JP2008122453A - Fixing device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Fixing device and image forming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
Description
本発明は、定着装置及び画像形成装置に係り、特に、商用電源から電力が供給される主電源装置と、補助電源装置と、前記主電源装置及び前記補助電源装置からの電力により発熱する発熱体と、前記発熱体で加熱される加熱部と、前記商用電源からの電力で補助電源装置を充電する充電装置と、発熱体への供給電力の制御を行う発熱制御手段とを備えるものの技術に関する。 The present invention relates to a fixing device and an image forming apparatus, and in particular, a main power supply device supplied with power from a commercial power supply, an auxiliary power supply device, and a heating element that generates heat by the power from the main power supply device and the auxiliary power supply device. And a heating unit heated by the heating element, a charging device that charges an auxiliary power supply device with electric power from the commercial power source, and a heat generation control unit that controls power supplied to the heating element.
上述した定着装置として特許文献１に記載のものがある。この定着装置は、加熱部に主発熱体と補助発熱体とを設け、主発熱体には主電源装置から、補助発熱体にはキャパシタを用いた補助電源装置から電力を供給するものであり、キャパシタから補助発熱体への電力供給を行い、補助発熱体での加熱がなくとも加熱部の温度が保てると判断されるときには補助電源制御手段は補助発熱体への給電を開始する設定温度を下げ、また、補助電源装置の補助加熱体への給電開始可能な電圧を変化させる放電制御部を設けるものである。 There is a fixing device described in Patent Document 1 as the above-described fixing device. This fixing device is provided with a main heating element and an auxiliary heating element in a heating part, and supplies power from a main power supply to the main heating element and from an auxiliary power supply using a capacitor to the auxiliary heating element. When power is supplied from the capacitor to the auxiliary heating element, and it is determined that the temperature of the heating section can be maintained without heating by the auxiliary heating element, the auxiliary power supply control means lowers the set temperature at which power supply to the auxiliary heating element is started. In addition, a discharge controller that changes a voltage at which power supply to the auxiliary heating body of the auxiliary power supply device can be started is provided.
この定着装置では、補助電源装置の制御手段は発熱体の測定温度に基づいて、補助電源装置から給電制御を行う。また、加熱部の温度変化に基づいて、補助電源装置から加熱部への給電を変化させる。
ここで、上述した特許文献に記載の技術では、補助発熱体の測定温度に基づいて制御を行っている。未定着トナーがのった記録材を定着させるための定着ニップ部にて記録材及びトナーと直接接するのは加熱部の表面であり、このため、この加熱部の温度を常に検知測定して、その検知温度に基づいて発熱体に給電制御するほうがより高画質画像を得るために有効であると考えられる。 Here, in the technique described in the above-mentioned patent document, control is performed based on the measured temperature of the auxiliary heating element. It is the surface of the heating part that directly contacts the recording material and the toner in the fixing nip part for fixing the recording material on which the unfixed toner is placed. Therefore, the temperature of the heating part is always detected and measured. It is considered that it is more effective to control the power supply to the heating element based on the detected temperature in order to obtain a higher quality image.
また、上述した従来の技術では、電力を補助するための補助電源装置にどの程度の残容量があるかを通紙時における発熱体制御の因子として考慮していないため、通紙時に補助電源装置からどれだけ電力を補助させるか、また商用電源装置からどれだけ電力を与えればいいかの制御が不十分であった。このことは、二つある電源から効率よく給電すると言う点において不十分で、省エネ効果は望めない。特に停止状態のまま長時間経過した朝一番での立ち上がりのときには加熱部に当接される加圧部材の温度が低いため、通紙開始とともに加熱部に蓄えられた熱量が加圧部材へ奪われ、加熱部温度が非常に低下する。補助電源装置に十分な電力が蓄えられている際には補助電源装置から発熱体へ電力を補助することでこの加熱部温度低下を低減又は回避できるが、補助電源装置に十分な電力が蓄えられていない場合、良好な画像品質を得ることができない場合がある。 Further, in the above-described conventional technology, the amount of remaining capacity in the auxiliary power supply device for assisting electric power is not considered as a factor for controlling the heating element during paper passing. Therefore, the control of how much power is to be subsidized and how much power should be supplied from the commercial power supply is insufficient. This is inadequate in terms of efficient power supply from two power sources, and an energy saving effect cannot be expected. In particular, the temperature of the pressurizing member that is in contact with the heating unit is low when starting up in the morning when a long time has passed in the stopped state, so the amount of heat stored in the heating unit is deprived by the pressurizing member when paper is started. , The temperature of the heated part is greatly reduced. When sufficient power is stored in the auxiliary power supply, this temperature drop can be reduced or avoided by assisting power from the auxiliary power supply to the heating element, but sufficient power is stored in the auxiliary power supply. If not, good image quality may not be obtained.
そこで本発明は、補助電力を効率よく使用し、どのような条件下の使用であっても、加熱部の温度の低下を防止することができ、良好な画質を得ることができる定着装置及び画像形成装置を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, the present invention efficiently uses auxiliary power, can prevent a decrease in the temperature of the heating unit under any condition, and can obtain a good image quality. An object is to provide a forming apparatus.
請求項１の発明は、商用電源から電力が供給される主電源装置と、充電可能な補助電源装置と、前記主電源装置からの電力で発熱する主発熱体と、前記補助電源装置からの電力により発熱する補助発熱体と、前記主発熱体及び補助発熱体で加熱される加熱部と、前記主電源装置からの電力で補助電源装置を充電する充電装置と、発熱体への供給電力の制御を行う発熱制御手段とを備える定着装置において、前記加熱部に温度検知手段を備え、前記発熱制御手段は、通紙開始時の補助電源装置の残容量に応じた前記加熱部の通紙時における目標温度を設定し、この前記温度検知手段が検知した温度と目標温度とに基づいて前記主電源装置から発熱体への電力供給を制御することを特徴とする定着装置である。 The invention of claim 1 includes a main power supply device supplied with electric power from a commercial power supply, a chargeable auxiliary power supply device, a main heating element that generates heat by the electric power from the main power supply device, and electric power from the auxiliary power supply device. An auxiliary heating element that generates heat, a heating unit that is heated by the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element, a charging device that charges the auxiliary power supply device with electric power from the main power supply unit, and control of power supplied to the heating element The heating unit includes a temperature detecting unit, and the heating unit includes a heating detection unit configured to pass the heating unit according to a remaining capacity of the auxiliary power supply device at the start of sheet feeding. The fixing device is characterized in that a target temperature is set and power supply from the main power supply device to the heating element is controlled based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection means and the target temperature.
請求項２の発明は、請求項１記載の定着装置において、前記発熱制御手段は、通紙時における目標温度として、前記主発熱体を制御するための第１の加熱部目標温度と、前記補助発熱体を制御するための第２の加熱部目標温度とを定め、両温度を異なるものとすることを特徴とする。 According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to the first aspect, the heat generation control unit has a first heating unit target temperature for controlling the main heating element as the target temperature at the time of paper feeding, and the auxiliary A second heating unit target temperature for controlling the heating element is determined, and both temperatures are different from each other.
請求項３の発明は、請求項１又は２記載の定着装置おいて、前記発熱制御手段は、通紙時において前記加熱部目標温度と前記温度検知手段が検知した温度との差が予め定めた規定値以下になったとき前記補助電源装置から補助発熱体への電力供給を停止することを特徴とする。 According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to the first or second aspect, the heat generation control unit determines in advance a difference between the heating unit target temperature and the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit during paper feeding. The power supply from the auxiliary power supply to the auxiliary heating element is stopped when the value becomes a specified value or less.
請求項４の発明は、請求項１乃至３のいずれか記載の定着装置において、前記発熱制御手段は、通紙時において加熱部目標温度と加熱部現在温度との差が規定値以上になったとき補助電源装置から補助発熱体への電力供給を開始することを特徴とする。 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the heat generation control unit has a difference between the heating unit target temperature and the heating unit current temperature equal to or greater than a specified value when the paper is passed. In some cases, power supply from the auxiliary power supply to the auxiliary heating element is started.
請求項５の発明は、求項１乃至４のいずれか記載の定着装置において、前記発熱制御手段は、通紙時において加熱部が設定した目標温度まで達すると、その目標温度を低い値に切り替えることを特徴とする。 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the heat generation control unit switches the target temperature to a lower value when the heating unit reaches a target temperature set by the heating unit. It is characterized by that.
請求項６の発明は、請求項２乃至５のいずれか記載の定着装置において、加圧部に第２の温度検知手段を配置し、前記発熱制御手段は、加熱部の通紙時における目標温度を定め、通紙開始時における前記第２の温度検知手段が検出した温度に応じて前記主発熱体を制御することを特徴とする。 According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the second temperature detection unit is disposed in the pressure unit, and the heat generation control unit is a target temperature when the heating unit passes the paper. And the main heating element is controlled in accordance with the temperature detected by the second temperature detecting means at the start of paper feeding.
請求項７の発明は、請求項１乃至請求項６のいずれか記載の定着装置を備えたことを特徴とする画像形成装置である。 A seventh aspect of the invention is an image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.
本発明によれば、発熱制御手段は、加熱部に設けた温度検知手段の検知結果と、通紙開始時の補助電源装置の残容量に応じて前記加熱部の通紙時における目標温度に基づいて電源装置から発熱体への電力供給を制御するので、加熱部の温度低下を低減又は回避することができ、より良好な画像品質を得ることができる他、電源装置からの電力を有効に使用できるので、省エネルギ効果が得られる。 According to the present invention, the heat generation control unit is based on a detection result of the temperature detection unit provided in the heating unit and a target temperature at the time of passing the heating unit according to the remaining capacity of the auxiliary power supply device at the start of sheet passing. Since the power supply from the power supply to the heating element is controlled, the temperature drop of the heating part can be reduced or avoided, and better image quality can be obtained, and the power from the power supply can be used effectively As a result, an energy saving effect can be obtained.
以下本発明を実施するための最良の形態としての実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。 Embodiments as the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
以下本発明の実施例に係る画像形成装置について説明する。図１は、本発明に係る電子写真方式の複写機やプリンタ装置等の画像形成装置を概念的に示す断面図である。本実施例の画像形成装置は、主な構成として、原稿を読み取る読み取りユニット１１１、画像を形成する画像形成部１１２、自動原稿搬送装置（ＡＤＦ）１１３、ＡＤＦ１１３から送り出される原稿をスタックする原稿排紙トレイ１１４、給紙カセット１１５ないし１１８を備える給紙部１１９、記録用紙をスタックする排紙部（排紙トレイ１２０）を備える。 An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or printer according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment mainly includes a reading unit 111 that reads a document, an image forming unit 112 that forms an image, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 113, and a document discharge that stacks documents sent from the ADF 113. A tray 114, a paper feed unit 119 including paper feed cassettes 115 to 118, and a paper discharge unit (discharge tray 120) for stacking recording sheets are provided.
そして、ＡＤＦ１１３の原稿台１２１上に原稿Ｄをセットして図示せぬ操作部での操作、例えばプリントキーの押下操作をすると、最上位の原稿Ｄがピックアップローラ１２２の回転により矢印Ｂ１方向へ送り出され、原稿搬送ベルト１２３の回転により、画像読み取りユニット１１１に固定されたコンタクトガラス１２４上へ給送され、そこで停止する。コンタクトガラス１２４上に載置された原稿Ｄの画像は、画像形成部１１２とコンタクトガラス１２４の間に位置する読み取り装置１２５によって読み取る。読み取り装置１２５は、コンタクトガラス１２４上の原稿Ｄを照明する光源１２６、原稿画像を結像する光学系１２７、原稿画像を結像させるＣＣＤ等からなる光電変換素子１２８等を有している。画像読み取り終了後、原稿Ｄを搬送ベルト１２３の回転により矢印Ｂ２方向へ搬送して排紙トレイ１１４上へ排出する。このように、原稿Ｄを１枚ずつコンタクトガラス１２４上へ給送して原稿画像を画像読み取りユニット１１１によって読み取る。 Then, when the document D is set on the document table 121 of the ADF 113 and an operation unit (not shown), for example, a print key is pressed, the uppermost document D is sent out in the direction of the arrow B 1 by the rotation of the pickup roller 122. Then, by the rotation of the document conveying belt 123, the paper is fed onto the contact glass 124 fixed to the image reading unit 111 and stops there. The image of the document D placed on the contact glass 124 is read by a reading device 125 positioned between the image forming unit 112 and the contact glass 124. The reading device 125 includes a light source 126 that illuminates the document D on the contact glass 124, an optical system 127 that forms an image of the document, a photoelectric conversion element 128 that includes a CCD that forms an image of the document, and the like. After the image reading is completed, the document D is transported in the direction of arrow B2 by the rotation of the transport belt 123 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 114. In this way, the document D is fed one by one onto the contact glass 124 and the document image is read by the image reading unit 111.
一方、画像形成部１１２の内部には、像担持体である感光体１３０が配置してある。感光体１３０は、図において時計方向に回転駆動し、帯電装置１３１によって表面を所定の電位に帯電する。また、書き込みユニット１３２からは、読み取り装置１２５によって読み取った画像情報に応じて光変調したレーザ光Ｌを照射し、帯電させた感光体１３０の表面をこのレーザ光Ｌで露光し、これによって感光体１３０の表面に静電潜像を形成する。この静電潜像は、現像装置１３３を通るとき、対向する転写装置１３４によって感光体１３０と転写装置１３４の間に給送された記録媒体Ｐに転写する。トナー像転写後の感光体１３０の表面は、クリーニング装置１３５によって清掃する。 On the other hand, inside the image forming unit 112, a photoreceptor 130 as an image carrier is disposed. The photosensitive member 130 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and the charging device 131 charges the surface to a predetermined potential. Further, the writing unit 132 emits laser light L that is light-modulated in accordance with image information read by the reading device 125, and the surface of the charged photosensitive member 130 is exposed with the laser light L, whereby the photosensitive member is exposed. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface 130. When the electrostatic latent image passes through the developing device 133, the electrostatic latent image is transferred to the recording medium P fed between the photosensitive member 130 and the transfer device 134 by the opposing transfer device 134. The surface of the photoreceptor 130 after the toner image transfer is cleaned by a cleaning device 135.
画像形成部１２の下部に配置した複数の給紙カセット１１５ないし１１８には、紙等の記録媒体Ｐを収容してあり、いずれかの給紙カセット１１５ないし１１８から記録媒体Ｐを矢印Ｂ３方向へ送り出し、その記録媒体Ｐの表面に、上述のように感光体１３０の表面に形成したトナー像を転写する。次に、記録媒体Ｐを矢印Ｂ４で示すように画像形成部１１２内の定着装置２０を通し、熱と圧力の作用によって記録媒体Ｐの表面に転写されたトナー像を定着させる。定着装置２０を通った記録媒体Ｐは排出ローラ対１３７によって搬送され、矢印Ｂ５で示すように排紙トレイ１２０へ排出され、スタックされる。 A plurality of paper feed cassettes 115 to 118 disposed below the image forming unit 12 contain recording media P such as paper, and the recording media P is fed from any of the paper feed cassettes 115 to 118 in the direction of arrow B3. The toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 130 as described above is transferred onto the surface of the recording medium P. Next, the recording medium P is passed through the fixing device 20 in the image forming unit 112 as indicated by an arrow B4, and the toner image transferred to the surface of the recording medium P by the action of heat and pressure is fixed. The recording medium P that has passed through the fixing device 20 is conveyed by the discharge roller pair 137, and is discharged to the discharge tray 120 and stacked as indicated by an arrow B5.
次に実施例に係る定着装置について説明する。図２は実施例に係る定着装置の概略構成を示す断面図、図３は実施例に係る定着装置の電気的構成を示すブロック図である。 Next, the fixing device according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the fixing device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the fixing device according to the embodiment.
定着装置２０は、内部に主発熱体２ａ及び補助発熱体２ｂを配置した加熱部である定着ローラ１と、この定着ローラ１に接触してトナーＴが転写された記録媒体Ｐを通過させて加圧、加熱するニップ部を形成する加圧部である加圧ローラ１０とを備える。なお、定着ローラの最外層にはＰＦＡあるいはＰＴＦＥなどの離型層が形成されていることが望ましい。 The fixing device 20 passes through a fixing roller 1 which is a heating unit in which a main heating element 2a and an auxiliary heating element 2b are disposed, and a recording medium P on which toner T is transferred in contact with the fixing roller 1 and passes through the recording medium P. And a pressure roller 10 which is a pressure part for forming a nip part for pressure and heating. It is desirable that a release layer such as PFA or PTFE is formed on the outermost layer of the fixing roller.
また、この例では、加熱部である定着ローラ１には、定着ローラ１の温度を検出する温度検知手段８が接触状態あるいは非接触状態で配置され、また加圧ローラ１０には、加圧ローラ１０の温度を検知する温度検知手段１１が接触あるいは非接触状態で配置されている。 In this example, the fixing roller 1 serving as a heating unit is provided with a temperature detecting means 8 for detecting the temperature of the fixing roller 1 in a contact state or a non-contact state, and the pressure roller 10 includes a pressure roller. A temperature detecting means 11 for detecting the temperature of 10 is arranged in a contact or non-contact state.
また、定着ローラ１内部には、主発熱体２ａ及び補助発熱体２ｂが設置されているがこの限りではなく、加圧ローラ１０内に設置されてもよい。また、定着ローラ１の外部に主発熱体２ａ及び補助発熱体２ｂを設置して、外側から加熱部温度を制御する。また、主発熱体２ａ、補助発熱体２ｂそれぞれを定着ローラ１と加圧ローラ１０とに独立させて設置してもよい。なお、主発熱体２ａ及び補助発熱体２ｂはそれぞれ複数本有して独立制御することで、より高精度な温度制御が可能となる。 In addition, the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b are installed inside the fixing roller 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be installed in the pressure roller 10. Further, a main heating element 2a and an auxiliary heating element 2b are installed outside the fixing roller 1, and the temperature of the heating unit is controlled from the outside. Alternatively, the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b may be installed separately from the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 10, respectively. It should be noted that a plurality of main heating elements 2a and auxiliary heating elements 2b are provided and controlled independently, thereby enabling more accurate temperature control.
更に、定着装置２０は、図３に示すように、主電源装置４ａ、主電源装置４ａにより充電される補助電源装置４ｂ、主電源装置４ａからの電力で補助電源装置４ｂを充電する充電装置５、主電源装置４ａの主発熱体２ａへの電力供給をオンオフするメインスイッチ６、補助電源装置の充電／放電の切替装置７を備える。また定着装置２０は、発熱制御手段として、補助電源装置４ｂの電力供給を制御する発熱制御主段である補助電源制御手段３と、前記メインスイッチ６のオンオフを制御して主発熱体２ａへの電力供給を制御する発熱制御手段である主電源制手段９とを備える。また、主電源制御手段９には、温度検知手段８及び温度検知手段１１が接続され、メインスイッチ６のオンオフを制御する。更に、補助電源制御手段３には、温度検知手段８及び温度検知手段１１が接続され、補助発熱体２ｂを制御する。 Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the fixing device 20 includes a main power supply device 4a, an auxiliary power supply device 4b charged by the main power supply device 4a, and a charging device 5 that charges the auxiliary power supply device 4b with electric power from the main power supply device 4a. The main switch 6 for turning on / off the power supply to the main heating element 2a of the main power supply device 4a and the charge / discharge switching device 7 for the auxiliary power supply device are provided. Further, the fixing device 20 controls the on / off of the main switch 6 by controlling the on / off of the auxiliary power source control unit 3 which is a main stage of heat generation control for controlling the power supply of the auxiliary power source device 4b as the heat generation control unit. And main power control means 9 which is a heat generation control means for controlling power supply. Further, the temperature detection means 8 and the temperature detection means 11 are connected to the main power supply control means 9 to control on / off of the main switch 6. Furthermore, the temperature detection means 8 and the temperature detection means 11 are connected to the auxiliary power supply control means 3 to control the auxiliary heating element 2b.
主電源装置４ａは、定着ローラ１を設置した画像形成装置内において商用電源から電源供給を受ける。主電源装置４ａは、例えばコンセント等から供給される電力を、定着ローラ１に応じた電圧に調整する等の機能を有するが、周知であるので詳細な説明は省略する。 The main power supply 4a receives power supply from a commercial power supply in the image forming apparatus in which the fixing roller 1 is installed. The main power supply device 4a has a function of adjusting, for example, the power supplied from an outlet or the like to a voltage corresponding to the fixing roller 1, but is well known and will not be described in detail.
補助電源装置４ｂは、充放電可能な電機二重層キャパシタを有する。電気二重層キャパシタ等のキャパシタは、二次電池とは異なり、化学反応を伴わないために優れた特徴を有する。二次電池として一般的なニッケル−カドミウム電池を用いた補助電源装置では、急速充電を行っても数十分から数時間という長い時間を要するが、キャパシタを用いた補助電源装置４ｂでは数分程度の急速な充電が可能であり、同一時間内で待機状態と加熱状態を繰り返した場合、キャパシタを用いた補助電源装置４ｂを使用することにより、加熱立ち上げ時に確実に補助電源装置４ｂから電力を供給することができ、定着ローラ１を短時間で所定の温度に立ち上げることができる。 The auxiliary power supply 4b has a chargeable / dischargeable electric double layer capacitor. Unlike a secondary battery, a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor has excellent characteristics because it does not involve a chemical reaction. In the auxiliary power supply using a general nickel-cadmium battery as a secondary battery, a long time of several tens of minutes to several hours is required even if rapid charging is performed, but in the auxiliary power supply 4b using a capacitor, it takes about several minutes. When the standby state and the heating state are repeated within the same time, by using the auxiliary power supply device 4b using a capacitor, it is possible to reliably supply power from the auxiliary power supply device 4b at the start of heating. The fixing roller 1 can be raised to a predetermined temperature in a short time.
また、ニッケル−カドミウム電池は充放電の許容繰り返し回数が５００回から１０００回程度であるため、加熱用の補助電源装置としては寿命が短く、交換の手間やコストが問題となるが、電気二重層キャパシタを用いた補助電源装置４ｂは充放電の許容繰り返し回数が数１００万回以上であると共に、充放電の繰り返しによる劣化も少なく、更に、鉛蓄電池のように液交換や補充なども必要がないため、メンテナンスをほとんど必要とせず、長期間安定して使用することができる。 Further, since the nickel-cadmium battery has an allowable number of charge / discharge repetitions of about 500 to 1000 times, it has a short life as an auxiliary power supply for heating, and there is a problem in replacement labor and cost. The auxiliary power supply device 4b using a capacitor has an allowable number of repetitions of charge / discharge of several million times or more, is less deteriorated due to repeated charge / discharge, and does not require liquid replacement or replenishment unlike a lead storage battery. Therefore, it requires little maintenance and can be used stably for a long time.
なお電気二重層キャパシタは、誘電体がなく、個体電極と溶液界面にできるイオン又は溶媒分子の電荷が集中した電気二重層のイオン吸着層の吸、脱着反応（充、放電）を利用するもので、繰り返し充放電に強くて寿命が長く、メンテナンスの必要がなく、環境にやさしく、しかも充放電効率が高い等の優れた特徴を有し、最近では静電容量が数万Ｆ、エネルギ密度が数十ｗｈ／ｋｇという大容量のものも開発され、一層の大容量化が図られつつある。 An electric double layer capacitor does not have a dielectric, and uses the absorption and desorption reactions (charging and discharging) of the ion adsorbing layer of the electric double layer in which the charge of ions or solvent molecules formed at the solid electrode and solution interface is concentrated. It has excellent features such as strong resistance to repeated charge and discharge, long life, no maintenance, environmental friendliness, and high charge and discharge efficiency. Recently, capacitance is tens of thousands of F, energy density is several. A large capacity of 10 wh / kg has been developed, and the capacity is being increased further.
このような定着装置２０の基本的な動作を説明する。まず待機時には、切替装置７を切り替えて補助電源装置４ｂに充電装置５を接続し、補助電源装置４ｂのキャパシタＣを充電しておく。この状態で定着ローラ１を加熱するときは、メインスイッチ６をオンにして主電源装置４ａから主発熱体２ａに電力を供給し、同時に切替装置７を切り替えて補助電源装置４ｂから補助発熱体２ｂに電力を供給し、定着ローラ１に大容量の電力を供給する。このように定着ローラ１の加熱を開始するときに、主電源装置４ａと補助電源装置４ｂの両方から大容量の電力を定着ローラ１に供給するから、定着ローラ１を短時間で所定の温度に立ち上げることができる。 The basic operation of the fixing device 20 will be described. First, at the time of standby, the switching device 7 is switched, the charging device 5 is connected to the auxiliary power supply 4b, and the capacitor C of the auxiliary power supply 4b is charged. When heating the fixing roller 1 in this state, the main switch 6 is turned on to supply power from the main power supply 4a to the main heating element 2a, and at the same time the switching device 7 is switched to switch the auxiliary heating element 2b from the auxiliary power supply 4b. Power is supplied to the fixing roller 1 and a large amount of power is supplied to the fixing roller 1. Thus, when heating of the fixing roller 1 is started, a large amount of power is supplied from both the main power supply device 4a and the auxiliary power supply device 4b to the fixing roller 1, so that the fixing roller 1 is brought to a predetermined temperature in a short time. Can be launched.
また、補助電源装置４ｂで定着ローラ１の補助発熱体２ｂに電力を供給して加熱を開始してから予め定めた所定の時間が経過したときに、補助電源制御手段３は補助電源装置４ｂから補助発熱体２ｂに供給している電力を遮断して定着ローラ１の過熱を防止して所定の温度に維持する。補助電源装置４ｂから補助発熱体２ｂに供給される電力は、補助電源装置４ｂに供給を開始してから時間が経過するにつれて低減する。この供給電力の低減量に応じて、補助電源装置４ｂから補助発熱体２ｂに供給している電力を遮断する時間を定め、供給電力がある程度低減したときに補助電源装置４ｂから補助発熱体２ｂに供給している電力を遮断すると、大電力を供給している状態で遮断するときに発生する周囲回路の各部品の劣化や電磁ノイズを防止することができる。 Further, when a predetermined time elapses after the auxiliary power supply 4b supplies electric power to the auxiliary heating element 2b of the fixing roller 1 and starts heating, the auxiliary power supply control means 3 starts from the auxiliary power supply 4b. The power supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b is cut off to prevent the fixing roller 1 from overheating and maintained at a predetermined temperature. The electric power supplied from the auxiliary power supply 4b to the auxiliary heating element 2b decreases as time elapses after the supply to the auxiliary power supply 4b is started. A time for cutting off the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply 4b to the auxiliary heating element 2b is determined in accordance with the reduction amount of the supplied power, and when the supply power is reduced to some extent, the auxiliary power supply 4b changes to the auxiliary heating element 2b. When the supplied power is cut off, it is possible to prevent deterioration of each component of the surrounding circuit and electromagnetic noise that occur when cutting off in the state of supplying a large amount of power.
トナーＴが転写された記録媒体Ｐは、定着ローラ１とそれに当接する例えば加圧ローラの間（ニップ）に搬送され、一定温度に加熱された定着ローラによりトナーＴを加熱溶融し、記録媒体Ｐにトナー像として定着される。そのため定着ローラにあたる定着ローラ１が有する主発熱体２ａと補助発熱体２ｂには主電源装置４ａと補助電源装置４ｂから電力を供給し、それにより定着ローラの温度を上昇させ、かつ補助電源装置４ｂから供給する電力をオン／オフ制御することにより、定着ローラの温度が高くなりすぎることを防止して、定着温度を一定温度あるいは所望の温度に保ち、又は所要の温度変化を制御することにより、トナーＴを安定して加熱溶融させ、良質なトナー像を記録媒体Ｐに定着させる。 The recording medium P to which the toner T has been transferred is conveyed between the fixing roller 1 and, for example, a pressure roller (nip) in contact with the fixing roller 1, and the toner T is heated and melted by the fixing roller heated to a certain temperature. To be fixed as a toner image. Therefore, power is supplied from the main power supply device 4a and the auxiliary power supply device 4b to the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b of the fixing roller 1 corresponding to the fixing roller, thereby raising the temperature of the fixing roller, and the auxiliary power supply device 4b. By controlling on / off of the electric power supplied from the fixing roller, the fixing roller temperature is prevented from becoming too high, the fixing temperature is kept at a constant temperature or a desired temperature, or a required temperature change is controlled, The toner T is stably heated and melted, and a good quality toner image is fixed on the recording medium P.
また、定着ローラに内蔵した主発熱体２ａと補助発熱体２ｂに主電源装置４ａと補助電源装置４ｂから電力を供給して定着ローラの温度を上昇させるので、定着ローラの表面温度を所定の定着温度まで迅速に上昇させることができるようになっている。 Further, since the main heating device 2a and the auxiliary heating device 2b built in the fixing roller are supplied with electric power from the main power supply device 4a and the auxiliary power supply device 4b to raise the temperature of the fixing roller, the surface temperature of the fixing roller is set to a predetermined fixing temperature. The temperature can be raised rapidly.
なお、図４はキャパシタの放電特性を示すグラフであり、横軸は時間で縦軸は電力量あるいは電圧を示している。 FIG. 4 is a graph showing the discharge characteristics of the capacitor, where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the amount of power or voltage.
次に実施例に係る定着装置２０の作動について説明する。図５及び図６は第１の作動例に係る定着装置の温度制御の概略を示すグラフである。本例では、発熱制御手段である主電源制御手段９は、通紙開始時の補助電源装置４ｂの残量Ｖ１，Ｖ２に応じて加熱部である定着ローラ１の通紙時における目標温度Ｔ１，Ｔ２を定め、主電源装置４ａから主発熱体２ａへの電力供給を制御する。即ち、主電源制御手段９は、以下のようにメインスイッチ６を制御する。主電源制御手段９には、２段階の補助電源装置４ｂの残量Ｖ１，Ｖ２に対応して２種の目標温度Ｔ１，Ｔ２を設定している。主電源制御手段９は、通紙時において定着ローラ１が補助電源装置４ｂの残量Ｖ１，Ｖ２に応じて設定した目標温度Ｔ１，Ｔ２に達すると、メインスイッチ６を駆動して発熱体２ａへの給電を停止する（信号をＯＦＦにする）。なお、本例では、Ｖ１＞Ｖ２、Ｔ１＜Ｔ２として説明する。 Next, the operation of the fixing device 20 according to the embodiment will be described. 5 and 6 are graphs showing an outline of temperature control of the fixing device according to the first operation example. In this example, the main power supply control means 9 which is a heat generation control means has a target temperature T1 when the fixing roller 1 which is a heating unit is passed according to the remaining amounts V1 and V2 of the auxiliary power supply device 4b at the time of the start of passing paper. T2 is determined, and power supply from the main power supply device 4a to the main heating element 2a is controlled. That is, the main power control means 9 controls the main switch 6 as follows. In the main power control means 9, two types of target temperatures T1, T2 are set corresponding to the remaining amounts V1, V2 of the two-stage auxiliary power supply 4b. When the fixing roller 1 reaches the target temperatures T1 and T2 set according to the remaining amounts V1 and V2 of the auxiliary power supply device 4b when the paper is passed, the main power control means 9 drives the main switch 6 to the heating element 2a. Is stopped (the signal is turned OFF). In this example, the description will be made assuming that V1> V2 and T1 <T2.
このように、残量Ｖ１，Ｖ２に対して目標温度Ｔ１，Ｔ２を設定するのは、補助電源装置に十分な電力が蓄えられている場合にはそれほど長時間にわたり主電源装置４ａからの電力供給をしなくても、補助発熱体２ｂに短時間のみ給電すれば十分であるからである。 As described above, the target temperatures T1 and T2 are set for the remaining amounts V1 and V2. When sufficient power is stored in the auxiliary power supply, power is supplied from the main power supply 4a for a long time. This is because it is sufficient to supply power to the auxiliary heating element 2b only for a short time even if it is not performed.
図５に示したように、補助電源装置４ｂに蓄えられている電力量がＶ１のとき（Ｖ１＞Ｖ２）、主電源制御手段９は、温度検知手段８で検知した定着ローラ１の温度（図中加熱部温度）がＴ１に達するまで、メインスイッチ６をオン状態とし、Ｔ１に達したときメインスイッチ６をオフ状態とする。本例では、補助電源装置４ｂの電力量が少ないときには加熱部目標温度を高めに設定（Ｔ１＜Ｔ２）して定着ローラ１の温度低下を低減又は回避する。 As shown in FIG. 5, when the amount of electric power stored in the auxiliary power supply 4b is V1 (V1> V2), the main power supply control means 9 detects the temperature of the fixing roller 1 detected by the temperature detection means 8 (FIG. 5). The main switch 6 is turned on until the middle heating part temperature) reaches T1, and when the temperature reaches T1, the main switch 6 is turned off. In this example, when the power amount of the auxiliary power supply 4b is small, the heating unit target temperature is set higher (T1 <T2) to reduce or avoid the temperature drop of the fixing roller 1.
また、図６に示すように補助電源装置４ｂに蓄えられる電力量がＶ２のとき、通紙開始時の放電量がＶ１に比べて少ない（キャパシタの放電特性から、電力量が少ないときには放電初期におけるパワーが小さい）。このため、主電源制御手段９に設定する目標温度をＴ２として定着ローラ１の温度の温度低下を低減又は回避する。これにより、放電時間を長く取ることが有効である。 In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, when the amount of power stored in the auxiliary power supply 4b is V2, the amount of discharge at the start of paper passing is smaller than V1 (from the capacitor discharge characteristics, when the amount of power is small, the initial discharge is Small power). For this reason, the target temperature set in the main power control means 9 is set to T2, and the temperature drop of the temperature of the fixing roller 1 is reduced or avoided. Thus, it is effective to take a long discharge time.
本例によれば、定着ローラ１の温度低下を低減又は回避することができるので、より良好な画像品質を得ることができ、また、主電源装置及び補助電源装置からの電力を効果的に利用できるので、省エネルギー効果が得られる。 According to this example, since the temperature drop of the fixing roller 1 can be reduced or avoided, better image quality can be obtained, and the power from the main power supply device and the auxiliary power supply device can be effectively used. This can save energy.
また、朝一番での立ち上がりの時のように加熱部に当接される加圧部材の温度が低いとき、通紙開始とともに加熱部に蓄えられた熱量が加圧部材へ奪われ、加熱部温度が非常に低下する。補助電源装置に十分な電力が蓄えられている際には補助電源装置から発熱体へ電力を補助することでこの加熱部温度低下を低減又は回避できるが、補助電源装置に十分な電力を蓄えているときには低い目標温度とし、蓄えていないときには高い目標温度として、加熱部の温度低下を低減又は回避でき良好な画像品質を得ることができる。 Also, when the temperature of the pressurizing member that is in contact with the heating unit is low, such as when rising at the beginning of the morning, the amount of heat stored in the heating unit is taken away by the pressurizing member at the start of sheet passing, and the heating unit temperature Is very low. When sufficient power is stored in the auxiliary power supply device, this temperature drop can be reduced or avoided by assisting power from the auxiliary power supply device to the heating element, but sufficient power is stored in the auxiliary power supply device. A low target temperature is set when the temperature is not stored, and a high target temperature is set when the temperature is not stored, so that a decrease in temperature of the heating unit can be reduced or avoided and good image quality can be obtained.
次に第２の作動例について説明する。図７は第２の作動例に係る定着装置の温度制御の概略を示すグラフである。本例では、発熱制御手段である主電源制御手段９には、前記主発熱体２ａを制御するため通紙時における目標温度として第１の加熱部目標温度Ｔａが設定され、主電源制御手段９は、この第１の加熱部目標温度Ｔａと温度検知手段８の検出温度に基づいて主発熱体２ａを制御する。また、補助電源制御手段３には、前記補助発熱体２ｂを制御するため通紙時における目標温度として、第２の加熱部目標温度Ｔｂが設定され、補助電源制御手段３はこの第２の加熱部目標温度Ｔｂと温度検知手段８の検出温度とに基づいて補助発熱体２ｂを制御する。この例では、第１の加熱部目標温度Ｔａ及び第２の加熱部目標温度Ｔｂとは異なるものとしている。 Next, a second operation example will be described. FIG. 7 is a graph showing an outline of temperature control of the fixing device according to the second operation example. In this example, the main power supply control means 9 which is a heat generation control means is set with a first heating portion target temperature Ta as a target temperature at the time of passing paper in order to control the main heating element 2a. Controls the main heating element 2a based on the first heating part target temperature Ta and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means 8. The auxiliary power source control means 3 is set with a second heating part target temperature Tb as a target temperature at the time of passing paper to control the auxiliary heating element 2b. The auxiliary heating element 2b is controlled based on the target temperature Tb and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means 8. In this example, the first heating unit target temperature Ta and the second heating unit target temperature Tb are different.
定着装置２０への通紙時、補助電源装置４ｂから補助発熱体２ｂの給電は、補助電源制御手段３により制御され、定着ローラ１の温度（図中加熱部温度）がＴｂになると停止される。また、定着ローラ１の温度がＴｂ〜Ｔａの間は主電源装置４ａからの電力を主電源制御手段９から主発熱体２ａに送り、主発熱体２aのみで加熱部温度を制御する。なお、この例では加熱部目標温度がＴａ＞Ｔｂとなっているがこれに限らずＴａ＜Ｔｂとしてもよい。 When the paper is passed to the fixing device 20, the power supply from the auxiliary power supply 4b to the auxiliary heating element 2b is controlled by the auxiliary power supply control means 3, and is stopped when the temperature of the fixing roller 1 (heating portion temperature in the figure) reaches Tb. . Further, when the temperature of the fixing roller 1 is between Tb and Ta, the power from the main power supply device 4a is sent from the main power supply control means 9 to the main heating element 2a, and the heating part temperature is controlled only by the main heating element 2a. In this example, the heating unit target temperature is Ta> Tb, but is not limited to this, and Ta <Tb may be used.
また、待機時の温度はＴｂとほぼ同じ温度になっているため、通紙開始直後に定着ローラ１の温度がＴｂになるタイミングがあるが、通紙開始直後は通常、定着ローラ１の温度はある程度下がっているため、通紙開始直後数秒間は定着ローラ１の温度がＴｂになっても補助電源装置からの給電停止を行わない制御としたほうがより実用的となる。待機時温度よりもＴｂのほうが高いときには前述のような懸念はない。このことはＴａに対しても当てはまる。 Further, since the temperature during standby is substantially the same as Tb, there is a timing at which the temperature of the fixing roller 1 becomes Tb immediately after the start of paper passing, but the temperature of the fixing roller 1 is usually immediately after the start of paper passing. Since the temperature is lowered to some extent, it is more practical to perform control that does not stop power supply from the auxiliary power supply device even if the temperature of the fixing roller 1 reaches Tb for a few seconds immediately after the start of paper feeding. When Tb is higher than the standby temperature, there is no concern as described above. This is also true for Ta.
このように、本例では、主発熱体２ａ及び補助発熱体２ｂを主電源制御手段９及び補助電源制御手段３に目標温度を設定して独立して制御するので、２つある電源(主と補助)それぞれから適正な電力を給電することができ、より効率よく給電して省エネ効果を得ることができる。 Thus, in this example, the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b are controlled independently by setting the target temperature in the main power supply control means 9 and the auxiliary power supply control means 3, so that there are two power supplies (main and main power supplies). Auxiliary) It is possible to supply appropriate power from each, and it is possible to supply power more efficiently and obtain an energy saving effect.
即ち、商用電源主電源装置から給電される発熱体２ａと補助電源装置から給電される発熱体２ｂの目標温度をＴａ＞Ｔｂとしたときには、補助電源から効率よく給電し、主電源だけからでは電力不足な時に効果的に電力を補助できる。また、目標温度Ｔａ＜Ｔｂと設定したときには、主電源から効率よく給電することができ、主電源からの給電が少ないので、省エネルギを図ることができる。このように本例では、それぞれの目的に応じた設定ができ、より効率よく給電を行うことができる。 That is, when the target temperature of the heating element 2a fed from the commercial power supply main power supply and the heating element 2b fed from the auxiliary power supply is Ta> Tb, power is supplied efficiently from the auxiliary power supply. Power can be effectively assisted when there is a shortage. In addition, when the target temperature Ta <Tb is set, it is possible to efficiently supply power from the main power source, and less power is supplied from the main power source, thereby saving energy. Thus, in this example, setting according to each purpose can be performed and power can be supplied more efficiently.
次に第３の作動例について説明する。図８は第３の作動例に係る定着装置の温度制御の概略を示すグラフである。本例では、発熱制御手段である補助電源制御手段３は、通紙時において３加熱部目標温度Ｔ０と温度検知手段８が検知した温度との差ΔＴ０が予め定めた規定値以下になったとき補助電源装置４ｂからの電力供給を停止する。 Next, a third operation example will be described. FIG. 8 is a graph showing an outline of temperature control of the fixing device according to the third operation example. In this example, the auxiliary power supply control means 3, which is a heat generation control means, is used when the difference ΔT0 between the target temperature T0 of the three heating parts and the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 8 is not more than a predetermined specified value during paper feeding. The power supply from the auxiliary power supply 4b is stopped.
本例では、定着ローラ１の温度（現在温度）と目標温度との差が予め決めたΔＴ０になると補助電源制御手段３により補助発熱体２ｂ信号がＯＦＦされるので、定着ローラ１は、主電源制御手段９の制御に基づく発熱体２ａのみの加熱により温度を制御される。これは、定着ローラ１及び加圧ローラ１０の温度がある程度あたたまっていて通紙開始後の加熱部温度落込み量が少ないときに有効であり、加熱部温度の落込みが少ないときには目標温度と現在温度との開きが少ないため（通紙後常にΔＴ０以下の場合もある）、そのような場合では補助電源装置４ｂからの給電を行わず、温度落込みが大きくて補助が必要な場合だけ補助発熱体２ｂに補助電源装置４ｂからの電力が供給されることになるので、省エネルギ効果が得られる。 In this example, when the difference between the temperature (current temperature) of the fixing roller 1 and the target temperature reaches a predetermined ΔT0, the auxiliary heating control unit 3 turns off the auxiliary heating element 2b signal. The temperature is controlled by heating only the heating element 2 a based on the control of the control means 9. This is effective when the temperatures of the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 10 are warmed up to some extent and the amount of temperature drop of the heated portion after the start of paper feeding is small, and the target temperature when the temperature of the heated portion temperature decreases little. Since there is little difference between the current temperature and the current temperature (there is always ΔT0 or less after the paper is passed), in such a case, power is not supplied from the auxiliary power supply 4b, and only when the temperature drop is large and assistance is required. Since the power from the auxiliary power supply device 4b is supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b, an energy saving effect can be obtained.
図示した例では、通紙開始直後に加熱部温度がΔＴ０以下になっている場合を示している。本例では、このような場合を除外するよう、通紙開始直後数秒間のみはこの制御を行わないようにする。 In the illustrated example, a case where the heating unit temperature is equal to or lower than ΔT0 immediately after the start of paper feeding is shown. In this example, in order to exclude such a case, this control is not performed only for a few seconds immediately after the start of paper feeding.
本作動例によれば、定着ローラ１の現在温度と目標温度Ｔ０との温度差Δｔ１をある一定値に規定し、規定値Δｔ１になった時点で補助発熱体２ｂへの給電を先に停止させるので、補助電源装置４ｂに蓄えられた電力を無駄に浪費させることなく有効活用することができ、省エネエネルギ効果が得られる。 According to this operation example, the temperature difference Δt1 between the current temperature of the fixing roller 1 and the target temperature T0 is defined as a certain value, and when the specified value Δt1 is reached, the power supply to the auxiliary heating element 2b is stopped first. Therefore, the electric power stored in the auxiliary power supply device 4b can be effectively used without being wasted, and an energy saving energy effect can be obtained.
即ち、通紙開始直後の加熱部温度落ち込みを低減するために電力補助を行うに際して、電力補助により加熱部現在温度が目標温度へ近づいてきた（ある規定値以下になる）とき、補助電源装置への給電を停止することで、補助発熱体２ｂへの給電停止後は主発熱体２ａのみで加熱部を目標温度まで到達させ、より効率的に補助電源装置の電力を使用することができる。 That is, when performing power assistance to reduce the drop in temperature of the heating section immediately after the start of paper feeding, when the current temperature of the heating section approaches the target temperature by power assistance (below a specified value), the auxiliary power supply device By stopping the power supply, the heating unit can reach the target temperature only by the main heating element 2a after the power supply to the auxiliary heating element 2b is stopped, and the power of the auxiliary power supply device can be used more efficiently.
次に第４の実施例について説明する。図９は第４の実施例に係る定着装置の温度制御の概略を示すグラフである。本例は、定着装置２０への通紙時において補助電源制御手段３は、加熱部目標温度Ｔ０と温度検知手段８の検出した現在温度との差が規定値ΔＴ０以上になったとき補助電源装置４ｂから補助発熱体２ｂに給電を開始する。本例では、目標温度Ｔ０に対して予め設けておいた目標温度と現在温度との差異がΔＴ０になった時点で補助発熱体２ｂ信号をＯＦＦして発熱体２ａのみで温度制御が行われる。加熱部温度の落込みが激しい場合には補助発熱体２ｂだけでは電力不足で加熱部温度は低下する。温度低下による定着不良を避けるため、温度差がΔＴ１まで広がったときに再び電力補助を行う。 Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a graph showing an outline of temperature control of the fixing device according to the fourth embodiment. In this example, the auxiliary power supply control means 3 when the paper is passed to the fixing device 20 is configured such that when the difference between the heating unit target temperature T0 and the current temperature detected by the temperature detection means 8 is equal to or greater than a specified value ΔT0. Power supply to the auxiliary heating element 2b is started from 4b. In this example, when the difference between the target temperature set in advance with respect to the target temperature T0 and the current temperature reaches ΔT0, the auxiliary heating element 2b signal is turned off and the temperature control is performed only by the heating element 2a. When the drop of the heating part temperature is severe, the heating part temperature is lowered due to insufficient power with only the auxiliary heating element 2b. In order to avoid fixing failure due to a temperature drop, power assistance is performed again when the temperature difference widens to ΔT1.
なお、上記例では、温度差がΔＴ１から再び電力補助をさせて、温度差がまたΔＴ０になってもそのまま電力補助を続けているがこの限りではなく、ΔＴ０まで温度差が縮まったときに補助発熱体２ｂ信号をＯＦＦしてもよい。ΔＴ０及びΔＴ１を閾値として何度も電力補助ＯＮ／ＯＦＦを繰り返したほうがより補助電源に蓄えられた電力量を有効に使うことができ、よりよい省エネルギ効果が見込まれる。 In the above example, power assistance is performed again from the temperature difference ΔT1, and power assistance is continued as it is even when the temperature difference becomes ΔT0. However, this is not the case, and assistance is provided when the temperature difference is reduced to ΔT0. The heating element 2b signal may be turned off. If the power auxiliary ON / OFF is repeated many times with ΔT0 and ΔT1 as threshold values, the amount of power stored in the auxiliary power source can be used more effectively, and a better energy saving effect is expected.
また、一旦補助発熱体２ｂへの給電停止した後、主発熱体２ａのみだけでは加熱部を目標温度まで高めることが出来ない場合（補助発熱体２ｂの停止後に加熱部現在温度と加熱部目標温度との温度差が開いていってしまう場合）、定着ローラ１の現在温度と目標温度との温度差Δｔ２をある一定値として規定し、規定値Δｔ２まで温度差が広がった時に再び発熱体２ｂへの給電を開始することで、過熱部温度落ち込みによる定着不良を回避して良好な画像を得ることができる。 Further, after the power supply to the auxiliary heating element 2b is stopped once, the heating unit cannot be raised to the target temperature only by the main heating element 2a (the heating unit current temperature and the heating unit target temperature after the auxiliary heating element 2b is stopped). The temperature difference Δt2 between the current temperature of the fixing roller 1 and the target temperature is defined as a certain constant value, and when the temperature difference widens to the specified value Δt2, the heating element 2b is returned again. By starting the power feeding, it is possible to avoid a fixing failure due to a drop in the temperature of the overheated portion and obtain a good image.
次に第５の作動例について説明する。図１０は第５の作動例に係る定着装置の温度制御の概略を示すグラフである。本例では、通紙開始後、補助電源装置４ｂに蓄えられた残電量に応じて定められ主発熱体を制御するための目標温度Ｔ２に対し、通紙中にその目標温度に達すると、目標温度をそれよりも低い目標温度Ｔ３へと切り替えている。通紙開始時は温度落込みが大きいため、目標温度を高く設定して主発熱体２ａ及び補助発熱体２ｂでより定着ローラ１の温度を落込みませないようにしなければならないが、連続通紙時に定着ローラ１に当接された加圧ローラ１０の温度が高まってくると、それほど温度落込みしない状態になってくる。そのような状態にあるときには、定着ローラ１の温度をＴ２まで高める必要がないので、省エネのために加熱部目標温度を低い値に変更させる。この例では加熱部温度がＴ２に達する前に補助発熱体２ｂ信号をＯＦＦしているがこの限りではなく、第２の実施例に示したように実施例先に発熱体２ａ信号をＯＦＦしてもよい。 Next, a fifth operation example will be described. FIG. 10 is a graph showing an outline of temperature control of the fixing device according to the fifth operation example. In this example, when the target temperature T2 for controlling the main heating element, which is determined in accordance with the remaining power stored in the auxiliary power supply 4b after starting the sheet passing, reaches the target temperature during the sheet passing, The temperature is switched to a lower target temperature T3. Since the temperature drop is large at the start of paper feeding, it is necessary to set the target temperature high so that the temperature of the fixing roller 1 does not drop more with the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b. When the temperature of the pressure roller 10 in contact with the fixing roller 1 increases sometimes, the temperature does not drop so much. In such a state, since it is not necessary to raise the temperature of the fixing roller 1 to T2, the heating unit target temperature is changed to a low value for energy saving. In this example, the auxiliary heating element 2b signal is turned off before the heating part temperature reaches T2, but this is not the case. As shown in the second example, the heating element 2a signal is turned off earlier in the example. Also good.
また本例では目標温度をＴ３に変更してから電力補助を行っていないが、目標温度変更後も定着ローラ１の温度落込みの程度により再び電力補助（補助発熱体２ｂ信号のＯＮ／ＯＦＦ）を実施してもよい。目標温度変更後も加熱部温度落込みが激しい場合には、落込み低減又は回避のために電力補助を行ったほうがより高精度に加熱部温度制御可能となるので、より高品質な画像を得ることができる。 In this example, power assistance is not performed after the target temperature is changed to T3. However, after the target temperature is changed, power assistance is performed again depending on the temperature drop of the fixing roller 1 (ON / OFF of the auxiliary heating element 2b signal). May be implemented. If the temperature drop of the heated part is severe even after the target temperature has been changed, it is possible to control the heated part temperature with higher accuracy by substituting the power to reduce or avoid the drop, so a higher quality image is obtained. be able to.
本例によれば、定着ローラ１及び加圧ローラ１０がある程度温まった状態（通紙時の温度落ち込みが朝一番の立ち上げ直後ほど大きくない程度）にあるとき、すでに良好な画像品質を得るために十分なため、無駄に加熱部温度を高める必要がないので、設定温度を低い値へ切り替えることができ省エネルギ効果を得ることができる。 According to this example, when the fixing roller 1 and the pressure roller 10 are heated to some extent (the temperature drop at the time of paper feeding is not as great as immediately after the start of the morning), in order to obtain a good image quality already. Therefore, it is unnecessary to raise the heating part temperature unnecessarily, so that the set temperature can be switched to a low value and an energy saving effect can be obtained.
１ 定着ローラ
２ａ 主発熱体
２ｂ 補助発熱体
３ 補助電源制御手段
４ａ 主電源装置
４ｂ 補助電源装置
５ 充電装置
６ メインスイッチ
７ 切替装置
８ 温度検知手段
９ 主電源制御手段
１０ 加圧ローラ
１１ 温度検知手段
２０ 定着装置
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fixing roller 2a Main heating element 2b Auxiliary heating element 3 Auxiliary power supply control means 4a Main power supply apparatus 4b Auxiliary power supply apparatus 5 Charging apparatus 6 Main switch 7 Switching device 8 Temperature detection means 9 Main power supply control means 10 Pressure roller 11 Temperature detection means 20 Fixing device
Claims (7)
前記加熱部に温度検知手段を備え、
前記発熱制御手段は、通紙開始時の補助電源装置の残容量に応じた前記加熱部の通紙時における目標温度を設定し、この前記温度検知手段が検知した温度と目標温度とに基づいて前記主電源装置から発熱体への電力供給を制御することを特徴とする定着装置。 A main power supply to which power is supplied from a commercial power supply; an auxiliary power supply that can be charged; a main heating element that generates heat by the power from the main power supply; and an auxiliary heating element that generates heat by the power from the auxiliary power supply. A heating unit that is heated by the main heating element and the auxiliary heating element, a charging device that charges the auxiliary power supply device with electric power from the main power supply device, and a heat generation control means that controls power supplied to the heating element. In the fixing device provided,
The heating unit is provided with temperature detection means,
The heat generation control means sets a target temperature at the time of paper feeding of the heating unit according to the remaining capacity of the auxiliary power supply device at the start of paper feeding, and based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the target temperature A fixing device that controls power supply from the main power supply to a heating element.
前記発熱制御手段は、加熱部の通紙時における目標温度を定め、通紙開始時における前記第２の温度検知手段が検出した温度に応じて前記主発熱体を制御することを特徴とする請求項２乃至５のいずれか記載の定着装置。 The second temperature detection means is arranged in the pressurizing part,
The heat generation control unit determines a target temperature when the heating unit passes the paper, and controls the main heating element according to the temperature detected by the second temperature detection unit when the paper starts. Item 6. The fixing device according to any one of Items 2 to 5.
An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to claim 1.
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH0336579A (en) * | 1989-07-04 | 1991-02-18 | Canon Inc | Heating device for fixing device |
| JPH0619563A (en) * | 1992-07-06 | 1994-01-28 | Brother Ind Ltd | Temperature controller |
| JP2002278355A (en) * | 2001-03-19 | 2002-09-27 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Fixing device |
| JP2004294666A (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-10-21 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Fixing device and image-forming apparatus |
| JP2005174577A (en) * | 2003-12-08 | 2005-06-30 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Heating device, fixing device using it, and image formation device using the fixing device |
| JP2007286537A (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2007-11-01 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
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2006
- 2006-11-08 JP JP2006302945A patent/JP2008122453A/en active Pending
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| JPH0336579A (en) * | 1989-07-04 | 1991-02-18 | Canon Inc | Heating device for fixing device |
| JPH0619563A (en) * | 1992-07-06 | 1994-01-28 | Brother Ind Ltd | Temperature controller |
| JP2002278355A (en) * | 2001-03-19 | 2002-09-27 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Fixing device |
| JP2004294666A (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-10-21 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Fixing device and image-forming apparatus |
| JP2005174577A (en) * | 2003-12-08 | 2005-06-30 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Heating device, fixing device using it, and image formation device using the fixing device |
| JP2007286537A (en) * | 2006-04-20 | 2007-11-01 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Image forming apparatus |
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