JP2005221697A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of shortening total copying time by efficiently and appropriately controlling the utilization form of a capacitor in starting copying of consecutive paper feed or before the consecutive paper feed and increasing the copying speed of the consecutive paper feed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is equipped with: a capacitor 17 charged by a commercial power source 16; a heating part (heaters 93 and 94) heated by power supply from the power source 16 and the capacitor; a fixing member (fixing roller) heated by the heating part; a stored electric power detection part 18 for detecting the stored electric energy of the capacitor; and a number-of-sheets prediction part 11a for predicting the total number of recording media passing through the fixing member in starting copying in the consecutive paper feed where a plurality of recording media consecutively pass through the fixing member. A control part (CPU 11) makes the power source 16 to supply electric power to the capacitor before the consecutive paper feed even though the stored electric energy is equal to or above a threshold when the total number of recording media predicted by the prediction part 11a is equal to or above a prescribed value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a fixing device system having a capacitor that supplies electric power to a heating unit.

  In recent image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, and facsimiles, a toner image is formed on a recording medium such as transfer paper by an electrophotographic method, and then the toner is passed through a fixing device to heat the toner. In general, a toner image is fixed to the toner image.

  Also, in such a fixing device, the heat is generated by the heating unit that is supplied with power, so that the roller or the endless belt is heated, and the toner is heated by bringing the fixing member such as the roller or the endless belt into contact with the recording medium. I have to. Here, power supply to the heating unit is generally from a commercial AC power supply, but recently, a fixing device system that supplies power to the heat generating unit in combination with a capacitor has also been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

  In other words, the image forming apparatus is required to shorten the total copying time from the start-up of the apparatus to the end of copying. In this case, power is supplied to a plurality of heating elements from a commercial AC power supply and a condenser respectively, the fixing member is heated, and the temperature can be rapidly raised to the reload temperature, reducing the waiting time until the device can be used. As a result, the total copying time can be shortened.

JP 2002-174988 A

  However, since the image forming apparatus is configured so as to give top priority to ensuring image quality, it takes a lot of copying time to reduce the sheet passing speed for the purpose of preventing fixing failure. In some cases, it was difficult to shorten the total copying time.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the prior art, and a usage form of a capacitor at the start of copying or before continuous passing of continuous paper in which a plurality of recording media continuously pass through the fixing member. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of increasing the copying speed of continuous paper passing and reducing the total copying time by efficiently and appropriately controlling the above.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a storage battery that is charged by a commercial power source, a heating unit that is heated by being supplied with power from the commercial power source and the storage unit, and a fixing member that is heated by the heating unit. And an electricity storage detection unit that detects the electricity storage energy of the electricity storage device, and in the image forming apparatus that heats an unfixed image by the fixing member and fixes the image on a recording medium, A control unit that permits power supply from the heating unit to the heating unit, and a sheet number prediction that predicts the total number of the recording media that pass through the fixing member when a plurality of recording media continuously pass through the fixing member The control unit is configured such that when the total number of the recording media predicted by the number prediction unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the stored energy is equal to or greater than the threshold. Prior to connection sheet passing, characterized in that to perform the charging of the capacitor from the commercial power source.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the total number of the recording media predicted by the number predicting unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit is for charging termination corresponding to the total number of sheets prior to the continuous sheet passing. Is set, and charging from the commercial power source to the battery is performed until reaching the threshold value for terminating charging.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image reading unit that reads an image on a document is provided, and the number predicting unit predicts the total number of sheets based on document reading information of the image reading unit.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the sheet number predicting unit predicts the total number of sheets based on print command information inputted from outside.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery that is charged by a commercial power source, a heating unit that is heated by being supplied with power from the commercial power source and the battery, a fixing member that is heated by the heating unit, and a stored energy of the battery In an image forming apparatus that includes a power storage detection unit that detects an image and heats an unfixed image to be fixed on a recording medium by the fixing member, when a plurality of recording media pass continuously through the fixing member When the stored energy is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control unit includes a control unit that permits power supply from the capacitor to the heating unit, and a sheet passing prediction unit that predicts the continuous sheet passing before the continuous sheet passing, and the control The unit is configured to cause the commercial power source to be charged from the commercial power source when the stored energy of the capacitor is less than the threshold before the start of continuous sheet passing when the continuous sheet passing is predicted. That.

  The invention according to claim 6 includes an image reading unit that reads an image on a document, and the sheet passing prediction unit predicts the continuous sheet passing based on document reading information of the image reading unit. To do.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the sheet passing prediction unit predicts the continuous sheet passing based on print command information inputted from outside.

According to the present invention, when the total number of copies associated with the continuous copy operation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value at the start of continuous paper copy or before the continuous paper pass, the charging end threshold is set according to the total number and the battery Since the heating part is heated by the discharge voltage from the battery after charging the battery to the threshold for charging termination, the threshold for determining the discharge of the battery is assumed not by the worst paper feeding condition but by average use Charging the regenerator up to the threshold value for end of charging that can withstand the paper passing conditions, which makes it possible to effectively use the battery and set it high in the case of paper passing conditions where fixing failure can occur with the pre-threshold value It becomes possible to obtain a high-quality fixing while maintaining the ability of the fixing member, that is, the high non-temperature lowering ability, by discharging the capacitor at the voltage.
In addition, by starting the reading process of each document together with the start of charging of the battery, it is possible to effectively use the standby time during charging and to shorten the total copying time.

Below, the structure which becomes a premise of each embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.
FIG. 9 shows an example of the fixing device. 9 includes a fixing roller (fixing member) 91 that is heated by heaters 93 and 94 that are one embodiment of the heating unit and rotates in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and presses the fixing roller 91 with a constant nip pressure. A pressure roller (fixing member) 92 that rotates counterclockwise in the drawing and a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) 95 that contacts the fixing roller 91 and detects the surface temperature thereof are provided.

  The fixing roller 91 is normally a hollow cylindrical roller, but may be in the form of an endless belt. Further, the fixing device is in a stationary state when the fixing device starts up, and rotates in the clockwise direction in the drawing when the sheet P as a recording medium is passed.

  The pressure roller 92 is usually a cylindrical roller whose surface is made of an elastic member such as silicone rubber, but may be in the form of an endless belt. The pressing roller 92 is pressed against the fixing furnace 91 by being pressed toward the fixing roller 91 with a constant pressure by a pressing means (not shown). The pressure roller 92 is also stationary when the fixing device rises, and rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing when the sheet P as a recording medium is passed. The rotation driving of the fixing roller 91 and the pressure roller 92 is performed by a driving mechanism (not shown).

  Although the heaters 93 and 94 are all arranged in the hollow portion of the fixing roller 91, they may be arranged as sheet heaters so as to cover the upper portion of the fixing roller 91, respectively.

The heater 93 generates heat when power is supplied from an external power source (hereinafter referred to as a commercial power source) such as a commercial power source, and heats the fixing roller 91 by the radiant heat.
The heater 94 generates heat when electric power is supplied from the capacitor, and heats the fixing roller 91 by the radiant heat.
The heaters 93 and 94 are not particularly limited as long as the heaters 93 and 94 generate heat when supplied with electric power and can heat the fixing roller 91, and can be arranged at any position where the fixing roller 91 is heated. .

  As long as the temperature sensor 95 is a thermometer that can detect the surface temperature of the fixing roller 91, a contact thermometer or a non-contact thermometer may be used.

  When the image forming process is performed in the image forming apparatus, the sheet P, which is a recording medium carrying the toner T that is an unfixed image by the electrophotographic method, passes through the nip portion between the heated fixing roller 91 and the pressure roller 92. At this time, the toner T is fixed to the sheet P by being heated by the fixing roller 91 and the pressure roller 92. At this time, predetermined heat is required for the toner T to be fixed to the sheet P, and for this reason, the heaters 93 and 94 are set so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 91 becomes a reload temperature at which the toner T can be fixed. Power supply to is controlled.

  FIG. 10 shows a circuit configuration example of the fixing device system. In FIG. 10, the heater 93 generates heat by electric power supplied from a commercial power source (external power source) 86, and the heater 94 is configured to generate heat by electric power supplied from a capacitor 87 that is one mode of the power storage unit. The heater 94 is preferably one in which a plurality of heaters are connected in parallel with the capacitor 87, and any one or all of these heaters may be connected to the capacitor 87 by switching a switch (not shown). For example, all heaters are connected to the capacitor 87 when the apparatus is started up, and any selected heater is connected when paper is passed.

  As the capacitor 87, it is preferable to use a capacitor having a large capacitance such as an electric double layer capacitor having a capacitance larger than the Farad order. The capacitor 87 is connected with a power storage detector 88.

  The capacitor voltage that is an index of the stored energy (remaining power amount) of the capacitor 87 detected by the storage detector 88 and the temperature of the fixing roller 91 detected by the temperature sensor 95 are respectively detected as detection signals through the input circuit and the control unit. It is taken in by the CPU 81 which is an aspect of the above. The CPU 81 energizes the heater 93 via the triac 83 and energizes the heater 94 via the FET 85 so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 91 becomes a set temperature based on detection signals from the power storage detector 88 and the temperature sensor 95. Are controlled by controllers 82 and 84, respectively. The capacitor 87 is connected to the charging device 8a by the switch 89 and can be charged.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the fixing device system.
In FIG. 11, the CPU 81 includes a determination unit 81a and a mode selection unit 81b. Further, the determination unit 81a has a threshold value relating to a preset capacitor voltage, and the mode selection unit 81b allows / disallows power supply from the capacitor 87 to the heater 94 at the time of starting the apparatus and during the sheet passing operation. It has a plurality of modes such as CPM (number of copies per minute) setting according to permission / non-permission of power supply from the capacitor 87.

The mode selection performed by the mode selection unit 81b is performed as follows, for example.
(S51) A continuous copy command is issued by the copy start button.
(S52) The capacitor voltage of the capacitor 87 is detected by the power storage detection unit 88, and the detection signal is captured by the CPU 81.
(S53) In the determination unit 81a in the CPU 81, the detected capacitor voltage is compared with the threshold value, the magnitude is determined, and the determination result is sent to the mode selection unit 81b.
(S54) The mode selection unit 81b performs mode selection according to the determination result of step s53, and the operation of the image forming apparatus including the fixing device system is controlled based on the selected mode.

As modes selected in step s54, for example, the following modes are prepared.
(Mode 51) When the detected capacitor voltage is equal to or higher than the threshold, power supply from the capacitor 87 to the heater 94 is permitted, and CPM is set as a normal condition.
(Mode 52) When the detected capacitor voltage is less than the threshold value, the power supply from the capacitor 87 to the heater 94 is not permitted, and the CPM is reduced (down). In this case, it is impossible to supply power enough to compensate for the temperature drop of the fixing roller 91 due to continuous paper passing, and fixing failure occurs under normal conditions of the CPM. Therefore, the CPM is lowered to ensure image quality. is there.

FIG. 12 shows an operation example of the above-described fixing device system when the capacitor voltage is less than the threshold value (mode 52) during continuous paper feeding. In this case, the preconditions are as follows.
・ Discharge start threshold: 30V
-CPM normal conditions: 75 CPM
-CPM down condition: 40 CPM
・ Copy command: 40 sheets continuously passed ・ Capacitor voltage at copy command: 27V

(S61) When a continuous copy command is issued by the copy start button, the capacitor voltage (27V) of the capacitor 87 is detected by the power storage detection unit 88, and the detection signal is captured by the CPU 81.
(S62) In the determination unit 81a, it is determined that the capacitor voltage (27V) is less than the threshold value (30V), and the determination result is sent to the mode selection unit 81b.
(S63) In the mode selection unit 81b, the power supply from the capacitor 87 to the heater 94 is not permitted, and the mode of the CPM down condition (40 CPM) is selected.
(S64) Power supply from the commercial power source 86 to the heater 94 is started, the fixing roller 91 is heated, and 30s is required as a startup time. At this time, the capacitor 87 is in a standby state.
(S65) Paper passing is started at 40 CPM, the temperature of the fixing roller 91 is maintained only by the commercial power supply 86, and a good copy in a fixed state is possible. Note that 60 s is required as the paper passing time. That is, the total copying time is 90 seconds.

As described above, even when the number of continuous paper passes is relatively small and the temperature drop of the fixing roller is slight, if the charging voltage of the capacitor is less than the threshold value, the paper passing speed is lowered and the stored power of the capacitor is reduced. The image was formed without using the printer, and copying took time.
The inventors have found that this problem occurs because the threshold value of the charging voltage is set so as not to cause a temperature drop regardless of the number of continuous sheets to be passed and the type of paper according to the specifications of the copying machine. As a result of careful attention and intensive studies, the present invention has been achieved to solve the above problems by efficiently utilizing capacitors.

  A first embodiment of a fixing device system in an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. In this embodiment, an example at the time of continuous paper passing of the fixing device system will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this.

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a fixing device system according to the present invention.
The fixing device system 10A is basically the same as the premise of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 10 except that the operation of the CPU (corresponding to the control unit described in the claims) 11 is different. The configuration is the same as in FIG. That is, the commercial power source 16 connected to the heater 93, the capacitor 17 connected to the heater 94, the power storage detector 18 connected to the capacitor 17, the controller 12 for controlling the power supply of the commercial power source 16, the triac 13, and the capacitor 17 A controller 14 relating to power supply control, an FET 15, a switch 19, and a charging device 1a are provided. However, as the capacitor 17, for example, a bank configuration using 20 electric double layer capacitors of 2.5V per cell and a capacity of 500F is adopted as an example. The heater 93 is composed of, for example, two heaters with a rating of 900 W, and the heater 94 is rated with, for example, a rating of 1000 W and a rating of 800 W. The fixing device may be the same as that shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the fixing device system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 11 firstly controls the charge / discharge of the capacitor 17 (that is, controls the switch 19) to the internal control execution unit Ca (control according to the claims). 11A, the number prediction unit 11a that forms one core technique when setting a threshold value for charging termination (but may be fixedly set in advance), and a threshold value for charging termination The threshold setting unit (corresponding to the control unit described in the claims) 11b, which is the other core technology when setting, and the total number of continuous sheets to be passed are equal to or greater than a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as the number threshold). Whether the current capacitor voltage (that is, stored energy) is equal to or higher than a discharge start threshold (corresponding to the threshold described in claims), and whether it is equal to or higher than a threshold for charge termination. Determination unit for determining whether or not And equivalent) 11c to the control unit according to, is to functionally configured at any time and equivalent) 11d to the control unit referred to in the mode selection unit for selecting a mode to be described later (claims.

  Secondly, the CPU 11 secondly designates the power storage detection unit 18, the temperature sensor 95, the image reading unit 1 b, the external input unit 1 c, the number of copies, etc. to the internal information analysis unit Dd, for example, the numeric keypad Tke, the copy start switch Csw. Etc. so that various kinds of information can be taken in. That is, the CPU 11 detects the capacitor voltage information indicating the stored energy (remaining power amount) of the capacitor 17 detected by the storage detector 18 and the temperature sensor 95 during continuous paper feeding, which is one aspect of the present invention. The temperature information of the fixing roller 91 detected by the above is fetched as a detection signal. In addition, details will be described later.

  The charge / discharge control unit 11A firstly sets, for example, a threshold value (for example, 25V) in which the energy stored in the capacitor 17 is set in advance when the recording medium (sheet P) continuously passes through the fixing roller (fixing member) 91, for example. ) If this is the case, the switch 19 is controlled to the discharge side to permit and execute the supply of power from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94. That is, the switch 19 is controlled by outputting a switch control signal. For example, there is an aspect using a logic circuit, a relay contact, or the like.

  Secondly, when the threshold setting unit 11b through the operation of the number predicting unit 11a sets a threshold for charge termination (for example, 30V) as described later, the charge / discharge control unit 11A has a preset threshold (for example, 25V). The switch 19 is controlled to the charging side so that the capacitor 17 is supplied with power from the commercial power supply 16 without being considered. When the stored energy of the capacitor 17 reaches a threshold value for termination of charging (for example, 30 V), the switch 19 is controlled to the discharge side to start supplying power from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94. However, this discharge control is performed when the copy start switch Csw has already been turned on (copy start standby state) or after the copy start switch Csw has been turned on.

  Note that the threshold value is set to 25 V, for example, in consideration of a range in which the total number of continuous sheets can sufficiently correspond, for example, and in most cases, useless power consumption is saved. It becomes possible. However, the threshold value is appropriately set according to the type and size of the fixing device system (fixing roller 91) 10A, and thus the type and size of the image forming apparatus.

  On the other hand, the maximum stored energy of the capacitor 17 is, for example, a bank configuration using 20 electric double layer capacitors of 2.5 V per cell, and thus is a maximum of 50 V, and the heater 94 generates heat almost at the maximum. For this purpose, it is sufficient if the stored energy is, for example, 30V. Therefore, there is an aspect in which the charging start threshold is set to, for example, 25V or more from these relationships. However, these threshold values are arbitrarily set according to the size of the fixing device (fixing roller 91), the preset heat generation capability of the heater 93 that generates heat from the commercial power supply 16, and the like.

  If power is supplied from the commercial power supply 16 to the capacitor 17 and the stored energy is increased from, for example, 27 V to, for example, a discharge start threshold (charge end threshold), for example, 30 V, for example, it takes 5 s to increase the stored energy by 1 V. The charging takes 15 s.

  The sheet number predicting unit 11a predicts the total number of sheets that are continuously passed through the fixing device (fixing roller 91) during continuous sheet feeding, and outputs and temporarily stores the total sheet number information. For the prediction of the total number of copies, for example, information on the number of documents obtained at the time of image reading from the image reading unit 1a (for example, based on the operation of the numeric keypad Tke) and information on the number of copies input at the time of a copy command (for example, operation of the numeric keypad Tke) Based on the total number of sheets. Further, the total number of sheets may be obtained from the document number information and the printout number information included in the print command information input from the external input unit (for example, a required information processing apparatus or electronic computer) 1c. In addition, a mode in which a voltage change (current change) based on the displacement of a reciprocating body (not shown) having a roller or the like at the tip of the auto sheet feeder is detected to predict the total number of sheets, or the auto sheet feeder is optically For example, a mode in which the total number of documents is predicted by detecting the thickness of the number of documents may be employed.

  The threshold value setting unit 11b has a function of setting a threshold value (that is, a threshold value for end of charging) related to the capacitor voltage (storage energy) at the time of continuous sheet passing based on the total number information from the sheet number prediction unit 11a.

  Specifically, the total number of sheets is divided by a certain range, and a threshold value for charging end is provided for each range, so that the total number information from the number prediction unit 11a is set as the threshold value for charging end of the corresponding range. To. For example, if the total number of sheets is less than n, the conventional threshold value (for example, 25 V) is used, and if the total number of sheets is n or more, a value increased from the conventional threshold value (for example, 30 V) may be used. Alternatively, first, the sheet passing time t1 when the sheet is continuously fed under the normal CPM condition is calculated from the total sheet number information, and then the capacitor 17 can be discharged on the assumption that power is supplied from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 during the continuous sheet feeding. The capacitor voltage may be obtained by back-calculating from the capacitor upper limit voltage, which is the upper limit of the correct voltage, by going back by the paper passing time t1, and this value may be used as the threshold for charging termination. Information on the set threshold value for termination of charging (for example, 30 V) is sent to the determination unit 11c.

  The determination unit 11c first takes in the information on the total number of sheets predicted by the sheet number prediction unit 11a at the time of continuous sheet passing, and compares whether or not the total number of continuous sheets is equal to or greater than a preset number threshold. The determination information of the total number is output to the threshold setting unit 11b. Secondly, it is determined by comparing whether or not the current capacitor voltage (that is, stored energy) is equal to or higher than a threshold value for discharging (for example, 30 V), and determination information is output to the charge / discharge control unit 11A. Third, after the charging / discharging control unit 11A performs control to charge the capacitor 17 during continuous paper feeding, the charging is completed when it is determined and affirmed by comparing whether or not the stored energy is equal to or higher than the charging end threshold. Is output to the charge / discharge control unit 11A.

  The mode selection unit 11d performs CPM according to permission / non-permission of power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 and permission / non-permission of power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 at the time of starting the apparatus and during the sheet passing operation. It has multiple modes such as (Number of copies per minute) setting.

  Among a plurality of modes included in the mode selection unit 11d, for example, mode 1 is continuous when the number of copies is equal to or less than the number threshold (for example, 50) and the capacitor voltage is equal to or greater than a preset threshold (for example, 25V). When paper is passed, power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 is permitted, and the CPM is set to a normal condition. On the other hand, in mode 2, when the number of copies is equal to or greater than the threshold value (for example, 50) (without considering whether the capacitor voltage is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value (for example, 25 V)), 17 is charged until it reaches a threshold value for charge termination (for example, 30 V), and then the power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 is permitted and set to normal conditions. The power supply to the heater 93 is permitted.

  In the case of CPM setting, for example, 75 CPM or 40 CPM may be set. In this example, this range is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and more CPMs can be set. Of course, it is possible to do so.

Next, an example of operation in mode 1 of the fixing device system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The preconditions are as follows.
・ Discharge start threshold (at the time of continuous paper feeding): 25V
-Number threshold: 50 sheets-Charging end threshold: 30V
-CPM normal conditions: 75 CPM
-CPM down condition: 40 CPM
-Total number of copies at the time of copy command: 40-Capacitor voltage at the time of copy command: 27V

(S11) For example, designation of continuous sheet copy number information by operation of the numeric keypad Tke is detected, and the sheet number predicting unit 11a multiplies the document number information fetched from the image reading unit 1a and the copy number information to obtain the total number of sheets. (40 sheets) is obtained, and the information analysis unit of the CPU 11 detects the continuous copy command by the ON operation of the copy start button Csw.
(S12) Based on the information on the total number of sheets (40 sheets) in the threshold setting unit 11b, that is, the total number of sheets (40) is lower than the number of sheets threshold of 50 sheets, the threshold for charging termination is not set and the total number of sheets ( 40 pieces of information) is sent to the determination unit 11c. The CPM is set to a normal CPM, that is, 75 CPM.
(S13) The determination unit 11c detects the current storage energy of the capacitor 17 through the storage detection unit 18, and determines whether the current capacitor voltage (storage energy) is equal to or higher than the discharge start threshold (25V). In this example, since the capacitor voltage at the start of copying was 27V, it is determined that the discharge starting voltage is 25V or more.
(S14) Each main part (including the fixing device system) related to the continuous copying operation of the image forming apparatus is set in a standby state.
(S15) Electric power is supplied from the commercial power supply 16 to the heater 93 and the start-up operation is started. That is, temperature information based on the temperature measurement of the fixing roller 91 from the temperature sensor 95 is detected, and it is determined whether or not the fixing roller 91 has reached the reload temperature. The start-up operation of the fixing roller 91 requires 30 seconds.
(S16) When the temperature of the fixing roller 91 reaches the reload temperature, the standby state of each main part (including the fixing device system 10A) related to the continuous copying operation of the image forming apparatus is canceled and the copy start switch Csw is turned on. The operation is validated, and the heater 93 continues to generate heat with the power supplied from the commercial power supply 16, and the heater 94 generates heat with the discharge power (27V) from the capacitor 17, and the fixing roller 91 is efficiently heated with these generated heat. .
(S17) In accordance with the continuous copying operation, untransferred images are sequentially fixed on the sheets P that are continuously fed at 75 CPM with the heating of the fixing roller 91 and the nip pressure of the pressure roller 92.
(S18) When all the copy operations are completed, the capacitor 17 is charged from the commercial power supply 16 in preparation for the next copy operation. The stored energy after charging is, for example, 25V.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the time required for the full copy process is 30 s + 32 s, which can be shortened by 43 s compared with the conventional case (see FIG. 6).

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of operation in mode 2 of the fixing device system of the present embodiment will be described. The preconditions are as follows.
・ Discharge start threshold (at the time of continuous paper feeding): 25V
-Number of sheets threshold: 50 sheets-Threshold for charging end (forced charging threshold): 30V
-CPM normal conditions: 75 CPM
-CPM down condition: 40 CPM
・ Total number of copies at the time of copy command: 100 ・ Capacitor voltage at the time of copy command: 27V

(S21) For example, the designation of the number of copies of continuous paper passing by the operation of the numeric keypad Tke is detected, and the total number of copies is obtained by multiplying the number of copies of the original document fetched from the image reading unit 1a and the number of copies by the copy number prediction unit 11a. (100 sheets) is obtained, and the information analysis unit of the CPU 11 detects a continuous copy command by the ON operation of the copy start button Csw.
(S22) In the threshold setting unit 11b, based on the information on the total number (100), that is, the total number (100) is higher than the number threshold 50, the threshold for charging termination (30V) is set, Information on the total number of sheets (100 sheets) and information on the threshold value for charging termination (30V) are sent to the determination unit 11c, and the CPM is set to a normal CPM, that is, 75 CPM.
(S23) Each main part (including the fixing device system) related to the continuous copying operation of the image forming apparatus is set in a standby state.
(S24) The charging / discharging control unit 11A controls the switch 19 to the charging side to supply power from the commercial power supply 16 to the capacitor 17 to charge.
(S25) In the determination unit 11c, the current storage energy of the capacitor 17 is detected through the storage detection unit 18, and the current storage energy is compared with the charge end threshold (30V) compared to the charge end threshold (30V). It is determined whether or not it has been reached. For example, if it takes 5 s to charge 1 V, the capacitor voltage at the time of specifying the copy was 27 V. Therefore, when the difference is 3 V, it takes 15 s for the stored energy of the capacitor 17 to reach 30 V. become.
(S26) When it is determined that the stored energy of the capacitor 17 has reached 30V, the charge / discharge control unit 11A controls the switch 19 to the neutral side, while power is supplied from the commercial power supply 16 to the heater 93 under the control of the CPU 11 To start up. After the start-up operation, the determination unit 11c detects temperature information based on the temperature measurement of the fixing roller 91 from the temperature sensor 95, and determines whether the fixing roller 91 has reached the reload temperature. The start-up operation of the fixing roller 91 requires 30 seconds.
(S27) When the temperature of the fixing roller 91 reaches the reload temperature, the standby state of each main part (including the fixing device system) related to the continuous copying operation of the image forming apparatus is canceled and the copy start switch Csw is turned on. The heater 93 continues to generate heat, and the heater 94 also generates heat with the discharge power (30 V) of the capacitor 17, and the fixing roller 91 is efficiently heated with each of the generated heat.
(S28) The untransferred images on the respective sheets P are sequentially fixed when 75 CPM is continuously fed with the heating of the fixing roller 91 and the nip pressure of the pressure roller 92 accompanying the continuous copying operation.
(S29) When all the copy operations are completed, the capacitor 17 is charged from the commercial power supply 16 in preparation for the next copy operation. The stored energy after charging is, for example, 25V.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the time required for the full copy process is 15 s + 30 s + 80 s, which can be shortened by 55 s compared to the conventional case (see FIG. 6).

  In the present embodiment, when the total number of copies accompanying the continuous copy operation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (sheet number threshold) during continuous paper feeding, a threshold for charging termination is set according to the total number of sheets and charging of the capacitor 17 is terminated. Since the heater 94 is also heated by the discharge voltage from the capacitor 17 after the charging is started, the threshold value for determining the discharge of the capacitor 17 is determined not by the worst paper passing condition but by the average use. In addition to effectively utilizing the capacitor 17 by making it equal to a threshold value that can withstand an assumed paper passing condition (a threshold value for charging completion that is specifically set), in the case of a paper passing condition in which fixing failure may occur with a predetermined threshold value. The capacitor is charged up to a high threshold value (threshold value for charging completion), thereby maintaining the ability of the fixing roller 91, that is, high non-temperature drop property, and fixing failure. It is possible to provide a fixing system that reliably prevented.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a configuration example in which the fixing device system 10A of the present embodiment is incorporated in an image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5, a drum-shaped photosensitive member 101 as an image carrier, a charging unit 102 that uniformly charges the photosensitive member 101, and laser light L is exposed on the charged photosensitive member 101. The laser optical system 140 that forms an electrostatic latent image and the developing unit 107 that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member 101 into a toner image constitutes an electrophotographic mechanism. In addition, the toner image on the photosensitive member 101 is transferred to the sheet P supplied from the paper feeding cassette 110 by the transfer unit 106, and the sheet P on which the toner image is formed is conveyed to the fixing device system 10 and added to the fixing roll 91. The toner is fixed to the sheet P by being heated by the pressure roll 92.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, when the main power is turned on, each part of the image forming apparatus 100 is activated, and the fixing device system 10A also enters a startup operation. The determination unit 11c detects the stored energy of the capacitor 17, while the fixing device Each required part including 10 enters a standby state. When the total number of continuous sheets is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (sheet number threshold), the charge / discharge control unit 11A charges the power supply from the commercial power supply 16 to the capacitor 17 to a threshold value for terminating charging, and then the CPU 11 The heater 93 of the fixing device 10 generates heat and the start-up operation is completed (reload temperature reached). At that time, the standby state is canceled, and the charge / discharge control unit 11A discharges the capacitor 17 to cause the heater 94 to generate heat. The fixing roller 91 is heated with high efficiency by this heat generation. Thus, the ON operation of the copy start button Csw becomes valid, and a continuous copy operation can be performed. Also in this case, the high non-temperature lowering property of the fixing roll 91 is maintained.

  In this case as well, the threshold value for determining the discharge of the capacitor 17 is not equal to the worst paper feeding condition, but is set equal to a threshold value that can withstand the paper feeding condition assumed by average use (a specially set charging termination threshold value). In addition to the effective use of the capacitor 17, in the case of a paper passing condition where fixing failure may occur with a predetermined threshold value, the capacitor is charged to a high threshold value (threshold value for charging end), thereby the capability of the fixing roller 91, In other words, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that maintains high non-temperature lowering properties and reliably prevents fixing defects.

  The second embodiment of the fixing device system of the image system apparatus according to the present invention will be described below. Note that the present embodiment also presupposes the technology that is the premise of the fixing device system 10A described in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

First, FIG. 6 shows an operation example in the case where the capacitor voltage detected when the continuous sheet feeding is performed in the fixing device system which is the premise of the present invention is less than the threshold value. In this case, the preconditions are as follows.
・ Discharge start threshold (at the time of continuous paper feeding and discharging): 30V
-CPM normal conditions: 75 CPM
-CPM down condition: 40 CPM
-Copy command: 100 sheets continuously passed-Capacitor voltage at copy command: 27V

(S31) When an apparatus start-up command is output by the power-on switch, the capacitor voltage (27V) of the capacitor 87 is detected by the power storage detection unit 88, and the detection signal is captured by the CPU 81.
(S32) In the determination unit 81a, it is determined that the capacitor voltage (27V) is less than the threshold value (30V), and the determination result is sent to the mode selection unit 81b.
(S33) In the mode selection unit 81b, the power supply from the capacitor 87 to the heater 94 is not permitted, and the mode of the CPM down condition (40 CPM) is selected.
(S34) Power supply from the commercial power source 86 to the heater 93 is started, the fixing roller 91 is heated, and 30s is required as a startup time. At this time, the capacitor 87 is in a standby state.
(S35) The temperature of the fixing roller 91 is detected by the temperature sensor 95, and it is determined whether or not the temperature of the fixing roller 91 has reached the reload temperature.
(S36) When the reload temperature is reached, paper feeding is started at 40 CPM, the temperature of the fixing roller 91 is maintained only by the commercial power supply 86, and a copy in a fixed state can be made. At this time, the capacitor 87 is in a standby state. Note that 150 s is required as the paper passing time. In other words, the total copy time for 100 sheets at 40 CPM is 180 seconds when combined with the start-up time of 30 s.

As described above, even when the number of continuous paper passes is relatively small and the temperature drop of the fixing roller is slight, if the charging voltage of the capacitor is less than the threshold value, the paper passing speed is lowered and the stored power of the capacitor is reduced. The image was formed without using the printer, and copying took time.
The inventors have found that this problem occurs because the threshold value of the charging voltage is set so as not to cause a temperature drop regardless of the number of continuous sheets to be passed and the type of paper according to the specifications of the copying machine. As a result of careful attention and extensive studies, the present invention has been achieved to solve the above problems by efficiently utilizing capacitors.

  That is, the fixing device system in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration in view of the above point of view. The fixing device system 10B of the present embodiment also has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the fixing device system 10B according to the present exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 11 firstly controls the charge / discharge of the capacitor 17 (that is, controls the switch 19) to the internal control execution unit Ca (control according to the claims). 11A, a paper passing predicting unit 11B that predicts continuous paper passing, and a threshold setting unit that sets a threshold value for terminating charging when the paper passing predicting unit 11B predicts continuous paper passing. 11b) and whether or not the current capacitor voltage (that is, stored energy) is equal to or higher than the discharge start threshold (corresponding to the threshold described in the claims) when continuous paper feeding is predicted. And a determination unit (corresponding to a control unit described in claims) 11c that determines whether or not a charge termination threshold value or more, and a mode selection unit that selects a mode to be described later (in the claims) 11d) And it constitutes the time of functionally.

  The paper passing prediction unit 11B, for example, predicts continuous paper passing by, for example, document number information (for example, based on the operation of the numeric keypad Tke) obtained when reading an image from the image reading unit 1a, or the number of copies input at the time of a copy command. There is a form of using information (for example, based on the operation of the numeric keypad Tke). Further, for the prediction of continuous paper passing, there is a mode in which the number of originals information included in the print command information input from the external input unit (for example, a required information processing device, electronic computer, etc.) 1c and the number of printouts are used. is there. In addition to this, an auto sheet feeder is provided with a reciprocating body (not shown) having a roller or the like at the tip, and a voltage change (current change) based on the displacement is detected to predict continuous paper feeding, or an auto sheet feeder In addition, there is an aspect in which continuous paper feeding is predicted by optically detecting the thickness of the number of documents.

  Note that one of the controls performed by the CPU 11 is that when the sheet passing prediction unit 11B starts operation, that is, when the prediction of continuous sheet passing is started, or after the prediction of continuous sheet passing is found, the capacitor 17 is commercialized. There is a control of starting the process of reading the image of each document and storing it in a required memory in advance when charging is started by supplying power from the power supply 16. This is a technical idea that the idle time during charging of the capacitor 17 (that is, the waiting time during charging) is effectively used by reading each original. The process of reading the image of each document is continued even during the standby time when the fixing roller 91 is heated to the reload temperature, if necessary, after the charging of the capacitor 17 to the threshold for charging completion (for example, 30 V) is completed. Of course there can be. This makes it possible to shorten the total copying time. However, the determination of whether or not to continue reading the document after the elapse of the standby time for heating the fixing roller 91 to the reload temperature is arbitrarily determined. For example, the determination (selection operation) by the operator who performs the copying process is performed. You can leave it to me.

  Of course, the control of the CPU 11 (document reading control during the standby time) may be applied to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

  Secondly, the CPU 11 secondly designates the power storage detection unit 18, the temperature sensor 95, the image reading unit 1 b, the external input unit 1 c, the number of copies, etc. to the internal information analysis unit Dd, for example, the numeric keypad Tke, the copy start switch Csw. Etc. so that various kinds of information can be taken in. That is, the CPU 11 stores the energy stored in the capacitor 17 (remaining power amount) detected by the power storage detector 18 before continuous paper passing (that is, before the start of continuous paper passing) during continuous paper feeding, which is one aspect of the present invention. The capacitor voltage information serving as an index of) and the temperature information of the fixing roller 91 detected by the temperature sensor 95 are taken in as detection signals. In addition, details will be described later.

  First, the charge / discharge control unit 11A predicts the continuous sheet passing through which the recording medium (sheet P) continuously passes the fixing roller (fixing member) 91 when the sheet passing prediction unit 11B predicts the stored energy of the capacitor 17. If it is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value (for example, 25 V), the switch 19 is controlled to the discharge side in order to permit and execute the power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94.

  Secondly, the charge / discharge control unit 11A predicts the continuous sheet passing through which the recording medium (sheet P) continuously passes the fixing roller (fixing member) 91 by the sheet passing predicting unit 11B. When a threshold value for termination of charging (for example, 30 V) is set, charging is performed by supplying power from the commercial power supply 16 to the capacitor 17 without considering a preset discharge start threshold value (for example, 25 V). Therefore, the switch 19 is controlled to the charging side. When the stored energy of the capacitor 17 reaches a threshold value for charging end (for example, 30 V), after the start-up operation based on the reload temperature is completed, the switch 19 is set to the discharge side to start supplying power from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94. Control. However, this discharge control (which may also be the point at which continuous paper feeding starts) is performed when the copy start switch Csw is already turned on (copy start standby state) or after the copy start switch Csw is turned on.

  On the other hand, when the discharge start threshold is set to 25 V, for example, it is a case where the total number of continuous sheets is considered in a statistically sufficient range as in the first embodiment, for example. This is because in most cases it is possible to save unnecessary power consumption, that is, the image forming apparatus (fixing roller 91) of this example is the same as that described in the first embodiment. It is assumed that

  On the other hand, it is assumed that a bank configuration using 20 electric double layer capacitors of 2.5 V per cell is used for the capacitor 17 in this example as well.

  The threshold setting unit 11b sets a threshold (that is, a threshold for charging termination) related to the capacitor voltage (charged energy) before the start of continuous paper passing based on the continuous paper passing information from the paper passing prediction unit (number prediction unit 11a) 11B. Has the function to set.

  When setting the threshold value for charging end, as in the case of the first embodiment, for example, the total number of sheets is divided by a certain range, and the threshold value for charging end is set for each range. There is a mode in which a threshold value for charging termination in a range corresponding to the total number information from the number prediction unit 11a is selected. For example, if the total number of sheets is less than n, the conventional threshold value (for example, 25V) is used, and if the total number of sheets is equal to or greater than n, it is also preferable to set a value that is increased from the conventional threshold value (for example, 30V). Further, for one thing, it is assumed that the sheet passing time t1 when continuous feeding is performed under the CPM normal condition is calculated from the total sheet number information, and then the power is supplied from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 during continuous sheet passing. There is a mode in which the capacitor voltage is obtained by back-calculating from the capacitor upper limit voltage, which is the upper limit of the voltage that can be discharged, by going back by the paper passing time t1, and this value is used as the threshold for charging termination.

  The determination unit 11c first determines and compares determination information by comparing the current stored energy and the threshold value for charging end when continuous paper passing is predicted and a threshold value for charging end (for example, 30V) is set. It outputs to the charge / discharge control part 11A. Secondly, it is determined by comparing whether or not the current capacitor voltage (that is, stored energy) is equal to or higher than a threshold for charge termination (for example, 30 V), and determination information is output to the charge / discharge control unit 11A. Third, after the charging / discharging control unit 11A performs control to charge the capacitor 17 during continuous paper feeding, the charging is completed when it is determined and affirmed by comparing whether or not the stored energy is equal to or higher than the charging end threshold. Is output to the charge / discharge control unit 11A.

  The mode selection unit 11d performs CPM according to permission / non-permission of power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 and permission / non-permission of power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 at the time of starting the apparatus and during the sheet passing operation. It has multiple modes such as (Number of copies per minute) setting.

  Among a plurality of modes included in the mode selection unit 11d, for example, in mode 1, the number of copies is not more than the number threshold (for example, 50 sheets), and the capacitor voltage is not less than a preset discharge start threshold (for example, 25 V). In the case of paper passing, power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 is permitted, and the CPM is set to a normal condition. In mode 2, when it is predicted that the number of copies is equal to or greater than the number threshold (for example, 50) (the determination whether the capacitor voltage is equal to or greater than a preset discharge start threshold (for example, 25 V) is arbitrary. ), After charging until the capacitor 17 reaches the charging end threshold (30V) before starting the continuous paper feeding, the power supply from the commercial power supply 16 to the heater 93 is permitted and the reload temperature is reached. The power supply from the capacitor 17 to the heater 94 is permitted, and the normal condition is set.

  In this embodiment as well, for example, 75 CPM or 40 CPM may be set as the CPM setting. This is an example of this range, but the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, it may be settable.

FIG. 8 shows an operation example of mode 2 of the fixing device system of the present embodiment. The operation in mode 1 is basically the same as that in mode 1 described in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. On the other hand, in this operation example, the preconditions are as follows.
-Charging end threshold (discharge starting threshold): 30V
-Threshold for detecting the number of sheets to be passed: 50 sheets-Normal CPM condition: 75 CPM
-CPM down condition: 40 CPM
・ Capacitor voltage at copy command: 27V

(S41) For example, the designation of continuous sheet copy number information by the operation of the numeric keypad Tke is detected, and the sheet passing predicting unit 11B performs continuous sheet passing from the document number information taken from the image reading unit 1a and the copy number information. Predicting, and the information analysis unit of the CPU 11 detects a continuous copy command by turning on the copy start button Csw.
(S43) Each main part (including the fixing device system 10B) related to the continuous copying operation of the image forming apparatus is set in a standby state.
(S42) Since the threshold setting unit 11b is continuous paper passing, the charging end threshold (30V) is set, the charging end threshold (30V) information is sent to the determination unit 11c, and the CPM is set. Set to normal CPM, ie 75 CPM.
(S44) The charge / discharge control unit 11A controls the switch 19 to the charging side to start charging by supplying power from the commercial power supply 16 to the capacitor 17, and also starts reading processing of each document to The read information is stored in a predetermined memory.
(S45) The determination unit 11c detects the current stored energy of the capacitor 17 through the storage detection unit 18 and compares the current stored energy with the threshold for charge termination (30V) as compared with the threshold for charge termination (30V). It is determined whether or not it has been reached. For example, when it takes 5 s to charge 1 V, the capacitor voltage at the time of specifying the copy was 27 V. Therefore, when the difference is 3 V, it takes 15 s to reach 30 V when the stored energy of the capacitor 17 reaches 30 V. become.
(S46) When the determination unit 11c determines that the stored energy of the capacitor 17 has reached 30V, the charge / discharge control unit 11A controls the switch 19 to the neutral side, while the CPU 11 controls the commercial power supply 16 Electric power is supplied to the heater 93 to start the operation. After the start-up operation, the determination unit 11c detects temperature information based on the temperature measurement of the fixing roller 91 from the temperature sensor 95 and determines whether the fixing roller 91 has reached the reload temperature. The start-up operation of the fixing roller 91 requires 30 seconds.
(S47) When the temperature of the fixing roller 91 reaches the reload temperature, the standby state of each main part (including the fixing device system) related to the continuous copying operation of the image forming apparatus is canceled and the copy start switch Csw is turned on. The heater 93 continues to generate heat, and the heater 94 also generates heat with the discharge power (30 V) of the capacitor 17, and the fixing roller 91 is efficiently heated with each of the generated heat.
(S48) The untransferred images on the sheets P are sequentially fixed during 75 CPM continuous feeding with the heating of the fixing roller 91 and the nip pressure of the pressure roller 92 accompanying the continuous copying operation.
(S49) When all the copy operations are completed, the capacitor 17 is charged from the commercial power supply 16 in preparation for the next copy operation. The stored energy after charging is, for example, 25V.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the time required for the full copy process is 15 s + 30 s + 80 s, which can be shortened by 55 s compared to the conventional case (see FIG. 6).

  Also in the present embodiment, the threshold value for charging end is set before the start of continuous sheet feeding and the capacitor 17 is charged to the threshold value for charging end, and then the heater 94 also generates heat by the discharge voltage from the capacitor 17 at the start of copying. Therefore, the threshold for determining the discharge of the capacitor 17 is not the worst paper passing condition, but a threshold that can withstand the paper passing condition assumed by average use (a threshold value for charging termination that is set specifically). Accordingly, the capacitor 17 can be used effectively, and the capacitor is charged up to a high threshold value (threshold value for charging termination) in the case of a paper passing condition in which fixing failure may occur with a predetermined threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to provide a fixing device system that reliably prevents a fixing failure by maintaining the capability of the fixing roller 91, that is, a high non-temperature decrease property.On the other hand, since the reading process of each document is started together with the start of charging of the capacitor 17, it is possible to effectively use the waiting time during charging, and from this point of view, the total copying time can be shortened.

  Next, FIG. 5 shows a configuration example in which the fixing device system 10B of the present embodiment is incorporated in the image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5, when the main power is turned on, each part of the image forming apparatus 100 can be activated, and the fixing device system 10B also enters the start-up operation, and the determination unit 11c uses the stored energy of the capacitor 17. While detecting, required parts including the fixing device 10 enter a standby state. When continuous paper feeding is predicted, the charging / discharging control unit 11A charges the power supply from the commercial power supply 16 to the capacitor 17 up to a threshold value for ending charging and starts reading processing of each document, and then the CPU 11 Causes the heater 93 of the fixing device 10 to generate heat and terminates the start-up operation (reach the reload temperature), cancels the standby state at that time, and the charge / discharge control unit 11A discharges from the capacitor 17 to cause the heater 94 to generate heat, These heat generations heat the fixing roller 91 with high efficiency. Thus, the ON operation of the copy start button Csw becomes valid, and a continuous copy operation can be performed. Also in this case, the high non-temperature lowering property of the fixing roller 91 is maintained. On the other hand, since the reading process of each document is started together with the start of charging, the standby time during charging can be used effectively, and from this viewpoint, the total copying time can be shortened.

  In this case as well, the threshold value for determining the discharge of the capacitor 17 is not equal to the worst paper feeding condition, but is set equal to a threshold value that can withstand the paper feeding condition assumed by average use (a specially set charging termination threshold value). In addition to the effective use of the capacitor 17, the capacitor 17 is charged up to a high threshold value (threshold value for charging completion) in the case of a paper passing condition that may cause a fixing failure with a predetermined threshold value. In other words, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that maintains high non-temperature lowering properties and reliably prevents fixing defects.

1 is a circuit diagram of a fixing device system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of the fixing device system according to the first embodiment. 6 is a time chart illustrating an operation example of mode 1 of the fixing device system according to the first embodiment. 6 is a time chart illustrating an operation example of mode 2 of the fixing device system according to the first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a time chart which shows the operation example of the technique used as the premise of this invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of a fixing device system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a time chart illustrating an operation example of mode 2 of the fixing device system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing device employed in the first and second embodiments of the present invention. It is a circuit diagram of a conventional fixing device system. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main part of a conventional fixing device system. 6 is a time chart for explaining the operation of a conventional fixing device system.

Explanation of symbols

10,90 fixing device system 11 CPU
11A Charge / Discharge Control Unit 11B Paper Passing Prediction Unit 11a Number of Sheets Prediction Unit 11b Threshold Setting Unit 11c, 81a Determination Unit 11d, 81b Mode Selection Unit 12, 14, 82, 84 Controller 13, 83 Triac 15, 85 FET
16, 86 Commercial power supply 17, 87 Capacitor 18, 88 Power storage detector 19, 89 Switch 1a, 8a Charging device 1b Image reading unit 1c External input unit 91 Fixing roller 92 Pressure roller 93, 94 Heater 95 Temperature sensor Csw Copy start switch Ca control execution unit Dd information analysis unit 100 image forming apparatus 101 photoconductor 102 charging unit 103 cleaning unit 105 developing sleeve 106 transfer unit 107 developing unit 110 sheet cassette 111 middle plate 112 arm 113 sheet feeding roller 114 separation pad 115 registration roller pair 120 Paper discharge roller pair 121 Paper discharge port 122 Paper discharge tray 125 Paper discharge auxiliary tray 130 Operation panel 131 Exterior part 132 Paper feed tray 133 Pin 134 Case 135 Power supply circuit 136 Print board 137 Controller board 140 laser optical system P sheet T toner

Claims (7)

A storage battery charged by a commercial power supply, a heating unit that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply and the storage battery and heated, a fixing member that is heated by the heating unit, and a storage battery detection unit that detects stored energy of the storage battery. In the image forming apparatus in which an unfixed image is heated by the fixing member and fixed on a recording medium.
When the stored energy is greater than or equal to a threshold, a control unit that permits power supply from the capacitor to the heating unit;
A number prediction unit that predicts the total number of recording media that pass through the fixing member when a plurality of recording media continuously pass through the fixing member;
When the total number of the recording media predicted by the number predicting unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit is configured to start the continuous power supply from the commercial power source even when the stored energy is equal to or greater than the threshold. An image forming apparatus characterized by charging a battery.   When the total number of the recording media predicted by the number predicting unit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the control unit sets a threshold value for charging termination corresponding to the total number of sheets prior to the continuous sheet passing, and the charging end The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein charging from the commercial power source to the battery is performed until a threshold value for use is reached. An image reading unit that reads the image on the document
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number prediction unit predicts the total number based on document reading information of the image reading unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number predicting unit predicts the total number based on print command information input from outside. A storage battery charged by a commercial power supply, a heating unit that is supplied with power from the commercial power supply and the storage battery and heated, a fixing member that is heated by the heating unit, and a storage battery detection unit that detects stored energy of the storage battery. In the image forming apparatus in which an unfixed image is heated by the fixing member and fixed on a recording medium.
A controller that permits power supply from the capacitor to the heating unit when the stored energy is equal to or greater than a threshold value during continuous paper passing through the fixing member through a plurality of recording media;
A paper passing prediction unit that predicts the continuous paper passing before the continuous paper passing;
The controller is configured to cause the commercial power supply to be charged from the commercial power source when the continuous energy is predicted, and when the energy stored in the capacitor is less than the threshold before the start of continuous sheet feeding. Image forming apparatus. An image reading unit that reads the image on the document
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sheet passing prediction unit predicts the continuous sheet passing based on document reading information of the image reading unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sheet passing prediction unit predicts the continuous sheet passing based on print command information input from outside.

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