CN100538554C - Image processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of image processing system comprises the writing unit of the image formation unit of a black and the image formation unit of some other colors, a black and the writing unit of other color, a primary heater and the secondary heater corresponding to image formation unit that is used for other color and writing unit corresponding to image formation unit that is used for black and writing unit.The ON/OFF of each primary heater and secondary heater is by separately control of control module.Therefore, primary heater can be opened when secondary heater is closed.This image processing system also comprises the time detecting unit, and this time detecting unit is used for detecting control primary heater and necessary object time of secondary heater opening/closing, the wherein zero-time of control module based target time Control work.

Description

Image processing system

The cross reference of related application

[0001] the application requires the right of priority of the 2007-133365 Japanese priority file submitted in Japan in the 2006-209081 Japanese priority file submitted in Japan on July 31st, 2006 and on May 18th, 2007, and by with reference to incorporating the full content of these priority documents into this paper.

Technical field

[0002] the present invention relates to a kind of technology that prevents from image processing system, to occur dewfall (dewcondensation).

Background technology

[0003] form in the device at the tandem type image that comprises photoconductor and writing unit, when the temperature in the image processing system when low temperature raises fast, dewfall may appear on photoconductor or writing unit.Be well known that the appearance that can prevent dewfall by the heating image formation unit.

[0004] for the heating image formation unit preventing dewfall, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No 2002-215006 disclose a kind of when fixation unit is converted to energy saver mode after after the preset time section by opening the technology that well heater reduces heater power consumption.In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No 2004-61580 discloses and has a kind ofly prevented the technology of dewfall for well heater uses the heat (exhaust heat) of the used heat of fixation unit or discharge.

[0005] still, if the toner Cartridge of all colours, be BK (black), M (magenta), C (cyan) and Y (yellow), be heated at night or during holiday, promptly when image processing system not by very frequent use, so very debatable is exactly that the power consumption of well heater can roll up.Therefore, need to reduce at night or the power consumption during holiday.

Summary of the invention

[0006] target of the present invention is the problem that solves at least in part in the conventional art.

[0007] according to an aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of image processing system, this device comprises a plurality of writing units, and wherein each writing unit is configured to write optical imagery in the relevant position of an image-carrier; A plurality of image formation units, wherein each image formation unit is configured to optical imagery be developed to the visual image with respective color in the relevant position of described image-carrier; A plurality of well heaters, it is configured to heat one or more in described image formation unit and the writing unit, to prevent dewfall; And control module, it is configured to each well heater is carried out ON/OFF control.

[0008] according to a further aspect in the invention, provide a kind of image processing system, this device comprises a plurality of writing units, and wherein each writing unit writes an optical imagery in the relevant position of an image-carrier; A plurality of image formation units, wherein each image formation unit develops to optical imagery in the relevant position of described image-carrier the visual image of respective color; A plurality of well heaters, it is configured to heat one or more to prevent dewfall in described image formation unit and the writing unit; And a control module, it is configured to each well heater is carried out ON/OFF control, and wherein said well heater comprises a primary heater, and it is configured to heat in the image formation unit one and the corresponding writing unit one; And secondary heater, it is configured to heat and is different from the image formation unit that heated by primary heater and the image formation unit and the writing unit of writing unit, and described control module is controlled the ON/OFF control of primary heater and secondary heater independently.Described image processing system also comprises the time detecting unit, and this time detecting unit is used for detecting control primary heater and necessary object time of secondary heater opening/closing, the wherein zero-time of control module based target time Control work.

[0009] read currently preferred embodiment of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings, above-mentioned target of the present invention and other targets, characteristic, advantage and technical and industrial meaning will be better understood.

Description of drawings

[00010] Fig. 1 is that tandem type image according to an embodiment of the invention forms schematic representation of apparatus;

[00011] Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the control system of image processing system shown in Fig. 1;

[00012] Fig. 3 is arranged in the outboard profile that dewfall under the writing unit of image processing system shown in Figure 1 prevents device;

[00013] Fig. 4 is the synoptic diagram that a kind of dewfall prevents well heater, and according to present embodiment, this dewfall prevents that well heater from comprising a well heater and a well heater that forms the unit heating for other color images that forms the unit heating for black image;

[00014] Fig. 5 A is outside air temperature and the figure that the temperature of an image formation unit is elevated to the relation of desired value between the needed time;

[00015] Fig. 5 B is the form according to the data of external temperature that is associated comprising of the embodiment of the invention and required time;

[00016] Fig. 5 C is the form according to the data of date that is associated comprising of the embodiment of the invention and job initiation time;

[00017] Fig. 6 is the process flow diagram that comes the handling procedure of an initial job according to the required time of storing in the form shown in Fig. 5 B;

[00018] Fig. 7 is the process flow diagram that comes the handling procedure of an initial job according to the required time of storing in the form shown in Fig. 5 C;

[00019] Fig. 8 is according to the process flow diagram of embodiment based on the handling procedure of date control heater;

[00020] Fig. 9 is the process flow diagram that comes the handling procedure of control heater according to embodiment based on an external temperature;

[00021] Figure 10 is the synoptic diagram of the shell mechanism appropriate section of the main part of image processing system shown in Fig. 1;

[00022] Figure 11 is furnished with the synoptic diagram of example that dewfall prevents the sheet metal of device thereon according to embodiment;

[00023] Figure 12 is another the synoptic diagram of example of sheet metal shown in Figure 11;

[00024] Figure 13 is another the synoptic diagram of example of sheet metal shown in Figure 11.

Embodiment

[00025] illustrates in greater detail specific embodiments of the invention below with reference to the accompanying drawings.Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram that a kind of tandem type image according to an embodiment of the invention forms device A.Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the control system among the image processing system A.

[00026] will pass through explanation in greater detail with reference to the attached drawings below according to the anti-stop element (dewfall prevents device) of a kind of dewfall of the embodiment of the invention.

[00027] as shown in Figure 1, image processing system A is a kind of multifunctional product, and it comprises printing function and facsimile function at least.

[00028] image processing system A comprises an apparatus main body 1 and paper feeder 2.Paper feeder 2 comprises a paper feeding box 2a and a paper-feed roll 2b, and paper feeder 2 is arranged in below the apparatus main body 1 so that deposit transfer paper P there, and one connects a ground transfer paper P is presented away.

[00029] comprises that the image formation unit B of a plurality of image formation units is disposed in the central authorities of apparatus main body 1.Optical writing unit 4 is disposed in image formation unit B below, and intermediate transfer belt (intermediate transfer main body) 20 is disposed in image formation unit B top.The dewfall that prevents from photoconductor (its form image formation unit, writing unit), to occur dewfall prevent device (dewfall prevents unit heater) 30, scanner unit (not shown) and control said units controller 40 each all be disposed in appropriate location in the apparatus main body 1.

[00030] image formation unit B has a yellow image to form unit 3Y, a magenta color image forms unit 3M, a cyan image formation unit 3C and a black image formation unit 3K, it is respectively applied for yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (B) toner image, and each image formation unit all is movably disposed within the apparatus main body 1.Each Y, the M, C and the K mark that are written on the below are used for indicating respectively yellow, magenta, cyan and black.

[00031] each image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K comprise as one among photoconductor (image-carrier) 10Y, 10M, 10C and the 10K of the cydariform of latent image carrier, and the photoconductor of these cydariforms is all with the indicated direction rotation of arrow shown in Fig. 1.Each photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K comprise the cylindrical bottom portion of an aluminum, and organic photoconductor (OPC) photosensitive layer that covers the surface of this cylindrical bottom portion.Each image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K comprise that each is with lower device: to charger 11Y, 11M, 11C, the 11K of photoconductor charging, developing apparatus 12Y, 12M, 12C, the 12K of the developing cell that comes out as the image development that will be formed on the photoconductor, and washer 13Y, the 13M, 13C, the 13K that are arranged in remaining toner on the cleaning photoconductor around photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C and the 10K.Writing unit 4 is the optical scanners that can write light beam L to photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K irradiation, and writing unit 4 is in the below of image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K.Intermediate transfer unit 5 comprises intermediate transfer belt 20, and the toner image that is formed by image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K is transferred on this intermediate transfer belt 20, and intermediate transfer unit 5 is in the top of image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K.Fixation unit 6 is provided, and it will be transferred to toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 on the transfer paper P as recording materials.

[00032] toner bottle 7Y, 7M, 7C and the 7K of yellow (Y), reddish violet (M) of storage therein, cyan (C) and black (B) toner are loaded in the top of the intermediate transfer unit 5 in the apparatus main body 1.

[00033] writing unit 4 by one as the mirror polygon of deflection/scanning element make from a laser diode, emit as light source write light beam L deflection, and writing light beam irradiates on photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K.Therefore, a latent image carrier forms on photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K respectively.

[00034] intermediate transfer belt 20 in the intermediate transfer unit 5 extends on driven roller 21, jockey pulley 22 and driven voller 23, and is driven in rotation with the counter clockwise direction of a speed of being scheduled to figure shown in Fig. 1.Intermediate transfer unit 5 comprises initial transfer roll 24Y, 24M, 24C and 24K, and its toner image that is used for forming on photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K is transferred to intermediate transfer belt 20.

[00035] intermediate transfer unit 5 comprises second transfer roll 25 and band washer 26, the toner image that described second transfer roll 25 will be transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transferred on the transfer paper P, described band washer 26 is used to clean the remaining toner on the intermediate transfer belt 20, and these remaining toners are not transferred on the transfer paper P.

[00036] writing unit 4 holds various opticators in a shell, for example polygon mirror, lens and catoptron.Writing unit 4 comprises an optic grouping (glass plate, catoptron, lens, or the like), it is that four image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K form four-system optics passage, and a single semiconductor laser and be generally used for the exposing single polygon mirror of the photoconductor of forming image formation unit.Therefore, when dewfall when any one opticator occurs, the image quality in images that is written on each photoconductor will reduce.

[00037] next will be explained in the process that obtains coloured image in the image processing system with above-mentioned configuration.

[00038] in image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K, photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K are recharged device 11Y, 11M, 11C and 11K uniform charging respectively.After this, writing unit 4 will be write light beam L deflection based on view data, thereby form sub-image on photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C and 10K surface.Sub-image on photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C and the 10K is developed the color toner that carries on the developer roll (not shown) among device 12Y, 12M, 12C and the 12K respectively and develops, to form toner image.

[00039] toner image on photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C and the 10K is overlapping and be transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 20 by order, and this intermediate transfer belt 20 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction according to the action of initial transfer roll 25Y, 24M, 24C and 24K.On the moving direction of intermediate transfer belt 20, to be transformed into the speed in downstream from upstream side, carry out the imaging operation of each color, therefore, toner image is superimposed and be transferred to same position on the intermediate transfer belt 20.The surface of each photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K after initial transfer printing all by the cleaning of the cleaning brush of each washer 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K, so that photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K form ready for image next time.

[00040] if requirement, the toner that is contained in toner bottle 7Y, 7M, 7C, the 7K offers developing apparatus 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K among image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C, the 3K according to predetermined amount respectively by a bearer path (not shown).

[00041] on the other hand, the transfer paper P among the paper feeding box 2a is fed into apparatus main body 1 by near the paper-feed roll 2b that is arranged in the paper feeding box 2a, and is fed to second transfer printing unit to 28 with a predetermined speed by alignment roller.At this second transfer printing unit, be transferred on the transfer paper P at the toner image that forms on the intermediate transfer belt 20.The transfer paper P that has been transferred toner image is by fixation unit 6, thereby makes toner image on transfer paper P, and transfer paper P is discharged from roller 29 and is discharged to a paper discharge dish.The band washer 26 that the transfer printing remaining toner that stays on the intermediate transfer belt 20 contact with intermediate transfer belt 20 cleans, and the method for the remaining toner that stays on the method for its use and cleaning photoconductor 10Y, 10M, 10C, the 10K is the same.

[00042] fixation unit 6 comprises one by the warm-up mill 6a of a fixation unit well heater 6a ' heating, and a pressure roll 6b '.

[00043] Fig. 2 is the block diagram of the control system 100 among the image processing system A.Control system 100 comprises controller 40, detected image forms the temperature/humidity sensor 41 of device A external temperature and humidity, measure the job initiation time of an operation of execution and the timer 42 of object time, one temperature adjusted to predetermined temperature so that dewfall in required unit (for example image formation unit) go up and be difficult to well heater 43 of occurring, storer 44 (storage comprises first form that the outside air temperature that is associated and well heater 43 reach the target temperature required time in this storer 44, and comprises date of being associated and second form of job initiation time), the image output unit 45 (for example printer) that comprises laser optical system and image formation unit, the cis 46 that comprises scanner or the like, and communication controler 47 (thereby for example be connected the facsimile recorder that can communicate by agreement with outside facsimile recorder and multifunctional product with circuit).Image output unit 45, cis 46 and communication controler 47 constitute facsimile function, and image output unit 45 constitutes printer function.

[00044] in image processing system A, if the inside of image processing system A is because heater heats is heated to a condition of high temperature fast from a low-temperature condition, dewfall occurs on photoconductor and writing unit.This be because, if the internal temperature of image processing system A raises fast, and the temperature of forming the parts of photoconductor and writing unit is when presenting low temperature owing to outside Cryogenic air, airborne steam-laden, thus dewfall appears on photoconductor and writing unit.Because if photoconductor and writing unit produce dewfall the image disorder can take place, so need take to prevent that as dewfall the well heater of device 30 from ceaselessly heating the appearance that this measure of photoconductor and writing unit prevents dewfall at night.

[00045] Fig. 3 is arranged in the side view that dewfall under the writing unit 4 prevents device 30.Form dewfall and prevent that the dewfall of device 30 from preventing that well heater can not only be arranged in the below of writing unit 4, and can be arranged between the layout area and writing unit 4 of each image formation unit.Though do not illustrate in the drawings, if writing unit 4 is arranged in below the layout area of each elementary area, dewfall prevents that device 30 can be arranged between image formation unit and the writing unit.

[00046] preferably dewfall is prevented that device 30 is arranged in the relevant position of the corresponding image formation unit 3Y that laterally is disposed in order, 3M, 3C, 3K below, form on the unit B length direction, form unit 3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K with overlay image in entire image.Prevent that from forming dewfall the dewfall of device 30 from preventing that the heat of well heater from upwards flowing.This time, air, each parts, and sheet metal all becomes heat conduction media effectively.

[00047] shown in Fig. 3 dotted line, when being furnished with a waste-toner container 50, it takies paper feeding box 2a horizontal space, dewfall prevents that device 30 is superimposed upon on the waste-toner container 50 so, and prevent to be furnished with between device 30 and the waste-toner container 50 heat insulation layer in dewfall, make similar problem such as the used toner (temperature of solidification approximately is 45 degrees centigrade) of waste-toner container 50 the insides solidifies because dewfall prevents heat that device 30 (heating-up temperature of well heater approximately is 50 degrees centigrade) transmits to prevent.Alternatively, the dewfall that overlaps on the waste-toner container 50 prevents that the end of device 30 can be removed.

[00048] dewfall prevent device 30 each image formation units of heating and with respective image form the vertically arranged writing unit 4 in unit optics (glass plate that is used to cut apart, catoptron, lens, or the like), to prevent occurring dewfall on the optics.

[00049] dewfall is to be cooled to a dewfall point when the air that contain water vapor, and the phenomenon of airborne moisture when forming the globule.Because dewfall is to be created in the photoconductor of composition image formation unit of image processing system inside and optics lip-deep of forming writing unit 4, so picture quality reduces.

[00050] according to present embodiment, in order to prevent since the indoor temperature that image processing system is installed at night or be reduced to the dewfall point between leave allowances, and at night by the specific image of frequent operation formation unit (for example make, black image forms the unit) and writing unit 4 or the like be cooled to the dewfall point, when the fixation unit well heater 6a ' that forms fixation unit 6 is closed into sleep pattern, forms dewfall and prevent that the dewfall of device 30 from preventing that well heater is controlled so as to and opening.

[00051] if all BK, M, C and Y photoconductor and all writing units are evenly heated in the time in similar evening and do not consider its operating frequency, this dewfall prevents that device will be very big so, causes the increase of power consumption.

[00052] however, because at night or to have only fax receiving function between leave allowances be frequent the use, and other functions at night or be used hardly between leave allowances, so only occur for a spot of black of fax or the problem of other monochrome images usually.According to present embodiment, dewfall prevents that the dewfall in the device 30 from preventing that well heater is divided into two parts (be respectively applied for black image and form unit 3K and other colors 3C, 3M and 3Y) at least, so the corresponding topical parts that have only black image to form unit 3K and writing unit 4 are heated to prevent the appearance of dewfall.Therefore, the power consumption of Xu Yaoing can be suppressed to minimum necessary amounts.

[00053] Fig. 4 is that a dewfall prevents that the dewfall of 30 li of devices from preventing the synoptic diagram of well heater, this dewfall prevents that device is divided into one for black image forms well heater 30a and the colour imaging well heater 30b for other color images formation unit heating that heats the unit, and two well heaters can be opened and closed independently.Each well heater 30a and 30b by, for example the nichrome line constitutes, and is routed on the heat insulation layer of sheet metal 35 1 sides.

[00054] except forming the well heater 30a of unit 3K specially, also may be respectively each coloured image and form arrangements of cells well heater as black image, that is, and for each coloured image forms unit 3C, 3M and 3Y arranges well heater.Therefore, opening of well heater 30a and well heater 30b can separately be controlled.

When [00055] lamp that is in battery saving mode and well heater as fixation unit well heater 6a ' is in closed condition, is used for heating black image and forms corresponding ingredient in unit 3K and the writing unit 4 (forming the writing unit of unit 3K corresponding to black image) and be configured to open to the well heater 30a of a proper temperature.Even it is lower to work as indoor temperature, for example between evening or leave allowances, be used for heating that well heater 30a that black image forms unit 3K can at any time form black image unit 3K (facsimile signal formation unit) and corresponding writing unit is heated to a temperature that is higher than dewfall point.Therefore, can both prevent that at any time dewfall from appearring in the black image or other monochrome images that are used for faxing, thereby make and at any time can use facsimile recorder.

[00056] by on describe, for the dewfall that prevents at night or form unit (facsimile signal formation unit) owing to black image in the facsimile signal between leave allowances causes the image disorder, by the fixation unit well heater is converted to battery saving mode, the well heater that forms the unit heating for black image is opened.Therefore, can at night or prevent between leave allowances on black image formation unit or other facsimile signals formation unit, dewfall to occur.

[00057] on the other hand, when duplicating machine or printer in evening or vacation did not use, the well heater 30b that is used for coloured image formation unit ( image formation unit 3C, 3M and 3Y except black image forms unit 3K) closed.When morning, indoor temperature was lower, and indoor temperature dewfall can occur at image formation unit 3C, 3M and 3Y when raising fast yet in this state.

[00058] as a kind of method that prevents this dewfall, controller 40 comprises a time detecting unit, is used for detecting the time that several hrs is opened the well heater 30b that is used for coloured image formation unit before the user brings into use duplicating machine or printer.Therefore, each optical system in image formation unit 3C, 3M and 3Y and the writing unit is heated in advance, and making not to increase power consumption when preventing to reduce picture quality owing to dewfall.

[00059] form unit 3K by the black image that is used to fax in the heating of the time in similar evening, dewfall can't reduce the quality that black image forms the black image of unit formation.However, if heat room air when indoor temperature is low, for example in the morning, when indoor temperature raises rapidly, dewfall takes place, thereby reduce picture quality.Therefore, by using timer, the well heater that is used for coloured image formation unit 30b is opened, thereby dewfall can occur hardly in use.

[00060] Fig. 5 A is outside air temperature and the curve map that the temperature of an image formation unit is elevated to the relation of a desired value between the needed time.By temperature/humidity sensor 41 detected temperature T n Y-axis coordinate representations, needed time tn X-axis coordinate representation.In other words, when image processing system is installed in a constant temperature stop bath or similarly in the environment and outside air temperature when being made as T1, well heater 43 is opened to be used for being measured as temperature is brought up to a needed time of desired value, this time of this moment is appointed as t1.When outside air temperature is made as T2, well heater 43 is opened to be used for being measured as temperature is brought up to a needed time of desired value.In this way, by measuring the needed time, when the outside air temperature order changed until T6, the characteristic shown in Fig. 5 A is drawn came out.For example, when quafric curve of this specific character formation, we can obtain following relational expression:

f(x)＝aX ²+bX+c (1)

Externally be cooled to fully under the situation of the temperature identical before the temperature change at well heater 43, carry out a measurement with outside air temperature.

[00061] Fig. 5 B is the form that comprises according to the data of be mutually related outside air temperature and required time of present embodiment.For example, in the form shown in Fig. 5 B, the temperature of temperature/humidity sensor 41 detected outside air temperatures and well heater 43 reaches a needed time of desired value and stores interrelatedly.In this example, t0 is set to 0 value under the T1 situation, and t1 is set to the value of T1 under the T2 situation ..., by being set a longer time, can guarantee a temperature is elevated to the time of a target temperature with respect to temperature in each temperature range.Fig. 5 C is the form that comprises the data of the date that is associated and job initiation time.In this example, for all being provided with every day and storing the job initiation time, be 8 points for example in job initiation time April 2, April 3, the job initiation time was 9 thirty.In the form shown in Fig. 5 C, not only can be set the date, also the days of the week can be set.

[00062] Fig. 6 is the process flow diagram according to the handling procedure of an initial job of time of storing in the form shown in Fig. 5 B.Explain this operation with reference to figure 5A to Fig. 5 C.Temperature/humidity sensor 41 is measured outside air temperature (S1).Temperature data temporarily is stored in the storer 44.Form shown in the search graph 5B is searched a temperature is elevated to target temperature (Ts) needed time (S2) corresponding to outside air temperature.For example, when detected temperature when T1 is between T2, the time that needs is t1.Well heater 43 is opened (S3) to reach target temperature.Whether needed time t1 is over and done with in controller 40 monitoring, simultaneously computing counter 42 (S4).If t1 is (is not at S4) also not in the past, then well heater 43 works on to reach target temperature.When the t1 time is gone over (at S4 for being), then close well heater 43 (S5).Here, the temperature of heated object reaches target temperature.Therefore, form shown in the search graph 5C is to search the job initiation time (S6) of that day.For example, if certain day is April 3, because the job initiation time was 9 thirty, whether controller 40 operational counters 42 have spent 9 thirty (S7) with the monitoring current time.If the current time was passed through for 9 thirty (at S7 for being), (S8) then starts working.

[00063] Fig. 7 is the process flow diagram according to the handling procedure of an initial job of needed time of storing in the form shown in Fig. 5 C.Explain this operation with reference to figure 5A to Fig. 5 C.Temperature/humidity sensor 41 is measured outside air temperature (S11).Controller 40 is calculated a temperature is brought up to the needed time of target temperature (S12) among the predetermined relational expression f of outside air temperature value substitution (x).For example, when external temperature was T2, the t2 that calculates was as result of calculation.Result of calculation temporarily is kept in the storer 44.Form shown in the search graph 5C is searched the job initiation time (S13) in target date.The time t that well heater is opened calculates (S14) by t=ts-tn.For example, if required time tn is one hour, on April 3 during target date, because the job initiation time was 9 thirty, controller 40 is determined time t=9:30-1=8:30 that well heater should be opened.Whether controller monitoring t has reached 8:30 (S15).When time is up (at S15 for being), well heater 43 is opened (S16), up to the job initiation time (9:30) (S17).Time is up (9:30) when job initiation, and well heater 43 cuts out (S18), with start working (S19).

[00064] the date detecting unit by in controller 40, providing to detect the date, when the well heater 30b that can be set to coloured image formation unit heating opens (perhaps not opening), power consumption in the leave allowances reduces, and can reduce excessive power drain by the well heater 30b that is not opened for coloured image formation unit heating in vacation.

[00065] Fig. 8 is based on the process flow diagram of the handling procedure of date control heater.Thereby controller 40 is checked counter 42 and is checked whether this day of target date is Saturday or Sunday (S20).If target date neither Saturday neither Sunday (S20 for not), controller enters the flow process of describing with reference to figure 6 or Fig. 7.If be Saturday or Sunday (comprising holiday) (S20 is for being) target date, well heater cuts out (S21).

[00066] if even well heater also is opened when outside air temperature is very high, then excess power is inevitable.As a kind of countermeasure of above problem, controller 40 comprises an outside-air-temperature detecting unit that detects outside air temperature, carries out a kind of control so that well heater 30a and 30b are not opened when outside air temperature is equal to, or greater than certain temperature.The result is exactly only just to open when needs improve temperature by well heater and can reduce power consumption.

[00067], only is difficult to prevent form in unit (facsimile signal formation unit) and the writing unit and produces dewfall on the optics accordingly at black image with a well heater if when outside air temperature is equal to or less than certain temperature.In this case, outside-air-temperature detecting unit is all opened well heater 30a and 30b.Therefore, when outside air temperature is equal to or less than certain temperature,, can prevent from black image formation unit and the corresponding optics of writing unit, to produce dewfall by well heater 30a and 30b are opened.When the well heater 30b that forms the unit heating for coloured image be divided into be respectively each other-when color image forms unit 3C, 3M and 3Y heating, can operate effectively a well heater that separates for contiguous black image form the unit other-color image forms unit (being that the cyan image shown in Fig. 1 forms unit 3C) heating, produces heat simultaneously to form unit 3K with black image.

[00068] Fig. 9 is based on the process flow diagram that outside air temperature comes the handling procedure of control heater.Controller 40 is measured outside air temperature (S25) by temperature/humidity sensor 41.So when outside air temperature was equal to, or greater than certain temperature (S26 is for being), colored well heater cut out (S28).When outside air temperature less than certain temperature (S26 for not) time, colored well heater is opened (S27).Colored well heater not only can be controlled by detected temperatures, and also can control by detecting humidity.

[00069] if well heater is opened,, consume additional power although extraneous air humidity is very low.

[00070] in order to prevent excessive power drain, controller 40 comprises that an extraneous air humidity sensor is used for detecting extraneous air humidity (not shown), and be configured to this mode, it makes that well heater 30a and 30b are not opened when extraneous air humidity is equal to or less than certain humidity.Therefore only when humidity is in certain level, well heater just is opened.So, may realize the reduction of power consumption.

[00071] equal or when being higher than certain humidity when extraneous air humidity becomes, frequent situation is that a well heater is not enough to prevent form in the unit at black image dewfall takes place.As a measure dealing with the problems referred to above, outside-air-Humidity Detection unit constitutes in the following manner, and it makes that well heater 30a and 30b are opened together when extraneous air humidity equals or be higher than certain humidity.Therefore, because well heater 30a and 30b are opened together when extraneous air humidity equals or be higher than certain humidity when, so can prevent the appearance of dewfall in the black image formation unit more reliably.

[00072] prevents the installation of device 30 about dewfall, if sheet metal 35 is in around image formation unit and the writing unit (being in a suitable position on the moving direction of image formation unit), and dewfall prevents that device 30 is assemblied in sheet metal 35, can realize good heat conduction so.

[00073] among the embodiment as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4, be used for separating being positioned at of sheet metal 35 about levels of paper feeding box 2 and writing unit 4 corresponding to below the writing unit 4 of each image formation unit, form dewfall and prevent that the well heater 30a of device 30 and 30b are assemblied in sheet metal 35, so that the opening/closing of well heater 30a and 30b can be distinguished Be Controlled.Therefore, by the sheet metal 35 that below writing unit 4, provides to have the good heat conductive performance, and by dewfall being prevented device 30 is assemblied in sheet metal 35, the heat that each well heater produces can be transmitted to optics and each image formation unit of writing unit effectively.

[00074] Figure 10 is the synoptic diagram of corresponding component of shell mechanism of the apparatus main body 1 of image processing system A, wherein be provided with the sheet metal 35 that dewfall prevents device 30 and be installed in four supporting member 60 inside in the corner, above sheet metal 35, have one to cut apart plate 61 with an arranged at predetermined intervals.The sheet metal 62 of forming sidewall is arranged in a side of sheet metal 35 upper spaces at least.In the ios dhcp sample configuration IOS DHCP shown in Fig. 3, writing unit 4 is arranged in sheet metal 35 upper spaces, and each image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K (image formation unit B) are installed on the division board 61.

[00075] forms the heat that dewfall prevents that each well heater produced among the well heater 30a of device 30 and the 30b and be transmitted to division board 61 by the sheet metal 62 of forming sidewall, and heat each image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K from sheet metal 35.And, because the heat that well heater produces directly conduction given the writing unit (it forms writing unit, and directly be arranged in dewfall prevent above the device 30) of each image formation unit 3Y, 3M, 3C and 3K, so each parts of inside are heated by shell.Therefore, the dewfall on the optics can be prevented from.

[00076] in a general shell configuration, because four sides of sheet metal 35 upper spaces are surrounded by the sheet metal side plate, prevent that from dewfall heat that device 30 transmits can be transmitted to writing unit 4 and each image formation unit above being positioned at effectively by these side plates.

[00077] as shown in figure 11, can be by following configuration, direction except sheet metal 35 (direction except image formation unit) all is lower than shield member 36 encirclements (such as a foundry goods or a heat guard) of metal by thermal conductivity, thereby the heat that well heater 30a and 30b produce can effectively be transmitted to each image formation unit and writing unit.In this configuration, can prevent to discharge to other direction, make thus and can effectively heat be passed to each image formation unit and writing unit from the heat that well heater transmits.

[00078] Figure 12 is used to assemble the synoptic diagram that dewfall prevents the sheet metal of device 30, this dewfall prevents that device is separated to arrange, wherein sheet metal 35 is divided into sheet metal 35a that is used for assembling the well heater that is used for black image formation unit and the sheet metal 35b (separately making mutual heat conduction be prevented from) that is used for assembling the well heater that is used for coloured image formation unit.

[00079] by well heater and sheet metal 35 being divided into a plurality of parts corresponding to each image formation unit, black image forms the unit and can more effectively be heated, and the heat release that the well heater 30a that is used for black image formation unit is not produced arrives other image formation unit.

[00080] form the unit in order more effectively to heat black image at the heat that well heater 30a is not produced under the situation that other direction discharges, the well heater 30a and the 30b that separate are assemblied in sheet metal 35a and 35b respectively.Form the sheet metal 35a of well heater of unit and assembling and be used for the sheet metal 35b that coloured image forms the well heater of unit and be divided into independent subject by assembling being used for black image, black image forms the unit and can more effectively be heated.

[00081] alternatively, assembling is used for sheet metal 35b that coloured image forms the well heater of unit can be divided into corresponding to image formation unit 3C, 3M and 3Y each, thereby makes the heat conduction between each sheet metal that separates be prevented from.

[00082] Figure 13 is the synoptic diagram of a sheet metal, and the dewfall that this sheet metal is used to be equipped with a heat dump member prevents device.If heat dump member 35c, for example heat radiator is attached to the sheet metal 35 that is used for assembled heater, and more heat can conduct to image formation unit so.

[00083] in the embodiment shown in fig. 13, heat dump member 35c is arranged on the sheet metal 35a of assembling black image formation unit, so that heat is more effectively prevented that from dewfall device from conducting to image formation unit and writing unit.Alternatively, heat dump member 35c can be disposed in assembling be used for coloured image form the unit the sheet metal 35b of well heater go up or a whole assembling sheet metal.

[00084] will be divided into heater tube corresponding to each image formation unit 3C, 3M except black, 3Y and be integrated into as shown in figure 12 well heater 30b, can reduce the quantity of each parts.And in Figure 12, though omitted temperature control equipment, configuration can be such, and heter temperature keeps constant by temperature control equipment.

[00085] when only only some well heater open, not only black image forms unit but also other color image and forms the unit and can be heated (opening).

[00086] well heater can have such structure, and wherein image formation unit is heated or writing unit is heated, and perhaps the two all is heated.

[00087] and, about employed color in the image formation unit, " other color " can be monochromatic or multiple color (polychrome).

[00088] prevents in the image processing system of stop element in the dewfall that comprises according to the present invention, because the heating black image forms the well heater of corresponding optics in unit and the writing unit, and the well heater that the coloured image of heating except black forms corresponding optics in unit and the writing unit can be separated control, thus heat at night with holiday in the power consumption of obsolete image formation unit and writing unit can be saved.

[00089] according to an aspect of the present invention, during the operating frequency of facsimile recorder is very high (for example at night with holiday in), monochrome image formation unit (photoconductor and writing unit) is heated by only being provided with, and the excessive power drain in evening and holiday can be avoided.Promptly, the heating monochrome image forms the well heater of unit (photoconductor and writing unit) and well heater that the heating coloured image forms unit Be Controlled respectively, thus heating at night and between leave allowances and the obsolete coloured image power consumption that forms the unit can be reduced.

[00090] when only only some well heater open, not only black image forms unit but also other color image and forms the unit and can be heated (opening).

[00091] and, well heater can have such configuration, wherein image formation unit is heated or writing unit is heated, perhaps the both is heated.

[00092] though set forth the present invention about some special embodiment, with clear intactly openly the present invention, but therefore claims are not defined, and should be interpreted as comprising that those skilled in the art can realize, fall into all modifications of the given basic instruction of this paper and replace structure fully.

Claims (16)

1. An image forming device comprising: a plurality of writing units, each of which is configured to write an optical image on a corresponding position of the image carrier; a plurality of image forming units, wherein each of said image forming units is configured to develop an optical image into a visible image of a corresponding color at a corresponding position on said image carrier; a plurality of heaters configured to heat the one or more image forming units and writing units to prevent generation of condensation; a control unit configured to perform on/off control for each of said heaters, wherein The heater includes a first heater for heating an image forming unit and a corresponding writing unit; and a second heater to heat an image forming unit and a writing unit different from the image forming unit and the writing unit heated by the first heater, and The control unit controls ON/OFF control of the first heater and the second heater, respectively; and a time detection unit for detecting a target time necessary for controlling ON/OFF of said first heater and said second heater, wherein The control unit controls the start time of work based on the target time. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a multifunctional product including a facsimile and a first heater configured to heat the image forming unit and the writing unit corresponding to black . 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing unit having a fixing heater for fixing the visible image onto the recording medium, wherein The control unit turns on the first heater when a predetermined time elapses after the fixing heater is switched to the energy saving mode. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a date detection unit for detecting a date, wherein The control unit controls on/off of the first heater and the second heater based on the date detected by the date detection unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature detection unit for detecting an outside air temperature, wherein When the external air temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit controls the first heater and the second heater not to be turned on. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a fixing unit having a fixing heater for fixing the visible image onto the recording medium, wherein When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit controls the first heater and the second The heater is on. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a humidity detection unit for detecting humidity of outside air, wherein When the humidity of the outside air is equal to or higher than a predetermined humidity, the control unit controls the first heater and the second heater not to be turned on. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a fixing unit having a fixing heater for fixing the visible image onto the recording medium, wherein When the humidity of the outside air is equal to or lower than a predetermined humidity, the control unit controls the first heater and the second heater after the fixing heater is switched to the energy saving mode and a predetermined time elapses. Two heaters are on. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature detection unit for detecting the outside air temperature; and storage unit, which stores a first table containing information on an associated outside air temperature and a time required to raise the temperature of the image forming unit to a target temperature; and A second table, which contains information of associated dates and work start times, wherein the control unit searches the first table to find the required time based on the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detection unit, when the required run the first heater and the second heater during the time period, search the second table for the job start time, and start a job at the job start time. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet metal member arranged directly under the writing unit, wherein the writing unit is arranged under the corresponding image forming unit, and the The first heater and the second heater are fitted to the sheet metal member. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said sheet metal member is provided at a position along a rotational direction of each of said image forming units. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each surrounding area of each of the image forming units where the sheet metal member is not arranged is surrounded by a mold. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each surrounding area of each of the image forming units where the sheet metal member is not arranged is surrounded by a heat shield member. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each of the first heater and the second heater is mounted on each different sheet metal member. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a heat sink member disposed on the sheet metal member, wherein heat generated by the first heater and the second heater passes through the The heat sink member conducts. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first heater and the second heater integrally constitute a single heater.

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