JP5402201B2 - Fixing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a program.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a plurality of recording elements, a plurality of temperature detection units that detect temperatures in the vicinity of the recording elements, and a plurality of units that control the temperatures in the vicinity of the corresponding recording elements based on temperature information detected by the temperature detection unit. There is disclosed a control apparatus for a recording head which has a temperature control means for recording an image by applying thermal energy to a recording element. In this recording head control apparatus, the temperature control unit includes a temperature detection unit in the vicinity of the recording element that the temperature control unit itself intends to control, an input unit that inputs a signal from the adjacent temperature detection unit, and an input temperature According to the information held by the holding means for holding information indicating which of the signals to select and the information held by the holding means, any one of the temperature signals input from the input means is selected, and the temperature signal obtained by the selection is obtained. And a means for controlling the temperature in the vicinity of the corresponding recording element.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a recording apparatus that performs recording with a recording head. This recording apparatus detects an environmental temperature, and when not properly connected, an environmental temperature sensor that outputs a predetermined temperature within a range that the environmental temperature can take, and a recording head temperature that detects the temperature of the recording head Based on the comparison result between the environmental temperature and the print head temperature when the sensor, the power cut-off time measuring means for measuring the OFF time when the power of the apparatus was cut off, and the OFF time is not less than a predetermined time Determining means for determining the connection state of the environmental temperature sensor.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-100409 JP 2007-1085 A

  The object of the present invention is to release the fixing of the covering means at the covering position based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, and to determine the covering means at the covering position based on the time after the fixing operation is completed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a program, which are improved in convenience and safety as compared with a case where the fixing function is not provided.

In order to achieve the above object, the fixing device according to claim 1 includes a covering position that covers a predetermined region in a part including a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on a recording medium to the recording medium, and the covering position. a covering means is moved to an exposure position to expose the region, and securing means for releasably securing the front Symbol covering means in the covering position, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of said region, said covering means is the The fixing means is controlled so as to be fixed at the covering position, and when the temperature detecting means detects a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit has been completed, The fixing means is controlled so that fixing by the fixing means is released when a temperature equal to or lower than a second temperature lower than the first temperature is detected. When the temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is not detected by the detecting means, the fixing by the fixing means is released when a predetermined time has elapsed after the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed. Control means for controlling the fixing means as described above.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to the first aspect, the fixing operation by the fixing unit is terminated at the upper limit temperature higher than the first temperature for the predetermined time. To a time corresponding to the time until the temperature falls to the second temperature.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fixing device according to the first or second aspect, when the fixing state by the fixing unit is released, the fixing state by the fixing unit is released. It is comprised further including the alerting | reporting means to alert | report.

  On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect includes the fixing device according to any one of the first to third aspects.

On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the program according to claim 5 covers a predetermined area in a part including a fixing unit for fixing an image formed on a recording medium to the computer. as the covering means is moved to the exposure position for exposing the coated position and the area is secured in the covering position, together with the pre-Symbol covering means for controlling the fixing means for releasably securing at the covering position, the When a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected by the temperature detecting unit that detects the temperature of the region in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed, the temperature is equal to or lower than the second temperature lower than the first temperature. The fixing means is controlled so that the fixing by the fixing means is released when the temperature is detected, and the first temperature detecting means finishes the first fixing operation by the temperature detecting means. If a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature is not detected, the fixing means is controlled so that the fixing means is released when a predetermined time elapses after the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed. It is for functioning as a control means.
In order to achieve the above object, the fixing device according to claim 6 is a covering position that covers a predetermined region in a part including a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium. and a covering means is moved to the exposure position for exposing the region, and securing means for releasably securing the front Symbol covering means in the covering position, a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of said region, said covering means The fixing means is controlled so as to be fixed at the covering position, and a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means after an instruction to start image formation on the recording medium is input, and When the temperature detection unit detects a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed, a temperature equal to or lower than the second temperature lower than the first temperature is detected. The fixing unit is controlled so that the fixing by the fixing unit is released, and the temperature detection unit detects a temperature higher than the first temperature after an instruction to start image formation on the recording medium is input. In the case where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed without being performed, and the temperature detecting unit does not detect a temperature higher than the first temperature in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed, the fixing unit Control means for controlling the fixing means so that the fixing by the fixing means is released when a predetermined time elapses after the fixing operation by is completed.
In order to achieve the above object, a program according to claim 7 covers a predetermined area in a part including a fixing unit for fixing an image formed on a recording medium to the computer. as the covering means is moved to the exposure position for exposing the coated position and the area is secured in the covering position, together with the pre-Symbol covering means for controlling the fixing means for releasably securing at the covering position, the After the instruction to start image formation on the recording medium is input, the temperature detection unit detects a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature, and the temperature detection unit completes the first fixing operation by the temperature detection unit. When a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature is detected, the fixing means releases the fixing when a temperature equal to or lower than a second temperature lower than the first temperature is detected. A fixing unit is controlled, and a fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed without detecting a temperature higher than a first temperature by the temperature detecting unit after an instruction to start image formation on the recording medium is input. In a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit has been completed and the temperature detection unit does not detect a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature, a predetermined time has elapsed since the fixing operation by the fixing unit was completed. In order to function as a control means for controlling the fixing means so that the fixing by the fixing means is released.

  According to the first, fourth, and fifth aspects of the present invention, the function of releasing the fixing of the covering means at the covering position based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the fixing operation are completed. As compared with the case where the function of releasing the fixing of the covering means at the covering position is not provided based on the time from the start, an effect of improving convenience and safety can be obtained.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, compared to a case where the predetermined time is not set to the time corresponding to the time from when the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed at the upper limit temperature until the temperature is lowered to the second temperature. An effect is obtained that the fixation is released after the temperature of the predetermined region is reliably set to a temperature equal to or lower than the second temperature.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the user can easily grasp that the fixed state by the fixing unit has been released, as compared with the case where the notification that the fixed state by the fixing unit has been released is not issued. .

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the flash fixing device and its vicinity when the flash fixing device according to the embodiment is located at a covering position. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the flash fixing device and its vicinity when the flash fixing device according to the embodiment is located at an exposure position. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electric system of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the fixing device control processing program which concerns on embodiment. The detection unit detects that the temperature in the high temperature region, which is a predetermined upper limit temperature when image formation is stopped, is equal to or higher than the first temperature, and then the detection unit detects that the temperature is equal to or lower than the second temperature. It is a graph which shows the temperature transition of the high temperature area | region in the case of. The temperature transition of the high temperature region is shown when the first temperature is not detected by the detection unit when image formation is being performed and the first temperature is not detected by the detection unit even when image formation is stopped. The graph and the temperature transition of the high temperature region when the first temperature is not detected by the detection unit even though the temperature of the high temperature region is equal to or higher than the first temperature when image formation is being performed. It is a graph to show. It is a block diagram which shows the other form example of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a sheet storage unit 14 in which continuous paper 12 is stored and toner as a developer (coloring material) for the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface. (In this embodiment, a powder toner corresponding to so-called flash fixing) is attached to the photosensitive drum 16 on which the image is formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 is a sheet. A transfer device 18 that electrostatically transfers to the continuous paper 12 delivered from the storage unit 14 and an image transferred to the continuous paper 12 by the transfer device 18 from a flash lamp (for example, a xenon lamp) 20A. By irradiating light (for example, infrared light), the toner constituting the image is melted to fix the image on the continuous paper 12, and the continuous image where the image is fixed by the flash fixing device 20. A stacker 22 for accommodating the paper 12 in the folded state, has a, which are housed in the housing 42.

  The photosensitive drum 16 has a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotated in the direction of the arc b, which is the sub-scanning direction, at a predetermined rotational speed by a motor (not shown). Around the photosensitive drum 16, a charger 24 that charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 along the direction of the circular arc arrow b, and a laser beam emitted from the light source are indicated by input image information. And an electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 by deflecting in the main scanning direction and scanning the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 in parallel with the axis of the photosensitive drum 16. A laser beam scanning device 26, a developing unit 28 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 with toner, and an outer peripheral surface after the image is transferred to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 A cleaner blade 30 for removing residual toner, a static eliminator 32 for neutralizing the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16, a rotating brush 34 for removing unnecessary toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16, It is provided.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the flash fixing device 20 and its vicinity when the flash fixing device 20 according to the present embodiment is located at the covering position. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the flash fixing device 20 and its vicinity when the flash fixing device 20 according to the present embodiment is located at the exposure position.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the flash fixing device 20 includes a flash lamp 20A, a box in which the flash lamp 20A is accommodated and fixed to the inner wall surface, and the entire inner wall surface is covered with a reflective film 20B made of aluminum. And a main body 20C.

  Inside the housing 42, the continuous paper 12 is guided so that the continuous paper 12 is conveyed along a predetermined conveyance path by a conveyance device (not shown), and the continuous paper is guided along the conveyance path. 12 is provided with a carriage 40 that supports the continuous paper 12 so that a surface 12A on which an image is formed (hereinafter referred to as an “image forming surface”) 12A receives light irradiated by the flash fixing device 20. 1), the flash fixing device 20 performs a fixing operation (light emission by the flash lamp 20A) in a state where the inner wall surface of the main body 20C is opposed to the upper surface 40A of the transport table 40.

  The main body 20C has an opening 20D formed on the lower surface, a take-in port 20E for taking the continuous paper 12 into the inner space, and a discharge port for discharging the continuous paper 12 taken into the inner space from the take-in port 20E to the outside. 20F.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the image forming surface 12A includes an area formed of two areas, an area including the flash lamp 20A inside the main body 20C and an area corresponding to the opening 20D on the upper surface 40A of the transport table 40. To a temperature exceeding a predetermined second temperature (hereinafter simply referred to as “second temperature”) due to light emission by the flash lamp 20A for fixing the image formed on the image forming surface 12A. The high temperature region H is as follows. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the second temperature is set to 60 ° C. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is determined that there is no risk of burns even if the human body touches the high temperature region H. The upper limit temperature may be set.

  A rotating shaft 44 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 20F of the main body 20B. The main body 20B is rotatably supported on the inner wall surface of the housing 42 by a rotating shaft 44, and covers a cover position (position shown in FIG. 2) that covers the high temperature region H and an exposure position (see FIG. 3) that exposes the high temperature region H. To the position shown).

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the exposure position is set to a position where the edge forming the opening 20D of the main body 20B contacts the upper surface 40A of the transport base 40 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the edge forming the opening 20D of the main body 20B does not contact the upper surface 40A of the transport table 40. Preferably, the above-described exposed position is the contact with the high temperature region H by the user. Is a position that allows the user to contact the high temperature region H. Further, the high temperature region H is set in the flash fixing device 20 (the region inside the main body 20C), the exposure position is set to allow contact by the user to the inside of the flash fixing device 20, and the covering position is set as described above. Further, the position may be a position where contact with the inside of the flash fixing device 20 is prevented. Further, the high temperature region H is a region corresponding to the opening 20D on the upper surface 40A of the transport table 40, and the above-described exposure position is a position that allows the user to contact the region corresponding to the opening 20D on the upper surface 40A of the transport table 40. The covering position may be a position that prevents the user from contacting a region corresponding to the opening 20D on the upper surface 40A of the transport table 40.

  The main body 20B detects that the temperature of the high temperature region H has become equal to or lower than the second temperature, and also sets a predetermined first temperature (hereinafter simply referred to as “high temperature region H”) higher than the second temperature. It is referred to as “first temperature.”) A detection unit 54 is provided for detecting the above. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the detection unit 54 outputs a first temperature detection signal (high level signal) when energized when the temperature of the high temperature region H becomes equal to or higher than the first temperature. In the state where the first temperature detection signal is output, when the temperature of the high temperature region H becomes equal to or lower than the second temperature, the energization is stopped to output the second temperature detection signal (low level signal). The temperature switch is used. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the first temperature is set to 80 ° C. However, the first temperature is not limited to this, and the first temperature is a portion that is touched when the human body touches the high temperature region H. Any temperature may be set as long as there is a possibility of burning.

  In the vicinity of the inlet 20E of the main body 20B, a grip portion 46 is provided that is gripped when the user rotates the flash fixing device 20 around the rotation shaft 44. The grip portion 46 is provided on the outer wall surface of the main body 20B. It is fixed.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a fixing device 48 that fixes the flash fixing device 20 to the covering position so that the fixed state is released. In the fixing device 48, the plunger 50A is sucked into the case 50B when energized (when a fixing release signal for instructing the release of the state where the flash fixing device 20 is fixed in the covering position is input), and when not energized (flash fixing device). The plunger 50A is pulled out from the case 50B by the urging force of a wound coil spring (not shown) at the time of inputting a fixing signal instructing to fix the cover 20 to the covering position. It has an insertion port 52A into which the plunger 50A pulled out from the case 50B is inserted, and is configured by a plunger receiving portion 52 that holds the plunger 50A inserted into the insertion port 52A. The case 50B is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 42.

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the electrical system of the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, an image forming apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 60, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62 that is a read-only storage medium, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 64, and a nonvolatile storage medium. NVM (Non Volatile Memory) 66, UI (User Interface) panel 68, and communication interface 70.

  The CPU 60 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The ROM 62 functions as a storage medium that stores in advance a control program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 10, a fixing device control processing program to be described later, various parameters, and the like. The RAM 64 is a storage medium used as a work area or the like when executing various programs. The NVM 66 is a storage medium that stores various types of information that must be retained even when the power switch of the apparatus is turned off.

  The UI panel 68 is configured by a touch panel display or the like in which a transparent touch panel is superimposed on a display. Various information is displayed on the display surface of the display, and desired information and instructions are input when the user touches the touch panel. Is done.

  The CPU 60, ROM 62, RAM 64, NVM 66, and UI panel 68 are connected to each other via a bus BUS such as a system bus. Therefore, the CPU 60 performs access to the ROM 62, RAM 64, and NVM 66, displays various information on the UI panel 68, and grasps the contents of user operation instructions on the UI panel 68.

  The communication interface 70 is connected to a terminal device (in this case, a personal computer, for example) 72 and receives various information such as image information from the terminal device 72 and transmits various information to the terminal device 72. is there. Examples of the communication interface 70 include a network interface card (NIC) and a modem.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming engine unit 74. The image forming engine unit 74 forms an image on the image forming surface 12A of the continuous paper 12 by the xerographic method. The photosensitive drum 16, the transfer unit 18, the flash fixing device 20, and the charging unit described above. 24, a laser beam scanning device 26, a developing device 28, a cleaner blade 30, a static eliminator 32, and a rotating brush 34. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, image formation is performed by the xerographic method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and image formation may be performed by a magnetography method or an ink jet recording method. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the continuous paper 12 is applied as a recording medium to which the toner is attached. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a sheet. As described above, any material may be used as long as the color material adheres and an image indicated by the image information is formed.

  The solenoid 50, the detection unit 54, and the image forming engine unit 74 are also connected to the bus BUS. Therefore, the CPU 60 controls the operation of the solenoid, grasps the detection result in the detection unit 54 (reception of the first temperature detection signal and reception of the second temperature detection signal), and the operation of the image forming engine unit 74. And control.

  Next, as an operation of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, first, a process flow of the image forming engine unit 74 will be briefly described.

  When image information is input to the CPU 60 from the terminal device 72 via the communication interface 70 together with an instruction to start image formation, the CPU 60 drives the image forming engine unit 74. First, the photosensitive drum 16 moves along the direction of the arc b. The outer peripheral surface is charged by the charger 24 during rotation. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed by the laser beam scanning device 26 on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 charged by the charger 24. Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 is developed by the developing device 28, and an image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16.

  On the other hand, the continuous paper 12 delivered from the paper storage unit 14 is inserted between the transfer unit 18 and the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 by a conveying device (not shown). Then, the image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 16 is transferred to the image forming surface 12 </ b> A of the continuous paper 12 by the transfer device 18.

  The continuous paper 12 onto which the image has been transferred by the transfer device 18 is transferred to the flash fixing device 20 along the transport direction a, and the flash lamp 20A emits light at a predetermined cycle in the flash fixing device 20, thereby causing continuous printing. The image on the book 12 is fixed on the recording surface 12A. The continuous paper 12 with the image fixed on the image forming surface 12A is stacked on the stacker 22 in a folded state.

  On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 16 after the image is transferred is removed by the cleaner blade 30, the charge is removed by the charge eliminator 32, and cleaned by the rotating brush 34.

  Next, a fixing device control process executed by the image forming apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of a fixing device control processing program executed by the CPU 60 when a power switch (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10 is turned on. The program is stored in the ROM 62 in advance. Has been. Here, a case where the flash fixing device 20 is located at the covering position will be described in order to avoid complications. Further, here, it is assumed that the fixing operation by the flash fixing device 20 is completed when the image formation is completed.

  In step 100 of FIG. 8, after waiting for an input instruction to start image formation, the process proceeds to step 102 where the solenoid 50 is actuated so that the plunger 50A of the solenoid 50 is inserted into the insertion port 52A of the plunger receiver 52. To control. Thereby, the flash fixing device 20 is fixed at the covering position.

  In the next step 104, it is determined whether or not the detection unit 54 detects that the temperature of the high temperature region H is equal to or higher than the first temperature. If the determination is negative, the process of step 106 is not executed. On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 106. After the flag is set to “on”, the process proceeds to step 108. The flag is information indicating whether or not the detection unit 54 has detected that the temperature of the high temperature region H is equal to or higher than the first temperature since the start of image formation. Yes, “ON” of the flag means that the temperature is detected to be higher than the first temperature, and “OFF” of the flag means that it is not detected that the temperature is higher than the first temperature.

  In step 108, after waiting for image formation by the image forming engine unit 74 to end (until light irradiation as fixing processing by the flash fixing device 20 stops), the process proceeds to step 110, and the detection unit 54 causes the high temperature region to be detected. It is determined whether or not it is detected that the temperature of H is equal to or higher than the first temperature. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 112, and the high temperature region H is set to be equal to or lower than the second temperature by the detection unit 54. After waiting until it has been detected, the routine proceeds to step 120.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 110, the process proceeds to step 114, where it is determined whether or not the flag is “on”. After waiting for a predetermined time α (in this case, for example, 300 seconds) to elapse after the above process is executed, the flag is returned to “off”, and the process proceeds to step 120.

  The above “predetermined time α” corresponds to the time from when the temperature of the high temperature region H is the first temperature to when the temperature is lowered to the second temperature after the fixing operation by the flash fixing device 20 is completed. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the temperature of the high-temperature region H is determined in advance by experiments using the actual apparatus of the image forming apparatus 10 or computer simulation based on the design specifications of the image forming apparatus 10. The time previously obtained is assumed to drop to the second temperature from the time when the fixing process by the flash fixing device 20 is stopped at the first temperature.

  If a negative determination is made in step 114, the process proceeds to step 118, and after waiting for a predetermined time β (eg, 450 seconds in this example) to elapse after the process of step 108 is executed, 120.

  The above-mentioned “predetermined time β” means a predetermined upper limit temperature in which the temperature of the high temperature region H is higher than the first temperature (a temperature set in advance as the upper limit temperature of the temperature in the high temperature region H ( Here, for example, the time from the end of the fixing operation by the flash fixing device 20 at 110 ° C.) until the temperature drops to the second temperature. In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 includes: The fixing process by the flash fixing device 20 is stopped at a predetermined upper limit temperature in which the temperature of the high temperature region H is higher than the first temperature by an experiment with an actual machine or a computer simulation based on the design specifications of the image forming apparatus 10. A time obtained in advance as a drop from the time to the second temperature is applied.

  In step 120, after controlling the operation of the solenoid 50 so that the plunger 50A of the solenoid 50 is pulled out from the insertion port 52A of the plunger receiving portion 52, and controlling the UI panel 68 to display predetermined information, The fixing device control processing program is terminated. By the processing of step 120, the fixing state of the flash fixing device 20 by the fixing device 48 is released, and information indicating that the fixing state of the flash fixing device 20 is released is displayed on the UI panel 68. It is notified that the fixed state has been released.

  In the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the UI panel 68 performs visual display of information indicating that the fixing state of the flash fixing device 20 has been released. An audible display may be performed using the apparatus, or a permanent visual display may be performed by printing. A plurality of the visible display, audible display, and permanent visible display may be combined. Further, it may be informed that the fixed state of the flash fixing device 20 has been released by turning on the lamp.

  In FIG. 6, the detection unit 54 detects that the temperature of the high temperature region H that is a predetermined upper limit temperature at the end of image formation is equal to or higher than the first temperature, and then the detection unit 54 detects the second temperature. The graph which shows the temperature transition of the high temperature area | region H when it is detected that it is below temperature is shown. As shown in the figure, when the image formation is started, the flash fixing device 20 is fixed at the covering position by the fixing device 48, and the temperature of the high temperature region H is equal to or higher than the first temperature by the detection unit 54 at the end of the image formation. When the detection unit 54 detects that the temperature of the high temperature region H is equal to or lower than the second temperature, the fixed state by the fixing device 48 is released. The figure shows an example in which the fixing state by the fixing device 48 is released 450 seconds after the end of image formation.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the first temperature has not been detected by the detection unit 54 when image formation is being performed, and the first temperature has not been detected by the detection unit 54 even at the end of image formation. The graph showing the temperature transition of the high temperature region H and the first temperature is detected by the detection unit 54 even though the temperature of the high temperature region H is equal to or higher than the first temperature when image formation is being performed. The graph which shows the temperature transition of the high temperature area | region H when not detected (when the detection part 54 has failed) is shown.

  As shown in the figure, when the image formation is started, the flash fixing device 20 is fixed at the covering position by the fixing device 48, and the first temperature is detected by the detection unit 54 when the image formation is being executed. If the first temperature is not detected by the detecting unit 54 even when the image formation is completed, the above-described predetermined time β (for example, 450 seconds) from the time when the image formation is completed is performed. After a lapse, the fixed state by the fixing device 48 is released.

  On the other hand, as shown in the figure, when the image formation is started, the flash fixing device 20 is fixed at the covering position by the fixing device 48, and the temperature of the high temperature region H is the first when the image formation is being executed. When the image formation is completed without detecting the first temperature by the detection unit 54 despite the temperature being equal to or higher than the above temperature, the above-described predetermined time β (for example, 450) from the time when the image formation is completed. Second), the fixed state by the fixing device 48 is released.

  In the above-described embodiment, the detection unit 54 is described with reference to an example in which the detection unit 54 is configured by a bimetal temperature switch. However, the detection unit 54 is not limited thereto, and the detection unit 54 may be a thermocouple, a platinum thin film temperature sensor, a thermistor, or the like. Any sensor may be used as long as it has a function of detecting the temperature of the high temperature region H.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the fixing device 48 was comprised with the solenoid 50 and the plunger receiving part 52, it may comprise not only this but the holding | grip part 46 comprised with ferromagnetics, such as iron, and an electromagnet, for example. Good. In this case, an electromagnet is installed at the installation position of the solenoid 50 described in the above embodiment so as to contact the grip portion 46 when the flash fixing apparatus 20 is located at the covering position, and the flash fixing apparatus 20 is placed at the covering position. When the flash fixing device 20 is released, the energization of the electromagnet coil is stopped.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the user's contact with the high temperature region H is regulated by the main body 20C has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the user's contact with the flash fixing device 20 and its vicinity is described. You may make it regulate. In this case, a mode in which a predetermined region in a part including the flash fixing device 20 is set as a high temperature region and the high temperature region is covered with a cover body can be given. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, an opening 42A for exposing the flash fixing device 20 is formed in the casing 42, and the covering position covering the flash fixing device 20 and the opening 42A are opened by closing the opening 42A. As a result, the cover 82 is attached to the housing 42 via the rotary shaft 80 so as to be moved to the exposure position where the flash fixing device 20 is exposed, and the cover 82 in the state of being in the covering position is fixed signal. The fixing device 84 is attached to the inner wall surface of the housing 42 so as to be fixed to the covering position in response to the input of, and to release the fixed state of the cover 82 in response to the input of the fixing release signal.

  In the above embodiment, the main body 20C is rotatably attached to the casing 42, and the flash fixing device 20 is rotated about the rotation shaft 44 to move between the covering position and the exposure position. For example, the flash fixing device is slidably moved to a position allowing the user to contact the high temperature region H as an exposure position and a position preventing the user from contacting the high temperature region H as a covering position. At least one of 20 and the transport table 40 may be attached to the casing 42, and the flash fixing device 20 and the transport table 40 may be slid relative to each other.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when there is a history that a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected during the image forming operation, and the temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is not detected at the end of the image formation, the image formation is completed. The fixing by the fixing device 48 is released when a predetermined time α elapses from the time point. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and there is a reason why a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected during the image forming operation. Alternatively, the fixing by the fixing device 48 may be released when a predetermined time β has elapsed from the end of image formation. In this way, when the time from the end of image formation until the temperature of the high temperature region H reaches a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature determined to prevent burns even if the human body touches the high temperature region H is fixed. The fixing by the device 48 may be released.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been given by taking the form example in the case where the flash lamp 20A is melted by irradiating the toner with light and the image is fixed on the image forming surface 12A. It is also possible to fix the image on the image forming surface 12A. In this case, the toner forming the image is melted by heating and pressing the image formed on the image forming surface 12A of the continuous paper 12 while the continuous paper 12 is nipped between the heating roller and the pressure roller. An example in which the image is fixed on the image forming surface 12A is given. As described above, the fixing energy used when fixing the image on the image forming surface 12A may be any energy as long as the energy is applied to the image to fix the image on the image forming surface 12A.

  In the above embodiment, the fixing device control processing program has been described with reference to an example in which the ROM 62 is stored in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixing device control processing program is stored in the CD. -A form provided in a state stored in a recording medium that can be read by a computer such as a ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a USB memory may be applied, or a form that is distributed via wired or wireless communication means may be applied. good.

10 image forming apparatus 12 continuous paper (recording medium)
20A Flash lamp (fixing part)
20C body (covering means)
48 Fixing device (fixing means)
54 Detection part (temperature detection means)
60 CPU (control means)
68 UI panel (notification means)

Claims (7)

A covering means that is moved to a covering position that covers a predetermined area in a portion including a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium, and an exposed position that exposes the area;
And securing means for releasably securing the front Symbol covering means in the covering position,
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the region;
When the fixing means is controlled so that the covering means is fixed at the covering position, and the temperature detecting means detects a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed. Controls the fixing means so that the fixing by the fixing means is released when a temperature equal to or lower than a second temperature lower than the first temperature is detected, and the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed. When the temperature detection means does not detect the temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature in the state, the fixing means fixes the fixed time when a predetermined time has elapsed after the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed. Control means for controlling the fixing means so as to be released,
Including a fixing device.   2. The predetermined time is a time corresponding to a time from when the fixing operation by the fixing unit is finished at an upper limit temperature higher than the first temperature to when the temperature falls to the second temperature. The fixing device described   The fixing device according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies that the fixing state by the fixing unit is released when the fixing state by the fixing unit is released.   An image forming apparatus including the fixing device according to claim 1. Computer
Covering means that is moved to a covering position that covers a predetermined area in a portion including a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium and an exposed position that exposes the area is the covering position. as can be secured, the pre-Symbol covering means to control the fixing means for releasably securing at the covering position, the temperature detection means fixing operation by the fixing unit to detect the temperature of the region in a state of finished first When a temperature equal to or higher than 1 is detected, the fixing means is released so that the fixing means is released when a temperature equal to or lower than a second temperature lower than the first temperature is detected. And when the temperature detecting means does not detect a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed, the fixing operation by the fixing unit is finished. Program for fixing by said fixing means to function as a control means for controlling said locking means so as to be released when the predetermined time has elapsed since the. A covering means that is moved to a covering position that covers a predetermined area in a portion including a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium, and an exposed position that exposes the area;
And securing means for releasably securing the front Symbol covering means in the covering position,
Temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the region;
The fixing unit is controlled so that the coating unit is fixed at the coating position, and a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected by the temperature detection unit after an instruction to start image formation on the recording medium is input. In the case where the temperature detecting means detects a temperature not lower than the first temperature in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed, the temperature not higher than the second temperature lower than the first temperature is not higher than the first temperature. The fixing unit is controlled so that the fixing by the fixing unit is released when it is detected, and a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature by the temperature detecting unit after an instruction to start image formation on the recording medium is input. When the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed without being detected, and the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed, a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected by the temperature detecting unit. In the case of off, the control means for controlling said fixing means as fixed by the fixing means is released when the time fixing operation by the fixing portion is predetermined from completion has elapsed,
Including a fixing device. Computer
Covering means that is moved to a covering position that covers a predetermined area in a portion including a fixing unit that fixes an image formed on the recording medium to the recording medium and an exposed position that exposes the area is the covering position. as can be secured, the pre-Symbol covering means to control the fixing means for releasably securing at the covering position, the start instruction of image formation is inputted from the first by the temperature detecting means to said recording medium When a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected and a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit has been completed, the second lower than the first temperature. The fixing means is controlled so that the fixing by the fixing means is released when a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature of the recording medium is detected, and the temperature detection is performed after an instruction to start image formation on the recording medium is input. The fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed without detecting a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature by the means, and the temperature higher than the first temperature is detected by the temperature detecting unit in a state where the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed. If not detected, functions as a control means for controlling the fixing means so that fixing by the fixing means is released when a predetermined time has elapsed after the fixing operation by the fixing unit is completed. Program to let you.

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