JP2017161951A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of determining propriety of printing while taking the state of inside of a machine into consideration.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises an image formation unit 40 for transferring a toner image to long-length paper, and a fixation unit 60 for fixing the toner image transferred by the image formation unit 40 to the long-length paper, and forms an image on the long-length paper which has passed through a conveyance path 50 from the paper feeding side to the paper ejection side. The image forming apparatus comprises: a sheet presence determination unit for determining whether or not the long-length paper is present along the conveyance path 50 when a power source is turned on; a temperature determination unit for determining whether or not fixation temperature of the fixation unit 60 is a preset temperature or lower when the sheet presence determination unit determines that the long-length paper is present along the conveyance path 50; and a state setting unit for setting the fixation active state of the fixation unit 60 to the inhibition state when the temperature determination unit determines that the fixation temperature is not the preset temperature or lower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus that brings a fixing roller and a pressure roller into a separated state when energization for heating the fixing roller is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-95692 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the fixing roller is not heated, the fixing roller and the pressure roller are separated from each other. Even if it rises, it is possible to quickly return to normal.

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a system configuration in which the image forming apparatus does not store an abnormality occurrence history. That is, when restarting after power-off, the history of various states of the image forming apparatus is deleted. For example, even when the power is shut off and restarted after occurrence of JAM or SC (Service Call), or even when the power is suddenly shut down due to a power failure or the like and restarted, image formation Since the history of various states of the device is not stored, it is regarded as normal return as it is.

  As described above, even if it is regarded as normal return, for example, in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on roll paper, before performing the printing operation, in the image forming apparatus main body including the fixing unit, It is necessary to pass through the roll paper. In such an image forming apparatus, when there is roll paper over the transport path inside the machine when the power is turned on, or when there is no roll paper in the transport path inside the machine when the power is turned on, the image forming apparatus is in a normal state.

  On the other hand, when a part of the long paper remains in the middle of the conveyance path inside the machine when the power is turned on, the state is not normal. Therefore, a malfunction may occur when it is regarded as normal return regardless of the state of the roll paper in the transport path inside the machine.

  For example, if the fixing part has a high fixing temperature and the roll paper is a film system such as PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), it is easily deformed and easily melted compared to conventional paper. . Therefore, if the roll paper is left in the fixing unit while the fixing temperature is high, the roll paper may be deformed and melted. If the roll paper is conveyed in this state, various problems may occur.

  For example, when the roll paper is conveyed, there is a risk of scratching the fixing unit. If the roll paper is melted by heat, not only the roll paper is wound around the fixing unit, but also there is a possibility that a problem occurs in winding the roll paper.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of determining whether or not to allow printing in consideration of a situation inside the machine. is there.

  To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that transfers a toner image onto a long paper, and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred by the image forming unit onto the long paper. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on the long paper that is passed through a conveyance path extending from a paper supply side to a paper discharge side, and the long paper is transferred to the conveyance path when power is turned on. A sheet presence / absence determination unit that determines whether the sheet exists along the conveyance path, and a fixing temperature of the fixing unit is set in advance when the sheet presence / absence determination unit determines that the long sheet exists along the conveyance path. A temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature; and when the temperature determination unit determines that the fixing temperature is not lower than the preset temperature, the fixing operation state of the fixing unit is prohibited. And a state setting unit to be set.

  According to this image forming apparatus, since the operation of the fixing unit is controlled based on the arrangement state of the long paper and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit, whether or not printing is possible is determined in consideration of the internal conditions of the machine after the power is turned on. can do.

  Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a display unit and a display control unit that controls the display unit, wherein the display control unit is a temperature at which the fixing temperature is set in advance by the temperature determination unit. When it is determined that it is not below, it is preferable to display on the display section that the long paper is to be removed from the transport path.

  According to this image forming apparatus, since the oversight of the situation in which the long paper is heated is reduced, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems due to the high temperature state of the fixing unit.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the fixing unit includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller, and the fixing operation state of the fixing unit is set to a prohibited state in the state setting unit. The fixing roller and the pressure roller are in a separated state or a pressure-bonded state, and the state determination unit determines whether the fixing roller and the pressure roller are in a pressure-bonded state. When it is determined that the pressure roller is present, it is preferable to further include a pressure-bonding separation portion that separates the pressure roller.

  According to this image forming apparatus, since the long paper is not adhered between the fixing roller and the pressure roller, the long paper is deformed by heat even if the long paper is of a film type. The melting state can be avoided.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the state setting unit permits the fixing operation state of the fixing unit when the temperature determination unit determines that the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than the preset temperature. It is preferable to set the state.

  According to this image forming apparatus, since the printable state is set in consideration of the state inside the machine, the state can be shifted from the abnormal stop state to the normal return state at a correct timing.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a conveyance control unit that controls a conveyance operation of the long paper, a speed detection unit that detects a conveyance speed of the long paper conveyed by the conveyance control unit, When the long paper is conveyed by the conveyance control unit, if the conveyance speed detected by the speed detection unit is equal to or lower than a preset speed, the long paper is abnormally stopped in the conveyance path. It is preferable to further include an abnormality determination unit that determines that the image is present.

  According to this image forming apparatus, in order to determine whether or not the long paper is abnormally stopped in the transport path based on the transport speed of the long paper, the abnormality in the transport operation of the long paper can be performed with a simple configuration. Can be detected.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention preferably further includes a temperature changing unit that changes the preset temperature based on a type of the long paper.

  According to this image forming apparatus, since the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is determined in consideration of the paper type of the long paper, it is possible to determine whether printing is possible based on the paper type of the long paper. The inside of the machine after power-on can be managed more accurately.

  According to the present invention, since the operation of the fixing unit is controlled based on the arrangement state of the long paper and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit, whether or not printing is possible is determined in consideration of the internal conditions of the machine after the power is turned on. Can do.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus main body 1B. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus main body 1B. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of occurrence of a defect in the fixing unit 60. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of occurrence of another problem in the fixing unit 60. 5 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of a paper discharge unit 52. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a long sheet exists along a conveyance path 50 extending from a sheet feeding unit 51 to a sheet discharge unit 52. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a long sheet exists from a paper feeding unit 51 to a fixing unit 60. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a long sheet exists from a sheet feeding unit 51 to a position before an intermediate transfer belt 421. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of a fixing unit 60. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the image forming apparatus 1.

  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 illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding device 1A, an image forming device main body 1B, and a winding device 1C.

  The paper feeding device 1A accommodates long paper such as roll paper or continuous paper, for example. The paper feeding device 1A feeds long paper to the image forming apparatus main body 1B based on an instruction from the image forming apparatus main body 1B. The image forming apparatus main body 1B forms an image on a long sheet fed from the sheet feeding apparatus 1A, details of which will be described later. The take-up device 1C takes up the long sheet sent from the image forming apparatus main body 1B. The long paper wound by the winding device 1C is an image on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus main body 1B.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 1B. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus main body 1B.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the image forming apparatus main body 1B uses an electrophotographic process technology and is an intermediate transfer type color image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus main body 1B, photosensitive drums 413 corresponding to four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) are arranged in series in the running direction (vertical direction) of the intermediate transfer belt 421. Has been placed. The image forming apparatus main body 1B employs a vertical tandem system in which each color toner image is sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 421.

  That is, the image forming apparatus main body 1 </ b> B primarily transfers the YMCK color toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421. The image forming apparatus main body 1B forms an image on a long sheet by superimposing four color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 421 and then performing secondary transfer onto the long sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus main body 1B includes an operation display unit 20, an image forming unit 40, a conveyance path 50, a paper feeding unit 51, a paper discharging unit 52, a fixing unit 60, a heating unit 63, and a temperature. A detection unit 67, a pressure separation / separation unit 64, a control unit 80, a speed detection unit 441, a paper detection unit 445, and the like are provided. The control unit 80 includes an image processing unit 30 and the like.

  The control unit 80 is mainly configured by a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an I / O interface (not shown), and the CPU reads various programs corresponding to processing contents from the ROM or a storage unit (not shown), and the RAM And the respective operations of the blocks of the image forming apparatus main body 1B, the sheet feeding device 1A, and the winding device 1C are controlled by cooperating with the various programs developed.

  That is, the control unit 80 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and can be realized by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an I / O interface (not shown).

  Specifically, when the control unit 80 executes a predetermined control program, the image processing unit 30, the paper presence / absence determination unit 101, the temperature determination unit 102, the state setting unit 103, the state determination unit 104, the display control unit 105, Functions including the transport control unit 106, the abnormality determination unit 107, and the temperature change unit 108 are realized.

  Note that each of the image processing unit 30, the paper presence / absence determination unit 101, the temperature determination unit 102, the state setting unit 103, the state determination unit 104, the display control unit 105, the conveyance control unit 106, the abnormality determination unit 107, and the temperature change unit 108. Details of this function will be described later.

  The operation display unit 20 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel, and functions as the display unit 21 and the operation unit 22.

  The display unit 21 displays various operation screens, operation states of functions, and the like based on a display control signal input from the control unit 80. The operation unit 22 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key. The operation unit 22 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 80 by accepting various input operations by the user. The user can perform image quality setting by operating the operation display unit 20. Further, the user can perform settings relating to image formation such as magnification setting, application setting, output setting, and paper setting by operating the operation display unit 20. Further, the user can issue a paper conveyance instruction by operating the operation display unit 20.

  The image processing unit 30 performs digital image processing on the input image data according to initial settings or user settings. For example, the image processing unit 30 performs gradation correction based on gradation correction data configured as a gradation correction table. The image processing unit 30 performs various correction processes such as color correction and shading correction, or compression processing on the input image data. The image forming unit 40 is controlled based on the image data subjected to these processes.

  The image forming unit 40 is configured to form an image with each color toner of the Y component, the M component, the C component, and the K component based on the image data subjected to various processes in the image processing unit 30. 41, an intermediate transfer unit 42, and the like, and transfers the toner image onto a long sheet.

  The image forming unit 41 includes four image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K for Y component, M component, C component, and K component. Since each of the image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K has similar constituent elements, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. For example, in FIG. 2, reference numerals are given only to the constituent elements of the image forming unit 41Y for the Y component, and the reference numerals of constituent elements of the other image forming units 41M, 41C, 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, and the like.

  The photosensitive drum 413 is, for example, a negative electrode in which an undercoat layer (UCL), a charge generation layer (CGL), and a charge transport layer (CTL) are sequentially laminated on the peripheral surface of an aluminum conductive cylindrical body (aluminum tube). It is a charge-type organic photoreceptor (OPC).

  The charge generation layer is made of an organic semiconductor in which a charge generation material (for example, phthalocyanine pigment) is dispersed in a resin binder (for example, polycarbonate), and is exposed by the exposure device 411 to generate a pair of positive charges and negative charges.

  The charge transport layer consists of a hole transport material (electron donating nitrogen-containing compound) dispersed in a resin binder (for example, polycarbonate resin), and transports positive charges generated in the charge generation layer to the surface of the charge transport layer. To do.

  The charging device 414 is constituted by, for example, a corona discharge generator such as a scorotron charging device or a corotron charging device. The charging device 414 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 to a negative polarity by corona discharge.

  The exposure apparatus 411 includes, for example, an LED array in which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are linearly arranged, an LPH driving unit (driver IC) for driving each LED, and a photosensitive drum that emits light emitted from the LED array An LED print head having a lens array to be imaged on 413 is formed. One LED in the LED array corresponds to one dot of the image. When the control unit 80 controls the LPH driving unit, a predetermined driving current flows through the LED array, and a specific LED emits light.

  The exposure device 411 irradiates the photosensitive drum 413 with light corresponding to the image of each color component. The positive charge generated in the charge generation layer of the photosensitive drum 413 is transported to the surface of the charge transport layer, so that the surface charge (negative charge) of the photosensitive drum 413 is neutralized. Thereby, 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 for each color component (for example, a two-component developer composed of toner and a magnetic carrier). The developing device 412 makes the toner of each color component adhere to the surface of the photosensitive drum 413, thereby visualizing the electrostatic latent image and forming a toner image. Specifically, a developing bias voltage is applied to the developer carrying member (developing roller), and the charged toner on the developer carrying member is transferred to the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 due to a potential difference between the photosensitive drum 413 and the developer carrying member. Move to the exposed area and adhere.

  The drum cleaning device 415 includes a drum cleaning blade that is in sliding contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 413. The drum cleaning device 415 removes transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 413 after the primary transfer.

  The intermediate transfer unit 42 includes an intermediate transfer belt 421, a primary transfer roller 422, a plurality of support rollers 423, a secondary transfer roller 424, a belt cleaning device 426, and the like.

  The intermediate transfer belt 421 is an endless belt, and is stretched in a loop shape by a plurality of support rollers 423. At least one of the plurality of support rollers 423 is configured by a driving roller, and the other is configured by a driven roller. For example, it is preferable that the support roller 423 disposed downstream of the K component primary transfer roller 422 in the belt traveling direction is a drive roller. As the driving roller rotates, the intermediate transfer belt 421 travels in the direction of arrow A at a constant speed.

  The primary transfer roller 422 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421 so as to face the photosensitive drum 413 of each color component. The primary transfer roller 422 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 413 with the intermediate transfer belt 421 interposed therebetween, whereby a primary transfer nip for transferring a toner image from the photosensitive drum 413 to the intermediate transfer belt 421 is formed.

  The secondary transfer roller 424 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 421 so as to face one of the plurality of support rollers 423. The support roller 423 arranged to face the intermediate transfer belt 421 is called a backup roller. The secondary transfer roller 424 is pressed against the backup roller with the intermediate transfer belt 421 interposed therebetween, whereby a secondary transfer nip for transferring the toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 421 to the long paper is formed.

  When the intermediate transfer belt 421 passes through the primary transfer nip, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 413 is primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 421 in order. Specifically, by applying a primary transfer bias to the primary transfer roller 422 and applying a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, that is, the side in contact with the primary transfer roller 422, the toner image Is electrostatically transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 421.

  Thereafter, when the long paper passes through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred to the long paper. Specifically, by applying a secondary transfer bias to the secondary transfer roller 424 and applying a charge having a polarity opposite to that of the toner to the back side of the long paper, that is, the side in contact with the secondary transfer roller 424, The toner image is electrostatically transferred to a long sheet. The long paper on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward the fixing unit 60.

  The belt cleaning device 426 includes a belt cleaning blade that is in sliding contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421. The belt cleaning device 426 removes transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 421 after the secondary transfer.

  In the intermediate transfer unit 42, instead of the secondary transfer roller 424, a secondary transfer belt (not shown) is looped around a plurality of support rollers 423 including the secondary transfer roller 424, so-called A belt-type secondary transfer unit may be employed.

  The fixing unit 60 includes an upper fixing unit 61, a lower fixing unit 62, a heating unit 63, a temperature detection unit 67, and the like, and fixes the toner image transferred by the image forming unit 40 to a long sheet. The upper fixing unit 61 includes a fixing surface side member disposed on the fixing surface of the long paper, that is, the surface on which the toner image is formed. The lower fixing unit 62 includes a back side support member disposed on the back side of the long paper, that is, on the side opposite to the fixing surface.

  The upper fixing unit 61 includes a fixing roller 611a and a fixing roller 611b as fixing surface side members. A fixing belt is looped around the fixing roller 611a and the fixing roller 611b. The lower fixing unit 62 includes a pressure roller 621 and the like as a back side support member. The pressure roller 621 is arranged at any position between the pressure-bonding state and the separation state with the fixing roller 611b by controlling the position.

  The heating unit 63 is disposed in or near the fixing surface side member and heats the fixing surface side member. The output of the heating unit 63 is controlled by the control unit 80, whereby the fixing surface side member is heated, and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 reaches a temperature necessary for fixing the toner image. The temperature detection unit 67 is disposed in the vicinity of the fixing surface side member and detects the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60. Therefore, the control unit 80 controls the output of the heating unit 63 based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 67.

  The crimping separation part 64 presses the back surface side support member against the fixing surface side member. The pressure separating / separating portion 64 controls the control portion 80 to press the back side support member against the fixing surface side member. That is, the control unit 80 controls the pressure roller 621 to be in pressure contact with the fixing roller 611b. As a result, a fixing nip for nipping and transporting the long paper is formed. Therefore, the long paper on which the toner image is secondarily transferred and conveyed along the conveyance path 50 is heated and pressurized when passing through the fixing nip. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the long paper. Further, as will be described in detail later, the crimping separation portion 64 separates the back surface side support member from the fixing surface side member according to conditions. Note that the fixing roller 611a and the fixing roller 611b are collectively referred to as the fixing roller 611.

  The paper feed unit 51 guides the long paper conveyed from the paper supply device 1 </ b> A to the conveyance path 50. The paper feeding unit 51 applies a predetermined load to the long paper according to the type of the long paper. Thereby, the long paper is smoothly guided to the transport path 50. The conveyance path 50 is a sheet passing path for conveying a long sheet from the paper supply unit 51 to the paper discharge unit 52. The conveyance path 50 conveys long paper fed from the paper feeding unit 51 by various rollers in the order of the image forming unit 40, the fixing unit 60, and the paper discharge unit 52. The paper discharge unit 52 guides the long paper transported from the transport path 50 to the winding device 1C. Details of the paper discharge unit 52 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, details of a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. A part of the description of the functional configuration described above is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the image processing unit 30, the control unit 80 includes a paper presence / absence determination unit 101, a temperature determination unit 102, a state setting unit 103, a state determination unit 104, a display control unit 105, and a conveyance control unit 106. The abnormality determination unit 107 and the temperature change unit 108 are provided.

  The sheet presence / absence determination unit 101 determines whether or not a long sheet exists along the conveyance path 50 when the power is turned on. Specifically, the paper presence / absence determination unit 101 is executed when the power is turned on, and is installed inside the machine based on detection results of a paper detection unit 445 described later with reference to FIGS. It is determined whether or not there is a long sheet. The state in which the long paper is present inside the machine is a state in which the long paper is present from the entrance to the exit of the printer, for example, without interruption from the paper supply unit 51 to the paper discharge unit 52. It suffices if the long paper is connected.

  The temperature determination unit 102 determines whether or not the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is equal to or lower than a preset temperature when the sheet presence / absence determination unit 101 determines that a long sheet exists along the conveyance path 50. Is. The preset temperature is determined based on the paper type of the long paper, and is a value lower than the fixing temperature during normal use, and a value to be held during standby is set. Therefore, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 may be equal to or lower than a preset temperature, but when it is not lower than the preset temperature, that is, when the temperature is higher than the preset temperature, Depending on the paper type, there is a risk of causing deformation or the like.

  The state setting unit 103 sets the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 to a prohibited state when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the fixing temperature is not lower than a preset temperature. That is, the state setting unit 103 sets the print disabled state when the fixing temperature is higher than the temperature set in advance by the temperature determination unit 102. The non-printable state is a state in which the fixing unit 60 is not allowed to perform a fixing operation.

  Specifically, if the printing disabled state has a mechanism that causes the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 to be in a pressure-bonded state or a separated state, the separated state is set and the rotation operation for fixing is interrupted. If it is in the state. Further, the print disabled state may be a state in which the rotation operation for fixing is interrupted as long as there is no mechanism for bringing the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 into a pressure-bonded state or a separated state.

  The state setting unit 103 sets the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 to a permitted state when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than a preset temperature. That is, the state setting unit 103 sets the printable state when the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than the temperature preset by the temperature determination unit 102. The printable state is a state in which the fixing unit 60 performs a fixing operation. The printable state may be a state where a rotation operation for fixing can be started.

  The state determination unit 104 determines whether the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in the separated state or the pressure-bonding state when the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 is set to the prohibited state by the state setting unit 103. To do. When the state determination unit 104 determines that the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in a pressure-bonded state, the pressure-bonding separation unit 64 separates the pressure roller 621.

  The display control unit 105 controls the display unit 21. When the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the fixing temperature is not lower than a preset temperature, the display control unit 105 displays that the long paper is to be removed from the conveyance path 50. This is displayed on the unit 21.

  The conveyance control unit 106 controls the conveyance operation of the long paper. Specifically, the conveyance control unit 106 conveys long paper in the order of the paper feed unit 51, the conveyance path 50, and the paper discharge unit 52. The long paper guided from the paper supply device 1A is transferred to the inside of the machine. Is led to the winding device 1C.

  When the conveyance control unit 106 conveys the long paper, the abnormality determination unit 107 detects the long paper when the conveyance speed detected by the speed detection unit 441, which will be described later in detail, is equal to or lower than a preset speed. Is determined to be abnormally stopped in the transport path 50. That is, the abnormality determination unit 107 determines whether or not JAM has occurred inside the machine based on the conveyance speed.

  Here, JAM is a phenomenon in the image forming apparatus 1 that a sheet that is transported along a predetermined mechanism is jammed inside the mechanism or between adjacent mechanisms. When JAM occurs, the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 normally stops.

  The temperature changing unit 108 changes a preset temperature used when comparing the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 based on the paper type of the long paper. Specifically, the temperature changing unit 108 selects a sheet corresponding to the input content based on a correspondence table between the paper type of unillustrated long paper and the temperature. For example, the preset temperature is changed according to the input content when the user inputs the type of long paper to be used via the operation display unit 20.

  Next, the premise for forming an image on long paper will be described. In preparation for printing, before an image is formed by the image forming unit 40, it is necessary to pass a long sheet from the paper feeding device 1A along the conveyance path 50 to the winding device 1C. Such print preparation may be performed automatically or manually.

  After the print preparation, when an image is formed by the image forming unit 40, the long paper passed from the paper feeding device 1A to the winding device 1C is conveyed. Next, when passing through the secondary transfer nip, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 421 is secondarily transferred collectively to the fixing surface of the long paper, and a fixing process is performed in the fixing unit 60. The long paper on which the image is formed is discharged out of the apparatus by the paper discharge unit 52 and taken up by the winding device 1C.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 prepares for printing or is in a standby state, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is maintained at a temperature that does not cause discoloration or deformation of the long paper, and discoloration or deformation occurs on the long paper. It is desirable that it does not occur. For example, the control unit 80 controls the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 by controlling the output of the heating unit 63 based on the temperature detection unit 67 so that the long paper is not discolored or deformed. Yes.

  However, when the previous image forming process is canceled due to an abnormality such as JAM, or when the length of the long paper is insufficient, the long paper remaining in the conveyance path 50 is removed and a new long paper is obtained. It is necessary to prepare for printing. When preparing for printing immediately after removing the long paper, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 may be higher than a preset temperature.

  Therefore, performing print preparation in such a state causes discoloration or deformation of the long paper. In addition, after the preparation for printing, in the standby state until an image is formed, the heat of the fixing unit 60 is absorbed by the long paper, and the long paper may be discolored or deformed.

  Further, when the power is turned off after the occurrence of JAM and the power is turned on again, if the system configuration originally does not store the history of occurrence of abnormality, the system side transitions to a normal return state after the power is turned on. In this case, as described above, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is high, and it is assumed that the long paper is left in the fixing unit 60. For example, a film-type long paper such as PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is more susceptible to heat than conventional paper, and thus is easily deformed and melted. May occur.

  An example of the occurrence of a problem in the fixing unit 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of occurrence of a defect in the fixing unit 60. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of another problem that occurs in the fixing unit 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, various troubles may occur when the long paper is left in the machine, specifically, the fixing unit 60 in a state where the conveyance speed of the long paper is reduced. There is. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the heat of the heating unit 63 is transmitted to the long paper, and the long paper may be deformed. Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when the fixing unit 60 further rotates in a state where the long paper is deformed by the heat of the heating unit 63, the long paper may be wound around the upper fixing unit 61. There is.

  Next, a configuration example for detecting a defect in the conveyance operation of the long paper will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of the paper discharge unit 52. As shown in FIG. 6, the paper discharge unit 52 includes a driving roller 431, a driven roller 432, a speed detector 441a, and a speed detector 441b. The driven roller 432 is provided with an encoder 443 and is used for speed detection. The speed detection unit 441a and the speed detection unit 441b are transmissive photointerrupters, one is a light emitting side and the other is a light receiving side, and is provided in a positional relationship orthogonal to the rotation direction of the encoder 443. The encoder 443 is detected.

  Specifically, the abnormality determination unit 107 in FIG. 3 determines that the conveyance operation state is normal if the interval at which the encoder 443 is detected by the speed detection units 441a and 441b is within a preset period. If the period is longer than a preset period, it is determined that the conveyance operation state is abnormal. The abnormality determination unit 107 determines that JAM is occurring inside the machine when the conveyance operation state is abnormal. Note that the speed detection unit 441a and the speed detection unit 441b are collectively referred to as a speed detection unit 441.

  Next, the arrangement state of the long paper inside the machine will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a situation in which a long sheet exists along the conveyance path 50 from the paper supply unit 51 to the paper discharge unit 52. As shown in FIG. 7, the paper detection unit 445a is provided on the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 421, and detects the end of the long paper when the long paper is conveyed. The paper detection unit 445b is provided between the fixing unit 60 and the paper discharge unit 52, and detects the end of the long paper when the long paper is conveyed. Note that the paper detection unit 445a and the paper detection unit 445b are referred to as a paper detection unit 445 unless otherwise distinguished.

  In FIG. 7, when the power is turned on, the paper detection unit 445a detects a long paper, and the paper detection unit 445b detects a long paper. Therefore, when the power is turned on, both the paper detection unit 445a and the paper detection unit 445b detect the long paper. In this case, it is determined that the long paper is present along the conveyance path 50 extending from the paper supply unit 51 to the paper discharge unit 52. That is, a long sheet is connected from the entrance to the exit of the printer. Further, if the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is not lower than a preset temperature, that is, if the fixing temperature is high, it is determined as JAM as an abnormal state.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a long sheet exists from the paper feeding unit 51 to the fixing unit 60. In FIG. 8, the arrangement locations of the paper detection unit 445a and the paper detection unit 445b are the same as those in the case of FIG.

  In FIG. 8, when the power is turned on, the paper detection unit 445a detects long paper, and the paper detection unit 445b does not detect long paper. Therefore, when the power is turned on, only the paper detection unit 445a detects the long paper. In this case, it is determined that the long paper exists from the paper feeding unit 51 to the fixing unit 60, and it is determined as JAM as an abnormal state. Further, if the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is not lower than a preset temperature, that is, if the fixing temperature is high, the long paper may be deformed by heat. In this case, that fact may be displayed on the display unit 21. In the example of FIG. 8, the long paper is passed through the inside of the machine, but remains in the middle of the conveyance path 50 and is in the JAM state.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a situation in which a long sheet exists from the paper feeding unit 51 to the front of the intermediate transfer belt 421. In FIG. 9, the arrangement locations of the paper detection unit 445a and the paper detection unit 445b are the same as those in the case of FIG.

  In FIG. 9, when the power is turned on, the paper detection unit 445a does not detect the long paper, and the paper detection unit 445 does not detect the long paper. Therefore, when the power is turned on, neither the paper detection unit 445a nor the paper detection unit 445b detects the long paper. In this case, although there is no long paper in the fixing unit 60, it is determined that the long paper exists from the paper supply unit 51 to the front of the intermediate transfer belt 421, and it is determined as JAM as an abnormal state. Is done.

  When the fixing unit 60 has no long paper and the fixing temperature is high, if the long paper is passed through the machine, the long paper may be deformed by heat. Therefore, in this case, it may be displayed that the long paper is not passed through the machine until the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than a preset temperature.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 9, the long paper is passed through the inside of the machine, but remains in the middle of the conveyance path 50 and is in the JAM state.

  Next, the crimping operation and the separation operation in the fixing unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed example of the fixing unit 60.

  When the power supply is turned on, the pressure-bonding / separating unit 64 sets the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 to a prohibited state, and determines that the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in a pressure-bonded state. The roller 621 is separated. As a result, the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are separated from each other.

  On the other hand, when the crimping separation unit 64 is turned on, the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 is set to the permitted state, and it is determined that the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in the crimping state. The position of the pressure roller 621 is maintained. In addition, when the power supply is turned on, the pressure-bonding separation unit 64 sets the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 to the permitted state, and determines that the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in the separated state. The position of the pressure roller 621 is moved to the position of the pressure bonding state.

  Next, an example of the operation for determining whether printing is possible based on the fixing temperature after turning on the power will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the image forming apparatus 1.

  In step S11, the paper presence / absence determining unit 101 determines whether the power is turned on. When it is determined that the power is turned on, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power is not turned on, the system waits as it is.

  In step S <b> 12, the paper presence / absence determination unit 101 determines whether or not the long paper is passed through the machine based on the detection result of the paper detection unit 445. If it is determined that the long paper is passed through the machine, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the long paper is not passed through the machine, the process is terminated.

  That is, the process of step S12 roughly confirms the arrangement state of the long paper inside the machine.

  In step S <b> 13, the paper presence / absence determination unit 101 determines whether or not a long sheet exists from the entrance to the exit of the printer. If it is determined that the long paper is present from the entrance to the exit of the printer, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the long paper is not connected from the entrance to the exit of the printer, the process proceeds to step S20.

  That is, the process of step S13 is to confirm in detail the arrangement state of the long paper inside the machine.

  In step S <b> 14, based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 67, the temperature determination unit 102 determines whether or not the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is not more than a threshold, that is, not more than a preset temperature. When it is determined that the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fixing temperature is not lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S16.

  In step S15, the state setting unit 103 sets the printable state and ends the process. When the printable state is set, the display control unit 105 may display that fact on the display unit 21.

  In step S16, the state setting unit 103 sets the print disabled state, and the process proceeds to step S17. If the print disabled state is set, the display control unit 105 may display that effect on the display unit 21.

  In step S17, the state determination unit 104 determines whether or not the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in a separated state. That is, the state determination unit 104 determines whether the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in the separated state or the pressure-bonded state.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in the separated state, the process proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are not separated from each other, that is, if the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in a pressure-bonded state, the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S <b> 18, based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit 67, the temperature determination unit 102 determines whether or not the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is equal to or lower than a threshold, that is, equal to or lower than a preset temperature. If it is determined that the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S15.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the fixing temperature is not lower than the threshold value, the process returns to step S18. That is, while the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are separated from each other, the process waits until the fixing temperature becomes equal to or lower than a preset temperature.

  In step S19, the pressure separating / separating unit 64 separates the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621, and the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S20, the state determination unit 104 sets the JAM state and ends the process. When the JAM state is set, the display control unit 105 may display that fact on the display unit 21.

  From the above description, when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, when long paper such as roll paper or continuous paper is present along the conveyance path 50 extending from the paper supply side to the paper discharge side, That is, when a long sheet exists in the machine, whether or not fixing rotation is possible is determined based on the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60.

  Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 determines the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 when long paper is present from the entrance to the exit of the printer. When it is determined that the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is not equal to or lower than a preset temperature, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 to a prohibited state.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 disables fixing rotation when the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is higher than a preset temperature. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can control the operation of the fixing unit 60 based on the arrangement state of the long paper and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60.

  In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 prohibits the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 when a long sheet exists in the machine and it is determined that the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is not lower than a preset temperature. With this setting, since the operation of the fixing unit 60 is controlled based on the arrangement state of the long paper and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60, it is possible to determine whether printing is possible in consideration of the internal conditions of the machine. .

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 indicates that the long paper is present in the machine and the long paper is removed from the conveyance path 50 when it is determined that the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is not lower than the preset temperature. indicate.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 1 notifies that the long paper is removed based on the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 when long paper is present in the machine.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can remove the long paper based on the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 regardless of whether the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in the separated state or the pressure-bonding state. Since it is displayed, it is possible to prompt the user to remove the long paper. Therefore, since the oversight of the situation in which the long paper is heated is reduced, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems due to the high temperature state of the fixing unit 60.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, when a long sheet exists in the machine and it is determined that the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is not lower than a preset temperature, the fixing roller 611 b and the pressure roller 621 are pressure-bonded. If so, the pressure roller 621 is separated.

  That is, in the image forming apparatus 1, there is a long sheet in the machine, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is higher than a preset temperature, and the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 is set to a prohibited state. If the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in a pressure-bonded state, the pressure roller 621 is separated.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 does not allow the long paper to adhere between the fixing roller 611 b and the pressure roller 621. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is difficult to transfer the heat of the fixing unit 60 to the long paper. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 1 can avoid the state in which the long paper is deformed and melted by heat even if the long paper is of a film type.

  Further, when it is determined that the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is equal to or lower than the preset temperature, the image forming apparatus 1 sets the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 to the permitted state.

  That is, if the amount of heat transferred to the long paper is low, there is no problem due to the high temperature state of the fixing unit 60, so that the printable state can be achieved. Therefore, since the printable state is set in consideration of the state inside the machine, the state can be transitioned from the abnormal stop state to the normal return state at the correct timing.

  In addition, when the long paper is transported, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that the long paper is abnormally stopped in the transport path 50 when the transport speed of the long paper is equal to or less than a preset speed. To do. In other words, the image forming apparatus 1 determines that JAM has occurred when the transport speed of the long paper has decreased.

  As a situation in which the transport speed of the long paper decreases, it is assumed that the long paper is difficult to be transported due to deformation or winding around the transport path 50. In such a situation, it is assumed that the conveyance of the long paper will eventually stop. Therefore, by comparing the conveyance speed of the long paper with a preset speed and determining whether or not the long paper is abnormally stopped in the conveyance path 50, the abnormality in the conveyance operation of the long paper is detected. Can be detected. Further, the transport speed of the long paper can be realized with a simple configuration by the encoder 443 and the transmissive photo interrupter. Therefore, since it is determined whether or not the long paper is abnormally stopped in the transport path 50 based on the transport speed of the long paper, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the transport operation of the long paper with a simple configuration. .

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 changes a preset temperature based on the type of long paper. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can take into account the long paper type when comparing the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 with a preset temperature. For example, in the case of film-type long paper, it is possible to further avoid the deformation of the long paper due to heat and the like by lowering the preset temperature as compared with normal long paper.

  Therefore, since the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is determined in consideration of the paper type of the long paper, it is possible to determine whether printing is possible based on the paper type of the long paper. The inside can be managed more accurately.

  As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the image forming unit 40 that transfers the toner image to the long paper, and the toner image transferred by the image forming unit 40 is fixed to the long paper. An image forming apparatus 1 that includes a fixing unit 60 and forms an image on a long sheet that has been passed through a conveyance path 50 extending from a sheet feeding side to a sheet discharge side. When the power is turned on, the long sheet is conveyed. The sheet presence / absence determination unit 101 that determines whether or not the sheet exists along the path 50, and when the sheet presence / absence determination unit 101 determines that the long sheet exists along the conveyance path 50, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is set. A temperature determination unit 102 that determines whether or not the temperature is equal to or lower than a preset temperature, and the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 is prohibited when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the fixing temperature is not lower than or equal to a preset temperature. A state setting unit 103 for setting the state It is intended.

  Accordingly, since the operation of the fixing unit 60 is controlled based on the arrangement state of the long paper and the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60, it is possible to determine whether printing is possible in consideration of the state inside the machine.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment further includes the display unit 21 and the display control unit 105 that controls the display unit 21, and the display control unit 105 uses the temperature determination unit 102 to set the fixing temperature in advance. When it is determined that the temperature is not lower than the set temperature, the display unit 21 displays that the long paper is to be removed from the conveyance path 50.

  Thereby, since the oversight of the situation in which the long paper is heated is reduced, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems due to the high temperature state of the fixing unit 60.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the fixing unit 60 includes the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621, and the fixing operation state of the fixing unit 60 is determined by the state setting unit 103. When the prohibition state is set, the state determination unit 104 that determines whether the fixing roller 611b and the pressure roller 621 are in the separated state or the pressure-bonded state, and the state determination unit 104 uses the fixing roller 611b and the pressure. When it is determined that the roller 621 is in a pressure-bonded state, a pressure-bonding / separating portion 64 that separates the pressure roller 621 is further provided.

  Accordingly, since the long paper is not brought into close contact between the fixing roller 611 and the pressure roller 621, the long paper is deformed by heat and melts even if the long paper is of a film type. A state can be avoided.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the state setting unit 103 determines that the fixing unit 60 is in a fixing operation state when the temperature determination unit 102 determines that the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than a preset temperature. Is set to the permitted state.

  As a result, the printable state is set in consideration of the state inside the machine, so that the state can be transitioned from the abnormally stopped state to the normal return state at the correct timing.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the conveyance control unit 106 that controls the conveyance operation of the long paper, and the speed detection unit that detects the conveyance speed of the long paper conveyed by the conveyance control unit 106. 441 and when the transport control unit 106 transports the long paper, if the transport speed detected by the speed detection unit 441 is equal to or lower than a preset speed, the long paper stops abnormally in the transport path 50. And an abnormality determination unit 107 that determines that the error occurs.

  Accordingly, in order to determine whether or not the long paper is abnormally stopped in the transport path 50 based on the transport speed of the long paper, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the transport operation of the long paper with a simple configuration. it can.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment further includes the temperature changing unit 108 that changes a preset temperature based on the type of long paper.

  As a result, the fixing temperature of the fixing unit 60 is determined in consideration of the paper type of the long paper, so that it is possible to determine whether printing is possible based on the paper type of the long paper. The inside of the machine can be managed more accurately.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention has been described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  For example, an example in which the speed detection unit 441 is formed of a transmissive photo interrupter has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a reflective photo sensor, a rotary encoder, or a Hall element. It may be.

  In addition, an example of determining whether or not the speed detection unit 441 is JAM has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sheet detection unit 445b detects the long paper after the paper detection unit 445a detects the long paper. Whether or not it is JAM may be determined based on the transport time of the long paper until the detection.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured to perform full color printing, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to perform monochrome printing.

  Further, although an example in which the paper detection unit 445a is provided on the upstream side of the intermediate transfer belt 421 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the paper detection unit 445a may be provided on the upstream side of the fixing unit 60.

  Further, although an example in which the paper detection unit 445b is provided between the fixing unit 60 and the paper discharge unit 52 has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the paper detection unit 445b may be provided on the downstream side of the fixing unit 60. That's fine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 1A Paper feeder 1B Image forming apparatus main body 1C Winding apparatus 101 Paper presence determination part 102 Temperature determination part 103 State setting part 104 State determination part 105 Display control part 106 Conveyance control part 107 Abnormality determination part 108 Temperature change part DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Operation display part 21 Display part 22 Operation part 30 Image processing part 40 Image formation part 41, 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K Image formation unit 42 Intermediate transfer unit 411 Exposure apparatus 412 Development apparatus 413 Photosensitive drum 414 Charging apparatus 415 Drum cleaning apparatus 421 Intermediate transfer belt 422 Primary transfer roller 423 Support roller 424 Secondary transfer roller 426 Belt cleaning device 431 Drive side roller 432 Drive side roller 441, 441a, 441b Speed detection unit 443 Encoder 445, 45a, 445b Paper detection unit 50 Transport path 51 Paper feed unit 52 Paper discharge unit 60 Fixing unit 61 Upper fixing unit 611, 611a, 611b Fixing roller 62 Lower fixing unit 621 Pressure roller 63 Heating unit 64 Pressure separation / separation unit 67 Temperature detection Part 80 Control part

To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an image forming unit for transferring a toner image to the long sheet, you heat fixing a long sheet on which the toner image has been photographed rolling by nipping and conveying the fixing and parts, a detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the long sheet in the fixing unit, a Bei ERGA image forming apparatus and the temperature detecting section, a for detecting the temperature of the fixing unit, when the power is turned on, based on the detection portion of the detection result and the temperature detection portion of the detection result, the the fixing portion there are long sheets, and when the temperature of the pre-Symbol fixing unit is determined to be higher than a preset temperature The fixing unit includes a control unit that controls the long sheet not to be nipped and conveyed .

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the fixing unit includes a fixing surface side member and a back surface side support member, and the pressure bonding is performed to press and separate the fixing surface side member and the back surface side support member from each other. It is preferable that the control including the separation unit and the fixing unit not holding and conveying the long sheet includes control of the pressure-bonding separation unit to separate the fixing surface side member and the back surface side support member.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a state determination unit that determines whether the fixing surface side member and the back surface side support member are in a crimped state or a separated state, and when the power is turned on Based on the detection result of the detection unit and the detection result of the temperature detection unit, it is determined that a long sheet exists in the fixing unit and the temperature of the fixing unit is higher than the preset temperature, and When the state determination unit determines that the fixing surface side member and the back surface side support member are in a pressure-bonded state, the pressure bonding separation portion separates the fixing surface side member and the back surface side support member from each other. Is preferred.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the fixing surface side member is a fixing roller and the back surface side supporting member is a pressure roller.

In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the preset temperature is a temperature set based on a paper type of a long sheet .

  In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit and a display control unit that controls the display unit, and when the power is turned on, the detection result of the detection unit and the detection of the temperature detection unit Based on the result, when it is determined that there is no long sheet in the fixing unit and the temperature of the fixing unit is higher than the preset temperature, the long sheet is not sent into the apparatus and is on standby. It is preferable that the display control unit display the display unit.

In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit and a display control unit that controls the display unit, and when the power is turned on, the detection result of the detection unit and the detection of the temperature detection unit Based on the result, when it is determined that a long sheet exists in the fixing unit and the temperature of the fixing unit is higher than the preset temperature, the long sheet inside the apparatus is removed by the user. It is preferable that the display control unit display on the display unit .

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a speed detection unit that detects a conveyance speed of a long sheet, and a conveyance speed of the long sheet detected by the speed detection unit are equal to or lower than a preset speed. It is preferable to have an abnormality determination unit that determines that the conveyance of the long sheet is abnormal.

Claims (6)

An image forming unit for transferring a toner image to a long paper;
An image forming apparatus that includes a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred by the image forming unit to the long paper, and forms an image on the long paper that is passed through a conveyance path from the paper supply side to the paper discharge side. Because
A sheet presence / absence determining unit that determines whether or not the long sheet exists along the conveyance path when the power is turned on;
A temperature determination unit that determines whether or not the fixing temperature of the fixing unit is equal to or lower than a preset temperature when it is determined by the sheet presence / absence determination unit that the long sheet exists along the conveyance path;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a state setting unit that sets a fixing operation state of the fixing unit to a prohibited state when the temperature determination unit determines that the fixing temperature is not equal to or lower than the preset temperature. A display unit;
A display control unit for controlling the display unit,
The display control unit
The image formation according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature determination unit determines that the fixing temperature is not equal to or lower than the preset temperature, the display unit displays that the long paper is to be removed from the conveyance path. apparatus. The fixing unit includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller,
A state determination unit that determines whether the fixing roller and the pressure roller are in a separated state or a pressure-bonded state when the fixing operation state of the fixing unit is set to a prohibited state in the state setting unit;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a pressure-bonding separation unit that separates the pressure roller when the state determination unit determines that the fixing roller and the pressure roller are in a pressure-bonded state. The state setting unit
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the temperature determination unit determines that the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than the preset temperature, the fixing operation state of the fixing unit is set to a permitted state. A transport control unit for controlling the transport operation of the long paper;
A speed detector that detects a transport speed of the long paper transported by the transport controller;
When the long sheet is conveyed by the conveyance control unit, the long sheet is abnormally stopped in the conveyance path when the conveyance speed detected by the speed detection unit is equal to or lower than a preset speed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an abnormality determining unit that determines that the image forming apparatus is in an abnormal state. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature changing unit that changes the preset temperature based on a paper type of the long paper.

Images