| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can effectively use generated energy by an environment-friendly natural energy source not only in a standby state but also in a normal operating state. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device fixing an image formed on a recording medium with an electrophotographic system by heating processing of a heating means. In the image forming apparatus, power is supplied from power generation sources by a commercial power source and a natural energy source, and the fixing device has a plurality of heating means. The image forming apparatus has: a determination part determining whether the generated energy by the natural energy source is electric energy which can use one heating means in the fixing device; and a power switching part switching the electric power supply to the heating means from the commercial power source to the natural energy source when the determination part determines that it is the electric energy which can use the heating means. Thus, energy saving is promoted by replacing one part of the power from the commercial power source by the power by the natural energy source. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT |
