JP2015036697A - Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fixing apparatus configured to prevent reduction in productivity when sheets corresponding to a first paper type and a second paper type pass through simultaneously, and an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A fixing apparatus includes: a torque generation unit 66; a torque detection unit 104; a braking force adjusting unit 105 which performs calibration operation for adjusting braking force to be generated in the torque generation unit 66 when a sheet S corresponding to a first paper type is conveyed to a nip part N; and a determination unit 106 which determines whether to perform calibration operation on the conveyed sheet S corresponding to the first paper type, on the basis of a rotation torque of a drive motor M3 which is detected by the torque detection unit 104 and to be obtained when the torque generation unit 66 generates assist force D1, in the case where the sheet S corresponding to the first paper type is conveyed to the nip part N and a sheet S corresponding to the first paper type is additionally conveyed after a sheet S corresponding to a second paper type is conveyed.

Description

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

  In general, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (printer, copier, facsimile, etc.) includes a fixing device that fixes toner by applying heat and pressure to a sheet onto which a toner image is transferred. The fixing device includes a heating unit that heats and melts toner carried on a sheet, and a pressure unit that presses the sheet against the heating unit.

  The pressure unit of the fixing device includes, for example, a fixing roller and a pressure roller that is pressed against the fixing roller with a predetermined load. When the pressure roller is pressed directly or indirectly against the fixing roller, a nip portion for nipping and transporting the sheet is formed.

  The heating unit of the fixing device includes, for example, an endless fixing belt stretched between a pressure roller having a built-in heating source (for example, a halogen heater) and a fixing roller (thermal belt method). In this case, the nip portion is formed when the pressure roller is pressed against the fixing roller via the fixing belt. In some cases, a heat source is built in the fixing roller, and the fixing roller itself becomes a heating unit (heat roller method). In this case, the pressure roller is directly pressed against the fixing roller to form a nip portion.

  In the image forming apparatus including the above-described fixing device, a toner image is developed on the photosensitive drum based on the image data, and the toner image is transferred onto the sheet. Then, the sheet on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing device, and is heated and pressurized when the sheet passes through the nip portion, whereby the toner image is fixed on the sheet.

  As such a fixing device, for example, those shown in Patent Documents 1 to 3 are known.

  In the fixing devices of Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, a nip portion is formed by winding a part of an endless belt stretched around a fixing roller by a plurality of rollers. A pressure contact roller that is in pressure contact with the fixing roller from the inner peripheral side of the endless belt via the endless belt is provided at the exit portion of the nip portion. In this fixing device, a braking force is applied to the conveyance of the endless belt in the area of the pressure roller to eliminate a speed difference from the fixing roller and prevent image displacement. In the fixing device of Patent Document 3, the heat-resistant belt is supported by a plurality of wound rollers, and the pressure roller is pressed against the plurality of rollers via the heat-resistant belt. And the tension | tensile_strength is provided to the heat-resistant belt by braking a some roller.

JP-A-6-250560 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-221999 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-138598

  By the way, in the fixing device, in the fixing process, the carrying surface of the unfixed toner image on the paper comes into direct contact with the heating unit (fixing belt or fixing roller). At this time, the wax exuded from the toner adheres to the heating unit (fixing belt or fixing roller) side, and a latent image is formed by the wax adhering to the heating unit and may appear in the next image. Specifically, the wax adhering to the heating portion appears as a phenomenon (referred to as gloss memory) that appears as gloss unevenness in a portion where the amount of wax adhering is small when fixing the toner that forms the next image. .

  There has been a demand to improve the image quality by eliminating the gloss memory when fixing toner with such a fixing device. However, the fixing devices of Patent Documents 1 to 3 solve the problem of preventing the gloss memory. Can not.

  Therefore, the applicant of the present invention rotates the fixing surface side member provided rotatably and the outer peripheral surface of the fixing surface side member so as to rotate, and cooperates with the fixing surface side member to form the sheet on which the toner image is formed. Set the speed difference between the surface speed of the fixing surface side member and the surface speed of the back surface side member. In order to achieve this, a fixing device having a braking force generating means for generating a braking force in a direction that hinders rotation of the fixing surface side member has been proposed.

  According to this fixing device, since the speed difference between the surface speed of the fixing surface side member and the surface speed of the back surface side member is set, the fixing surface side member and the paper can be slipped at the fixing nip portion, and gloss memory Can be eliminated.

  By the way, in this fixing device, when a sheet to be conveyed is a predetermined thick paper (hereinafter referred to as a second paper type) such as a thin paper and a light-coated thick paper, the second paper type is slipped at the fixing nip portion. There is a problem that wrinkles occur on the paper. Therefore, the fixing device generates a braking force in a direction that prevents rotation of the fixing surface side member when the conveyed paper corresponds to the first paper type (thick paper other than the second paper type) and is conveyed. When the sheet to be printed corresponds to the second paper type, an assist force is generated in a direction to assist the rotation of the fixing surface side member. As a result, the gloss memory is canceled for the paper corresponding to the first paper type while preventing wrinkles from occurring for the paper corresponding to the second paper type.

  However, since the fixing device performs a calibration operation in order to stabilize the braking force when the paper corresponding to the first paper type is passed, for example, several sheets corresponding to the first paper type, When the first paper type and the second paper type are mixed in the order of several sheets corresponding to the second paper type and several sheets corresponding to the first paper type, the first The calibration operation was performed every time before the job for the paper corresponding to this paper type, leading to a decrease in productivity. Note that the above description does not recognize the publicity of a fixing device that generates a braking force for a paper corresponding to the first paper type and generates an assisting force for a paper corresponding to the second paper type.

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems, and the object of the present invention is to reduce the productivity when the first paper type and the second paper type are mixed. An object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device and an image forming apparatus that can be suppressed.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fixing device according to the present invention rotates while being pressed against an outer peripheral surface of a fixing surface side member rotatably provided and the fixing surface side member, and cooperates with the fixing surface side member. A back side member that forms a fixing nip portion that sandwiches and conveys a sheet on which a toner image is formed, a drive motor that rotationally drives the back side member, and a sheet that is conveyed to the fixing nip portion. In the case of corresponding to the first paper type, the braking force generating means for generating a braking force in a direction that prevents the rotation of the fixing surface side member, and the paper conveyed to the fixing nip portion correspond to the second paper type. In this case, assist force generating means for generating an assist force in a direction for assisting rotation of the fixing surface side member, torque detecting means for detecting rotational torque of the drive motor, and the first fixing nip portion at the first nip portion. The paper corresponding to the paper type And a braking force adjusting means for performing a calibration operation for adjusting a braking force generated by the braking force generating means, and after a sheet corresponding to the first paper type is conveyed to the fixing nip portion. In the state where the paper corresponding to the second paper type is conveyed, the assist force generating means detected by the torque detecting means when the paper corresponding to the first paper type is further conveyed thereafter. Determination means for determining whether or not the calibration operation for the paper corresponding to the first paper type to be conveyed is necessary based on the rotational torque of the drive motor when the assist force is generated by It is characterized by that.

  According to the fixing device, after the paper corresponding to the first paper type is transported to the fixing nip portion, the paper corresponding to the first paper type is subsequently printed in a state where the paper corresponding to the second paper type is loaded. Is further transported, it is determined whether or not a calibration operation is required for the paper corresponding to the first paper type to be transported based on the rotational torque of the drive motor when the assist force is generated. For this reason, for example, the passing of the paper corresponding to the first paper type, the passing of the paper corresponding to the second paper type, and the passing of the paper corresponding to the first paper type are continuously performed. When the assisting force and braking force are applied to the fixing surface side member in this order, if the number of sheets corresponding to the second paper type to be passed is small and there is almost no influence of thermal expansion of the backside member, etc. The rotational torque of the drive motor at the time of force generation does not substantially change, and it is determined whether or not a calibration operation is necessary from such characteristics. If the rotational torque of the drive motor does not change substantially, it can be determined that a calibration operation is not necessary for the paper corresponding to the first paper type to be transported, so that it corresponds to the first paper type. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the calibration operation every time before passing the paper to be performed, the time for performing the calibration operation is shortened, and the decrease in productivity can be suppressed.

  Further, in the fixing device according to the present invention, the determination unit compares the rotational torque of the drive motor detected by the torque detection unit when assist force is generated by the assist force generation unit with a specified value. Further, it is preferable to determine whether or not the calibration operation for the paper corresponding to the first paper type to be conveyed is necessary.

  According to this fixing device, whether or not the calibration operation is necessary is determined by a simple process of comparison with the specified value because it is determined whether or not the calibration operation is necessary by comparing the rotational torque of the drive motor with the specified value. It is possible to simplify the processing.

  Further, in the fixing device according to the present invention, the determination unit is configured to pass the paper out of the rotational torque of the drive motor detected by the torque detection unit when the assist force is generated by the assist force generation unit. The calibration for the paper corresponding to the first paper type to be further conveyed by comparing the difference between the rotational torques of the first paper and the last paper of the paper corresponding to the second paper type with a specified value. It is preferable to determine whether or not an operation is necessary.

  According to this fixing device, it is determined whether or not a calibration operation is necessary by comparing the difference in rotational torque between the first sheet and the last sheet of the sheet corresponding to the second sheet type that has been passed through and the specified value. to decide. Here, when the assist force is applied, for example, the assist force tends to gradually decrease due to thermal expansion of the back side member or the like. For this reason, if the difference of the rotational torque of the 1st sheet and the last sheet is seen, the change of the rotational torque by the said tendency can be caught. Further, since it is not necessary to refer to rotational torques other than those for the first sheet and the last sheet, the processing can be further simplified.

  In the fixing device according to the present invention, the determination unit conveys one sheet corresponding to the second sheet type after the sheet corresponding to the first sheet type is conveyed to the fixing nip portion. In this state, when the paper corresponding to the first paper type is further transported thereafter, the rotational torque of the drive motor when the assist force is generated by the assist force generator is within a predetermined torque range. Accordingly, it is preferable to determine whether or not the calibration operation is required for the paper corresponding to the first paper type to be further conveyed.

  According to this fixing device, after the paper corresponding to the first paper type is transported to the fixing nip portion, the first paper is subsequently transported in the state where the paper corresponding to the second paper type is transported. When the paper corresponding to the type is further transported, the above-mentioned paper corresponding to the first paper type transported further depends on whether the rotational torque of the drive motor at the time of fixing one of the sheets is within a predetermined torque range. It is determined whether a calibration operation is necessary. For this reason, for example, even when thermal expansion such as conveyance of a sheet corresponding to one second sheet type cannot be considered, when the rotational torque of the drive motor falls outside the predetermined torque range due to another abnormality The calibration operation is executed, and it is possible to cope with an abnormal state other than thermal expansion.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms a toner image on a sheet, and the toner image formed by the image forming unit is fixed on the sheet. And a fixing device.

  According to this image forming apparatus, since the image forming unit that forms a toner image on the paper and the fixing device that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit on the paper are provided, the image gloss is improved. Printed material can be output.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fixing device and an image forming apparatus that can suppress a decrease in productivity when the first paper type and the second paper type are mixed.

1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing unit illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the braking force generated by a torque generation part. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the fixing device according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process which judges whether the braking force in the time t3 shown in FIG. 5 is provided. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the fixing device according to the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the necessity determination method of calibration operation | movement, (a) shows the 1st-3rd specific example, (b) shows only the 2nd specific example, (c) is the 1st. Only 3 specific examples are shown.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. It is. An image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a color image forming apparatus of an intermediate transfer system using an electrophotographic process technology. The image forming apparatus 1 transfers (primary transfer) each color toner image of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) formed on the photosensitive member to an intermediate transfer member. Next, after superimposing four color toner images on the intermediate transfer member, the image is formed by transferring (secondary transfer) onto a sheet.

In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 employs a tandem system in which photoconductors corresponding to four colors of CMYK are arranged in series in the running direction of the intermediate transfer member, and each color toner image is sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer member in one procedure. Has been.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 10, an operation display unit 20, an image processing unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a conveyance unit 50, a fixing unit 60, a communication unit 71, and a storage unit. 72 and a control unit 100.

  The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and the like. The CPU 101 reads a program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 102 and develops it in the RAM 103, and centrally controls the operation of each block of the image forming apparatus 1 in cooperation with the developed program. At this time, various data stored in the storage unit 72 is referred to. In particular, the storage unit 72 stores various data used for the fixing process in the fixing unit 60. The storage unit 72 is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or a hard disk drive.

  The control unit 100 also transmits various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via the communication unit 71. Send and receive. For example, the control unit 100 receives image data transmitted from an external device and forms an image on a sheet based on the image data (input image data). The communication unit 71 is composed of a communication control card such as a LAN card, for example.

  The image reading unit 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11 called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a document image scanning device (scanner) 12, and the like.

  The automatic document feeder 11 transports the document D placed on the document tray by a transport mechanism and sends it out to the document image scanning device 12. The automatic document feeder 11 can continuously read images (including both sides) of a large number of documents D placed on a document tray all at once.

  The document image scanning device 12 optically scans a document conveyed on the contact glass from the automatic document feeder 11 or a document placed on the contact glass, and reflects light from the document to a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). ) An image is formed on the light receiving surface of the sensor 12a, and an original image is read. The image reading unit 10 generates input image data based on the reading result by the document image scanning device 12. The input image data is subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing unit 30.

  The operation display unit 20 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays various operation screens, an image status display, an operation status of each function, and the like in accordance with a display control signal input from the control unit 100. The operation unit 22 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, receives various input operations by the user, and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 100.

  The image processing unit 30 includes a circuit that performs digital image processing corresponding to initial settings or user settings on input image data. For example, the image processing unit 30 performs various correction processes such as gradation correction, color correction, shading correction, and compression process on the input image data under the control of the control unit 100. The image forming unit 40 is controlled based on the image data subjected to these processes.

  The image forming unit 40 includes image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K, and an intermediate transfer unit for forming an image using each color toner of Y component, M component, C component, and K component based on input image data. 42 etc. are provided.

  The Y, M, C, and K component image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K have the same configuration except for the color of the toner. For convenience of illustration and description, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and in order to distinguish each, Y, M, C, and K are added to the reference numerals. In FIG. 1, only the components of the Y-component image forming unit 41Y are denoted by reference numerals, and the constituent elements of the other image forming units 41M, 41C, and 41K are omitted.

  The image forming unit 41 includes an exposure device 411, a developing device 412, a photosensitive drum 413, a charging device 414, a drum cleaning device 415, a lubricant coating device 416, and the like.

  For example, the photosensitive drum 413 has an undercoat layer (UCL: Under Coat Layer), a charge generation layer (CGL), a charge transport layer (on a circumferential surface of an aluminum conductive cylinder (aluminum tube)). This is a negatively charged organic photoreceptor (OPC: Organic Photo-conductor) in which CTL (Charge Transport Layer) is sequentially laminated.

  The charging device 414 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductive drum 413 to a negative polarity. The exposure device 411 is composed of, for example, a semiconductor laser, and irradiates the photosensitive drum 413 with laser light corresponding to the image of each color component. A positive charge is generated in the charge generation layer of the photosensitive drum 413 and is transported to the surface of the charge transport layer, whereby the surface charge (negative charge) of the photosensitive drum 413 is neutralized. An electrostatic latent image of each color component is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 due to a potential difference from the surroundings.

  The developing device 412 contains a developer of each color component (for example, a two-component developer composed of a toner having a small particle diameter and a magnetic material), and causes the toner of each color component to adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 413. Thus, the electrostatic latent image is visualized to form a toner image.

  Here, the toner accommodated in the developing device 412 is a wax-containing toner (oilless toner) in which wax is dispersed and contained in toner particles. The melting point of the wax contained in this toner is usually as low as 110 ° C. or less. Examples of the wax include conventionally known paraffin waxes, polyolefin waxes, modified products thereof (for example, oxides and graphs and processed products), higher fatty acids, and metal salts thereof, amide waxes, ester waxes, and the like. Wax can be used. Further, as a more preferable wax, for example, a higher fatty acid ester wax may be applied.

  The drum cleaning device 415 includes a drum cleaning blade (hereinafter referred to as a DCL blade) that is in sliding contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 413. Transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 after the primary transfer is scraped off and removed by the DCL blade.

  The lubricant application device 416 includes a roller-like lubricant application brush that is in sliding contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 413. As the photosensitive drum 413 rotates, the lubricant adhering to the lubricant application brush is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 413.

  The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421 serving as an intermediate transfer member, a primary transfer roller 422, a secondary transfer roller 423, a driving roller 424, a driven roller 425, a belt cleaning device 426, and the like.

  The intermediate transfer belt 421 is an endless belt, and is stretched around a driving roller 424 and a driven roller 425. The intermediate transfer belt 421 travels at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A by the rotation of the driving roller 424. When the intermediate transfer belt 421 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 413 by the primary transfer roller 422, the respective color toner images are sequentially primary-transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 421. When the intermediate transfer belt 421 is pressed against the sheet S by the secondary transfer roller 423, the toner image primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred to the sheet S.

  The belt cleaning device 426 includes a belt cleaning blade (hereinafter referred to as a BCL blade) that is in sliding contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421. Transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421 after the secondary transfer is scraped off and removed by the BCL blade.

  In this way, a toner image is formed on the paper S.

  The toner image is fixed on the paper S by the fixing unit 60. The fixing unit 60 fixes the toner image on the paper S by heating and pressurizing the conveyed paper S. The fixing unit 60 mainly includes an upper pressure roller 61 as a fixing roller housed in a frame 60a and a lower pressure roller 64 as a pressure roller. In the present embodiment, the fixing unit 60 employs a belt nip configuration, but the detailed configuration will be described later.

  The transport unit 50 includes a paper feed unit 51, a transport mechanism 52, a paper discharge unit 53, and the like. In the three paper feed tray units 51a to 51c constituting the paper feed unit 51, paper (standard paper, special paper) S identified based on the basis weight, size, etc. of the paper is stored for each preset type. Is done.

  The sheets S accommodated in the sheet feed tray units 51a to 51c are sent one by one from the top, and are conveyed to the image forming unit 40 by a conveyance mechanism 52 having a plurality of conveyance rollers such as a registration roller 52a. At this time, the registration unit provided with the registration rollers 52a corrects the inclination of the fed paper S and adjusts the conveyance timing.

  In the image forming unit 40, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred onto one side of the sheet S at a time, and a fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 60. The sheet S on which the image has been formed is discharged out of the apparatus by a discharge unit 53 having a discharge roller 53a.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the fixing unit 60 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the fixing unit 60 illustrated in FIG. 1.

  The fixing unit 60 includes a pressure unit that forms a fixing nip for nipping and transporting the paper S, a heating unit that contacts the paper S on which the toner image is transferred, and heats the paper S at a fixing temperature. For example, a heat belt type.

  In addition to the frame 60a, the upper pressure roller (fixing surface side member) 61, and the lower pressure roller (back surface side member) 64, the fixing unit 60 includes a fixing belt (fixing surface side member) 62 and a heating member. A roller 63, a tension member 68, and a torque generation unit (braking force generation means, assist force generation means) 66 are provided. The fixing unit 60 constitutes a fixing device by adding the control unit 100 to the above configuration.

  The upper pressure roller 61 has a configuration in which an elastic layer made of silicone rubber or the like is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a columnar core made of iron or the like. Furthermore, a surface release layer made of a fluororesin may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer. The upper pressure roller 61 is rotated by following the lower pressure roller 64 together with the fixing belt 62 by being brought into pressure contact with the lower pressure roller 64 driven to rotate by the drive motor M3 via the fixing belt 62. It is free.

  The fixing belt 62 is an endless belt member that is wound around the upper pressure roller 61, the heating roller 63, and the stretching member 68. The fixing belt 62 is in contact with the sheet S on which the toner image is transferred, and serves as a heating unit that heats the sheet S at a predetermined temperature. Here, the predetermined temperature is a temperature at which the amount of heat necessary for melting the toner can be supplied, and differs depending on the paper type of the paper on which the image is formed.

  The heating roller 63 has a built-in heating source 631 such as a halogen heater, and a cylindrical metal core made of aluminum or the like and a resin layer made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or the like are heated by the heating source 631. Then, the fixing belt 62 is heated. Further, in the vicinity of the fixing belt 62, a control temperature sensor 81 (see FIG. 2) for detecting the temperature of the fixing belt 62 is disposed. A detection signal from the temperature sensor 81 for control is output to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 controls the output of the heating source 631 of the heating roller 63 so that the temperature measured by the control temperature sensor becomes a preset temperature (for example, on / off control).

  The fixing belt 62 has a configuration in which, for example, an elastic layer made of silicone rubber or the like and a surface release layer made of a fluororesin are sequentially laminated on the outer peripheral surface of a film base made of heat-resistant polyimide. The fluororesin is a material containing any of PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), PTFE, and FEP (tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer), and most preferably PFA, PTFE, FEP. One of them. As a result, the releasability of the surface of the fixing belt 62 with respect to the wax contained in the toner resin and toner particles is also improved, and the toner is less likely to hit the surface of the fixing belt 62 during fixing.

  The fixing belt 62 may be heated by electromagnetic induction heating (IH: Induction Heating). In this case, the base of the fixing belt is made of a material capable of generating electromagnetic induction, such as Ni.

  The tension member 68 is a roller that is rotatably supported at both ends, and has a reverse crown shape in which the outer diameter of both ends is larger than that of the central portion. The tension member 68 is disposed at a predetermined position separated from the upper pressure roller 61 and the lower pressure roller 64. The tension member 68 is movably provided, and adjusts the tension of the fixing belt 62 by moving. The tension of the fixing belt 62 may be adjusted by fixing the tension member 68 and moving the heating roller 63 without being limited to this configuration.

  Further, the fixing unit 60 includes a switching mechanism 69. The switching mechanism 69 includes a biasing unit that biases the lower pressure roller 64 against the upper pressure roller 61, and allows the lower pressure roller 64 to contact and separate from the upper pressure roller 61. The contact / separation is controlled by the control unit 100.

  When the lower pressure roller 64 is connected to the upper pressure roller 61, the lower pressure roller 64 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the fixing belt 62 by being pressed by the upper pressure roller 61. Thus, in cooperation with the fixing belt 62, a fixing nip portion (hereinafter referred to as “nip portion”) N that sandwiches and conveys the paper S on which the toner image is formed is formed. The lower pressure roller 64 may incorporate a heating source such as a halogen heater.

  Further, the fixing unit 60 includes a drive motor M3 for driving the lower pressure roller 64 to rotate. The drive motor M3 is controlled by the control unit 100.

The torque generator 66 includes motors M 1 and M 2 controlled by the controller 100 and a gear mechanism 67. The torque generation unit 66 is configured such that the sheet S conveyed to the nip portion N is a first sheet type (thick paper (for example, a thick sheet having a basis weight of 81 g / m ² or more and excluding a predetermined thick sheet such as a coated thick sheet)) , The motors M1 and M2 and the gear mechanism 67 are used to control the direction in which the rotation of the fixing belt 62 is prevented in order to set the speed difference between the surface speed of the fixing belt 62 and the surface speed of the lower pressure roller 64. It generates power. The fixing belt 62 can rotate following the lower pressure roller 64 that is rotationally driven by the drive motor M3, and the torque generator 66 generates a braking force in a direction that prevents the following rotation. . As a result, the fixing belt 62 and the paper S slip, and gloss memory is prevented.

Further, the torque generation unit 66 corresponds to the case where the paper S conveyed to the nip portion N corresponds to the second paper type (thick paper (for example, a basis weight of less than 81 g / m ² ) and a predetermined thick paper such as a coated paper thick paper). An assist force is generated in a direction that assists the rotation of the fixing belt 62. That is, the torque generation unit 66 generates an assist force in the assist direction for the follow-up rotation of the fixing belt 62. As a result, the paper S is prevented from being wrinkled.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the torque generating unit 66 performs an assist operation for thin paper or predetermined thick paper, and performs a braking operation for thick paper other than the above.

  In more detail, the motors M <b> 1 and M <b> 2 respectively apply reverse torque to the upper pressure roller 61. Specifically, the motor M1 performs forward rotation in order to cause the upper pressure roller 61 that rotates following the lower pressure roller 64 to generate a braking force D2 for rotation in the transport direction H1 (referred to as forward rotation). Applies torque that rotates in the opposite direction. That is, the motor M1 causes the upper pressure roller 61 to generate a braking force D2, thereby slipping the fixing belt 62 and the paper S to prevent gloss memory.

  On the other hand, the motor M2 applies torque that assists the upper pressure roller 61 that rotates following the lower pressure roller 64, and generates an assist force D1 that rotates the upper pressure roller 61 in the same direction H1 as the transport direction. Let

  The gear mechanism 67 has a plurality of gear groups for individually transmitting the rotations of the motors M1 and M2 to the upper pressure roller 61. When the braking force is generated, the torques of both the motors M1 and M2 are These are transmitted in a state of being combined with the upper pressure roller 61 through these gear groups.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the braking force generated by the torque generator 66. As shown in FIG. 4, the torque (brake force D2) generated by the motor M1 is constant, specifically, −0.1 Nm. On the other hand, the motor M2 has a variable torque (assist force D1) generated by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control by the control unit 100, and its range is 0 Nm to 0.08 Nm (PWM value 40). % To 70%). Thus, the assist force D1 is a value within the range of the brake force D2 (that is, a value smaller than the absolute value of the brake force), and the sum of both the forces D1 and D2 is variable. This combined force is the above-described braking force, and due to this braking force, the surface speed (circumferential speed) of the upper pressure roller 61 is 0.3 with respect to the surface speed (circumferential speed) of the lower pressure roller 64. %, The slippage between the fixing belt 62 and the paper S corresponding to the first paper type occurs.

  On the other hand, when the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is conveyed to the nip portion N, the control unit 100 stops the motor M1 and operates the motor M2 with a constant PWM value. Thereby, when the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is transported, a constant assist force D1 can be applied to the upper pressure roller 61.

  Refer to FIG. 2 again. In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 includes a torque detection unit (torque detection means) 104. The storage unit 72 stores data indicating the correlation between the drive current value to the drive motor M3 and the rotational torque of the drive motor M3. The torque detection unit 104 detects the rotational torque of the drive motor M3. The torque detection unit 104 determines the drive motor from the value of the drive current to the drive motor M3 based on the data stored in the storage unit 72 according to the program stored in the ROM 102. The rotational torque of M3 is detected.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 100 includes a braking force adjustment unit (braking force adjustment unit) 105 and a determination unit (determination unit) 106. When the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is transported to the nip portion N, the braking force adjusting unit 105 is configured to generate a torque generating unit before the paper S corresponding to the first paper type reaches the nip portion N. A calibration operation for adjusting the braking force generated at 66 is performed. Here, in order to properly eliminate the gloss memory, it is desirable to set the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 as a target torque. Therefore, the control unit 100 adjusts the braking force so that the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 becomes a target torque. Thereby, it is possible to obtain an appropriate torque even when the upper pressure roller 61 and the lower pressure roller 64 are thermally expanded.

  The determination unit 106 corresponds to the first paper type after the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is transported to the nip portion N and then the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is transported. When the sheet S to be conveyed is further conveyed, it is determined whether or not a calibration operation is necessary. When the determination unit 106 determines that it is not necessary, the braking force adjustment unit 105 does not execute the calibration operation, and prevents a decrease in productivity due to the calibration operation.

  Specifically, in the above-described case, the determination unit 106 determines the sheet S corresponding to the first sheet type to be conveyed from the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 when the assist force is detected detected by the torque detection unit 104. It is determined whether a calibration operation is necessary. This is based on the following reason.

  First, for example, three sheets S corresponding to the first paper type are transported, and then 100 sheets S corresponding to the second paper type are transported, and then 10 sheets S corresponding to the first paper type are transported. Assume that a sheet is conveyed. In this case, the control unit 100 executes the calibration operation before transporting the paper S corresponding to the three first paper types. Then, the control unit 100 adjusts the braking force so that the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 becomes a target torque. Thereafter, since the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is conveyed, the control unit 100 stops the motor M1 and operates the motor M2 with a constant PWM value. Next, when the passing of the sheet S corresponding to the second sheet type of 100 sheets is completed, the control unit 100 executes the calibration operation before the conveyance of the sheet S corresponding to the first sheet type of 10 sheets. To do. Then, the control unit 100 adjusts the braking force so that the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 becomes a target torque. As described above, the reason why the calibration operation is performed before the conveyance of the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is, for example, that the upper pressure roller 61 is used when the paper S corresponding to the second paper type of 100 sheets is conveyed. This is because the lower pressure roller 64 is thermally expanded. That is, the paper S corresponding to the first first paper type at the time of transport of the paper S corresponding to the first first paper type (transport of the paper S corresponding to the ten first paper types). This is because the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 does not become the target torque when the braking force during the conveyance (conveyance of the sheet S corresponding to the three first sheet types) is adopted.

  However, for example, three sheets S corresponding to the first paper type are transported, then two sheets S corresponding to the second paper type are transported, and then 10 sheets S corresponding to the first paper type are transported. Assume that a sheet is conveyed. In this case, it is unlikely that the upper pressure roller 61 and the lower pressure roller 64 are thermally expanded when the paper S corresponding to the two second paper types is conveyed. Therefore, in this embodiment, in such a case, it is determined that the calibration operation for the paper S corresponding to the first paper type to be further conveyed is unnecessary, and a reduction in productivity is prevented. In this case, the paper corresponding to the first paper type for the first time at the time of transporting the paper S corresponding to the first paper type for the second time (transporting the paper S corresponding to the ten first paper types). The braking force at the time of transport of S (transport of the paper S corresponding to the three first paper types) is employed.

  Whether or not the upper pressure roller 61 and the lower pressure roller 64 are thermally expanded during conveyance of the paper S corresponding to the second paper type cannot achieve the target torque is determined when the assist force is generated. The rotational torque of the drive motor M3 may be referred to. That is, if the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 at the time of assist force generation is not substantially changed, it corresponds to the first first paper type when the paper S corresponding to the second first paper type is conveyed. A braking force during conveyance of the paper S can be employed. On the other hand, if the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 when the assist force is generated varies greatly, it corresponds to the first first paper type when the paper S corresponding to the second first paper type is conveyed. The braking force at the time of transporting the paper S cannot be employed.

  In making the above determination in more detail, the determination unit 106 compares the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 when the assist force is generated with a specified value. More specifically, out of the rotational torque of the driving motor M3 when the assist force is generated, the difference between the rotational torques of the first sheet and the final sheet S corresponding to the second sheet type that has been passed, and the prescribed value (For example, 0.03 N · m). Then, the control unit 100 determines that the calibration operation is necessary when the difference is greater than or equal to the specified value, and determines that the calibration operation is not required when the difference is less than the specified value.

  Next, the operation of the fixing device according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the fixing device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the control unit 100 performs control according to four control modes from mode 0 to mode 3. Mode 0 relates to the initial setting, mode 1 relates to before paper passing, and modes 2 and 3 relate to paper passing. Further, it is assumed that the paper S that is passed in Mode 2 and Mode 3 is the paper S corresponding to the first paper type.

  First, at time t0, the control unit 100 starts and rotates the drive motor M3 and controls the switching mechanism 69 to start a connection operation for connecting the lower pressure roller 64 to the upper pressure roller 61. Thereby, the lower pressure roller 64 is connected to the upper pressure roller 61 at time t1, and the nip portion N is formed. In this way, the control unit 100 forms the nip portion N in the pre-paper passing period before the paper S is conveyed at the nip portion N.

  Further, at time t1, the control mode becomes mode 0, and the control unit 100 waits for the elapse of a stable waiting time (for example, 300 ms from time t1) until the inrush current when the drive motor M3 is started is stabilized. Thereby, at time t2 after the elapse of the stable waiting time, mode 0 ends and the control mode shifts to mode 1.

  When the control mode becomes mode 1 at time t2, the torque detector 104 starts detecting the rotational torque of the drive motor M3. This rotational torque is detected from the value of the drive current to the drive motor M3. Next, at time t <b> 3, the control unit 100 executes processing for determining whether or not the braking force is applied by the torque generation unit 66.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing for determining whether or not to apply the braking force at time t3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the determination unit 106 determines whether or not the current rotational torque of the drive motor M3 detected by the torque detection unit 104 is 0.45 N · m or more (S1).

  When it is determined that the current rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is 0.45 N · m or more (S1: YES), the determination unit 106 sets the braking force ON / OFF determination value = OFF (S2), as shown in FIG. The process ends. When this braking force ON / OFF determination value is OFF, the braking force is not applied to the upper pressure roller 61.

  If it is determined that the current rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is not 0.45 N · m or more (S1: NO), it is determined whether the current rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is 0.35 N · m or less (S3). . When it is determined that the current rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is 0.35 N · m or less (S3: YES), the determination unit 106 sets the braking force ON / OFF determination value = ON (S4), as shown in FIG. The process ends. When the braking force ON / OFF determination value is turned ON, the above braking force is applied to the upper pressure roller 61.

  Further, when it is determined that the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is not less than 0.35 N · m (S3: NO), the braking force ON / OFF determination value remains the previous value, and the processing shown in FIG. finish.

  Reference is again made to FIG. When the control unit 100 determines to apply the braking force at time t3, PI control in which the braking force is adjusted according to the detected rotational torque is started. Specifically, the braking force adjustment unit 105 reduces the braking force generated by the torque generation unit 66 when the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 detected by the torque detection unit 104 is higher than the set pre-sheet passing torque. When the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 detected by the torque detector 104 is lower than the set pre-sheet passing torque, the braking force generated by the torque generator 66 is increased.

  As a result, the value of the drive current of the drive motor M3 increases after time t3. That is, since the torque after starting of the drive motor M3 is small, it becomes lower than the pre-sheet passing torque. For this reason, the torque generated by the torque generating unit 66 by the braking force adjusting unit 105 increases. Since the torque generated by the torque generator 66 increases, the load on the drive motor M3 increases, and the value of the drive current to the drive motor M3 increases.

  Note that a high value is adopted as the proportional constant of the PI control in the period before paper passing, and the torque of the drive motor M3 is set within a relatively short time (within the paper waiting time shown in FIG. 5). The front torque is reached. When the torque of the drive motor M3 detected by the torque detection unit 104 reaches the pre-sheet passing torque at time t4 shown in FIG. 5, the braking force adjustment unit 105 waits for about 1 s and waits for about 1 s. If there is no torque fluctuation during the time, it is determined that the pre-sheet passing torque has been reached at time t5. Thereby, the mode 1 ends and the control mode shifts to the mode 2.

  When the control mode becomes mode 2 at time t5, the braking force adjusting unit 105 waits until the leading edge of the first sheet S enters the nip portion N, and the leading edge of the first sheet S is niped at time t6. Upon entering the portion N, it becomes a sheet passing period during which the sheet S is conveyed at the nip portion N, and the braking force adjusting unit 105 sets the rotation torque of the driving motor M3 detected by the torque detecting unit 104 to the set sheet passing. When the braking force generated by the torque generator 66 is reduced when the torque is higher than the medium torque, and the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 detected by the torque detector 104 is lower than the set sheet passing torque, The braking force generated by the torque generator 66 is increased.

  Here, the torque during sheet passing is set to a value higher than the torque before passing. For this reason, the torque generated by the torque generating unit 66 by the braking force adjusting unit 105 increases. Since the torque generated by the torque generator 66 increases, the load on the drive motor M3 increases, and the value of the drive current to the drive motor M3 increases.

  Note that the PI control proportional constant during the paper passing period is lower than the PI control proportional constant before the paper passing period, and the torque of the drive motor M3 detected by the torque detector 104 is relatively low. It changes gradually and reaches the torque during sheet passing at time t7. In addition, the control unit 100 sets a predetermined value to a torque that does not cause the drive motor M3 to fail while eliminating the gloss memory for the torque during paper passing, but the torque before the paper passing is variable and the paper passing period. The pre-sheet passing torque is set according to the paper type (especially thickness) of the paper S to be conveyed. That is, as the paper S becomes thicker, the amount of increase in torque when the paper S is conveyed at the nip portion N increases. The braking force adjusting unit 105 sets the pre-passage torque so as to achieve the target mid-passage torque when the paper is passed in anticipation of the amount of increase.

  When the trailing edge of the first sheet S comes out of the nip portion N at time t8, the mode 2 ends and the control mode shifts to the mode 3.

  Note that the braking force adjustment unit 105 predicts the inter-sheet position of the sheet S to be conveyed during the sheet passing period. For this reason, when the control mode shifts to mode 3, the braking force adjustment unit 105 does not perform the above PI control according to the predicted paper gap position, and does not change the braking force based on the torque at the paper gap position. And That is, the braking force adjusting unit 105 does not change the braking force according to the inter-paper position at times t8 to t9.

  When the leading edge of the second sheet S enters the nip portion N at time t9, the braking force adjusting unit 105 determines that the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 detected by the torque detecting unit 104 is the same as after time t6. The braking force generated by the torque generator 66 is reduced when the torque during the sheet passing is higher than the set torque during the sheet passing, and the braking force generated by the torque generator 66 when the torque during the sheet passing is lower than the set torque during the sheet passing. Raise. Thereafter, the control unit 100 adjusts the braking force for the third and subsequent sheets as in the second sheet.

  The torque adjustment performed during the period from the time t3 to the time t6 is the calibration operation described above. By this calibration operation, the torque of the drive motor M3 is set to the pre-sheet passing torque, which is appropriate.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of the fixing device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a method for determining whether or not a calibration operation is necessary.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 100 determines whether the job uses the paper S corresponding to the first paper type (S11). If it is determined that the job does not use the paper S corresponding to the first paper type (S11: NO), that is, if the job uses the paper S corresponding to the second paper type, the control is performed. The unit 100 controls the torque generating unit 66 to generate the assist force D1 with a constant PWM value (S12). That is, the control unit 100 stops the motor M1 and operates only the motor M2 with a constant PWM value to apply assist force to the upper pressure roller 61.

  Thereafter, when the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is passed through the nip portion N, the control unit 100 detects the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 by the torque detection unit 104 for each paper and stores it. The data is stored in the unit 72 (S13). Then, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

  If it is determined that the job uses the paper S corresponding to the first paper type (S11: YES), the determination unit 106 determines whether the job is the first job (S14). ). That is, it is determined whether the job is the first job after the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on. If it is determined that the job is the first job (S14: YES), the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is necessary (S15), and executes the calibration operation (S16). That is, the calibration operation is executed for the first job as in the period from time t3 to t6 shown in FIG. Further, by this calibration operation, as shown at times t3 to t6 in FIG. 5, the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 reaches the pre-sheet passing torque. Then, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

  By such processing, when the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is transported, the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 reaches the mid-sheet passing torque, and the gloss memory is eliminated.

  If it is determined that the job is not the first job (S14: NO), the determination unit 106 determines whether or not the previous sheet S corresponds to the first sheet type (S17). When it is determined that the previous paper S corresponds to the first paper type (S17: YES), that is, when the paper S fixed in the previous job corresponds to the first paper type, the first paper type Since the paper S corresponding to is continuously passed, the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is unnecessary (S18). Then, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

  Even when it is determined that the calibration operation is unnecessary as described above, since the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is continuously passed, the braking force is appropriately set in the previous job. The gloss memory is canceled even in the current job.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the previous sheet S does not correspond to the first sheet type (S17: NO), the determination unit 106 determines the driving motor M3 when the assist force D1 stored in step S13 is generated. Among the rotational torques, the difference between the rotational torques of the first sheet and the final sheet S corresponding to the second sheet type that has been passed is calculated (S19).

  Thereafter, the determination unit 106 determines whether the difference calculated in step S19 is greater than or equal to a specified value (S20). When it is determined that the difference is equal to or greater than the specified value (S20: YES), the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is necessary (S15), and executes the calibration operation (S16). Then, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends. Here, at the time of applying the assist force D1, for example, the assist force tends to gradually decrease due to thermal expansion of the upper pressure roller 61 and the lower pressure roller 64. For this reason, if the difference of the rotational torque of the 1st sheet and the last sheet is seen, the change of the rotational torque by the tendency of the above-mentioned thermal expansion can be caught. If the difference is large, it can be said that the influence of thermal expansion is large, and the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 may not be appropriate. Therefore, the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is necessary, executes the calibration operation, and makes the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 appropriate.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the difference is not greater than or equal to the specified value (S20: NO), the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is not required (S18), and the process illustrated in FIG. 7 ends. That is, when the difference is small, it can be said that the influence of thermal expansion is small, and the possibility that the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is not appropriate is very low. Therefore, the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is unnecessary, and improves the productivity by not performing the calibration operation.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a calibration operation necessity determination method, where (a) illustrates first to third specific examples, (b) illustrates only a second specific example, c) shows only the third specific example. In FIG. 8, after the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is passed, the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is passed, and then the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is further passed. The case where paper is passed shall be indicated.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8A, the first example is a case where only one sheet S corresponding to the second sheet type is passed. In this case, the torque detection unit 104 detects the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 at the time of passing one sheet, and the storage unit 72 stores this. It is assumed that the rotational torque detected for one sheet is 0.27 N · m.

  Then, when the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is conveyed thereafter, the determination unit 106 calculates the difference as shown in step S19 in FIG. 7, but in this example, the determination is made to the second paper type. Since only one corresponding sheet S is passed, the difference is not calculated, and the detected rotational torque of 0.27 N · m is directly used as the calculation result.

  Next, the controller 100 further conveys the first result depending on whether the calculation result (rotational torque of the drive motor M3) is within a predetermined torque range (greater than 0.05 N · m and less than 0.35 N · m). It is determined whether or not a calibration operation is required for the paper S corresponding to the paper type. In this example, since the calculation result is 0.27 N · m, which is within the predetermined torque range, the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is unnecessary.

  Thereby, for example, even when thermal expansion such as passing of the paper S corresponding to the second paper type cannot be considered, when the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 falls outside the predetermined torque range due to other abnormality The calibration operation is executed, and it is possible to cope with an abnormal state other than thermal expansion.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the second example is a case where only three sheets S corresponding to the second sheet type are passed. In this case, the torque detection unit 104 detects the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 when each of the three sheets is passed, and the storage unit 72 stores this. It is assumed that the rotational torques detected for these three sheets are 0.27 N · m, 0.27 N · m, and 0.26 N · m in this order.

  Then, when the sheet S corresponding to the first sheet type is subsequently conveyed, the determination unit 106 calculates the difference between the first sheet and the last sheet as shown in step S19 of FIG. As a result, the calculation result is 0.01 N · m.

  Next, the determination unit 106 performs a calibration operation on the paper S corresponding to the first paper type to be further conveyed depending on whether the calculation result (difference in rotational torque) is equal to or greater than a specified value (0.03N). Determine whether it is necessary. In this example, since the calculation result is 0.01 N · m, which is less than the specified value, the determination unit 106 determines that the calibration operation is unnecessary.

  Thus, for example, if the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 before passing the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is 0.42 N · m, the second paper type even if the calibration operation is not executed. When the paper S corresponding to the first paper type after passing the paper S corresponding to is passed, the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 becomes 0.42 N · m, and the gloss memory is eliminated.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the third example is a case where only nine sheets S corresponding to the second sheet type are passed. In this case, the torque detection unit 104 detects the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 when each of the nine sheets is passed, and the storage unit 72 stores this. The rotational torques detected for these nine sheets are, in order, 0.27 N · m, 0.27 N · m, 0.26 N · m, 0.26 N · m, 0.26 N · m, 0.25 N · m, It is assumed that they are 0.25 N · m, 0.24 N · m, and 0.23 N · m.

  Then, when the sheet S corresponding to the first sheet type is subsequently conveyed, the determination unit 106 calculates the difference between the first sheet and the last sheet as shown in step S19 of FIG. As a result, the calculation result is 0.04 N · m.

  Next, the determination unit 106 performs a calibration operation on the paper S corresponding to the first paper type to be further conveyed depending on whether the calculation result (difference in rotational torque) is equal to or greater than a specified value (0.03N). Determine whether it is necessary. In this example, the calculation result is 0.04 N · m, which is equal to or greater than the specified value, and therefore the determination unit 106 determines that a calibration operation is necessary.

  Thus, for example, if the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 before the sheet S corresponding to the second paper type is 0.42 N · m, the calibration corresponds to the second paper type. When the paper S corresponding to the first paper type after the paper S to be passed is passed, the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is 0.42 N · m, and the gloss memory is eliminated.

  As described above, according to the fixing device according to the present embodiment, after the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is transported to the nip portion N, the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is transported. Then, when the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is further transported, the paper corresponding to the first paper type to be transported further based on the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 when the assist force is generated. It is determined whether a calibration operation for S is necessary. For this reason, for example, the paper S corresponding to the first paper type, the paper S corresponding to the second paper type, and the paper S corresponding to the first paper type are continuously passed, When the braking force, the assisting force D1, and the braking force are applied to the upper pressure roller 61 in this order, the number of sheets S corresponding to the second paper type to be passed is small, and the upper pressure roller 61 and the lower pressure are applied. When there is almost no influence of the thermal expansion of the roller 64, the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 when the assist force D1 is generated does not substantially change, and it is determined whether or not a calibration operation is necessary from such characteristics. . When the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is not substantially changed, it can be determined that the calibration operation is not necessary for the paper S corresponding to the first paper type to be transported. It is not necessary to perform the calibration operation every time before the paper S corresponding to the above is passed, and the time for performing the calibration operation is shortened, so that the productivity can be prevented from being lowered.

  In addition, since it is determined whether or not the calibration operation is necessary by comparing the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 with the specified value, whether or not the calibration operation is necessary can be determined by a simple process of comparing with the specified value. Simplification can be achieved.

  Further, it is determined whether or not a calibration operation is necessary by comparing the difference between the rotational torques of the first sheet and the last sheet of the sheet S corresponding to the second sheet type that has been passed through and a specified value. Here, when the assist force D1 is applied, for example, the assist force D1 tends to gradually decrease due to thermal expansion of the upper pressure roller 61 and the lower pressure roller 64. For this reason, if the difference of the rotational torque of the 1st sheet and the last sheet is seen, the change of the rotational torque by the said tendency can be caught. Further, since it is not necessary to refer to rotational torques other than those for the first sheet and the last sheet, the processing can be further simplified.

  In addition, after the paper S corresponding to the first paper type is transported to the nip portion N and then the paper S corresponding to one second paper type is transported, it corresponds to the first paper type thereafter. When the sheet S to be conveyed is further conveyed, the calibration for the sheet S corresponding to the first sheet type to be conveyed further depends on whether the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 at the time of fixing one sheet is within a predetermined torque range. Determine whether or not an action is required. For this reason, for example, even when thermal expansion such as conveyance of the sheet S corresponding to one second sheet type cannot be considered, the rotational torque of the drive motor M3 is out of the predetermined torque range due to another abnormality. In such a case, a calibration operation is executed, and it is possible to cope with an abnormal state other than thermal expansion.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the image forming unit 40 that forms a toner image on the paper S, and the fixing that fixes the toner image formed by the image forming unit 40 on the paper S. Therefore, a printed matter with improved image gloss can be output.

  As described above, the fixing device and the image forming apparatus according to the present invention have been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Good.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a belt nip type fixing device is used, but the fixing device is not limited to this, and a roller nip type may be used.

  Further, in the present exemplary embodiment, the fixing device is housed in the image forming apparatus 1, but not limited thereto, the fixing device may be housed in another device such as a post-processing device.

  In addition, the various structures and numerical values described above are not limited to those described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 100 calculates the difference between the first sheet and the last sheet among the rotational torques when the sheet S corresponding to the second sheet type is passed. However, the average value of the rotational torque may be calculated for a plurality of sheets from the last, instead of the last sheet, in order to reduce detection errors. Furthermore, the average value of the whole may be adopted without calculating the difference.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the control unit 100 detects and stores all the rotational torques when the paper S corresponding to the second paper type is passed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When calculating the difference from the last sheet, only the rotational torque between the first sheet and the last sheet may be detected. That is, only the rotational torque of the number of sheets used in the subsequent calculation may be detected.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the rotational torque when the assist force D1 is applied is stored in the storage unit 72, but is not limited thereto, and may be stored in the RAM 103.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Image reading part 11 Automatic document feeder 12 Document image scanning device 12a CCD sensor 20 Operation display part 21 Display part 22 Operation part 30 Image processing part 40 Image forming part 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K Image forming unit 411 Exposure device 412 Developing device 413 Photosensitive drum 414 Charging device 415 Drum cleaning device 416 Lubricant coating device 42 Intermediate transfer unit 421 Intermediate transfer belt 422 Primary transfer roller 423 Secondary transfer roller 424 Drive roller 425 Followed roller 426 Belt cleaning device 50 Conveyance Unit 51 paper feed unit 51a to 51c paper feed tray unit 52 transport mechanism 53 paper discharge unit 60 fixing unit 60a frame 61 upper pressure roller (fixing surface side member)
62 Fixing belt (fixing surface side member)
63 Heating roller 631 Heating source 64 Lower pressure roller (back side member)
66 Torque generator (braking force generator, assist force generator)
67 gear mechanism 68 tension member 69 switching mechanism 71 communication unit 72 storage unit 100 control unit 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Torque detection unit (torque detection means)
105 Braking force adjusting unit (braking force adjusting means)
106 Judgment Unit (Judgment Means)
D Original M1 Motor M2 Motor M3 Drive motor S Paper

Claims (5)

A fixing surface side member provided rotatably;
A back side member that rotates while being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the fixing surface side member, and forms a fixing nip portion that cooperates with the fixing surface side member to sandwich and convey the paper on which the toner image is formed;
A drive motor for rotationally driving the back side member;
Braking force generating means for generating a braking force in a direction that prevents rotation of the fixing surface side member when the sheet conveyed to the fixing nip portion corresponds to the first sheet type;
An assist force generating means for generating an assist force in a direction for assisting the rotation of the fixing surface side member when the sheet conveyed to the fixing nip portion corresponds to a second sheet type;
Torque detecting means for detecting rotational torque of the drive motor;
Braking force adjusting means for performing a calibration operation for adjusting the braking force generated by the braking force generating means when a paper corresponding to the first paper type is conveyed to the fixing nip portion;
In a state where the paper corresponding to the second paper type is transported after the paper corresponding to the first paper type is transported to the fixing nip portion, the paper corresponding to the first paper type is subsequently transferred. When further transported, it corresponds to the first paper type to be transported further based on the rotational torque of the drive motor detected by the torque detecting means when the assist force is generated by the assist force generating means. Determining means for determining whether or not the calibration operation for the paper is necessary;
A fixing device comprising: The determination means is the first paper further conveyed by comparing the rotational torque of the drive motor detected by the torque detection means when the assist force is generated by the assist force generation means and a specified value. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the calibration operation is required for a sheet corresponding to a seed. The determination unit is configured to detect a sheet corresponding to the second paper type that has been passed among the rotational torques of the drive motor detected by the torque detection unit when the assist force is generated by the assist force generation unit. By comparing the difference in rotational torque between the first sheet and the last sheet with a specified value, it is determined whether or not the calibration operation for the sheet corresponding to the first sheet type to be conveyed is necessary. The fixing device according to claim 1. In the state in which the sheet corresponding to the second sheet type is conveyed after the sheet corresponding to the first sheet type is conveyed to the fixing nip portion, the determination unit then performs the first When the paper corresponding to the paper type is further transported, the first transported further according to whether the rotational torque of the drive motor is within a predetermined torque range when the assist force is generated by the assist force generating means. 4. The fixing device according to claim 2, wherein it is determined whether or not the calibration operation is required for the paper corresponding to the paper type. 5. An image forming unit that forms a toner image on paper;
The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the toner image formed by the image forming unit is fixed on a sheet.
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images