JP2018049120A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus that can improve the accuracy in operation to form images in an image forming area of a continuous recording medium, compared with a case where a control operation using detection information obtained by detecting detection target images formed in a non-image forming area of the continuous recording medium is not performed.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: image forming means that forms images in an image forming area of a continuous recording medium and forms detection target images in a non-image forming area of the continuous recording medium; detection means that detects the detection target images formed on the continuous recording medium by the image forming means; and control means that performs a control operation by using detection information obtained by the detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, as an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a continuous recording medium (continuous recording medium), those exemplified below are known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a transport mechanism that transports a continuous recording medium in a long length by a plurality of rollers, a print head that prints an image on the recording medium, and a plurality of motors that drive the plurality of rollers. A rotation detector that outputs a rotation signal according to the number of rotations of the motor, and a tension detector that is mounted between the plurality of motors, measures the tension of the recording medium, converts the tension into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal And a compensator that calculates so that the conveyance speed and tension of the recording medium become the target speed and the target tension, the rotation signal from the rotation detector and the electric signal from the tension detector as control amounts, In a continuous paper printing apparatus comprising a multi-input / output feedback control means that uses a drive signal to the plurality of motors as an operation amount, and a control unit that controls conveyance of a recording medium, a compensator of the feedback control means There Based on the calculated operation amount, the continuous sheet-printing device provided with a jam detecting means for determining the abnormal transport of the recording medium is shown.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming unit that transfers a toner image formed on a photoreceptor onto a continuous recording medium and forms an image on the recording medium, and an image based on image information on the continuous recording medium. Forming image data in a predetermined image area, and simultaneously controlling the image forming means to form an image pattern in a predetermined side area other than the image area of the recording medium. The device is shown. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260260 discloses that the toner discharge amount of the image pattern is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value that promotes circulation of deteriorated toner.

JP 2012-101889 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-55673

  The present invention forms an image in the image forming area of the continuous recording medium as compared with the case where the control operation using the detection information obtained by detecting the detected image formed in the non-image forming area of the continuous recording medium is not performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the accuracy of the operation to be performed.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (A1)
Image forming means for forming an image in an image forming area of a continuous recording medium and forming a detected image in a non-image forming area of the continuous recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting a detected image formed on a continuous recording medium by the image forming means;
Control means for performing a control operation using detection information of the detection means;
It is equipped with.

The image forming apparatus of the invention (A2) is the image forming apparatus of the invention A1,
A transport unit that transports the continuous recording medium so as to be accommodated after being supplied to the image forming unit;
The control operation performed by the control unit is at least one of a control operation related to the conveyance of the continuous recording medium, a control operation related to the operation of the image forming unit, and a control operation related to the operation of the conveyance unit.

The image forming apparatus of the invention (A3) is the image forming apparatus of the invention A1 or A2,
The image forming means continuously forms detected images with a predetermined interval along the conveying direction of the continuous recording medium,
The control unit is configured to change the image forming unit when there is a deviation between a set position of the detected image formed by the image forming unit and an actual forming position of the detected image obtained from the detection information of the detecting unit. And a control operation for temporarily stopping the operation of the conveying means.

In the image forming apparatus of the invention (A4), in the image forming apparatus of the invention A3, the control means performs a control operation for notifying confirmation of a conveyance state of the continuous recording medium.
The image forming apparatus according to the invention (A5) is the image forming apparatus according to the invention A4, wherein the control unit is configured to temporarily stop the image forming unit and the conveying unit when a necessary work is completed. The control operation for resuming the operation is performed.

  In the image forming apparatus of the invention (A6), in the image forming apparatus of the invention A3, the control means determines in advance a deviation between the set position of the detected image and the actual forming position of the detected image. When the value is equal to or greater than the specified value, a control operation for forcibly terminating the operations of the image forming unit and the conveying unit is performed.

The image forming apparatus of the invention (A7) is the image forming apparatus of any one of the inventions A1 to A6.
The image forming means includes an image forming means for forming an unfixed image made of toner and a detected image, a transfer means for transferring the image formed by the image forming means and the detected image to a continuous recording medium, Fixing means for fixing the image transferred by the transfer means and the detected image to the continuous recording medium, and the image forming means and the transfer means are spaced by a predetermined distance along the conveying direction of the continuous recording medium. Form a detection image,
The detection means is disposed between the transfer means and the fixing means.
The image forming apparatus of the invention (A8) is the image forming apparatus of the invention A7.
The image forming means and the transfer means of the image forming means form a detected image at a predetermined interval along the conveyance direction of the continuous recording medium,
The control unit temporarily operates the image forming unit and the conveying unit when the set interval of the detected image formed by the image forming unit is different from the interval of the detected image obtained by the detection information of the detecting unit. The control operation to stop is performed.

The image forming apparatus of the invention (A9) is the image forming apparatus of the invention A7 or A8,
The transfer unit includes a transfer member that is displaced between an operation position for pressing a continuous recording medium against a transfer position of the difference image unit to form a transfer portion and a retreat position for separating the continuous recording medium from the transfer position.
The fixing unit is displaced between a heating rotator heated by the heating unit, an operation position where the fixing unit is formed in pressure contact with the heating rotator, and a retracted position separated from the heating rotator. A rotating body for pressurization,
The control unit displaces the transfer member and the pressing rotary member of the fixing unit to respective retracted positions when performing the control operation for temporarily stopping the operation of the image forming unit and the conveyance unit and the control operation for forcibly terminating the operation. And a control operation for stopping the heating of the heating means of the heating rotator.
The image forming apparatus of the invention (A10) is the image forming apparatus of the invention A9.
When performing the control operation for resuming the operations of the temporarily stopped image forming unit and the conveying unit, the control unit heats the heating rotating body of the fixing unit in the image forming unit with the heating unit, and rotates the heating unit. The operation of causing the body temperature to reach a predetermined fixing temperature is performed.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the invention A1, the continuous recording medium is compared with the case where the control operation using the detection information obtained by detecting the detected image formed in the non-image forming area of the continuous recording medium is not performed. The accuracy of the operation of forming an image in the image forming area can be improved.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A2, the control operation related to the conveyance of the continuous recording medium, the control operation related to the operation of the image forming means, and the control operation related to the operation of the conveyance means are performed by detection information of the detected image formed on the continuous recording medium. Compared to the case where there is no image, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the operation for forming an image in the image forming area of the continuous recording medium.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A3, the control operation using the detection information for detecting the detected image continuously formed in the non-image forming area of the continuous recording medium at a predetermined interval along the transport direction is not performed. As compared with the case, it is possible to prevent an abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous recording medium from occurring.

In the image forming apparatus according to Invention A4, it is possible to find a situation that may cause an abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous recording medium.
In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A5, it is possible to shorten the time until the operation for forming an image is started, compared to the case where the control operation for resuming the operations of the temporarily stopped image forming unit and the conveying unit is not performed. it can.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A6, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a failure due to the abnormal conveyance state of the continuous recording medium, compared to the case where the control operation for forcibly terminating the operations of the image forming unit and the conveyance unit is not performed. .

In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A7, it is possible to accurately grasp the conveyance state of the continuous recording medium before reaching the fixing unit as compared with the case where the detecting unit is not disposed between the transfer unit and the fixing unit.
In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A8, even when the set interval of the detected image formed by the image forming unit and the interval of the detected image obtained by the detection information of the detecting unit are different, the operations of the image forming unit and the conveying unit are temporarily performed. As compared with the case where the control operation for stopping is not performed, it is possible to prevent an abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous recording medium from occurring.

In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A9, it is possible to prevent the continuous recording medium from being unnecessarily heated by the fixing unit of the image forming unit even when the operations of the image forming unit and the conveying unit are temporarily stopped or forcibly terminated.
In the image forming apparatus according to the invention A10, when the operations of the temporarily stopped image forming unit and conveying unit are resumed, the fixing unit of the image forming unit can be automatically set in a fixable state.

1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a part of a configuration related to control in the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a plane explanatory view which shows notionally the composition about the to-be-detected image and detection means which form on continuous paper. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally the basic composition regarding calculation of deviation | shift amount, (a) shows an example of the structure of the image information regarding a to-be-detected image, (b) is a part of object to be formed formed on continuous paper. An example of the detection result when the detection time related to the toner image of the detection image is delayed by a little time than the set time is shown, and (c) is the detection time related to the toner image of a part of the detection image formed on the continuous paper. Shows an example of a detection result in a case where becomes faster by a little time than the set time. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the control operation | movement using the detection information of a to-be-detected image (mark). It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally an example in case the deviation | shift amount more than a 1st threshold value (and any amount smaller than a 2nd threshold value) generate | occur | produces, (a) is an example of a structure of the image information regarding a to-be-detected image. , And shows an example of a detection result in which the detection time relating to the toner image of a part of the detected image formed on the continuous paper is delayed by a time equal to or longer than the set time by the first threshold, 6 shows an example of a detection result in which the detection time related to the toner image of a part of the detected images formed in (1) is faster than the set time by a time equal to or longer than the first threshold value. FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a state when the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 is temporarily stopped. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example when an amount larger than 2nd threshold value or more generate | occur | produces notionally, (a) shows an example of a structure of the image information regarding a to-be-detected image, and is formed in the continuous paper. 2 shows an example of a detection result in which a detection time related to a toner image of a part of the detection image is delayed by a time equal to or longer than a set time by a second threshold or more, and (c) shows a part of the detection image formed on continuous paper. 4 shows an example of a detection result in which the detection time for the toner image is faster than the set time by a time equal to or greater than the second threshold. It is a plane explanatory view which shows notionally other examples of composition of a detected image formed on continuous paper.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 3 show an image forming apparatus and the like according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the entire image forming apparatus, FIG. 2 shows an outline of image forming means in the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3 shows a part of a configuration relating to control in the image forming apparatus.

<Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms an image on continuous paper 9 that is an example of a continuous recording medium. As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 conveys an image forming unit 2 that forms various images on the continuous paper 9 and a continuous paper 9 that is supplied to the image forming unit 2 and then accommodated. And conveying means 10 for carrying out the operation.

  The conveying unit 10 includes a supply device 11 that supplies the continuous paper 9 to the image forming unit 2, and a storage device 16 that stores the continuous paper 9 on which an image is formed from the image forming unit 2.

The supply device 11 feeds, to the image forming unit 2, a feeding roll 12 with a braking mechanism that is rotatably arranged to feed the continuous paper 9 wound in a roll shape, and the continuous paper 9 fed from the feeding roll 12. A pair of conveying rolls 13 that are rotationally driven so as to be fed at a predetermined speed in a direction indicated by an arrow C, and are driven to rotate to apply a required tension to the continuous paper 9 between the feeding roll 12 and the pair of conveying rolls 13 and are indicated by arrows. A tension applying roll 14 that can be displaced in the direction shown in the figure, and a first belt conveying device 15 </ b> A that supplementarily conveys the continuous paper 9 in a supply side region in the image forming unit 2. The first belt conveyance device 15A is, for example, a device in which an endless conveyance belt 15a is rotatably supported by a plurality of support rolls 15b and 15c and rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow.
The conveyance roll pair 13 in the supply device 11, the first belt conveyance device 15 </ b> A, and the like have the conveyance speed of the continuous paper 9 by receiving rotational power from the continuous paper conveyance drive unit 101 (FIG. 3) for conveyance means. Rotate at the required required speed.

The storage device 16 includes a winding roll 17 with a braking mechanism that is rotatably disposed so as to finally wind the continuous paper 9 on which an image is formed, and the continuous paper 9 on which the image is formed from the image forming unit 2. A conveying roll pair 18 that is rotationally driven so as to be collected at a predetermined speed in a direction indicated by an arrow C, and is driven to rotate between the winding roll 17 and the conveying roll pair 18 so as to apply a required tension to the continuous paper 9 and the arrow. A tension applying roll 19 that can be displaced in the direction indicated by, and a second belt conveyance device 15B that supplementarily conveys the continuous paper 9 in the accommodation side region in the image forming means 2. The second belt conveyance device 15B is, for example, an apparatus in which an endless conveyance belt 15d is rotatably supported by a plurality of support rolls 15e and 15f and rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow, similarly to the first belt conveyance device 15A. It is.
The conveying roll pair 18, the second belt conveying device 15B, etc. in the storage device 16 receive the rotational power from the continuous paper conveying drive unit 101 (FIG. 3) for conveying means, respectively, so that the conveying speed of the continuous paper 9 is increased. Rotate at the required required speed.

  As the continuous paper 9, for example, a long continuous member made of a material such as high-quality paper, coated paper, or a synthetic resin such as polypropylene is used. In addition, as the continuous paper 9, for example, a continuous label paper having a structure in which a surface base material (image forming surface) is provided on a release paper via an adhesive layer is also applied.

  The image forming unit 2 is configured, for example, using an electrophotographic recording method. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an image forming device 20 that forms a toner image composed of toner as a developer, and a toner image formed by the image forming device 20 are held. The intermediate transfer device 30 is configured to transfer the toner image transferred to the continuous paper 9 after fixing it to the secondary transfer position to be transferred to the continuous paper 9 and the fixing device 40 for fixing the toner image transferred onto the continuous paper 9. The image forming device 20, the intermediate transfer device 30, the fixing device 40, and the like are disposed inside the housing 200. An inlet 201 for introducing the continuous paper 9, a discharge port 202 for discharging the continuous paper 9, and the like are provided on the side surface of the housing 200.

  The image forming device 20 includes four image forming devices 20Y and 20M that exclusively form toner images of any one of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). , 20C, 20K. The image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K) are arranged in a state of being lined up in series substantially along the horizontal direction.

  Each of the image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, and K) includes a photosensitive drum 21 that is rotationally driven in a predetermined direction (direction indicated by an arrow A). Each of the image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K) has a charging device 22 for charging the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 around each photosensitive drum 21 and an outer periphery after the photosensitive drum 21 is charged. An exposure device 23 for exposing the surface to light based on image information to form an electrostatic latent image, and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with toner of a developer to form a toner image A developing device 24 that performs this operation, and a drum cleaning device 26 that removes unnecessary materials such as toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and cleans them are disposed.

As for the developing device 24, the toner of any one of the four colors (Y, M, C, K) is accommodated, and the four developing devices 24Y, 24M that develop the electrostatic latent image of the corresponding color with the toner. , 24C, 24K.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, these developing devices 24 (Y, M, C, and K) are detachable and replaceable for respectively storing replenishing toner (which may include a little carrier) for each color. A required amount of replenishing toner is replenished from a developer cartridge 55 (Y, M, C, K) of the type via a replenishing device 56 and a transport pipe 57. This toner replenishment is performed, for example, from information obtained from a toner concentration (TC) detection sensor (not shown) and an image pixel counter (not shown) attached to the case of each developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K). The density of toner in the body is calculated, and when the toner density falls below a predetermined value, the conveying member in the developer cartridge 55 of the corresponding color, the delivery member in the replenishing device 56, and the like are driven. .

  The photosensitive drum 21 in the image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K), the developing roll 24a of the developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K), and the like are rotated from the image forming device drive unit 28 (FIG. 3). Are respectively input to rotate at a required speed suitable for the image forming speed (process speed). Further, the charging device 22, the exposure device 23, the developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) and the like in the image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) are required from the power supply unit 29 (FIG. 3). Current and the like are supplied respectively. Further, a conveying member in the developer cartridge 55 (Y, M, C, K) in the image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K), a feeding member of the replenishing device 56, and the like are a toner replenishing device driving unit 551 ( When rotational power is input from FIG. 3), the rotational drive is performed for a required time corresponding to the replenishment amount.

  Next, the intermediate transfer device 30 is disposed at a position below the four image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, K).

  This intermediate transfer device 30 is arranged to rotate in the direction indicated by arrow B while passing through the primary transfer position of the photosensitive drum 21 in each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K). Primary transfer of the photosensitive drum 21 in each of the image forming devices 20 (Y, M, C, and K), and a plurality of support rolls 32a to 32e that rotatably support the intermediate transfer belt 31 while maintaining the required winding form. A primary transfer device 33 such as a roll that presses the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 to a position to primarily transfer the toner image on each photosensitive drum 21 to the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 by electrostatic action or the like; and the intermediate transfer belt And a secondary transfer device 35 in the form of a roll for secondary transfer of the toner image on the continuous paper 9 to the continuous paper 9 by electrostatic action or the like, and a toner or the like remaining on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31. And a belt cleaning device 36 or the like for cleaning by removing the objects.

  The primary transfer position is a position where the photosensitive drum 21 and the primary transfer apparatus 33 of each image forming device 20 face each other (strictly, a position where the photosensitive drum 21 and the intermediate transfer belt 31 are in contact). The secondary transfer position is a position where the intermediate transfer belt 31 of the intermediate transfer device 30 and the secondary transfer device 35 are in contact with each other.

  In the plurality of support rolls 32a to 32e, the support roll 32a serves as a drive roll, the support rolls 32b and 32c form a primary transfer surface that holds and forms the primary transfer surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31, and the support roll 32d serves as a tension applying roll. The support roll 32e is configured as a secondary transfer backup roll. The primary transfer device 33 is configured using a primary transfer roll (33) to which a primary transfer current or the like is supplied. The secondary transfer device 35 is configured using a secondary transfer roll (35). The secondary transfer roll (35) is in contact with the outer surface portion (secondary transfer position) of the intermediate transfer belt 31 supported by the secondary transfer backup roll 32e to which a secondary transfer current or the like is supplied. It is provided so as to be displaceable by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) between the operating position to be moved and the retracted position separated from the operation position.

  The support roll 32a or the like as a drive roll in the intermediate transfer device 30 is rotationally driven at a required speed by receiving rotational power from an intermediate transfer device drive unit 38 (FIG. 3) for the intermediate transfer device. Further, the primary transfer roll 33 and the support roll 32e (or the secondary transfer roll 35) in the intermediate transfer device 30 are respectively supplied with necessary current for primary transfer or secondary transfer from the power supply unit 39 (FIG. 3). Is done. Further, the secondary transfer roll 35 in the intermediate transfer device 30 is displaced between the operating position and the retracted position when a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) receives power from the contact / separation drive unit 351 (FIG. 3). The secondary transfer roll 35 is displaced to an operating position only at a necessary time such as an image forming time, and is displaced to a retracted position at other unnecessary times.

  Next, the fixing device 40 is disposed at a position below the intermediate transfer device 30 and close to the discharge port 202 of the housing 10.

  The fixing device 40 is driven to rotate in a required direction inside a fixing device casing (not shown) provided with an introduction port and a discharge port for the continuous paper 9 and is heated by a heating unit 42 to have a required surface temperature. Roll form maintained in temperature, belt form, etc., and the roll form, belt form, and the like, in contact with the required pressure so as to substantially follow the rotation axis direction of the heating rotary body 41 A pressurizing rotating body 43 or the like in the form of a belt-pad is installed. In this fixing device 40, the pressure contact portion where the heating rotator 41 and the pressure rotator 43 are pressed against each other serves as a fixing processing portion where the recording paper 9 holding the toner image is introduced and subjected to fixing processing (pressure and heating). It is formed.

As the heating rotator 41, a belt-shaped heating rotator configured by a fixing belt 41c rotatably supported by a plurality of support rolls 41a and 41b is applied. Inside the support roll 41a configured as a drive roll, a heating means 42 composed of a heater or the like is disposed. In addition, this rotary body 41 for a heating can replace with the support roll 41a, and can also comprise the support roll 41b as a drive roll or a roll for a heating.
As the pressurizing rotator 43, a pressurizing rotator configured by a roll is used. The pressure roll (43) as the pressure rotator includes an operation position in pressure contact with an outer surface portion (fixing processing portion) of the fixing belt 41c supported by the support roll 41a of the heating rotator 41, and an operation position thereof. It is provided so as to be displaceable by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) between a retracted position separated from the outer surface portion. Further, the pressure roll (43) is displaced to the operating position only at a necessary time such as the image forming time, and is displaced to the retracted position at other unnecessary times.

  The support roll 41a as a driving roll of the heating rotator 41 in the fixing device 40 is rotationally driven at a required speed by receiving rotational power from the fixing device driving unit 48 (FIG. 3) for the fixing device. In addition, the heating unit 42 in the fixing device 40 is supplied with a necessary current for heating and fixing from the power supply unit 49 (FIG. 3). Further, the pressure roll 43 as a pressure rotator in the fixing device 40 is displaced between an operating position and a retracted position by a contact / separation mechanism (not shown) receiving power from the contact / separation drive unit 431 (FIG. 3). It is done. In addition, in the fixing device 40, the temperature or the like of the heating rotator 41 is detected by a detection unit such as a temperature sensor (not shown), and the supply of current and the like is controlled from the power supply unit 49 according to the detection information. The temperature of the heating rotator 41 is maintained at a required temperature (such as a fixing temperature).

  Reference numeral 50 in FIG. 1 denotes an operation input / display unit arranged outside the housing 200. The operation input / display unit 50 displays an input operation unit 51 in which parts such as buttons and switches for inputting information necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 are arranged, and the input information, setting contents, operation contents, and the like. And a display screen unit 52 on which components such as a liquid crystal panel and a lamp are arranged.

<Configuration relating to control of image forming apparatus>
Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a central control unit 60 that comprehensively controls various operations in each component of the entire image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIGS. The central control unit 60 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing device, a storage element, a storage device, an input / output device, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit 60 includes a rotation drive control unit 61 related to control of the image forming unit 2, a power supply control unit 62, an exposure control unit 63, a separation control unit 64, a toner supply control unit 65, and the like. And a transport drive control unit 66 related to the control of the transport means 10 and the like.
The rotation drive control unit 61, the power supply control unit 62, the exposure control unit 63, the separation control unit 64, the toner replenishment control unit 65, and the transport drive control unit 66 are configured in substantially the same manner as the configuration of the central control unit 60 described above. The control unit is an independent control unit, or a control unit that functions as a part of the control unit included in the central control unit 60.

The rotation drive control unit 61 controls the operation of each rotation drive in the image forming device drive unit 28, the intermediate transfer device drive unit 38, and the fixing device drive unit 48 described above. The power supply control unit 62 includes a power supply unit 29 that supplies a necessary current to the charging device 22, the exposure device 23, and the development device 24, a power supply unit 39 that supplies a current for primary transfer and secondary transfer, and the fixing. Control is performed regarding each power feeding operation in the power feeding section 49 that feeds power to the heating means (heating section) 42 of the apparatus. The exposure control unit 63 controls the operation of each drive in the light emission (scanning) drive unit 231 that performs light emission at the time of forming a latent image by exposure of the exposure device 23 and exposure scanning as necessary.
The separation control unit 64 controls each drive operation in the contact / separation drive unit 351 of the secondary transfer roll 35 and the contact / separation drive unit 431 of the pressure roll 43 of the fixing device 40 described above. The toner replenishment control unit 65 controls each driving operation in the toner replenishing device driving unit 551 that drives the developer cartridge 55 and the replenishing device 56 described above when necessary.
Further, the conveyance drive control unit 66 monitors each drive operation in the continuous paper conveyance drive unit 101 for driving the supply device 11 and the storage device 16 and the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 as described later. The operation of each drive is controlled.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit 60 includes an operation input / display unit 50, an external communication unit 58 that communicates necessary information with an external device, and an operation state of the image forming apparatus 1. And an internal detection unit 59 composed of various sensors for detecting the state of consumables, an image processing unit (not shown) composed of an image processing circuit for performing necessary processing relating to image information, and the like.

  The control units 61 to 66 and the like including the central control unit 60 provide information necessary for control such as various types of detection information and input information based on the control programs and setting data stored in advance in the storage elements. In addition, various control signals (information) are transmitted to devices and devices to be controlled.

<Characteristic configuration regarding control of image forming apparatus>
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, etc., the image forming apparatus 1 is a non-image forming area that is not an image forming area IE in which a normal image can be formed on the continuous paper 9 by the image forming means 2. The detected image 8 is formed on the NE, the detected image 8 formed on the continuous paper 9 is detected by the detecting unit 70, and the control operation is performed by the central control unit 60 using the detection information of the detecting unit 70. It is configured.

The type and condition of the detected image 8 are appropriately set according to the control operation to which the detection information is applied.
Further, the detected image 8 is formed in the non-image forming area NE of the continuous paper 9 so as not to hinder the formation of a normal image regardless of the application contents of the control operation. The non-image forming area NE is an area other than a normal image forming area (image forming area IE).
Further, when the non-image forming area NE of the continuous paper 9 is a portion that remains even after image formation, the detected image 8 is formed as an image having a small size or shape that is as inconspicuous as possible, or as a small number of images. Is done. On the other hand, the detected image 8 has an arbitrary size when the non-image forming area NE of the continuous paper 9 is removed after the image formation, such as a label paper (a so-called waste raising target portion). It is formed by shape and number.

  The image information of the detected image 8 is stored in advance in a storage element or storage device of the central control unit 60, or the continuous paper conveyance state monitoring unit 102 (FIG. 3) connected to the conveyance drive control unit 66 is used. And is stored in the storage unit of the monitoring unit 102. The image information of the detected image 8 is transmitted as part of the image information to the exposure device 23 in each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) when the image forming operation is performed by the image forming unit 2. The

The detected image 8 in the first embodiment is an image used for performing a control operation related to the conveyance of the continuous paper 9, and is formed in a continuous state as an image having a certain content along the conveyance direction C of the continuous paper 9. The
In the first embodiment, as the detected image 8, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a flat surface is formed on both ends NE 1 and NE 2 which are non-image forming areas NE excluding the image forming area IE in the transport direction C of the continuous paper 9. Each of the marks 81 and 82 having a rectangular shape is continuously formed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the marks 81 and 82 as the detected image 8 have both a dimension d in the transport direction C of the continuous paper 9 and an interval m in the transport direction C. They are formed under the same (constant) conditions. That is, the marks 81 and 82 at this time have the same dimension d, for example, d1 = d2 = d3 = d4, and the interval m is also the same, so that m1 = m2 = m3, for example. Become. The width j, which is the dimension of the marks 81 and 82 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction C, is arbitrarily set within a range that can be accommodated in the non-image forming area NE.

  Further, the marks 81 and 82 as the detected image 8 are formed by a single color toner image composed of any of the four colors formed by the image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K), or It is formed by a multicolor or composite single color toner image obtained by combining four color toner images. The detected image 8 is preferably formed of a toner image of the same color from the viewpoint of stabilizing the detection accuracy of the detection means 70.

As the detecting means 70, means capable of detecting at least position information of the marks 81 and 82 as the detected image 8 is applied. Specifically, for example, a device such as a MOB (Mark on Belt) sensor is used.
When the detected image 8 is formed in different non-image forming areas NE1 and NE2 of the continuous paper 9 like the marks 81 and 82, the detecting means 70, as shown in FIG. In order to individually detect the marks 81 and 82 formed on the NE1 and NE2, respectively, a plurality of (two in this example) detection means 71 and 72 are configured. The non-image forming areas NE1 and NE2 illustrated in FIG. 4 are areas corresponding to both end portions in the width direction substantially orthogonal to the conveyance direction C of the continuous paper 9.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the detection means 70 (71, 72) is located between the secondary transfer position (secondary transfer roll 35) and the fixing device 40 in the intermediate transfer device 30 of the image forming means 2. It is arranged at the position. Therefore, the detection means 70 (71, 72) is a mark 81 of the detected image 8 that is in an unfixed state after the secondary transfer to the non-image forming areas NE1, NE2 of the continuous paper 9 and before fixing. , 82 are detected. In the first embodiment, the detection means 70 (71, 72) is the second belt of the continuous paper 9 from the viewpoint of performing accurate detection by facing the portion where the continuous paper 9 is stably conveyed. It is disposed at a position facing a portion (among them, the support roll 15f) when auxiliary transported by the transport device 15B. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the detection means 70 (71, 72) has the continuous paper 9 at both ends in the width direction of the continuous paper 9 having a feed width W during conveyance having a dimension of “W1”. The non-image forming areas NE1 and NE2 are arranged facing each other.
Furthermore, the detection means 70 (71, 72) is connected to the central control unit 60 or indirectly connected to the monitoring unit 102 as shown in FIG. To be sent to.

In the central controller 60, based on the image information of the detected image 8 (81, 82) and the detection information of the detecting means 70 (71, 72), the set position of the detected image 8 to be formed by the image forming means 2 It is monitored whether or not there is a deviation between (information) and the actual formation position (information) of the detected image 8 obtained from the detection information of the detection means 70.
When the central control unit 60 determines that there is a shift, the central control unit 60 is configured to perform a necessary control operation related to the conveyance of the continuous paper 9 as described later according to the magnitude of the shift.
Note that whether or not there is a deviation may be monitored by the monitoring unit 102 of the continuous paper conveyance state instead of the central control unit 60. When configured in this way, information regarding the monitored deviation may be configured to be transmitted to the central control unit 60.

<Image forming operation (including control operation using detection information of detected image)>
Next, an image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Here, a case will be described as an example in which a multicolor (full color) image formed by combining the four color (Y, M, C, K) toners is formed as a normal image.

First, as shown in FIG. 6, in the image forming apparatus 1, when a command requesting an image forming operation is received by the central control unit 60 (step 10), this type of notation is simply referred to as “S 10 hereafter. First, it is confirmed whether or not the setup operation in the image forming unit 2 is completed (S11).
Here, the set-up operation mainly includes adjustment of conditions (so-called process control adjustment) related to control (process control control: abbreviated as process control) relating to the timing and conditions of each operation in the image forming operation, image forming operation, and the like. Are operations for adjusting conditions (so-called registration control adjustment) relating to alignment control (registration control control: abbreviated as registration control). The set-up operation may include an operation (so-called warm-up operation) in which the heating rotating body 41 of the fixing device 40 in the image forming unit 2 is heated by the heating unit 42 to reach a fixing temperature. . Even in the standby state, the heating operation is performed until the temperature at which fixing is possible.

When the setup up operation is completed, the pressure roll 43 of the fixing device 40 is displaced from the retracted position to the operating position by the contact / separation driving unit 431 by executing the control operation related to the operation of the image forming unit 2 of the central control unit 60. At the same time, the secondary transfer roll 35 of the intermediate transfer device 30 is displaced from the retracted position to the operating position by the contact / separation driving unit 351 (S12).
As a result, the image forming unit 2 starts the image forming operation because the secondary transfer position in the intermediate transfer device 30 is formed and the fixing processing unit in the fixing device 40 is formed as shown in FIG. It becomes possible.
At this time, the feeding device 11 and the storage device 16 in the transport unit 10 can also start transporting the continuous paper 9 and transporting it by executing a control operation related to the operation of the transport unit 10 of the central control unit 60. It becomes a state.

Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 1 performs the operation of forming the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 by executing the control operations related to the operations of the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10 of the central control unit 60 (S13). In addition, an operation for forming a normal image is executed (S14).
In both the mark forming operation and the normal image forming operation, the conveying operation of the continuous paper 9 by the conveying means 10 is started and executed. The formation of the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 is performed before the operation for forming a normal image is started if the image forming unit 2 is in a state capable of performing the image forming operation. May be set.

  The normal image and the detected image 8 at this time are formed as follows.

First, in each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) of the image forming means 2, the outer peripheral surface (image forming surface) of each photosensitive drum 21 rotating at a required speed in the direction indicated by the arrow A is a charging device. 22 is charged to a required polarity and potential.
Subsequently, the area corresponding to the image forming area IE on the outer peripheral surface of each charged photosensitive drum 21 is exposed based on the color component obtained from the image information of the normal image from the exposure device 23, and each color component is exposed. Obtained from the image information of the detected image 8 from the exposure device 23 in the region corresponding to the image forming region NE (both ends in the rotation axis direction) on the outer peripheral surface. By performing exposure based on the color components, electrostatic latent images for the detected image 8 (marks 81 and 82) are formed.
Thereafter, the electrostatic latent image for the normal image and the electrostatic latent image for the detected image 8 are charged from each developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) with the corresponding charged toner. By being supplied and developed, each color toner image is visualized. As a result, a toner image of a normal image and a toner image of the detected image 8 (marks 81 and 82) are formed in the respective areas on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 21.

Subsequently, each color toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 of each image forming device 20 (Y, M, C, K) is required in the direction indicated by the arrow B in the intermediate transfer device 30 of the image forming means 2. On the intermediate transfer belt 31 that rotates at a speed, the images are sequentially transferred to the secondary transfer position by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 31 after being sequentially transferred by the transfer operation of each primary transfer device 33.
Further, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is secondarily transferred collectively onto the continuous paper 9 conveyed toward the secondary transfer position by receiving the transfer action of the secondary transfer device 35.
At this time, the continuous paper 9 is fed from the supply device 11 in the transport means 10 and then fed out at a required speed by the transport roll pair 13 and receives the auxiliary transport force of the first belt transport device 15A. The secondary transfer roll 35 is conveyed in a continuous state to a secondary transfer position formed by contacting the outer surface portion of the intermediate transfer belt 31 in the intermediate transfer device 30.

  Subsequently, the continuous paper 9 onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is fed from the secondary transfer position to the fixing device 40 of the image forming unit 2 while receiving the auxiliary conveying force of the second belt conveying device 15B. The toner image is fixed in the fixing device 40. In the fixing device 40, the continuous paper 9 onto which the toner image has been transferred is introduced into a fixing processing unit formed by press-contacting a pressure roller 43 to a belt-shaped heating rotator 41 and heated and pressed. As a result, the toner constituting the toner image is melted and fixed on the continuous paper 9.

  The fixed continuous paper 9 is conveyed so as to be accommodated in the accommodating device 16 in the conveying means 10. At this time, the continuous paper 9 is transported at a required speed by the transport roll pair 18 of the storage device 16 and is finally wound around the take-up roll 17.

  As described above, a normal image composed of a full-color image formed by combining four color toners is continuously formed in the image forming area IE on one side (front surface) of the continuous paper 9.

<Control operation using detection information of detected image>
In the image forming apparatus 1, in parallel with the normal image forming operation described above, the mark of the detected image 8 is marked on the non-image forming areas NE1 and NE2 (FIG. 4) of the continuous paper 9. When the toner images 81 and 82 begin to be secondarily transferred, the detection unit 70 (71, 72) performs the second-transferred detected image by executing the control operation related to the conveyance of the continuous paper 9 by the central control unit 60. Eight marks 81 and 82 are detected, respectively, and the central control unit 60 calculates the shift amount of the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 (S15).
Note that the calculation of the deviation amount may be performed in the continuous paper conveyance state monitoring unit 102.

  At this time, the amount of deviation between the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 is calculated as follows, for example.

First, the image information regarding the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 is set as illustrated in FIG. That is, when it is assumed that, for example, four detected images 8 are formed, the image information related to the detected image 8 starts to be formed at the start times s1, s2, s3, and s4, and then ends. , E3, and e4, the four detected objects having the same dimension d (d1 = d2 = d3 = d4) and the same interval m (m1 = m2 = m3) in the conveyance direction C of the continuous paper 9 are finished. Assume that the image 8 is set to be formed. Information combining the start time s and the end time e is information on the set position of the detected image 8.
On the other hand, in the detection means 70 (71, 72), for example, detection information illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C is obtained as detection information of the detected image 8.
The detection information 8a illustrated in FIG. 5B is obtained as detection information 8a1, 8a2, 8a3, and 8a4 as toner images of the detection image 8 actually formed corresponding to the four detection images 8 described above. This is an example. In this example, a case where the detection time corresponding to the end of the toner image of the detected image 8 formed third is slightly delayed by a time (for example, + Δ1 time) from the setting end time e3 is shown. .
In addition, the detection information 8b illustrated in FIG. 5C includes detection information 8b1, 8b, 8b3, and 8b4 in which toner images of the detection image 8 that are actually formed corresponding to the four detection images 8 are detected. It is an example when it is obtained. In this example, a case where the detection time corresponding to the start edge of the toner image of the image 8 to be detected formed third is slightly faster than the setting start time s3 by a time (for example, a time of -Δ1) is shown. ing.

The amount of deviation at this time is calculated by detecting toner image detection information (for example, 8a1, 8a2, 8a3, 8a4, 8b1, 8b, 8b3, 8b4) of the detected image 8 (81, 82) formed on the continuous paper 9. The amount of detection time corresponding to the leading end and the trailing end of the image is deviated from the start time and end time in the image information related to the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 (actually the detection time when detected). Is detected. If the detection time at this time is faster than the setting start time, it becomes a minus (−) detection time. Information including the detection times corresponding to the front and rear ends of the toner image of the detected image 8 is information on the actual formation position of the detected image 8.
Actually, the detection time, the start time, and the end time are compared by comparing each elapsed time elapsed from a predetermined reference time. As for the shift amount, if the detection time corresponding to the rear end of the detection information is later than the end time in the image information, the shift amount is set to a plus (+) shift amount (+ Δ), and the detection time corresponding to the front end of the detection information. If it is earlier than the start time in the image information, a minus (−) deviation amount (−Δ) is assumed.
The shift amount is calculated for the shift amounts of the two marks 81 and 82 of the image 8 to be detected.

  Subsequently, the central control unit 60 determines whether or not the amount of deviation sequentially obtained by calculation in step 15 (both amounts of deviation of the marks 81 and 82) is greater than or equal to the first threshold (S16). If necessary, it is also determined whether or not the deviation amount (both the deviation amounts of the marks 81 and 82) is smaller than the second threshold (S16).

The first threshold value is a threshold value that is provided to eliminate a case (error range) where there is a low possibility that a factor causing the abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 is generated. Factors that cause the error range in this case include, for example, a tolerance of rotational driving speed in the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10, a detection tolerance of the detecting unit 70, and the like.
As this first threshold value, for example, “α1” is prepared as a threshold value for dealing with the deviation amount when the detection time is delayed, and “α1” is prepared as a threshold value for dealing with the deviation amount when the detection time is accelerated. “β1” is prepared. The first threshold values α1 and β1 are set to the same value, for example, but may be set to different values. Further, as the first threshold values α1 and β1, for example, when the reference mark interval m (for example, the interval between the first mark and the subsequent mark) is 100%, the deviation amount is ± 0. A value corresponding to .5% (a value obtained by converting the deviation amount into time).

Further, the second threshold value is used to determine a case in which there is a high possibility that the deviation amount is likely to cause the abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9, and the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 is actually abnormal (abnormal conveyance abnormality). ) Is a threshold value provided to eliminate the case where For this reason, the second threshold value is larger than the first threshold value.
As this second threshold value, for example, “α2” is prepared as a threshold value for dealing with the shift amount when the detection time is delayed, and “α2” is set as the threshold value for dealing with the shift amount when the detection time is fast. “β2” is prepared. For example, the first threshold values α2 and β2 are set to the same value, for example, but may be set to different values. As the second threshold values α2 and β2, for example, when the reference mark interval m (for example, the interval between the first mark and the subsequent mark) is 100%, the deviation amount is ± 1. A value corresponding to 0.0% (a value obtained by converting the deviation amount into time).

If it is determined in step 16 that the deviation amount (± Δ) is smaller than the first threshold value (α1, β1), each operation from step 13 to step 15 is similarly repeated.
That is, in this case, as illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when the shift amount (± Δ1) is smaller than the first threshold (α1, β1), normal image formation is performed. The formation of the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 is continued as it is, and the detection of the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 and the calculation of the shift amount and the comparison with the first threshold value are also continued as they are.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 16 that the amount of deviation is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the process proceeds to step 17 for the first time, and it is determined whether or not the amount of deviation at that time is smaller than the second threshold. Is done.

Operation when Temporarily Stopping When it is determined in step 17 that the deviation amount (± Δ) is smaller than the second threshold value (α2, β2), the central controller 60 determines the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 It is considered that there is a high possibility that an abnormal factor has occurred, and a control operation for temporarily stopping the operations of the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10 is performed (S18).

Thereby, in addition to the normal image forming operation by the image forming unit 2 and the mark 81 and 82 forming operations of the detected image 8, the conveying operation of the continuous paper 9 by the conveying unit 10 is temporarily stopped.
When the temporary stop is performed at such a stage, when the occurrence of the deviation amount is caused by a phenomenon that causes an abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9, It is possible to prevent the conveyance state from becoming abnormal in conveyance such as the continuous paper 9 being jammed or broken.

  Here, when the amount of deviation is smaller than the second threshold (the amount of deviation in this case is also the amount of deviation greater than or equal to the first threshold), for example, FIG. 7B or FIG. ).

The example shown in FIG. 7B is the first detection information 8a1 among the detection information 8a1, 8a2, 8a3, and 8a4 when the (four) detected images 8 having the settings shown in FIG. Although the detection times in the second detection information 8a2 are almost the same as the set start times s1, s2 and end times e1, e2, the rear end detection in the third detection information 8a3 The time starts to be delayed by any + Δ2 which is smaller than the second threshold value α2 from the setting end time e3, and the leading edge detection time in the next fourth detection information 8a4 is longer than the second threshold value α2 from the setting start time s4. This is a case where any small + Δ3 is delayed and the detection time at the rear end thereof is delayed from the setting end time s4 by any + Δ4 smaller than the second threshold value α2.
This can be regarded as a state in which the conveyance speed at the time before reaching the fixing device 40 from the secondary transfer position of the continuous paper 9 starts to be delayed from the set conveyance speed for some reason. The case where it can be regarded as such is, for example, a phenomenon in which the continuous paper 9 is not normally introduced into the fixing processing section of the fixing device 40 and begins to bend and clog in the space in front of the rotating body 41 for heating, or accommodation of the conveying means 10. A case where one or more phenomena such as a malfunction of the winding operation of the continuous paper 9 in the apparatus 16 starts to occur can be considered.

The example shown in FIG. 7C is the third detection information in particular among the detection information 8b1, 8b2, 8b3, and 8b4 when the (four) detected images 8 having the settings shown in FIG. The leading edge detection time in 8b3 starts to increase by any -Δ2 which is smaller than the second threshold value β2 from the setting end time s3, and the leading edge detection time in the next fourth detection information 8b4 also starts from the setting start time s4. This is a case where the speed starts to increase by any −Δ3 smaller than the second threshold value β2.
This can be regarded as a state in which the conveyance speed at the time before reaching the fixing device 40 from the secondary transfer position of the continuous paper 9 is starting to become higher than the set conveyance speed for some reason. The case where it can be regarded as such is, for example, a state immediately after the continuous paper 9 starts to break in a section from the supply device 11 to the secondary transfer position in the transport unit 10 (a state in which the continuous paper 9 is not completely broken during the break). The phenomenon of being transported and moved at a speed higher than the set transport speed (in this case, the paper may eventually be wound around the storage device 16), or the pressure roll 43 of the fixing processing unit in the fixing device 40. It can be considered that one or more phenomena such as a phenomenon in which the pressure contact state due to is weak and the transport means 10 is transported at a high speed by the transport roll pair 18 of the storage device 16 starts to occur.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when it is determined that the deviation amount is equal to or larger than the first threshold value and smaller than the second threshold value, and the operation of the image forming unit 2 or the like is temporarily stopped, the central control unit 60. The following operation is also performed by executing the control operation relating to the operation of the image forming unit 2.

First, the pressure roll 43 of the fixing device 40 is displaced from the operating position to the retracted position by the contact / separation driving unit 431, and the heating unit 42 of the fixing device 40 is supplied with power by the power supply unit 49 of the fixing device heating unit. The operation of the heater etc. of the heating means 42 is turned off by being stopped (S19). Further, the secondary transfer roll 35 of the intermediate transfer device 30 is displaced from the operating position to the retracted position by the contact / separation driving unit 351 (S20).
At this time, the supply device 11 and the storage device 16 in the transport unit 10 can also transport the continuous paper 9 for transport and storage by executing a control operation related to the operation of the transport unit 10 of the central control unit 60. It becomes a state.
In addition, in this case, a warning message or the like for prompting confirmation of the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 by executing a control operation related to the operation of the conveyance unit 10 of the central control unit 60 is displayed on the operation input / display unit 50, the display unit 52, and the like. (S21).

  Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the image forming unit 2 temporarily disappears when the secondary transfer position in the intermediate transfer device 30 is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 31 of the secondary transfer roll 35. In addition, since the fixing processing unit in the fixing device 40 temporarily disappears when the pressure roll 43 is separated from the heating rotating body 41, it is impossible to perform the image forming operation as a whole. It becomes a state. Further, the conveyance of the continuous paper 9 is also temporarily stopped.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the operations of the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10 are temporarily stopped, an operation for confirming the conveying state of the continuous paper 9 is performed by a user or the like. For example, after the necessary opening / closing doors in the housing 200 of the image forming unit 2 and the housing of the transport unit 10 are opened, the actual state in the transport path of the continuous paper 9 is confirmed through a confirmation window or space. This is performed by visual observation.

At this time, in the image forming unit 2, since the secondary transfer position and the fixing processing unit are in an open state having a gap, it is easy to check the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 in that part and in the vicinity thereof. . Further, in the fixing device 40, since the operation of the heater, etc., of the pressure unit 42 is turned off, it is possible to prevent the heating rotator 41 from being heated more than necessary by the heating unit 42 to increase the temperature. In addition, it is possible to prevent the portion of the continuous paper 9 stopped at the fixing processing section from being heated more than necessary by the heating rotating body 41. As a result, it is also possible to prevent problems such as deterioration due to unnecessary heating (more than necessary) of the stopped continuous paper 9 portion.
The above-described effect of the fixing device 40 is, for example, a change in quality when a continuous paper 9 having a resin layer or a label paper is used, and the continuous paper 9 of that type is melted by receiving local heating more than necessary. Occurrence of this problem is suppressed, and this is particularly effective.

  Subsequently, in the image forming apparatus 1 in the temporarily stopped state, the central control unit 60 executes the control operation relating to the continuous sheet conveyance, and the result of the confirmation work of the continuous paper 9 in the temporarily stopped state and the confirmation work. It is determined whether or not the treatment work required for the operation has been completed (S22).

  This determination is made when, for example, an inquiry message or the like is displayed on the display unit 52 or the like of the operation input / display unit 50 to prompt confirmation of whether the confirmation work and the necessary treatment work are finished, and the user finishes the judgment. It is done by getting the input of answer. Until this determination is completed, the pause state is continued.

By performing the confirmation work at this time, it is possible to confirm whether or not a phenomenon that causes the current conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 to be abnormal has occurred.
At this time, if a phenomenon that causes an abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 is not found, it is determined that a deviation amount within a predetermined range has occurred in the detection result of the detected image 8. Therefore, it is considered that the problem has occurred due to other factors than the factors related to the above, and the treatment work relating to the conveyance of the continuous paper 9 becomes unnecessary.

In addition, a phenomenon that causes an abnormality in the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 may be discovered by this confirmation operation. When a phenomenon that causes this conveyance abnormality is discovered, necessary treatment work is performed.
The treatment operation at this time is an operation for reducing or eliminating the current state discovered as a phenomenon that causes the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 to become abnormal. Specifically, for example, an operation of forcibly moving a portion in the middle of the breaking of the continuous paper 9 to be wound on the winding roll 17 side of the storage device 16 or the fixing device 40 described above. For example, an operation for adjusting the pressure contact state of the pressure roll 43 forming the fixing processing unit to a correct state can be given.

  By performing this treatment operation, the state of the continuous paper 9 actually being transported can be reduced or reduced by eliminating or eliminating the phenomenon that caused the phenomenon that causes the current state of the continuous paper 9 to become abnormal. It may be possible to prevent abnormalities from occurring.

  If it is determined in step 22 that the confirmation work for the continuous paper 9 in the paused state and the necessary treatment work have been completed, the image formation is performed by executing the control operation related to the operation of the image forming means 2 of the central control unit 60. The restarting warm-up operation is executed in the means 2 (S23).

  The restart warm-up operation at this time is almost the same as a normal warm-up operation, and at least the heating means 42 of the fixing device 40 in the image forming means 2 is again turned on by the heating means 42 again. An operation of heating to reach a fixing temperature is performed. In particular, when the temperature of the heating rotator 41 is significantly lowered from the fixable temperature by the control operation of the temporary stop, the restart warm-up operation is necessary.

Finally, the central controller 60 determines whether or not the restart warm-up operation has been completed (S24).
Completion of the restart warm-up operation is confirmed by, for example, obtaining from the detection result of the internal detection unit 59 such as a temperature sensor that the temperature of the heating rotator 41 has reached a fixable temperature.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 determines in step 23 that the restart warm-up operation has been completed, the operations of the image forming unit 2 and the transport unit 10 that have been temporarily stopped are restarted.

In this restart, first, the operation of step 12 is executed.
That is, the pressure roll 43 of the fixing device 40 is displaced from the retracted position to the operating position, and the secondary transfer roll 35 of the intermediate transfer device 30 is displaced from the retracted position to the operating position. As a result, the temporarily stopped image forming means 2 forms the secondary transfer position in the intermediate transfer device 30 and forms the fixing processing section in the fixing device 40 as shown in FIG. The forming operation can be started.
At this time, the supply device 11 and the storage device 16 in the transport means 10 are again in a state where the transport for transporting and storing the continuous paper 9 can be started again.

After such an operation associated with resumption is performed, the formation operation of the detected image 8 and the normal image formation operation start to be executed (S13, S14).
The normal image forming operation by the resumption is positioned, for example, one rear or a plurality of rearward (upstream in the transport direction C) from one image forming area IE where a normal image is to be formed when temporarily stopped. This is performed for another image forming area IE.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the operations of the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10 that have been temporarily stopped after the completion of the restart warm-up operation are restarted. Thus, the image forming operation on the continuous paper 9 can be resumed normally from the beginning. Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to relatively shorten the time required to restart the temporarily stopped image forming operation.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 17 that the deviation (± Δ) is greater than or equal to the second threshold (α2, β2), the central control unit 60 continuously A control operation for forcibly terminating the operations of the image forming unit 2 and the transport unit 10 is performed assuming that the transport state of the paper 9 is abnormal (S25).

Thus, in addition to the normal image forming operation by the image forming unit 2 and the mark 81 and 82 forming operations of the detected image 8, the conveying operation of the continuous paper 9 by the conveying unit 10 is forcibly terminated.
When this forced termination is performed, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a failure (for example, secondary failure) due to the conveyance state of the upper continuous paper 9 becoming abnormal. The failure at this time is, for example, a phenomenon such as damage to a device (for example, the fixing device 40) clogged with the continuous paper 9 or a scratch caused by contact of the clogged portion of the continuous paper 9 with the intermediate transfer belt 31. It is.

  Here, the case where the deviation amount is a value equal to or larger than the second threshold value may be, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B or FIG. 9C.

The example shown in FIG. 9B is the first detection information 8c1 among the detection information 8c1, 8c2, 8c3, and 8c4 when the (four) detected images 8 having the settings shown in FIG. 9A are formed. Although the detection times in the second detection information 8c2 are almost the same as the set start times s1, s2 and end times e1, e2, the rear end detection in the third detection information 8c3 This is a case where even if the time has passed the setting end time e3, it is continuously detected and detected as + Δ5 corresponding to a deviation amount that is equal to or greater than the second threshold value α2.
This can be considered that the transport speed of the continuous paper 9 at the time before reaching the fixing device 40 is significantly delayed from the set transport speed for some reason. In this case, for example, the continuous paper 9 is not normally introduced into the fixing processing unit of the fixing device 40 but is bent and clogged in the space in front of the heating rotating body 41 and cannot be normally conveyed. In addition, there may be a case where one or more phenomena such as a phenomenon in which the continuous paper 9 is bent and jammed in the transport section on the near side of the secondary transfer position and cannot be transported normally.

The example shown in FIG. 9C is a case where the detection information 8d1, 8d2, 8d3, and 8d4 when the (four) detected images 8 having the settings shown in FIG. Even though the detection times in the first to third detection information 8c1, 8d2, 8d3 are almost the same as the set start times s1, s2, s3 and end times e1, e2, e3, This is a case where the tip detection time in the fourth detection information (8c4) is detected as + Δ6 corresponding to the deviation amount which is equal to or greater than the second threshold value α2 without being detected even after the set start time e4.
This can be considered that some kind of abnormal situation has occurred in the transport state of the continuous paper 9. In this case, for example, the continuous paper 9 breaks in the section from the supply device 11 to the secondary transfer position in the transport unit 10 and the continuous paper 9 that has been broken is merely wound. A phenomenon in which there is no part passing through the detection means 70 and there is no opportunity to detect the detected image 8 on the continuous paper 9, or the continuous paper 9 is not properly introduced into the fixing processing unit in the fixing device 40 and is heated. In the space in front of the rotary body 41 for bending, the paper is not normally conveyed, and the portion of the continuous paper 9 where the detected image 8 is not formed accidentally reaches the detection position by the detection means 70. A case where one or more phenomena such as a phenomenon that the conveyance of the continuous paper 8 stops sometimes starts to occur.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, when it is determined that the shift amount is a value equal to or larger than the second threshold value and the operation of the image forming unit 2 or the like is forcibly terminated, as in the case of the temporary stop described above, By executing a control operation related to the operation of the image forming unit 2 of the control unit 60, the following operation is also performed.

First, the pressure roll 43 of the fixing device 40 is displaced from the operating position to the retracted position, and the operation of the heater or the like of the heating unit 42 in the fixing device 40 is turned off. Further, the secondary transfer roll 35 in the intermediate transfer device 30 is displaced from the operating position to the retracted position.
At this time, since the operations of the supply device 11 and the storage device 16 in the transport unit 10 are also forcibly terminated, the transport of the continuous paper 9 is also forcibly terminated.
Also, in the case of this forced termination, a message notifying that an abnormality in the conveyance of the continuous paper 9 has occurred by executing a control operation relating to the operation of the conveyance means 10 of the central control unit 60, or prompting a repair work for the abnormality in conveyance. A warning message or the like is displayed on the display unit 52 of the operation input / display unit 50 or the like.

  Examples of the repair work performed when the conveyance abnormality of the continuous paper 9 occurs include, for example, a removal operation of a clogged or broken portion of the continuous paper 9, and the conveyance of the continuous paper 9 to the conveyance unit 10 sandwiching the image forming unit 2. Work such as remounting work is necessary. The remounting operation at this time is, for example, that the continuous paper 9 is pulled out from the supply device 11 and passed through the secondary transfer position and the fixing processing unit in the image forming unit 2, and then the leading end of the continuous paper 9 is accommodated in the storage device 16. This is an operation of fixing to the take-up roll 17. This repair work is a large-scale work and requires a relatively long work time.

  The image forming apparatus 1 that has been forcibly terminated is restarted after the forced termination is canceled after the operation for repairing the abnormal conveyance of the continuous paper 9 is completed.

According to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, in particular, the detected images 8 (the marks 81 and 82) are continuously formed at a predetermined interval along the conveyance direction C of the continuous paper 9. The actual formation position (front end) of the detected image 8 obtained from the set position (start time s and end time e) of the detected image 8 formed by the image forming means 2 and the detection information of the detecting means 70 (71, 72). When there is a deviation within a required range between the detection time and the detection time of the trailing edge, a control operation for temporarily stopping the operations of the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10 is performed. It is possible to accurately detect the transport state of the continuous paper 9 based on the actual state of the continuous paper 9 and to prevent an abnormality in the transport state of the continuous paper 9 from occurring.
Further, according to the image forming apparatus 1, since the detection means 70 (71, 72) is disposed between the secondary transfer position of the image forming means 2 and the fixing device 40, the detection means 70 (71, 72) is continuous before reaching the fixing device 40. The conveyance state (deviation amount) of the continuous paper 9 can be detected in correspondence with the actual state of the conveyance state of the paper 9, and the continuous paper 9 is wound around the heating rotary member 41 or the like in the fixing processing unit of the fixing device 40. It is also possible to detect and respond to a sign when an abnormal conveyance occurs.
Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1, compared to the case where the control operation using the detection information obtained by detecting the detected image 8 formed in the non-image forming area NE of the continuous paper 9 is not performed, the continuous paper 9 can be accurately monitored based on the detection information of the detected image 8, so that the accuracy of the operation of forming a normal image in the image forming area IE of the continuous paper 9 can be improved.

Incidentally, as for the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9, for example, the rotation state of the conveyance roll pair of the conveyance means (10) is detected as in the image forming apparatus described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, or the fixing device (40) is detected. There is also a measure for detecting the rotation state of the heating rotator or the pressurizing rotator and detecting that a conveyance abnormality such as a paper jam has occurred when the rotation speed of the rotator is slow.
However, in this measure, for example, when the continuous paper 9 slips in the pair of conveyance rolls to be detected and is not normally conveyed, the continuous paper 9 is normally enrouted by being caught in a heating rotating body or the like in the fixing device (40). When transported, the transport state of the continuous paper 9 is slowed down and the abnormal state is reached, but the transport roll pair, the heating rotator, etc. are rotating at a normal speed. The occurrence of an abnormality may not be detected.
On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 is detected by detecting the formation state of the detected image 8 formed continuously on the continuous paper 9. There is no fear that it cannot be detected despite the occurrence of a conveyance abnormality as in the other measures described above. This also improves the accuracy of the operation of forming a normal image in the image forming area IE of the continuous paper 9 because the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 is monitored with high accuracy without fear of erroneous detection.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 detects the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 by using the detection information of the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 continuously formed on the continuous paper 9 to convey the continuous paper 9. However, the image forming apparatus that performs the control operation using the detected information may be configured to perform the following control operation.

  That is, as another image forming apparatus, for example, the central control unit 60 uses the detection information of the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 to perform the control operation related to the conveyance of the continuous paper 9, and the detection thereof. Density control of an image formed by the image forming unit 2 using information, speed control and position alignment control (registration control) in the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10, timing of each operation in the image forming unit 2 and the conveying unit 10 Further, any one or a plurality of controls (control operations) such as control of conditions and the like (procedure control) may be performed.

  In this case, after detecting necessary information such as the density and forming position of the toner image constituting the marks 81 and 82 of the detected image 8 by the detecting means 70 capable of detecting the density and the like, the detected information is used. Thus, each control operation (concentration control, speed control, alignment control, operation related to control of each operation) by the central control unit 60 is performed.

In other words, in the case of a control operation related to density control, the operation conditions of the devices involved in the image density are adjusted in the image forming unit 2 based on the detection information related to the density information.
In the case of a control operation related to speed control, the transport speed of the continuous paper 9 and the process speed in the image forming means 2 are calculated based on the detection information related to the information on the formation position, and the transport speed of the continuous paper 9 and the image formation. Adjust the operating conditions of the equipment involved in the process speed such as time.
In the case of a control operation related to registration control, an image formation position shift is calculated based on detection information related to the formation position information, and the toner image formation position of the image forming unit 2 and the continuous paper of the conveyance unit 10 are calculated. 9 adjusts the operating conditions and the like of the equipment involved in the transport position 9.
Further, in the case of the control related to the process control, for example, the density of the detected image 8 (marks 81 and 82) at the left and right ends in the conveyance direction C of the continuous paper 9 based on the detection information related to the formation position information. By calculating the difference and adjusting the operating conditions of the equipment related to the image density of the image forming means 2, or based on the detection information relating to the information on the formation position, the deviation of the density gradation for each color of the detected image 8 is detected. Calculation is performed to adjust the operating conditions of the equipment involved in the density gradation of the image forming unit 2.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the detected image 8 for performing a control operation related to the process control (for example, control related to density gradation) and a control operation related to the register control, in addition to performing the control operation related to the conveyance of the continuous paper 9. It is.

  FIG. 10 shows a state in which a plurality of types of detected images 8 are formed in the non-image forming area NE1 on one end side in the conveyance direction C of the continuous paper 9. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 83 as the detected image 8 is a mark for controlling the conveying operation of the continuous paper 9 and density gradation control, and reference numeral 84 as the detected image 8 is a first mark for register control. Reference numeral 85 as the detected image 8 is a second mark for controlling the resister. In this illustrated detected image 8, the marks 83, 84, and 85 are used as a set of detected images, and the set of detected images 8 (marks 83, 84, and 85) are the four colors (Y, M, and C). , K). In the figure, 83Y, 83M, and 83C are marks formed with toners of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C).

Further, for example, when the mark 83 is representatively shown as a yellow mark 83Y, the mark 83Ya has an image area ratio (Cin) of 100%, Cin = 80% 83Yb, Cin = 60% 83Yc, and Cin = 40. % 83Yd, Cin = 20% 83Ye, and the density gradation of each color can be detected.
Further, the first mark 84 for register control is a mark having a chevron shape (a part of a chevron pattern), and the positional deviation in the conveyance (advance) direction C of the continuous paper 9 and the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction C are included. Misalignment can be detected. On the other hand, the second mark 85 for controlling the regicon is a mark having a configuration in which L-shaped lines are arranged in a state where each corner (bent portion) faces each other, and this is also a conveyance (advance) direction C of the continuous paper 9. It is possible to detect a positional deviation in the direction and a positional deviation in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction C.

When the detected image 8 (marks 83, 84, 85) illustrated in FIG. 10 is used, detection regarding the conveyance state (conveyance deviation) of the continuous paper 9 can be performed as follows, for example.
In the detected image 8 illustrated in FIG. 10, the first mark 83Ya, 83Ma, 83Ca,... Of each color, which is the mark 83a having an image area ratio of Cin = 100%, is a dimension d in the conveyance direction C of the continuous paper 9. If the intervals m are formed under the same conditions (values), the leading edge of the detection information 70 (71) of each mark 83Ya, 83Ma, 83Ca,. Each detection time corresponding to the rear end (see FIG. 7 etc.) is compared with the start time and end time (see FIG. 7 etc.) in the image information relating to the marks 83Ya, 83Ma, 83Ca,. This can be done by detecting the amount of deviation. Incidentally, in this case, the detection means 70 is applicable to detect the density gradation of each color. Further, the detection method related to the transport state of the continuous paper 9 using the detected image 8 (marks 83, 84, 85) is not limited to the above-described usage example.

  In the case of the image forming apparatus 1 that forms the detected image 8 (marks 83, 84, 85) illustrated in FIG. 10 in the non-image forming area NE of the continuous paper 9, the conveyance state of the continuous paper 9 is detected. In addition to being able to monitor accurately based on the detection information of the image 8, the density gradation of the normal image and the adjustment of its formation position can be adjusted based on the detection information of the detected image 8. It is possible to improve the accuracy of the operation for forming a normal image on the IE.

  The detected image 8 is not limited to the configuration formed in the non-image forming areas NE1 and NE2 at both ends in the width direction of the continuous paper 9 like the marks 81 and 82 in the first embodiment. As long as the control operation can be realized, it is possible to form marks having the required shape and number in other non-image forming NEs. The detected image 8 (including the above-described marks 83 to 85) is not limited to being formed in the non-image forming areas NE1 and NE2 at both ends, but is formed in one of the non-image forming areas NE1 and NE2. You may comprise.

The detecting means 70 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect all of the detected images 8 formed on the continuous paper 9, and the conditions such as the arrangement position and the number thereof are not particularly limited.
For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 can use the continuous paper 6 having a different feed width W during conveyance as the continuous paper 9, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the relatively wide feed width W1 illustrated in the first embodiment (FIG. 4). In consideration of using a continuous paper having a relatively narrow feed width W2 (<W1) instead of the continuous paper 9, the non-image forming area NE3 at least at one end of the continuous paper having the feed width W2 is used. Another detection means 73 is additionally arranged at a position where the formed detected image (8) can be detected. However, when the detection means 70 that can collectively detect the surface state (toner image) of the entire width direction of the continuous paper 9 having the maximum feed width W is employed, only one detection means 70 is arranged. Will be enough.

Further, when the image forming apparatus 1 can use the continuous paper 6 having a different feed width W during conveyance as the continuous paper 9, the image forming unit 2 sets the formation position of the detected image 8 to the non-image forming area NW3. It is necessary to match.
For this reason, the image forming apparatus 1 employs a configuration in which a detection unit 76 that detects the feed width W of the continuous paper 9 is provided and the detection unit 76 is connected to the central control unit 60 as illustrated in FIG. . In this case, in the image forming apparatus 1, information on the feed width W of the continuous paper 9 in the detection unit 76 is not shown in the image forming apparatus 1 (not shown) during the image forming operation (including the forming operation of the detected image 8). After adjustment to the latent image forming position by sending it to the processing unit, it may be configured to be reflected in the position when the exposure device 23 forms the electrostatic latent image of the detected image 8. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the detection unit 76 inputs and specifies information on the feed width W of the continuous paper 9 from the operation input unit 51 of the operation input / display unit 50 and the like. You may comprise as a designation | designated part of a feed width.

In addition, for the image forming apparatus 1, as the image forming means 2, other image forming means for forming a multicolor image (a type or the number of the image forming devices 20 are changed), or a monochromatic image (for example, It may be an image forming apparatus that employs an image forming means (monochrome image forming apparatus 20K alone) for forming a black and white image, an image forming means to which the intermediate transfer device 30 is not applied, or the like.
Further, the supply unit 10 in the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to the supply unit 11 illustrated in the first embodiment, the storage device 16, and the first and second belt conveyance devices 15A and 15B. Another configuration may be adopted.
Further, the image forming unit 2 in the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to a unit that forms a toner image composed of toner, but may include an image forming unit 2 that employs another image forming method. . Another image forming method is, for example, an ink jet recording method in which ink droplets are jetted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus 2 ... Image forming means 9 ... Continuous paper (an example of a continuous recording medium)
8 ... Image to be detected 10 ... Conveying means 35 ... Secondary transfer roll (an example of transfer means)
40. Fixing device (an example of fixing means)
41 ... Heating body 42 ... Heating means 43 ... Pressure body 60 ... Central controller (an example of control means)
70 (71 to 73) ... detecting means 81, 82 ... mark (an example of an image to be detected)
C ... Continuous paper transport direction

Claims (10)

Image forming means for forming an image in an image forming area of a continuous recording medium and forming a detected image in a non-image forming area of the continuous recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting a detected image formed on a continuous recording medium by the image forming means;
Control means for performing a control operation using detection information of the detection means;
An image forming apparatus. A transport unit that transports the continuous recording medium so as to be accommodated after being supplied to the image forming unit;
The control operation performed by the control unit is at least one of a control operation related to conveyance of a continuous recording medium, a control operation related to operation of the image forming unit, and a control operation related to operation of the conveyance unit. Image forming apparatus. The image forming means continuously forms detected images with a predetermined interval along the conveying direction of the continuous recording medium,
The control unit is configured to change the image forming unit when there is a deviation between a set position of the detected image formed by the image forming unit and an actual forming position of the detected image obtained from the detection information of the detecting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a control operation for temporarily stopping the operation of the conveying unit is performed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit performs a control operation for notifying confirmation of a conveyance state of a continuous recording medium.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit performs a control operation of resuming operations of the temporarily stopped image forming unit and the conveying unit when necessary treatment work is completed.   The control means forcibly terminates the operations of the image forming means and the conveying means when the deviation between the set position of the detected image and the actual formation position of the detected image is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a control operation is performed. The image forming means includes an image forming means for forming an unfixed image made of toner and a detected image, a transfer means for transferring the image formed by the image forming means and the detected image to a continuous recording medium, Fixing means for fixing the image transferred by the transfer means and the image to be detected to the continuous recording medium,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is disposed between the transfer unit and the fixing unit. The image forming means and the transfer means of the image forming means form a detected image at a predetermined interval along the conveyance direction of the continuous recording medium,
The control unit temporarily operates the image forming unit and the conveying unit when the set interval of the detected image formed by the image forming unit is different from the interval of the detected image obtained by the detection information of the detecting unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a control operation for stopping is performed. The transfer unit includes a transfer member that is displaced between an operation position for pressing the continuous recording medium against a transfer position of the image forming unit to form a transfer portion and a retreat position for separating the continuous recording medium from the transfer position.
The fixing unit is displaced between a heating rotator heated by the heating unit, an operation position where the fixing unit is formed in pressure contact with the heating rotator, and a retracted position separated from the heating rotator. A rotating body for pressurization,
The control unit displaces the transfer member and the pressing rotary member of the fixing unit to respective retracted positions when performing the control operation for temporarily stopping the operation of the image forming unit and the conveyance unit and the control operation for forcibly terminating the operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a control operation is performed to stop the heating of the heating means of the rotating body for heating.   When performing the control operation for resuming the operations of the temporarily stopped image forming unit and the conveying unit, the control unit heats the heating rotating body of the fixing unit in the image forming unit with the heating unit, and rotates the heating unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an operation for causing the body temperature to reach a predetermined fixing temperature is performed.

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