JP2009025743A - Image forming apparatus and image forming program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of prolonging service life of a heat roll while suppressing productivity decrease in printing, and to provide an image forming program. <P>SOLUTION: The fixing roll 202 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first main heater 204 and a second main heater 206 in order to fix a toner image onto a recording medium 138 which has been conveyed. The image forming apparatus also has a first heat roll 212 and a second heat roll 222 which are disposed so as to be in contact with the outer periphery of the fixing roll 202 or separated therefrom and which include a first sub-heater 214 and a second sub-heater 224 respectively for heating the fixing roll 202 during their contact. Additionally, a fixing-roll power supply control section 410 controls the first and second main heaters 204 and 206. The first and second sub-heaters 214 and 224 independent of them are controlled by a heat-roll power supply control section 412 and heat-roll operation control section 422. Thus, the temperature of the fixing roll 202 is controlled. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming program, and more particularly to a heating roll.

  The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device that develops the electrostatic latent image formed based on the image information with toner and fixes the visualized toner image on the transferred recording medium.

  As the fixing device, for example, there is a fixing device in which a fixing roll having a heater inside as a fixing member and a pressure roll as a pressure member (some of which have a heater inside) are brought into contact with each other.

By the way, during the non-image forming operation, the set temperature of the heat generating unit of the external heating member is set to the same temperature as the set temperature of the heat generating unit of the fixing member or the pressure member in contact with the external heating member. Therefore, the temperature sensor quickly detects a rapid decrease in the surface temperature that occurs immediately after the start of the image forming operation, and at least accelerates the operation of the heater built in the external heating member. Therefore, a configuration has been proposed that can accelerate the recovery of the surface temperature of the fixing member or the pressure member in contact with the external heating member, suppress the occurrence of fixing failure, and form a high-quality image at high speed (patent) Reference 1).
JP 2006-220697 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming program capable of extending the life of a heating roll while suppressing a decrease in printing productivity.

  The invention according to claim 1 is provided inside the fixing roll for fixing the toner image developed on the recording medium while conveying the recording medium, and heats the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roll. A main heater for heating, a heating roll for assisting heating of the fixing roll, an operating means for bringing the heating roll into contact with or separating from the fixing roll, a sub-heater for heating the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll, The main temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the main heater, the sub temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the sub heater independently of the main heater, and when the temperature control by the sub temperature control means is not necessary, Heating roll movement control means for controlling the operating means to separate the heating roll from the fixing roll.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, when the temperature control by the sub-temperature control unit is not required, the start of the next image forming process is confirmed after the image forming process is not performed for a predetermined time. It is characterized by a standby mode period until it is activated.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the fixing roll and the heating roll are each provided with an outer peripheral surface temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of each outer peripheral surface. Yes.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the main temperature control means controls the temperature based on the first predetermined time by turning off the power and not energizing it. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the sub-temperature control means controls the temperature based on the second predetermined time by turning off the power and not energizing it. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the data for printing is received and the recording medium on which the toner image is developed is conveyed, Based on the conveyance timing of the recording medium at a reference position, the temperature of the heating roll is controlled by the sub-temperature control means, and the operation of the heating roll is controlled by the operating means.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, when the recording medium on which the data for printing is received and the toner image is developed is conveyed, the recording is performed. According to the type of the medium, the temperature of the heating roll is controlled by the sub temperature control means, and the operation of the heating roll is controlled by the operating means.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a fixing step in which the recording medium is successively brought into contact with the outer peripheral portion of the fixing roll while the recording medium is conveyed, and the toner image developed on the recording medium is fixed. A fixing roll heating step for heating the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roll by a main heater provided inside the fixing roll; a heating step for heating the fixing roll by a heating roll; and the heating roll for fixing the fixing roll An operation process for contacting or separating the roll, a heating roll heating process for heating the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll by a sub-heater provided in the heating roll, and a main temperature for controlling the temperature of the main heater A control step, a sub-temperature control step for controlling the temperature of the sub-heater independently of the main heater, and a temperature control by the sub-temperature control step When not required, has a heating roller movement controlling step of separating said heated roll to control the operation step from the fixing roll.

  As described above, according to the first aspect, it is possible to obtain the effect that the life of the heating roll can be extended while suppressing the decrease in printing productivity.

  Furthermore, according to the second aspect, it is possible to obtain the effect of extending the life of the heating roll while suppressing power consumption.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to extend the life of the fixing roll and the heating roll.

  Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the life of the fixing roll while suppressing power consumption.

  And according to Claim 5, the effect that the lifetime of a heating roll can be extended is acquired, suppressing power consumption.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the effect that the life of the heating roll can be extended is obtained.

  Further, according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to obtain an effect that the temperature of the heating roll can be controlled with good timing and the temperature of the fixing roll can be controlled efficiently.

  According to the eighth aspect, the temperature of the heating roll can be controlled according to the type of the recording medium, and the temperature of the fixing roll can be controlled efficiently.

  Furthermore, according to the ninth aspect, it is possible to obtain an effect that the life of the heating roll can be extended while suppressing a reduction in printing productivity.

  FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit 102 at the top and an image forming unit 104 provided at the bottom of the image reading unit 102.

(Configuration of Image Reading Unit 102)
As shown in FIG. 1, the image reading unit 102 includes an apparatus main body 106 and a cover unit 108 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body. The cover unit 108 is provided with a box-shaped ADF (Auto Document Feeder) device 110 on the top thereof. The ADF device 110 has a transport system that pulls in the document placed on the document tray 112, reverses it, and discharges it to the document discharge tray 114. In addition, the ADF device 110 includes a reading sensor 116 that reads a document image in the middle of the conveyance path. As a result, the original image can be read before the original reaches the original discharge tray 114 from the original tray 112. In the ADF apparatus 110, it is also possible to read the images of the front and back sides of the original by turning the drawn original upside down and upside down.

  The document discharge tray 114 also has a function as a platen cover 118. That is, a white plate having elasticity is attached to the lower surface of the document discharge tray 114 so as to face the platen glass 120 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 106. A document can be placed on the platen glass 120, and is applied to document image reading when the ADF device 110 is not used.

  The apparatus main body 106 includes a first moving unit 126 having a light source 122 and a reflecting mirror 124, and a second moving unit 132 having a pair of reflecting mirrors 128 and 130. Each of the first moving unit 126 and the second moving unit 132 moves on the lower surface side of the platen glass 120.

  The first moving unit 126 irradiates light on the original image placed on the platen glass during the movement and receives the reflected light by the reflecting mirror 124. One reflection of the second moving unit 132 is reflected on the first moving unit 126. Guide to mirror 128. In the second moving unit 132, the light received by one reflection mirror 128 is reflected by the other reflection mirror 130 and guided to the CCD line sensor 136 via the lens unit 134.

  In the first moving unit 126 and the second moving unit 132, the second moving unit with respect to the moving distance of the first moving unit 126 in order to make the optical path length from the original image to the CCD line sensor 136 constant. 128 is moved within the same time by a half thereof.

  Further, when the original is read when the ADF device 110 is used, both the first moving unit 126 and the second moving unit 132 are positioned at the left end (home position) in FIG.

(Configuration of the image forming unit 104)
The image forming unit 104 reads character data or image data read by the CCD line sensor 136 of the image reading unit 102 or character data or image data transmitted from a client PC 702 (see FIG. 7) on the network. And the like to form an image on a predetermined recording medium 138.

  The image forming unit 104 is entirely covered with a rectangular casing 140, and the upper surface thereof serves as a discharge tray 142 for the recording medium 138.

  Components for image formation are arranged in the housing 140, and a charging unit 146 is arranged around the photosensitive drum 144, which is the main component, in order from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 144. An optical scanning device 148, a developing unit 150, a transfer unit 152, and a cleaning unit 154 are provided.

  That is, after the surface of the photosensitive drum 144 is uniformly charged by the charging unit 146, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiation with a light beam from the optical scanning device 148, and the toner is applied to the electrostatic latent image by the developing unit 150. And develop (toner image).

  A recording medium 138 is conveyed and sandwiched between the transfer unit 152 and the photosensitive drum 144 from the paper tray 156 or the manual feed tray 158, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 144 is recorded on the recording medium 138. It is supposed to be transferred to. A length dimension detection sensor 24 is provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the transfer unit 152, and a width dimension detection sensor 26 is provided on the manual feed tray 158. The transferred recording medium 138 is sent to the fixing unit 160 and heated and pressed to fix the toner image on the recording medium 138 and discharged to the discharge tray 142. In the present embodiment, the recording medium 138 can also be discharged to the sub discharge tray 142 provided on the left wall in FIG.

  Further, a detailed view of the fixing unit 160 is shown in FIG.

  The image forming unit 104 is provided with a reversing mechanism unit 162. The reversing mechanism 162 returns the recording medium 138 that has passed through the fixing unit 160 (one side of which image has been formed) to the upstream side of the transfer unit 152 by a so-called switchback method, and enables image formation on the other side. Yes. At this time, the conveyance direction of the recording medium 138 is reversed along with the reverse of the front and back.

  FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the fixing unit 160 of the image forming apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment. 2 illustrates a state in which the fixing unit 160 is rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction with respect to FIG.

  The fixing unit 160 includes a conveyance unit 240, a fixing roll 202, a first heating roll 212, and a second heating roll 222.

  Further, the transport unit 240 includes a first transport roll 252, a second transport roll 262, a third transport roll 272, and a pressure belt 280. Note that an IR heater 254 (IR Lamp) is incorporated in the first transport roll 252 and an outer peripheral surface temperature sensor (hereinafter referred to as a fourth surface temperature) that detects the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the first transport roll 252. A sensor 258) is also attached. The temperature of the first transport roll can be adjusted by turning on or off the IR heater 254 built in the first transport roll 252, and the temperature is the fourth surface temperature sensor. 258 can be measured.

  Further, in the transport unit 240, a pressure belt 280 is stretched around the outer periphery of the first transport roll 252, the second transport roll 262, and the third transport roll 272. Then, the recording medium 138 is fed by the pressure belt 280 along the direction of arrow A (the direction of arrow A indicated by the alternate long and short dash line) while being heated by the first transport roll 252.

  In addition, the fixing roll 202 includes a first main heater 204 (HR Main Lamp) and a second main heater 206 (HR Sub Lamp), and an outer peripheral surface that detects the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roll 202. A temperature sensor (hereinafter referred to as a first surface temperature sensor) 208 is also attached. Similarly to the first transporting roll 252, the temperature of the fixing roll 202 can be adjusted by turning on or off the first main heater 204 and the second main heater 206, and the temperature is It can also be measured by the first surface temperature sensor 208.

  Further, the first heating roll 212 includes a first sub-heater 214 (ER Lamp1), and an outer peripheral surface temperature sensor (hereinafter referred to as a second surface temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 212. 218) is also attached. Further, the second heating roll 222 (ER Lamp2) includes a second sub-heater 224, and an outer peripheral surface temperature sensor (hereinafter referred to as a third temperature sensor) that detects the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the second heating roll 222. Also attached is a surface temperature sensor (228). Furthermore, the first heating roll 212 can adjust the temperature of the first heating roll 212 by turning on or off the first sub-heater 214, and the temperature is determined by the second surface temperature sensor. 218 can be measured. The second heating roll 222 can adjust the temperature of the second heating roll 222 by turning on or off the second sub-heater 224. The temperature of the second heating roll 222 is the third surface temperature sensor. It can be measured by 228.

  Further, the first heating roll 212 can move along the arrow B direction (the arrow B direction indicated by the two-dot chain line), and the first heating roll 212 moves along the arrow B direction, Move as shown by the two-dot chain line.

  Similarly, the second heating roll 222 can move along the direction of arrow C, and the second heating roll 222 moves along the direction of arrow C, as shown by a two-dot chain line. Moving.

  In the conveyance unit 240, a part of the third conveyance roll 272 whose outer periphery is stretched by the pressure belt 280 is in contact with the fixing roll 202. Further, the first heating roll 212 and the second heating roll are also in contact with a part of the fixing roll 202. The first heating roll 212 and the second heating roll move in the arrow B direction and the arrow C direction to contact or separate (separate) from the fixing roll 202.

  The basic operation of the fixing unit 160 will be described below.

  When the recording medium 138 on which the toner image was transferred was conveyed on the pressure belt 280 along the direction of arrow A, it was heated by the IR heater 254 (measured by the fourth surface temperature sensor 258 and 180 ° C. The recording medium 138 on which the toner image is transferred is heated by the first transport roll 252 (adjusted back and forth). Then, the fixing roll 202 heated by the first main heater 204 and the second main heater 206 (measured by the first surface temperature sensor 208 and adjusted to around 180 ° C.) and the conveying unit 240 are in contact with each other. The toner image transferred to the recording medium 138 is heated and fixed by applying pressure.

  Therefore, when the toner image transferred to the recording medium 138 is fixed, the fixing temperature of the fixing roll 202 depends on the thickness, length, or number of the recording medium 138 (for example, the second sheet, the third sheet and thereafter). Therefore, the fixing roll 202 is supplementarily heated by the first heating roll 212 incorporating the first sub heater 214. In the first heating roll 212 incorporating the first sub-heater 214, the temperature is measured by the second surface temperature sensor 218 and adjusted to about 200 ° C., which is about 20 ° C. to 30 ° C. higher than the fixing roll 202. Has been.

  Further, the fixing roll 202 is also supplementarily heated by the second heating roll 222 including the second sub-heater 224, and the third surface temperature sensor 228 is used similarly to the first heating roll 212. It is measured and adjusted to around 200 ° C., which is about 20 ° C. to 30 ° C. higher than the fixing roll 202.

  IR Lamp is an abbreviation for Internal (Infrared) Roll Lamp, and is an infrared lamp using infrared rays with a built-in lamp for an internal roll. HR Main Lamp is an abbreviation for Heat (Halogen) Roll Main Lamp, and HR Sub Lamp is an abbreviation for Heat (Halogen) Roll Sub Lamp, which is called a heat roll, and is called main (main) and sub (sub) ). Furthermore, ER Lamp1 and ER Lamp2 are abbreviations for External Roll Lamp, and are lamps for heating rolls incorporating a lamp for external rolls (which may be a halogen lamp or an infrared lamp).

  FIG. 3 is a control block diagram 300 of the fixing unit 160 in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment.

  The control block diagram 300 is a control unit 310, a fuser (1) 320, a fuser (2) 330, an environmental SNR (signal to noise ratio) 340, a fuser relay (Fuser Relay), and (Referred to as a fixing unit relay) 350.

  Furthermore, in the control block diagram 300, the first semiconductor relay 360a (HR Main Lamp SSR) and the AC 200V are connected between the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330 in order to connect the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330. The first AC power supply 370a is inserted.

  Further, in order to connect the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330, a second semiconductor relay 360b (HR Sub Lamp SSR) and an AC 200V second AC power supply 370b are provided between the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330. It is configured by inserting.

  Further, in order to connect the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330, a third semiconductor relay 360c (ER Lamp Lamp SSR) and an AC 200V third AC power supply 370c are provided between the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330. It is configured by inserting.

  Further, in order to connect the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330, a fourth AC power supply of a fourth semiconductor relay 360d (IR Lamp SSR), AC200V to AC240V is provided between the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330. 370d is inserted.

  Note that the fuser (1) 320 and the fuser (2) 330 mean a fixing device (Fuser), and each of them is a part of the fixing unit 160 and is included in the fixing unit 160.

  On the input (INPUT) side of the control unit 310, the control unit 310 includes a fuser (1) 320 and an environment SNR 340. The fuser (1) 320 built in the fixing unit 160 is also called a first fixing part 320, and is a fixing roll surface temperature main control sensor (STS Cont HR) 320a, a fixing roll surface temperature sub-control sensor (STS Sub). HR) 320b and a fixing roll protection sensor (STS Over HR) 320c. Further, the first fixing portion 320 includes a first heating roll surface temperature control sensor (STS Cont ER1) 320d and a first heating roll protection sensor (STS Over ER1) 320e. The first fixing portion 320 includes a second heating roll surface temperature control sensor (STS Cont ER2) 320f, a second heating roll protection sensor (STS Over ER1) 320g, and a first transport roll surface temperature main control. A sensor (STS Cont IR) 320h is also included.

  The STS is a sensor for measuring surface temperature and means a surface temperature sensor. STS Cont HR is an abbreviation for STS Control Heat (Halogen) Roll, and is a surface temperature sensor (for the first main heater 204) of the fixing roll 202, which is a heat roll. Further, STS Sub HR is an abbreviation for STS Sub Heat (Halogen) Roll, and is a surface temperature sensor (for the second main heater 206) of the fixing roll 202 which is a heat roll. STS Over HR is an abbreviation for STS Over Heat (Halogen) Roll, and is a surface temperature sensor for preventing overheating of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2), which is a heat roll. It is a surface temperature sensor for protection from overheating due to heat. Furthermore, STS Control ER1 is an abbreviation for STS Control External Roll (1), and is a surface temperature sensor of the first heating roll 212 outside the fixing roll. STS Over ER1 is an abbreviation for STS Over External Roll (1), and is a surface temperature sensor for preventing overheating of the first heating roll 212 outside the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, it is a surface temperature sensor for protection from overheating due to the heat of the first heating roll 212. Furthermore, STS Control ER2 is an abbreviation for STS Control External Roll (2), and is a surface temperature sensor of the second heating roll 222 outside the fixing roll. STS Over ER2 is an abbreviation for STS Over External Roll (2), which is a surface temperature sensor for preventing overheating of the second heating roll 222 outside the fixing roll 202. 2 is a surface temperature sensor for protection from overheating due to heat of the second heating roll 222. Furthermore, STS Control IR is an abbreviation for STS Control Internal (Infrared) Roll, and is a surface temperature sensor of the first transport roll 211. The environment SNR 340 is called an S / N ratio and represents the amount of noise with respect to a signal in a predetermined environment in a logarithm.

  The environment SNR 340 is connected to the control unit 310, and is connected from the output side of the environment SNR 340 to the input (IN) terminal of the control unit 310, and the first fixing portion 320 is also the control unit 310 similarly to the environment SNR 340. Is connected to the input (IN) terminal.

  Specifically, the first fixing portion 320 is connected to the input (INPUT) side of the control unit 310 as follows.

  One of the fixing roll surface temperature main control sensors 320 a is connected to the control unit 310, and the other is connected from the output side of the environmental SNR 340 to the input (IN) terminal of the control unit 310. The fixing roll surface temperature sub-control sensor 320b, the fixing roll protection sensor 320c, the first heating roll surface temperature control sensor 320d, the first heating roll protection sensor 320e, the second heating roll surface temperature control sensor 320f, and the second. One of the heating roll protection sensor 320g and the first transport roll surface temperature main control sensor 320h is also connected to the control unit 310, and the other is connected to the input (IN) terminal of the control unit 310 from the output side of the environmental SNR 340. Connected to.

  On the output (OUTPUT) side of the control unit 310, the control unit 310 includes a fuser (2) 330 and a fixing unit relay 350. In addition, a first semiconductor relay 360 a (HR Main Lamp SSR) and a first AC power source 370 a are connected between the control unit 310 and the fuser (2) 330. Further, a second semiconductor relay 360b (HR Sub Lamp SSR) and a second AC power source 370b are connected to each other. Further, a third semiconductor relay 360c (ER Lamp SSR) and a third AC power source 370c are connected to each other. Further, a fourth semiconductor relay 360d (IR Lamp SSR) and a fourth AC power source 370d are connected to each other.

  Further, the fuser (2) 330 built in the fixing unit 160 is also called a second fixing part 330, and a first main heater (HR Main Lamp) 204 (see FIG. 2) and a second main heater ( HR Sub Lamp) 206 (see FIG. 2).

  Further, the second fixing portion 330 includes a first sub heater (ER Lamp1) 214 (see FIG. 2), a second sub heater (ER Lamp2) 224 (see FIG. 2), and an IR heater (IR Lamp) 254 (see FIG. 2). 2).

  Note that SSR is Solid State Relay, which is a semiconductor relay (also referred to as a semiconductor relay). HR Main Lamp SSR is an abbreviation for Heat (Halogen) Roll Main Lamp SSR, and is a semiconductor relay (for main use) of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) which is a heat roll. Further, HR Sub Lamp SSR is an abbreviation for Heat (Halogen) Roll Sub Lamp SSR, and is a semiconductor relay (for sub) of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) which is a heat roll. ER Lamp SSR is an abbreviation of External Roll Lamp SSR, and includes a first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and a second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) outside the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). ) Semiconductor relay. Specifically, the first sub-heater 214 (see FIG. 2) built in the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second sub-heater built in the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2). This is a semiconductor relay for operating the sub-heaters 224 simultaneously.

  Furthermore, IR Lamp SSR is an abbreviation of Internal (Infrared) Roll Lamp SSR, and is located inside the transport unit 240 (see FIG. 2), and is the first transport roll 252 (see FIG. 2) incorporating an infrared heater. It is a semiconductor relay.

  The first AC power source 370a is an AC power source for turning on the heater, and operates the main heater 204 (see FIG. 2) using a 200V AC power source voltage (AC 200V). The second AC power supply 370b is also an AC power supply for turning on the heater, and operates the sub heater 206 (see FIG. 2) using an AC power supply voltage (AC200V) of 200V. Further, the third AC power source 370c is also an AC power source for turning on the heater, and the first sub heater 214 (see FIG. 2) and the second sub heater 224 (see FIG. 2) using an AC power source voltage (AC 200V) of 200V. (See FIG. 2). The fourth AC power supply 370d is also an AC power supply for turning on the heater, and operates the IR heater 254 (see FIG. 2) using an AC power supply voltage (AC200V to AC240V) of 200V to 240V.

  Then, an output (OUT) terminal of the control unit 310 is connected to the fixing unit relay 350.

  Further, the output (OUT) terminal of the control unit 310 and one input side of the first semiconductor relay 360a are connected, and the control unit 310 and the other one of the first semiconductor relay 360a are connected. In addition, one of the first semiconductor relays 360a and the first main heater 204 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 are connected via the first AC power source 370a, and the first semiconductor relays are also connected. The other side of 360a and the first main heater 204 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 are connected.

  Further, the output (OUT) terminal of the control unit 310 and one input side of the second semiconductor relay 360b are connected, and the control unit 310 and the other of the second semiconductor relay 360b are connected. Further, one of the second semiconductor relays 360b and the second main heater 206 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 are connected via the second AC power source 370b, and the second semiconductor relays are connected. The other side of 360b and the second main heater 206 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 are connected.

  Furthermore, the output (OUT) terminal of the control unit 310 and one input side of the third semiconductor relay 360c are connected, and the control unit 310 and the other of the third semiconductor relay 360c are connected. In addition, one of the third semiconductor relays 360c and the second sub heater 224 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 are connected via a third AC power source 370c, and the third semiconductor relay 360c The other and the first sub-heater 214 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 are connected.

  Further, the output (OUT) terminal of the control unit 310 and one input side of the fourth semiconductor relay 360d are connected, and the control unit 310 and the other of the fourth semiconductor relay 360d are connected. Further, one of the fourth semiconductor relays 360d and the IR heater 254 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 are connected via a fourth AC power source 370d, and the other of the fourth semiconductor relays 360d is connected to the other one. The IR heater 254 (see FIG. 2) of the second fixing portion 330 is connected.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the control block diagram 300 of the fixing unit 160 will be described.

  First, first sensor information, which is ambient environment information from the environment SNR 340 and can also be referred to as noise information, is input to the input (IN) terminal of the control unit 310. Based on the first sensor information, information is output to the fixing unit relay 350 at the output (OUT) terminal of the control unit 310.

  In addition, second sensor information is input from the fixing roll surface temperature main control sensor 320a and the fixing roll protection sensor 320c to the control unit 310, and based on the second sensor information, the first semiconductor relay 360a and the first semiconductor relay 360a. The first main heater 204 (see FIG. 2) is controlled via the AC power source 370a.

  Further, the third sensor information is also input to the control unit 310 from the fixing roll surface temperature sub-control sensor 320b and the fixing roll protection sensor 320c, and based on the third sensor information, the second semiconductor relay 360b and the second semiconductor relay 360b. The second main heater 206 (see FIG. 2) is controlled via the AC power source 370b.

  In addition, the first heating roll surface temperature control sensor 320d, the first heating roll protection sensor 320e, the second heating roll surface temperature control sensor 320f, and the second heating roll protection sensor 320g are transferred to the control unit 310 from the fourth heating roll surface temperature control sensor 320d. Sensor information is input. Based on the fourth sensor information, the first sub-heater 214 (see FIG. 2) and the second sub-heater 224 (see FIG. 2) are connected via the third semiconductor relay 360c and the third AC power source 370c. Be controlled.

  Further, the fifth sensor information is also input to the control unit 310 from the first transport roll surface temperature main control sensor 320h, and based on the fifth sensor information, the fourth semiconductor relay 360d and the fourth AC power supply The IR heater 254 (see FIG. 2) is controlled via 370d.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram 400 of the fixing unit 160 in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment.

  First, when the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) is turned on, power-on information indicating that the power is turned on is input to the power management unit 404, and the power management unit 404 displays the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1). 1) is transmitted to the main heater control unit 406 and the sub heater control unit 408, indicating that power is supplied to each unit. The main heater control unit 406 is incorporated in the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) and controls the first main heater 204 (see FIG. 2) and the second main heater 206 (see FIG. 2). The sub-heater control unit 408 is built in the first sub-heater 214 (see FIG. 2) built in the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2). The second sub heater 224 (see FIG. 2) is controlled.

  In addition, the 1st main heater 204 (refer FIG. 2) and the 2nd main heater 206 (refer FIG. 2) are named generically. The first sub-heater 214 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are collectively referred to as sub-heaters. Furthermore, the 1st heating roll 212 (refer FIG. 2) and the 2nd heating roll 222 (refer FIG. 2) are named generically.

  The main heater control unit 406 that has received the power-on information transmits main heater operation information indicating a state in which the main heater is operating to the fixing roll energization control unit 410. The fixing roll energization controller 410 controls the heating of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) to heat it to a predetermined temperature (around 180 ° C.) by energizing the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2).

  The fixing roll energization control unit 410 that has received the main heater operation information transmits fixing roll energization information indicating how much current, voltage, and the like are applied to the fixing roll to the fixing roll temperature control unit 414. The fixing roll temperature controller 414 increases the temperature of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) by energizing the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2), and if not energized, the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). The temperature is controlled to be constant or to fluctuate such as falling.

  The fixing roll temperature control unit 414 transmits fixing roll temperature information indicating the temperature of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) to the fixing roll mode control unit 418 and the print instruction unit 424 based on the received fixing roll energization information. . The fixing roll mode control unit 418 controls the temperature of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) in order to change the state of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) according to various mode settings.

  For example, when the warm-up mode (Warm Up mode) 624 and 636 (see FIG. 6) and the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) that are entered when starting the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) are ready for operation. Ready mode (Ready mode) 626, 638, 630, 642 (refer to FIG. 6) to enter, print processing mode 628, 640 (refer to FIG. 6) for performing print processing, and to suppress the power supply of the printing apparatus and to wait There are standby modes 632 and 644 (see FIG. 6). The setting of each mode can also be determined by a predetermined time, an external operation or the like.

  The print instructing unit 424 displays print data presence / absence information indicating whether there is print data information including character data (information), image data (information), character image data (information), or the like. 418 and the heating roll mode control unit 420.

  The print data information is acquired from the outside or the image reading unit 102 (see FIG. 1) by the print data acquisition unit 402 and directly transmitted to the print instruction unit 424.

  Upon receiving the fixing roll temperature information and the print data presence / absence information, the fixing roll mode control unit 418 receives the fixing roll mode information indicating each mode setting of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) in the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1). This is transmitted to the fixing roll energization control unit 410. Accordingly, the fixing roll energization control unit 410 controls energization based on the fixing roll mode information so as to match the temperature of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) according to each mode setting. Further, based on the controlled fixing roll energization information, the fixing roll temperature control unit 414 transmits the fixing roll temperature information to the fixing roll mode control unit 418 and the print instruction unit 424.

  The sub-heater control unit 408 that has received the power-on information transmits sub-heater operation information indicating the operation state of the sub-heater to the heating roll energization control unit 412. The heating roll energization control unit 412 controls the heating roll to be heated to a predetermined temperature by energizing the heating roll.

  The heating roll energization control unit 412 that has received the sub-heater operation information transmits to the heating roll temperature control unit 416 and the heating roll operation control unit 422 the heating roll energization information indicating how much current and voltage are applied to the heating roll. To do. The heating roll temperature control unit 416 increases the temperature of the heating roll by energizing the heating roll. If the current is not energized, the temperature of the heating roll remains constant or decreases. Take control. Also, the heating roll operation control unit 422 performs the first heating based on the heating roll energization information and the heating roll mode information indicating the heating roll mode setting (similar to the fixing roll mode information by the fixing roll mode control unit 418). The roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are brought into contact with or separated from the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2).

  The heating roll temperature control unit 416 that has received the heating roll energization information transmits heating roll temperature information indicating the temperature of the heating roll to the heating roll mode control unit 420 and the print instruction unit 424 based on the received heating roll energization information. To do. The heating roll mode control unit 420 controls the temperature of the heating roll in order to change the state of the heating roll according to each mode setting. Regarding the mode setting, warm-up modes 624 and 636 (see FIG. 6), ready modes 626, 638, 630, and 642 (see FIG. 6), print processing modes 628 and 640 (see FIG. 6), and standby mode 632 , 644 (see FIG. 6) is exactly the same as the fixing roll mode control unit 418.

  Upon receiving the heating roll temperature information and the print data presence / absence information, the heating roll mode control unit 420 transmits heating roll mode information indicating mode setting information on the heating roll to the heating roll operation control unit 422 and the heating roll energization control unit 412. To do.

  Therefore, based on the heating roll mode information, the heating roll energization control unit 412 controls energization so that it matches the temperature of the heating roll in accordance with each mode. Further, the controlled heating roll energization information is transmitted to the heating roll temperature control unit 416 and the heating roll operation control unit 422. Furthermore, the heating roll operation control unit 422 transmits the heating roll operation information to the heating roll temperature control unit 416 based on the received controlled heating roll energization information. The heating roll temperature control unit 416 transmits the heating roll temperature information to the heating roll mode control unit 420 and the print instruction unit 424.

  Starting from the print data information, the fixing roll temperature information, and the heating roll temperature information, the print instruction unit 424 prints the print data information to the image forming unit 104 (see FIG. 1) and print instruction information indicating a command to instruct printing. To print the print data information on the image forming unit 104 (see FIG. 1).

  Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 of the overall control of the fixing unit 160 in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment.

  In step 502, power is turned on to the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) and the heating roll. Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) is turned on, the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2), the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2), and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2). 2) is turned on.

  In step 504, the temperature by energizing the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) and the heating roll rises. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) is turned on, the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2), the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2), and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2). When the power is supplied to the reference roller (see FIG. 2), the fixing roller 202 (see FIG. 2), the first heating roller 212 (see FIG. 2), and the second heating roller 222 (see FIG. 2) are heated and the temperature rises.

  In step 506, the heating roll comes into contact with the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, when the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are energized and the temperature rises, the operation of contacting the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). (The moving roll contacts the fixing roll 202).

  In step 508, it is determined whether the temperature of the heating roll is higher than the first Ready temperature. If the temperature of the heating roll is higher than the first ready temperature, the process proceeds to step 510, and if it is lower, the process returns to step 508 to repeat and repeat. Specifically, the temperatures of the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are the first ready temperatures (in the Ready modes 638 and 642 shown in FIG. 6). It is determined whether or not the temperature has risen to about 200 ° C., which is a predetermined temperature of the determined heating roll.

  In step 510, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) is higher than the second ready temperature. If the temperature of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) is higher than the second ready temperature, the process proceeds to step 512, and if it is lower, the process returns to step 510 to repeat the process. Specifically, the temperature of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) is the second ready temperature (a predetermined temperature determined for the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) in the Ready modes 626 and 630 shown in FIG. 6). It is determined whether or not the temperature has increased to around 180 ° C.

  The first ready temperature indicates a predetermined temperature of the heating roll determined in the Ready modes 638 and 642 (see FIG. 6) in the heating roll mode, and the second ready temperature indicates the Ready mode in the fixing roll mode. The predetermined temperature determined for the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) in the state of 626 and 630 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the relationship between the first ready temperature in the heating roll that is easy to be heated because it is smaller than the fixing roll 202 and the second ready temperature in the fixing roll 202 that is larger than the heating roll and difficult to be heated is the first ready temperature ( Around 200 ° C.)> Second ready temperature (around 180 ° C.).

  In step 512, it is determined whether there is print data. If there is print data, the process proceeds to step 514, and if there is no print data, the process proceeds to step 520. Specifically, the mode is set depending on whether or not there is print data, and the process proceeds to the print process mode (see FIG. 6), the ready mode (see FIG. 6) which is a preparation state for the print process, or in the standby state. It is determined whether or not to shift to a standby mode (see FIG. 6) in which the temperature is suppressed by suppressing a certain current and voltage.

  When the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) on which the toner image is developed after receiving data for printing is conveyed, based on the conveyance timing of the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) at a predetermined reference position. The temperature of the heating roll is controlled, and the operation is also controlled. Specifically, when the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) on which the toner image is developed is conveyed, various sensors (the length dimension detection sensor 24 (see FIG. 1) and the width dimension detection sensor 26 (see FIG. 1)). Etc.), the leading end of the recording medium 138 is detected, and the conveyance timing of the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) is detected using that portion as a predetermined reference position. Based on this, the temperature of the heating roll is controlled, and the operation is also controlled.

  In addition, when the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) on which the toner image is developed after receiving the data for printing, the temperature of the heating roll depends on the type of the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2). Controls the operation. Specifically, when the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) on which the toner image is developed is conveyed, the temperature of the heating roll is controlled according to the type of the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2), and the operation is also controlled. To do. For example, the temperature of the heating roll is controlled according to the size, number of sheets, thickness, and the type of recording medium (plain paper, coated paper, glossy paper, photographic paper, etc.), etc. Control.

  In step 514, a print instruction is transmitted to the image forming unit 104 (see FIG. 1). More specifically, print data and a print instruction (print command) are transmitted to the image forming unit 104 (see FIG. 1) to print the print data.

  In step 516, a printing process (image forming process) is performed. Specifically, the image forming unit 104 (see FIG. 1) prints the print data based on the print data and the print instruction transmitted in step 514.

  In step 518, it is determined whether the printing process has been completed. If printing has ended, the process proceeds to step 512. If printing has not ended, the process returns to step 516 to repeat the printing process. Specifically, if the print process is completed and there is no print data and print instruction, the process proceeds to step 512 to determine whether there is print data. If there is print data and print instruction, step 516 is performed. Return to and continue printing.

  In step 520, it is determined whether or not the time after reaching the first ready temperature is greater than a predetermined time T1. If the time after reaching the first ready temperature is longer than the predetermined time T1, the process proceeds to step 524, and if not, the process proceeds to step 522. Specifically, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll (see FIG. 2) are at the first ready temperature (temperature around 200 ° C. in the ready modes 638 and 642 in FIG. 6). It is determined whether or not the time after reaching the time is longer than a predetermined time T1 (which indicates the first predetermined time 646 in FIG. 6). If the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll (see FIG. 2) have maintained the first ready temperature for a predetermined time T1, to shift to the standby mode Proceeding to step 524, if the first ready temperature has not been maintained for a predetermined time T1 (if it has not yet reached the predetermined time T1), the process proceeds to step 522 to maintain the ready temperature. The predetermined time T1 corresponds to the predetermined time described in claim 2.

  In step 522, it is determined whether or not the time after reaching the second ready time is greater than the predetermined time T2. Specifically, the time from when the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) reaches the second ready temperature (a temperature around 180 ° C. in the ready modes 626 and 630 in FIG. 6) reaches a predetermined time T2 (in FIG. 6). It is determined whether it is longer than the second predetermined time 634. If the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) has kept the second ready temperature for the predetermined time T2, the process proceeds to step 524 to shift to the standby mode, and during the predetermined time T2, If the ready temperature of 2 is not maintained (if the predetermined time T2 has not yet been reached), the process proceeds to step 512 in order to maintain the ready temperature. The predetermined time T2 also corresponds to the predetermined time described in claim 2.

  The predetermined time T1 is a time during which the heating roll maintains the first ready temperature (around 200 ° C.), and indicates the first predetermined time 646 in FIG. Further, the predetermined time T2 is a time during which the fixing roll 202 maintains the second ready temperature (around 180 ° C.), and indicates the second predetermined time 634 in FIG. Since the heating roll is physically smaller than the fixing roll 202, it is easily heated and the temperature rises easily. However, since the fixing roll 202 is larger than the heating roll, it is difficult to be heated and the temperature does not rise easily. Therefore, since the time until the heating roll reaches the first ready temperature is shorter than the time until the fixing roll 202 reaches the second ready temperature, the relationship between the predetermined time T1 and the predetermined time T2 is The predetermined time T1 <the predetermined time T2.

  In step 524, the heating roll is separated. Specifically, since the heating roll of the fixing unit 160 (see FIG. 1) has entered the standby mode (see FIG. 6), the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll (see FIG. 2). However, they are separated (separated) from the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) is moved away from the fixing roll 202 in the direction of the arrow B, and the second heating roll (FIG. 2) is separated. Reference) is moved away from the fixing roll 202 with respect to the direction of arrow C and separated.

  In step 526, energization of the heating roll is suppressed. More specifically, the temperature is lowered to shift to the standby mode by suppressing energization of the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2).

  In step 528, energization of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) is suppressed. Specifically, by suppressing energization of the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2), the temperature is lowered to shift to the standby mode.

  In step 530, it is determined whether there is print data. If there is print data, the process proceeds to step 504, and if there is no print data, the process proceeds to step 524. Specifically, in step 524, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll (see FIG. 2) are separated from the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2), and all the rolls (fixing roll 202) are separated. And the heating roll) is suppressed, the temperature is lowered, and the standby mode is set. If there is print data, the process proceeds to step 504 to return to the ready temperature (around 180 ° C. for the fixing roll 202 and around 200 ° C. for the heating roll), and the warm-up mode (see FIG. 6) is set to ready. The mode is changed to the mode (see FIG. 6), and the temperature is raised to the ready temperature to prepare for the printing process. However, if there is no print data, the process proceeds to step 524 to maintain the standby mode, and the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll (see FIG. 2) are set to the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). 2), the energization of all the rolls is suppressed, the temperature is lowered, and the standby mode is maintained. Briefly, when the temperature control by the heating roller is not necessary, the start of the next image forming process is confirmed after the image forming process (the processing in the print processing modes 628 and 640 in FIG. 6) is not performed for a predetermined time. Until this is the standby mode period (periods of the standby modes 632 and 644 in FIG. 6).

  Steps 502 to 506 are the warm-up mode (Warm Up mode shown in FIG. 6) 624 and 636 (see FIG. 6). Steps 508 to 512 are ready modes (Ready mode shown in FIG. 6) 626 and 638, and Steps 520 to 522 are ready modes (Ready mode shown in FIG. 6) 630 and 642 (see FIG. 6). . Further, Steps 514 to 518 are print processing modes 628 and 640 (see FIG. 6). Steps 524 to 530 are the standby mode (see FIG. 6).

  Further, when data for printing (character data, image data, character image data, etc.) is received and the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) on which the toner image is developed is conveyed, recording at a predetermined reference position is performed. Based on the conveyance timing of the medium 138 (see FIG. 2), the temperature of the heating roll is controlled, and the operation is also controlled.

  Further, when the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2) on which the data for printing is received and the toner image is developed is conveyed, the temperature of the heating roll is determined according to the type of the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2). Controls the operation. For example, the temperature of the heating roll is controlled according to the size, number, thickness, type of recording medium, and the like of the recording medium 138 (see FIG. 2), and the operation is also controlled.

  6 shows a heating roll physical operation (contact and separation operation) 602, a fixing roll energization operation 604, a fixing roll mode 606, a heating roll energization control 608, and a heating roll of the fixing unit 160 in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment. It is a waveform diagram 600 showing a mode 610.

  First, during the period from the first timing 612 to the second timing 616 when the power is turned on, the following operation is performed.

  The waveform of the heating roll physical operation 602 rises. Specifically, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are moved to contact the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). The waveform 604 of the fixing roll energization control also rises and becomes an on state (energized state). Further, the fixing roll mode 606 enters the warm-up mode (warm up mode) 624 (the energized state because the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 also rises and is turned on, so the temperature of the fixing roll 202 starts to rise. ). Further, the heating roll energization control waveform 608 also rises and is turned on. Further, the heating roll mode 610 enters the warm-up mode (warm up mode) 636 by the waveform 608 of the heating roll energization control rising and being turned on (because the heating roll enters the energized state, the heating roll starts to rise in temperature). .

  In the period from the next second timing 616 to the third timing 614, the following operation is performed.

  The waveform of the heated roll physical operation 602 remains standing. Specifically, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are kept in contact with the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Further, the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 repeatedly rises and is turned on or falls and turned off (non-energized state). Further, the fixing roll mode 606 enters the ready mode 626 by repeating the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 rising and turning on or falling and turning off (the temperature of the fixing roll 202). Control the energization state in order to keep the preparation state constant). In addition, the heating roll energization control waveform 608 also rises and repeats being turned on or falling and turned off. Furthermore, the heating roll mode 610 enters the ready mode 638 by repeating the heating roll energization control waveform 608 rising and turning on or falling and turning off (first heating roll) 638 (first heating roll). 212 (see FIG. 2) and the temperature of the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) is controlled to keep the energized state constant).

  During the period from the third timing 614 to the fourth timing 618 of the next printing start, the following operation is performed.

  The waveform of the heated roll physical operation 602 remains standing. Specifically, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are kept in contact with the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Also, the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 rises and the on-state is relatively large, but occasionally it repeatedly falls and turns off. Further, in the fixing roll mode 606, the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 also rises and the ON state is relatively large. However, the fixing roll mode 606 enters the print processing mode 628 by repeating the falling and OFF state occasionally (fixing). The energization state is controlled in order to keep the temperature of the roll 202 in a high printing state). Also, the heating roll energization control waveform 608 rises and the on-state is relatively large, but occasionally it repeatedly falls and turns off. Further, the heating roll mode 610 has a relatively large number of ON states because the heating roll energization control waveform 608 also rises. However, the heating roll mode 610 enters the print processing mode 640 by repeating the occasional falling and turning OFF state (first operation). The energization state is controlled in order to keep the temperature of the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) in a higher printing state).

  Between the next fourth timing 618 and the fifth timing 620, the operation is as follows.

  The waveform of the heated roll physical operation 602 remains standing. Specifically, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are kept in contact with the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Also, the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 repeats rising and turning on and falling and turning off. Further, the fixing roll mode 606 enters the ready mode 630 by repeating that the waveform 604 of the fixing roll energization control rises and turns on and falls and turns off (the temperature of the fixing roll 202 is kept at a fixed state). Control the energization state to keep the In addition, the heating roll energization control waveform 608 also rises and repeats turning on and falling and turning off. Further, the heating roll mode 610 enters the ready mode 642 by repeating that the heating roll energization control waveform 608 also rises and turns off and turns off (see the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2)). ) And the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2), the energization state is controlled in order to keep the temperature of the preparation state constant).

  From the next fifth timing 620 to sixth timing 622, the operation is as follows.

  The waveform of the heating roll physical operation 602 falls. Specifically, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are separated from the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Also, the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 repeats rising and turning on and falling and turning off. Further, the fixing roll mode 606 is maintained in the ready mode 630 by repeating that the fixing roll energization control waveform 604 rises and turns on and falls and turns off (the temperature of the fixing roll 202 is maintained). Control the energized state to keep the prepared state constant). Further, the waveform 608 of the heating roll energization control falls and is turned off. Further, the heating roll mode 610 shifts to the standby mode 644 when the waveform 608 of the heating roll energization control falls and is turned off (the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll). In order to set the temperature of 222 (see FIG. 2) to the standby state, the energized state is suppressed and the temperature is lowered).

  At the timing after the next sixth timing 622, the following operation is performed.

The waveform of the heating roll physical operation 602 continues to fall. Specifically, the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2) are separated from the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2). Further, the waveform 604 of the fixing roll energization control falls and is turned off. Further, the fixing roll mode 606 shifts to the standby mode 632 when the waveform 604 of the fixing roll energization control falls and is turned off (the energization state is stopped in order to set the temperature of the fixing roll 202 to the standby state). Reduce the temperature). Further, the waveform 608 of the heating roll energization control falls and is kept off. Furthermore, the heating roll mode 610 is maintained in the standby mode 644 by the waveform 608 of the heating roll energization control falling and being turned off (the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 610). In order to set the temperature of the roll 222 (see FIG. 2) to the standby state, the energized state is stopped and the temperature is lowered).
The first predetermined time 646 that is the time in the ready mode state in the heating roll mode 610 is shorter than the second predetermined time 634 that is the time in the ready mode state of the fixing roll mode. As the difference, there is a difference of the third predetermined time 648. The reason is that the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2) is physically larger than the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll (see FIG. 2). For example, even if the temperature is increased by the main heater 204 and the sub heater 206 of the halogen lamp built in the fixing roll 202 (see FIG. 2), the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll 222 (see FIG. 2). It takes more time to reach the predetermined temperatures of the fixing roll 202 and the heating roll than (see FIG. 2). Further, since the first heating roll 212 (see FIG. 2) and the second heating roll (see FIG. 2) are small, if the temperature is increased by the first sub-heater 214 and the second sub-heater 224, the temperature can be increased in a short time. It becomes possible to do.

  Therefore, the second predetermined time 634 in the ready mode 630 in the fixing roll mode 606 is set to be longer by the third predetermined time 648 than the first predetermined time 646 in the ready mode 642 in the heating roll mode 610. In order to flexibly shift to the next print processing mode and standby mode, a time difference is set by the third predetermined time 648.

  Note that the second predetermined time 634 in the ready mode 630 in the fixing roll mode 606, the first predetermined time 646 in the ready mode 642 in the heating roll mode 610, and the second predetermined time 634 and the first predetermined time 646. The third predetermined time 648 that is a time difference is variable and can be determined according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1). Further, the temperatures of the fixing roll 202 and the heating roll in the print processing modes 628 and 640 are variable, and the specifications of the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1), the print data capacity (corresponding to the number of printed sheets), and the quality ( Corresponding to the resolution such as image quality). Further, the temperatures of the fixing roll 202 and the heating roll in the warm-up modes 624 and 636, the ready modes 616, 638, 630, and 642, and the standby modes 632 and 644 are variable and may be determined freely (image forming apparatus) 100 (see FIG. 1)). Each timing (first timing 612, second timing 616, third timing 614, fourth timing 618, fifth timing 620, and the like, depending on the temperature of each mode determined by each mode setting. 6 timing 622) is variable and may be determined freely (may be determined according to the specifications of the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1)).

  FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram 700 showing the operation of the control program of the fixing unit 160 in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment.

  The functional block diagram 700 includes a client PC 702, a first network relay 704, a network 706, a second network relay 708, and the image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1).

  The image forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 1) includes a communication unit 710, an information processing unit 712, and an image forming unit 104 (see FIG. 1).

  The information processing unit 712 includes a control unit 350, an image reading unit 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 718, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 720, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 722, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 724, and the like. The print instruction unit 424 is configured.

  The control unit 350 includes a fixing roll control unit 714 and a heating roll control unit 716. The fixing roll control unit 714 includes a main heater control unit 406 (see FIG. 4), a fixing roll energization control unit 410 (see FIG. 4), a fixing roll temperature control unit 414 (see FIG. 4), and a fixing roll mode control unit. Includes all of 418. Further, the heating roll control unit 716 includes a sub heater control unit 408 (see FIG. 4), a heating roll energization control unit 412 (see FIG. 4), a heating roll temperature control unit 416 (see FIG. 4), a fixing roll mode control unit 420, And all of the heating roll operation control unit 422 (see FIG. 4).

  The ROM 720 is a read-only storage device, and in the present embodiment, a processing program based on the flowchart and description of FIG. 5 is stored.

  The RAM 722 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data at high speed, and is used as a work area for executing a program stored in the ROM 720 in the present embodiment.

  Although the HDD 724 is slower than the RAM 722, it can read and write data and has a large storage capacity. The HDD 724 has a large capacity such as image data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 402 (see FIG. 4). Saving data. Note that it may be used as a work area for executing a program stored in the ROM 720, or a program for executing control may be stored.

  The CPU 718 is a central processing unit, and performs data processing of input data on a work area that is a storage area of the RAM 722 or the HDD 724 based on a program stored in the ROM 720 (the process of the flowchart of FIG. 5).

  The control unit 350 performs mediation for exchanging data among the image reading unit 102, the CPU 718, the ROM 720, the RAM 722, the HDD 724, and the print instruction unit 424.

  Data (character data, image data, character image data, setting data, etc.) transmitted from the client PC 702 is formed through the first network repeater 704, the network 706, and the second network repeater 708. Input to the device 100.

  In addition, instead of receiving data transmitted via the first network repeater 704, the network 706, and the second network repeater 708, character data or image data read from the image reading unit 102 is received. Data processing (information processing) may be performed by inputting the information into the information processing unit 712 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Data input to the image forming apparatus 100 is input to the information processing unit 712 via the communication unit 710, and data processing is performed. Specifically, the CPU 718 performs data processing (information processing) on the input data using the RAM 722 or HDD 724 as a work area and a storage area (storage device) according to a processing program stored in the ROM 720 or the HDD 724. Then, in response to a print instruction from the client PC 702, print data (corresponding to the print data information in FIG. 4) and print instruction (in FIG. 4) are transferred from the print instruction unit 424 of the information processing unit 712 of the image forming apparatus 100 to the image forming unit 104. Corresponding to the print instruction information) is transmitted.

The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is shown. FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a fixing unit of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a fixing unit in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a fixing unit in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment. 3 is a flowchart of overall control of a fixing unit in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment. 3 is a waveform diagram showing a heating roll physical operation (contact and separation operation), a fixing roll energization operation, a fixing roll mode, a heating roll energization control, and a heating roll mode of the fixing unit in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating the operation of a fixing unit control program in FIG. 2 according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

202 Fixing roll (fixing roll)
204 First main heater (main heater)
206 Second main heater (main heater)
208 First surface temperature sensor (outer peripheral surface temperature sensor)
212 First heating roll (heating roll)
214 First sub heater (sub heater)
218 Second surface temperature sensor (outer peripheral surface temperature sensor)
222 Second heating roll (heating roll)
224 Second sub heater (sub heater)
228 Third surface temperature sensor (outer peripheral surface temperature sensor)
258 Fourth surface temperature sensor (outer peripheral surface temperature sensor)
310 Control unit (main temperature control means, sub temperature control means)
406 Main heater control unit (main temperature control means)
408 Sub-heater control unit (sub-temperature control means)
410 Fixing roll energization control unit (main temperature control means)
412 Heating roll energization control unit (sub-temperature control means)
414 Fixing roll temperature controller (main temperature control means)
416 Heating roll temperature control unit (sub temperature control means)
418 Fixing roll mode control unit (main temperature control means)
420 Heating roll mode control unit (sub temperature control means)
422 Heating roll operation control unit (operation means, heating roll movement control means)
602 Heating roll physical operation (operation means, heating roll movement control means)
604 Fixing roll energization control (main temperature control means)
606 Fixing roll mode (main temperature control means)
608 Heating roll energization control (sub-temperature control means)
610 Heating roll mode (sub-temperature control means)
714 Fixing roll control unit (main temperature control means)
716 Heating roll control unit (sub temperature control means)

Claims (9)

A fixing roll for fixing the developed toner image on the recording medium while conveying the recording medium;
A main heater that is provided inside the fixing roll and heats an outer peripheral surface of the fixing roll;
A heating roll for supplementarily heating the fixing roll;
An operation means for bringing the heating roll into contact with or separating from the fixing roll;
A sub-heater for heating the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll;
Main temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the main heater;
Sub temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the sub heater independently of the main heater;
A heating roll movement control means for controlling the operating means to separate the heating roll from the fixing roll when temperature control by the sub temperature control means is not necessary;
An image forming apparatus.   The temperature control by the sub-temperature control means is a standby mode period from when the image forming process is not performed for a predetermined time until the start of the next image forming process is confirmed. Item 2. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fixing roll and the heating roll are each provided with an outer peripheral surface temperature sensor that detects a temperature of each outer peripheral surface.   4. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the main temperature control unit controls the temperature based on a first predetermined time by turning off the power and not energizing. 5. apparatus.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-temperature control unit controls the temperature based on a second predetermined time by turning off the power and not energizing the image forming apparatus. .   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second predetermined time is shorter than the first predetermined time.   When the data for printing is received and the recording medium on which the toner image has been developed is conveyed, the sub-temperature control means controls the heating roll based on the conveyance timing of the recording medium at a predetermined reference position. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus controls the temperature and controls the operation of the heating roll by the operating unit.   When the recording medium on which the data for printing is received and the toner image is developed is conveyed, the temperature of the heating roll is controlled by the sub-temperature control unit according to the type of the recording medium, and the operation 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein operation of the heating roll is controlled by means. A fixing step in which the recording medium is sequentially brought into contact with the outer peripheral portion of the fixing roll while the recording medium is conveyed, and the toner image developed on the recording medium is fixed;
A fixing roll heating step of heating the outer peripheral surface of the fixing roll by a main heater provided inside the fixing roll;
A heating step of supplementarily heating the fixing roll with a heating roll;
An operation step of contacting or separating the heating roll from the fixing roll;
A heating roll heating step of heating the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll by a sub-heater provided inside the heating roll;
A main temperature control step for controlling the temperature of the main heater;
A sub temperature control step for controlling the temperature of the sub heater independently of the main heater;
When the temperature control by the sub temperature control process is not necessary, a heating roll movement control process for controlling the operation process and separating the heating roll from the fixing roll;
An image forming program.

Images