mechanism 40 locks the door 38 in the closed position based on the door closure signal.

[0061] The image forming apparatus M includes a control panel 8 and a control unit 6. The control panel 8 receives an input for instructing the start of the ozone liquid creation mode and outputs a start signal. The control panel 8 displays information. When the control unit 6 receives a start signal from the control panel 8 and does not receive a door closing signal from the door sensor 50, it causes the control panel 8 to display information prompting the closing of the door 38.

[0062] An operator intending to perform the ozone solution preparation process checks the display on the control panel 8 and closes the door 38 of the container 36. The locking mechanism 40 locks the door 38 in the closed position based on the door closing signal. This ensures that the door 38 remains in the closed position during the ozone solution preparation process.

[0063] The image forming unit F includes a first photoreceptor drum DY on which a first yellow toner image is formed, a second photoreceptor drum DM on which a second magenta toner image is formed, a third photoreceptor drum DC on which a third cyan toner image is formed, a fourth photoreceptor drum DK on which a fourth black toner image is formed, and an intermediate transfer belt 17 on which the first to fourth toner images are transferred. When the control unit 6 receives a start signal from the control panel 8 and a door closing signal from the door sensor 50, it separates the first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, and DC from the intermediate transfer belt 17, charges the first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, and DC, and generates ozone.

[0064] The first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, and DC are used less frequently in image formation processing compared to the fourth photoreceptor drum DK. By using only the first to third photoreceptor drums DY, DM, and DC in the ozone solution preparation process, the degradation of the fourth photoreceptor drum DK can be suppressed.

[0065] The image forming apparatus M has an ozone concentration sensor 37 that detects the ozone concentration contained in the liquid contained in the container 36. The control panel 8 displays information. When the ozone concentration in the liquid contained in the container 36 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 6 releases the lock mechanism 40 from fixing the door 38 and displays information on the control panel 8 indicating that the door 38 can be opened. This makes it possible to create an ozone solution with an ozone concentration exceeding a predetermined value.

[0066] The image forming apparatus M includes a hose 34 for supplying gas from a duct 32 to a container 36, and a pump 35 provided on the hose. By pressurizing the gas with pump 35, the concentration of ozone in the ozone solution can be increased.

[0067] The image forming apparatus M has a hook 67. The hook 67 is provided on a door 38 that opens and closes the container 36, and is engageable with the container 36. The engagement with the container 36 can be released by operation from the outside of the container 36. The door 38 can be easily opened by operating the container 36 from the outside.

[0068] (Note 1) An image forming unit that forms a toner image on a charged photoreceptor, A fan that sucks in gas containing ozone generated by static electricity, The ozone-capturing filter, A container capable of holding liquid, A duct for supplying the gas to the container, The system includes a switching mechanism that switches the destination of the gas from the fan between the filter and the duct. Image forming apparatus. (Note 2) The switching mechanism has a connector in which the filter and the duct are connected in a first direction, The connecting body is slidable in the first direction. The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The aforementioned switching mechanism is A biasing member that biases the connector toward the first side in the first direction, such that the filter is positioned downstream of the fan, A connecting member is provided to connect the door that opens and closes the container and the connecting body, and when the opposite side of the first side in the first direction is designated as the second side in the first direction, the connecting body slides to the second side in the first direction in conjunction with the closing of the door, thereby positioning the duct downstream of the fan. The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) A door for opening and closing the aforementioned container, A door sensor that detects that the door is in the closed position and outputs a first signal, An input unit that receives an input for initiating the ozone liquid creation mode and outputs a second signal, A display unit that displays information, The system includes a control unit that, when the second signal is input from the input unit and the first signal is not input from the door sensor, causes the display unit to display information prompting the closing of the door. The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Note 5) The image forming unit includes a first photoreceptor on which a yellow first toner image is formed, a second photoreceptor on which a magenta second toner image is formed, a third photoreceptor on which a cyan third toner image is formed, a fourth photoreceptor on which a black fourth toner image is formed, and an intermediate transfer belt on which the first to fourth toner images are transferred. When the control unit receives the second signal from the input unit and the first signal from the door sensor, it separates the first to third photoreceptors from the intermediate transfer belt, charges the first to third photoreceptors, and generates ozone. The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 4. (Note 6) A door for opening and closing the aforementioned container, A door sensor that detects that the door is in the closed position and outputs a first signal, A locking mechanism that fixes the door in the closed position based on the first signal, The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Note 7) The container has an ozone concentration sensor that detects the ozone concentration contained in the liquid. The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Note 8) A display unit that displays information, The system includes a control unit which, when the ozone concentration in the liquid contained in the container exceeds a predetermined value, releases the lock mechanism from fixing the door and displays information on the display unit indicating that the door can be opened. The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 6. (Note 9) A hose that supplies the gas from the duct to the container, The hose includes a pump, The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Note 10) The door for opening and closing the container has a hook that is engaged with the container and can be released from the container by operation from the outside of the container. The image forming apparatus described in Appendix 1.

[0069] According to at least one embodiment described above, the device has a switching mechanism 70 that switches the destination of the gas from the fan 21 between the filter 22 and the duct 32. This makes it possible to provide an image forming apparatus with a variety of functions.

[0070] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of 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 in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] DY...First photoreceptor drum (first photoreceptor), DM...Second photoreceptor drum (second photoreceptor), DC...Third photoreceptor drum (third photoreceptor), DK...Fourth photoreceptor drum (fourth photoreceptor), F...Image forming unit, M...Image forming apparatus, 6...Control unit, 8...Control panel (input unit, display unit), 17...Intermediate transfer belt, 21...Fan, 22...Filter, 32...Duct, 34...Hose, 35...Pump, 36...Container, 37...Ozone concentration sensor, 38...Door, 40...Locking mechanism, 50...Door sensor, 67...Hook, 70...Switching mechanism, 72...Connector, 73...First spring (biasing member), 74...Wire (connecting member).

Claims

1. An image forming unit that forms a toner image on a charged photoreceptor, A fan that sucks in gas containing ozone generated by static electricity, The ozone-capturing filter, A container capable of holding liquid, A duct for supplying the gas to the container, The system includes a switching mechanism that switches the destination of the gas from the fan between the filter and the duct. Image forming apparatus.

2. The switching mechanism has a connector in which the filter and the duct are connected in a first direction, The connecting body is slidable in the first direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned switching mechanism is A biasing member that biases the connector toward the first side in the first direction, such that the filter is positioned downstream of the fan, A connecting member is provided to connect the door that opens and closes the container and the connecting body, and when the opposite side of the first side in the first direction is designated as the second side in the first direction, the connecting body slides to the second side in the first direction in conjunction with the closing of the door, thereby positioning the duct downstream of the fan. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. A door for opening and closing the aforementioned container, A door sensor that detects that the door is in the closed position and outputs a first signal, An input unit that receives an input for initiating the ozone liquid creation mode and outputs a second signal, A display unit that displays information, The system includes a control unit that, when the second signal is input from the input unit and the first signal is not input from the door sensor, displays information on the display unit prompting the closing of the door. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The image forming unit includes a first photoreceptor on which a first yellow toner image is formed, a second photoreceptor on which a second magenta toner image is formed, a third photoreceptor on which a third cyan toner image is formed, a fourth photoreceptor on which a fourth black toner image is formed, and an intermediate transfer belt on which the first to fourth toner images are transferred. When the control unit receives the second signal from the input unit and the first signal from the door sensor, it separates the first to third photoreceptors from the intermediate transfer belt, charges the first to third photoreceptors, and generates ozone. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

Images