JP4473922B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Image forming apparatus Download PDF

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JP4473922B2
JP4473922B2 JP2008144086A JP2008144086A JP4473922B2 JP 4473922 B2 JP4473922 B2 JP 4473922B2 JP 2008144086 A JP2008144086 A JP 2008144086A JP 2008144086 A JP2008144086 A JP 2008144086A JP 4473922 B2 JP4473922 B2 JP 4473922B2
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heating unit
power supply
charging
voltage
image forming
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JP2009003448A (en
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和人 岸
泰久 加藤
政己 岡本
誉唯 月岡
啓正 高木
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Ricoh Co Ltd
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    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
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    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

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Description

本発明は、キャパシタを備え、例えば各種材料や装置を加熱する加熱装置、定着装置を用いた電子写真方式の複写機、プリンタ、ファクシミリ等の画像形成装置に関し、特にこれら装置によるキャパシタ利用の効率化を図ったものに関する。
The present invention comprises a capacitor, for example, various materials and heating equipment for heating the apparatus, electrophotographic copier using the fixing device, a printer, relates to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile, in particular the efficiency of the capacitor utilized by these devices It is related to the thing which aimed at.

複写機等の画像形成装置には、普通紙やＯＨＰ等の記録媒体上に画像を形成するが、画像形成の高速性や画像品質、コスト等から電子写真方式が多く採用されている。電子写真方式は、記録媒体上にトナー像を形成し、形成したトナー像を熱と圧力で記録媒体に定着する方法である。定着方式としては、安全性等の面からヒートローラ方式が現在最も多く採用されている。ヒートローラ方式は、ハロゲンヒータ等の発熱部材により加熱する加熱ローラと、加熱ローラに対向配置する加圧ローラを圧接してニップ部と称される相互圧接部を形成し、このニップ部にトナー像が転写された記録媒体を通して加熱、加圧するもので、これによりトナーを記録媒体に定着させる。 In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, an image is formed on a recording medium such as plain paper or OHP, and an electrophotographic method is often employed because of high-speed image formation, image quality, cost, and the like. The electrophotographic method is a method in which a toner image is formed on a recording medium, and the formed toner image is fixed on the recording medium with heat and pressure. As the fixing method, the heat roller method is currently most frequently used from the viewpoint of safety and the like. In the heat roller method, a heat roller heated by a heat generating member such as a halogen heater and a pressure roller disposed opposite to the heat roller are pressed to form a mutual pressure contact portion called a nip portion, and a toner image is formed in the nip portion. Is heated and pressurized through the recording medium to which the toner has been transferred, thereby fixing the toner to the recording medium.

近年、環境問題が重要となり、複写機やプリンタ等の画像形成装置も省エネルギ化が進んでいる。この画像形成装置の省エネルギを考えるに当たって無視できないのは、トナーを記録媒体に定着する定着装置の省電力である。そこで、画像形成装置の待機時における定着装置の消費電力の低減としては、待機時には加熱ローラの温度を定着温度よりやや低い一定の温度に保っておき、使用時に直ちに使用可能温度まで立ち上げ、使用者が定着ローラの昇温を待つことがないようにする方式が多く採用されている。この方式の場合、定着装置を使用していないときにもある程度の電力を供給しておかなければならず、それによって余分なエネルギを消費するようになっている。この待機時の消費エネルギは、画像形成装置を構成する機器の消費エネルギの約７割から８割に該当すると言われている。 In recent years, environmental problems have become important, and energy saving is also progressing in image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers. In considering the energy saving of this image forming apparatus, what cannot be ignored is the power saving of the fixing device for fixing the toner to the recording medium. Therefore, to reduce the power consumption of the fixing device during standby of the image forming apparatus, the temperature of the heating roller is kept at a constant temperature slightly lower than the fixing temperature during standby, and immediately rises to a usable temperature during use. Many methods are employed so that the user does not wait for the temperature of the fixing roller to rise. In the case of this method, a certain amount of power must be supplied even when the fixing device is not used, thereby consuming extra energy. This standby energy consumption is said to correspond to approximately 70% to 80% of the energy consumption of the devices constituting the image forming apparatus.

したがって、待機時の消費エネルギを削減し、より省電力化を図ることが望まれるようになってきており、未使用時には電力供給をゼロにすることが求められている。しかしながら、待機時にエネルギ消費をゼロにすると、定着装置の加熱ローラは鉄やアルミ等の金属ローラを主に使用していて熱容量が大きいため、約１８０℃前後の使用可能温度にまで昇温するには数分から十数分という長い加熱時間が必要になる。このような待ち時間は、使用者の使い勝手を悪化させてしまうので、消費電力が極力小さく、その一方で待機状態からの立ち上がりが速い加熱方式が望まれている。 Accordingly, it has been desired to reduce energy consumption during standby and to further save power, and there is a demand for zero power supply when not in use. However, if energy consumption is reduced to zero during standby, the heating roller of the fixing device mainly uses a metal roller such as iron or aluminum and has a large heat capacity, so that the temperature rises to a usable temperature of about 180 ° C. Requires a long heating time of several minutes to several tens of minutes. Such a waiting time deteriorates the usability of the user, so that a heating method that consumes as little power as possible while rapidly rising from the standby state is desired.

加熱ローラの昇温時間を短くするためには、単位時間の投入エネルギ、すなわち定格電力を大きくすると良いことは明らかであり、実際に、プリント速度が速い高速機と称される画像形成装置には、電源電圧を２００Ｖにして対応しているものも多い。しかしながら、日本国内の一般的なオフィスでは、商用電源は１００Ｖ、１５Ａであり、２００Ｖに対応させるには設置場所の電源関連設備に特別な工事を施す必要があり、２００Ｖへの対応化はあまり一般的な解決法とはいえない。 In order to shorten the heating time of the heating roller, it is clear that it is better to increase the input energy per unit time, that is, the rated power. In fact, in an image forming apparatus called a high-speed machine with a high printing speed, In many cases, the power supply voltage is 200V. However, in general offices in Japan, the commercial power supply is 100V, 15A, and it is necessary to carry out special work on the power-related equipment at the installation site in order to make it compatible with 200V. It's not an ideal solution.

すなわち、１００Ｖ、１５Ａの商用電源を使用するかぎり、加熱ローラを短時間で昇温させようとしても、最大投入エネルギが電源により決まってしまうので、これを改善するために、定着装置が待機状態に
なったときに一定レベルだけ低い電圧を加熱ローラに供給して定着装置の温度が下がることを遅らせたり（例えば特許文献１参照）、定着装置の待機時に補助電源である二次電池を充電し、定着装置を立ち上げたときに主電源装置と二次電池や一次電池から電力を供給して立ち上がり時間を短縮するようにしたり（例えば特許文献２参照）している。 That is, as long as a commercial power supply of 100V, 15A is used, the maximum input energy is determined by the power supply even if the heating roller is to be heated in a short time. When the temperature of the fixing device becomes low, a voltage lower by a certain level is supplied to the heating roller to delay the temperature of the fixing device from dropping (for example, refer to Patent Document 1), or the secondary battery as an auxiliary power source is charged during standby of the fixing device, When the fixing device is started up, power is supplied from the main power supply device and the secondary battery or the primary battery to shorten the rising time (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

しかし、特許文献１に示された技術は、待機時においても定着装置に一定レベルだけ低い電圧を供給しているため、十分な省電力とはいえないものとなっている。また、立ち上げ時の最大供給電力を主電源装置から供給する電力より高めることを主にしたものではない。一方、特許文献２に示された定着装置は、立ち上げ時に主電源装置と二次電池や一次電池から電力を供給しており、二次電源としては一般に鉛蓄電池、ニカド電池、ニッケル水素電池を使用している。このような二次電池は、充放電を繰り返すと容量が劣化して低下していき、大電流で放電するほど寿命が短いという性質を持つ。またメモリ効果による容量低下という現象もある。一般的に大電流で長寿命とされているものでも、充放電の繰り返し回数は約５００〜１０００回程度であり、一日に２０回の充放電を繰り返すと一ヶ月程度で電池の寿命が来てしまうことになる。したがって電池の交換頻度が多くなり、そのぶん手間がかかり、交換する電池代等のランニングコストもかさむ。さらに鉛蓄電池では電解液に液体の硫酸を使用する等、オフィス用機器としては好ましくない点もある。 However, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 is not sufficient power saving because it supplies a low voltage to the fixing device by a certain level even during standby. Moreover, the maximum supply power at the time of start-up is not mainly intended to be higher than the power supplied from the main power supply device. On the other hand, the fixing device disclosed in Patent Document 2 supplies power from a main power supply device and a secondary battery or a primary battery at the time of start-up. As a secondary power supply, a lead storage battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a nickel metal hydride battery is generally used. I am using it. Such a secondary battery has a property that the capacity deteriorates and decreases when charging and discharging are repeated, and the life is shortened as discharging is performed with a large current. There is also a phenomenon of capacity reduction due to the memory effect. Even if it is generally considered to have a long life with a large current, the number of charge / discharge cycles is about 500 to 1000 times. If 20 cycles of charge / discharge are repeated per day, the battery life will be reached in about one month. It will end up. Therefore, the replacement frequency of the battery is increased, and it takes much labor, and the running cost such as the cost of the battery to be replaced increases. Furthermore, in lead storage batteries, liquid sulfuric acid is used as the electrolyte, which is undesirable for office equipment.

また、大電力の供給を開始したり停止したりする際の急激な電流変化や突入電力等により加熱ローラが内蔵している加熱用回路への負荷が増大するとともに、周辺回路にも投入電流が流れてノイズが発生するという問題もある。このため、大容量の補助電源からの電力供給を頻繁にオン、オフさせることは好ましくない。また、大容量の電力を一度に供給すると供給過剰になり、加熱用回路の温度が上昇しすぎる可能性もある。 In addition, the load on the heating circuit built in the heating roller increases due to a sudden current change or inrush power when starting or stopping the supply of large power, and input current is also applied to the peripheral circuits. There is also a problem that noise flows and flows. For this reason, it is not preferable to frequently turn on and off the power supply from the large-capacity auxiliary power supply. In addition, if a large amount of power is supplied at once, there is a possibility that the supply will be excessive and the temperature of the heating circuit will rise too much.

このような点を改善し、省電力効果を高めるとともに、大電力を供給する際の突入電流や急激な電流変化によるノイズを低減させ、かつ立ち上がり時間を短縮し、温度が上がりすぎることを防止することができる定着装置として、補助電源装置に充放電可能なキャパシタを使用し、充電器は主電源装置から供給される電力で補助電源装置のキャパシタを充電し、切替装置は補助電源装置の充電と補助電源装置からの補助発熱体に対する電力供給を切り替え、補助電源装置から補助発熱体に供給する電力量を調整する装置が提案されている（例えば特許文献３参照）。キャパシタの基本機能としては、キャパシタから供給する電力によって補助ヒータを発熱させ、この熱を用いて加熱ローラが所定温度まで立ち上る時間を短縮すること、及び通紙時の定着温度の低下を防止することである。
特開平１０−１０９１３号公報 特開平１０−２８２８２１号公報 特開２００２−１８４５５４号公報 These points are improved to improve the power saving effect, reduce noise due to inrush current and sudden current change when supplying large power, shorten the rise time, and prevent the temperature from rising excessively. As the fixing device that can be used, a chargeable / dischargeable capacitor is used for the auxiliary power supply, the charger charges the capacitor of the auxiliary power supply with power supplied from the main power supply, and the switching device charges the auxiliary power supply. There has been proposed a device that switches power supply from an auxiliary power supply to an auxiliary heating element and adjusts the amount of power supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the auxiliary heating element (see, for example, Patent Document 3). As a basic function of the capacitor, the auxiliary heater is heated by the electric power supplied from the capacitor, and using this heat, the time for the heating roller to rise to a predetermined temperature is shortened, and the fixing temperature is prevented from lowering when passing paper. It is.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-10913 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-282821 JP 2002-184554 A

ところで上述のような温度低下防止には、キャパシタを所定の最低電圧まで充電して放電可能にしてから使用する必要がある。充電に要する時間は数十秒ないし２分程度の短時間程度ではあるが、その間はキャパシタを使用できなくなるため、充電時間を短くする必要がある。 By the way, in order to prevent the temperature decrease as described above, it is necessary to use the capacitor after it has been charged to a predetermined minimum voltage and can be discharged. Although the time required for charging is about several tens of seconds to about 2 minutes, the capacitor cannot be used during that time, so it is necessary to shorten the charging time.

本発明の請求項１に係る画像形成装置は、上記目的を達成するために、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前記主電源装置の電圧値を検知する電圧検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記電圧検知手段が検知した前記主電源装置の電圧値が所定値より高い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply that supplies power to the heating unit, and a maximum supply to the heating unit. In an image forming apparatus comprising: an auxiliary power supply that raises power compared to the case of only the main power supply, and the auxiliary power supply includes a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply to a charging target voltage during standby . comprising a voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage value of the main power supply when the power storage device a request for heating the heating unit in the middle charge being charged to said charging target voltage, said voltage detecting means If the voltage value of the detected said main power supply is higher than a predetermined value, characterized in that to lower the discharge starting voltage capable of the power storage device to allow discharge even if it is not charged to the target charging voltage

本発明に係る画像形成装置は、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が充放電可能な蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
前記主電源装置の電圧値を検知する電圧検知手段と、
前記蓄電装置が充電途中であっても充電を中断して放電を開始する放電開始可能電圧を、前記電圧検知手段が検知した電圧値に基づいて可変する制御手段と、を備えたことを特徴とする。
 The image forming apparatus according to the present invention enhances a fixing device having a pressurizing heat section, a main power unit for supplying power to the heating unit, the maximum electric power supplied to the heating unit than the main power supply only has an auxiliary power unit, and an image forming apparatus including the auxiliary power unit GaTakashi discharge electrostatic available-power storage device,
Voltage detection means for detecting a voltage value of the main power supply device;
Control means for varying a discharge startable voltage for interrupting charging and starting discharging even when the power storage device is in the middle of charging, based on a voltage value detected by the voltage detecting means , To do.

請求項２に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前記主電源装置の電圧値を検知する電圧検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記電圧検知手段が検知した前記主電源装置の電圧値が所定値より低い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする。
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. Voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage value of the main power supply device in an image forming apparatus comprising a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply device to a charge target voltage during standby. And the voltage value of the main power supply detected by the voltage detection means is greater than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. When the voltage is low , the discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is increased .

請求項３に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前記定着装置に備えられた加圧部材の温度を検知する温度検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記温度検知手段が検知した前記加圧部材の温度が所定値より高い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする。
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. An image forming apparatus including a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby , and the temperature of a pressure member provided in the fixing device is A temperature detecting unit that detects the temperature of the pressure member detected by the temperature detecting unit when there is a request to heat the heating unit while charging the power storage device to the target charging voltage. Is higher than a predetermined value , the discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even if the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is lowered .

請求項４に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前記定着装置に備えられた加圧部材の温度を検知する温度検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記温度検知手段が検知した前記加圧部材の温度が所定値より低い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする。
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. a device and, a, the auxiliary power supply, in an image forming apparatus having the power storage device is charged to the charging target voltage from the main power supply during standby, the temperature of the pressure member provided in the fixing device comprising a temperature detection knowledge means for detection known, the when the power storage device a request for heating the heating unit in the middle charge being charged to said charging target voltage, the pressing member by the temperature detection unit detects When the temperature of the battery is lower than a predetermined value , a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even if the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is increased .

請求項５に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、画像形成装置の内部又は外部の環境温度を検知する環境温度検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記環境温度検知手段が検知した前記環境温度が所定値より高い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする。
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. An image forming apparatus including a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby, and detects an environmental temperature inside or outside the image forming device. An environmental temperature detecting means, and the environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detecting means is a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. If higher , the discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even if the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is lowered .

請求項６に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、画像形成装置の内部又は外部の環境温度を検知する環境温度検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記環境温度検知手段が検知した前記環境温度が所定値より低い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする。
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. a device and, a detection auxiliary power supply, in an image forming apparatus including a power storage device is charged to the charging target voltage from the main power supply during standby, the internal or external environmental temperature of images forming apparatus The environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detecting means is predetermined when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the target charging voltage. When the value is lower than the value , a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is increased .

請求項７に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前回のジョブでの定着通紙枚数を検出する通紙枚数検出手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記通紙枚数検知手段が検知した通紙枚数が所定値より多い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする。
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. In an image forming apparatus comprising a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby, the auxiliary power supply device detects the number of sheets to be fixed in a previous job. Paper number detecting means, and when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, the number of paper passed detected by the paper number detecting means is predetermined. If greater than the value is characterized Rukoto lowering the discharge start voltage capable of the power storage device to allow discharge even if it is not charged to the charging target voltage.

請求項８に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前回のジョブでの定着通紙枚数を検出する通紙枚数検出手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記通紙枚数検知手段が検知した通紙枚数が所定値より少ない場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする。
請求項９に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前回ジョブと今回ジョブとの時間間隔を検知する検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記検知手段が検知した前記時間間隔が所定値より長い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする。
請求項１０に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前回ジョブと今回ジョブとの時間間隔を検知する検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記検知手段が検知した前記時間間隔が所定値より短い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする。
請求項１１に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前回ジョブの稼働時間を検知する稼働時間検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記稼働時間検知手段が検知した稼働時間が所定値より長い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする。
請求項１２に係るものは、加熱部を有する定着装置と、前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、前回ジョブの稼働時間を検知する稼働時間検知手段を備え、前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記稼働時間検知手段が検知した稼働時間が所定値より短い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする。
請求項１３に係るものは、請求項１乃至１２のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記蓄電装置の充電電圧が前記放電開始可能電圧以上の場合には、前記蓄電装置を放電させることを特徴とする。
請求項１４に係るものは、請求項１乃至１２のいずれか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、前記蓄電装置がキャパシタであることを特徴とする。
請求項１５に係るものは、請求項１４に記載の画像形成装置において、前記キャパシタが電気二重層キャパシタであることを特徴とする。
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. In an image forming apparatus comprising a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby, the auxiliary power supply device detects the number of sheets to be fixed in a previous job. Paper number detecting means, and when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, the number of paper passed detected by the paper number detecting means is predetermined. If less than the value is characterized resulting in higher discharge start voltage capable of the power storage device to allow discharge even if it is not charged to the charging target voltage.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. And detecting the time interval between the previous job and the current job in an image forming apparatus including a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby. And when the time interval detected by the detecting means is longer than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating part during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. The discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is lowered.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies electric power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. And detecting the time interval between the previous job and the current job in an image forming apparatus including a power storage device that is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby. And when the time interval detected by the detection means is shorter than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. The discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is increased.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. In an image forming apparatus comprising a power storage device in which the auxiliary power supply device is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby, an operation time detecting unit that detects an operation time of a previous job. Provided that when the operating time detected by the operating time detecting means is longer than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, The discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is lowered.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fixing device having a heating unit, a main power supply device that supplies power to the heating unit, and an auxiliary power source that increases the maximum power supply to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device. In an image forming apparatus comprising a power storage device in which the auxiliary power supply device is charged from the main power supply device to a charging target voltage during standby, an operation time detecting unit that detects an operation time of a previous job. Provided that when the operating time detected by the operating time detecting means is shorter than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, It is characterized in that a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is increased.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, when there is a request to heat the heating unit, a charging voltage of the power storage device can start the discharge. When the voltage is higher than the voltage, the power storage device is discharged.
According to a fourteenth aspect, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the power storage device is a capacitor.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the capacitor is an electric double layer capacitor.

本発明は、充電途中であっても、放電開始可能な最低電圧以上充電されていれば放電を開始することができる構成にして、必要な電力が小さくて良い場合には電圧を下げることにより、充電時間を短縮し、キャパシタの充電の効率化、最適化を図ることができる。 The present invention is configured to start discharging if charging is more than the minimum voltage at which discharge can be started even during charging, and by lowering the voltage when the required power may be small, The charging time can be shortened, and the efficiency and optimization of capacitor charging can be achieved.

以下本発明を実施するための最良の形態を、図に示す実施例を参照して説明する。 The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

以下本発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

図１は、本発明に係る電子写真方式の複写機やプリンタ装置等の画像形成装置を概念的に示す断面図である。本実施形態の画像形成装置は主に、原稿を読み取る読み取りユニット１１、画像を形成する画像形成部１２、自動原稿搬送装置（ＡＤＦ）１３、ＡＤＦ１３から送り出される原稿をスタックする原稿排紙トレイ１４、給紙カセット１５ないし１８を備える給紙
部１９、記録用紙をスタックする排紙部（排紙トレイ２０）により構成してある。 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or printer according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment mainly includes a reading unit 11 that reads a document, an image forming unit 12 that forms an image, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 13, a document discharge tray 14 that stacks documents sent from the ADF 13, The sheet feeding unit 19 includes sheet feeding cassettes 15 to 18 and a sheet discharge unit (sheet discharge tray 20) for stacking recording sheets.

そして、ＡＤＦ１３の原稿台２１上に原稿Ｄをセットして図示せぬ操作部での操作、例えばプリントキーの押下操作をすると、最上位の原稿Ｄがピックアップローラ２２の回転により矢印Ｂ１方向へ送り出され、原稿搬送ベルト２３の回転により、画像読み取りユニット１１に固定されたコンタクトガラス２４上へ給送され、そこで停止する。コンタクトガラス２４上に載置された原稿Ｄの画像は、画像形成部１２とコンタクトガラス２４の間に位置する読み取り装置２５によって読み取る。読み取り装置２５は、コンタクトガラス２４上の原稿Ｄを照明する光源２６、原稿画像を結像する光学系２７、原稿画像を結像させるＣＣＤ等からなる光電変換素子２８等を有している。画像読み取り終了後、原稿Ｄを搬送ベルト２３の回転により矢印Ｂ２方向へ搬送して排紙トレイ１４上へ排出する。このように、原稿Ｄを１枚ずつコンタクトガラス１４上へ給送して原稿画像を画像読み取りユニット１によって読み取る。 Then, when the document D is set on the document table 21 of the ADF 13 and an operation on an operation unit (not shown), for example, a press operation of a print key is performed, the uppermost document D is sent out in the direction of the arrow B1 by the rotation of the pickup roller 22. Then, by the rotation of the document conveying belt 23, the paper is fed onto the contact glass 24 fixed to the image reading unit 11, and stops there. The image of the document D placed on the contact glass 24 is read by a reading device 25 located between the image forming unit 12 and the contact glass 24. The reading device 25 includes a light source 26 that illuminates the document D on the contact glass 24, an optical system 27 that forms an image of the document, a photoelectric conversion element 28 that includes a CCD that forms an image of the document, and the like. After the image reading is completed, the document D is transported in the direction of arrow B2 by the rotation of the transport belt 23 and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 14. In this way, the document D is fed one by one onto the contact glass 14 and the document image is read by the image reading unit 1.

一方、画像形成部２の内部には、像担持体である感光体３０が配置してある。感光体３０は、図において時計方向に回転駆動し、帯電装置３１によって表面を所定の電位に帯電させる。また、書き込みユニット３２からは、読み取り装置２５によって読み取った画像情報に応じて光変調したレーザ光Ｌを照射し、帯電させた感光体３０の表面をこのレーザ光Ｌで露光し、これによって感光体３０の表面に静電潜像を形成する。この静電潜像は、現像装置３３を通るとき、対向する転写装置３４によって感光体３０と転写装置３４の間に給送された記録媒体Ｐに転写する。トナー像転写後の感光体３０の表面は、クリーニング装置３５によって清掃する。 On the other hand, a photoreceptor 30 as an image carrier is disposed inside the image forming unit 2. The photosensitive member 30 is driven to rotate clockwise in the drawing, and the surface is charged to a predetermined potential by the charging device 31. Further, the writing unit 32 emits a laser beam L that is light-modulated in accordance with image information read by the reading device 25, and the surface of the charged photoreceptor 30 is exposed with the laser beam L, whereby the photoreceptor is exposed. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface 30. When the electrostatic latent image passes through the developing device 33, the electrostatic latent image is transferred to the recording medium P fed between the photosensitive member 30 and the transfer device 34 by the opposing transfer device 34. The surface of the photoconductor 30 after the toner image is transferred is cleaned by a cleaning device 35.

画像形成部２の下部に配置した複数の給紙カセット１５ないし１８には、紙等の記録媒体Ｐを収容してあり、いずれかの給紙カセット１５ないし１８から記録媒体Ｐを矢印Ｂ３方向へ送り出し、その記録媒体Ｐの表面に、上述のように感光体３０の表面に形成したトナー像を転写する。次に、記録媒体Ｐを矢印Ｂ４で示すように画像形成部２内の定着装置３６を通し、熱と圧力の作用によって記録媒体Ｐの表面に転写されたトナー像を定着させる。定着装置３６を通った記録媒体Ｐを排出ローラ対３７によって搬送し、矢印Ｂ５で示すように排紙トレイ２０へ排出し、スタックする。 A plurality of paper feed cassettes 15 to 18 arranged in the lower part of the image forming unit 2 contain recording media P such as paper, and the recording media P is fed from any of the paper feed cassettes 15 to 18 in the direction of arrow B3. The toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 30 as described above is transferred onto the surface of the recording medium P. Next, the recording medium P is passed through the fixing device 36 in the image forming unit 2 as indicated by an arrow B4, and the toner image transferred onto the surface of the recording medium P by the action of heat and pressure is fixed. The recording medium P that has passed through the fixing device 36 is conveyed by the discharge roller pair 37, discharged to the discharge tray 20 as indicated by an arrow B5, and stacked.

図２は、記録媒体Ｐに転写されたトナー像を加熱、加圧して記録媒体に固着させる定着装置３６の一例を示す断面図、図３は定着装置３６が備える本発明に係る加熱装置の一実施形態の構成を示す回路図である。 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a fixing device 36 that heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the recording medium P and fixes the toner image to the recording medium. FIG. 3 shows one example of the heating device according to the present invention provided in the fixing device 36. It is a circuit diagram which shows the structure of embodiment.

図示の定着装置３６は、定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４１を有し、例えば通紙中の定着ローラ温度低下の防止用途として使う７５ｃｐｍ機では定着ローラ４０には外径φ４０で肉厚ｔ０．７ｍｍのアルミ製のローラを用いている。これは、３０秒以内に定着可能な状態に昇温できる肉厚であるとともに、定着に必要なニップ幅Ｎを形成するのに必要な荷重でも破壊されないためである。７５ｃｐｍ機では、従来補助電源を使わない場合にはｔ５．０〜１０ｍｍ程度の厚肉ローラを用いていたが、薄肉ローラと補助電源を組み合わせることによって大幅な立上時間の短縮が可能となっている。また、定着ローラの最外層にはＰＦＡあるいはＰＴＦＥなどの離型層が形成されていることが望ましい。定着ローラ４０には、例えばハロゲンヒータからなる主発熱体２ａと補助発熱体２ｂからなる加熱部２を内蔵し、定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４１とで、トナーＴが載った記録媒体Ｐを通過させて加圧、加熱するニップ部Ｎを形成している。 The fixing device 36 shown in the figure has a fixing roller 40 and a pressure roller 41. For example, in a 75 cpm machine used for preventing the temperature of the fixing roller from being lowered during paper passing, the fixing roller 40 has an outer diameter φ40 and a wall thickness t0.7 mm. Aluminum rollers are used. This is because the thickness is such that the temperature can be raised to a state where fixing can be performed within 30 seconds, and even the load necessary to form the nip width N necessary for fixing is not destroyed. The 75 cpm machine used a thick roller of about t5.0 to 10 mm when the auxiliary power supply was not used. However, by combining the thin roller and the auxiliary power supply, the start-up time can be greatly shortened. Yes. Further, it is desirable that a release layer such as PFA or PTFE is formed on the outermost layer of the fixing roller. The fixing roller 40 includes a heating unit 2 including a main heating element 2a made of, for example, a halogen heater and an auxiliary heating element 2b. The fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 pass through the recording medium P on which the toner T is placed. Thus, a nip portion N to be pressurized and heated is formed.

また本実施形態の加熱装置１は、加熱部２、主電源装置３、補助電源装置４、メインスイッチ５、充電器６、切替装置７及び制御手段８を有する。なお図３では主発熱体２ａと補助発熱体２ｂからなる加熱部２を定着ローラ４０の外側に位置させて描いてあるが、これは図示の都合によるものであり、両発熱体２ａ、２ｂは定着ローラ４０内に設ける。 The heating device 1 of this embodiment includes a heating unit 2, a main power supply device 3, an auxiliary power supply device 4, a main switch 5, a charger 6, a switching device 7, and a control unit 8. In FIG. 3, the heating unit 2 composed of the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b is drawn outside the fixing roller 40. However, this is for convenience of illustration, and both the heating elements 2a, 2b Provided in the fixing roller 40.

加熱部２は、主電源装置３から供給される電力により発熱する主発熱体２ａと、補助電源装置４から供給される電力により発熱する補助発熱体２ｂを有し、被加熱体である定着ローラ４０を加熱するようになっている。主電源装置３は、詳細な図示は省略するが、加熱装置１を設置した画像形成装置内において商用電源から電源供給を受ける。主電源装置３は、例えばコンセント等から供給される電力を、加熱部２に応じた電圧に調整する等の機能を有するが、周知であるので詳細な図示及び説明は省略する。 The heating unit 2 includes a main heating element 2a that generates heat by the electric power supplied from the main power supply device 3, and an auxiliary heating element 2b that generates heat by the electric power supplied from the auxiliary power supply device 4, and is a fixing roller that is a heated object. 40 is heated. Although not shown in detail, the main power supply device 3 is supplied with power from a commercial power supply in the image forming apparatus in which the heating device 1 is installed. The main power supply device 3 has a function of adjusting, for example, power supplied from an outlet or the like to a voltage corresponding to the heating unit 2. However, since the main power supply device 3 is well known, detailed illustration and description are omitted.

補助電源装置４は、充放電可能なキャパシタＣを有する。キャパシタＣとしては、例えば定格２．５Ｖで４００〜１０００Ｆ程度の静電容量を備えるセルを１５〜４０個直列に接続し、所定の定格電圧と容量を得るモジュール構成が望ましい。さらに連続通紙時の定着温度低下防止用途には、例えば定格３００〜６００ｗ程度のヒータを用いるために５００〜７００Ｆセルを１８〜２２個直列に接続しているものが適する。これは、１〜２分程度の給電には十分な容量を備えるとともに、制御系の暴走で高温状態から全蓄電電力を給電した際にも電圧の低下とともに電力が低減し、発火の危険性を低減できる程度の容量となるためである。また、電圧が５０Ｖ程度と感電の危険がないことも適する理由である。また、立ち上げ時に電力を供給する用途には、例えば定格８００〜１０００ｗのヒータを補助電源装置に並列に接続して合計で１６００〜２０００ｗ程度の電力を供給するため、５００〜７００Ｆセルを３６〜４４個直列に接続しているものが適する。これは、１０秒程度の給電には十分な電力を供給する容量と電圧を備えるととともに、連続通紙時に移行した際にも片方のヒータだけを使用して定着温度の低下を防止できる容量を有するためである。実稼働状態では、定格電圧よりも低い電圧を充電目標電圧としているが、これは電圧回路のバラツキやキャパシタセルの耐久性などを考慮して信頼性を向上できるためである。また、１００Ｆ程度のより低い静電容量のセルを並列に接続したモジュール構成としてもよいが、セル一つあたりに必用な電子回路を減らせると共にセルに不具合が発生した際に検知しやすいため全セルを直列に接続することが望ましい。上記構成をとるのは、電気二重層キャパシタ等のキャパシタは、二次電池とは異なり、化学反応を伴わないために優れた特徴を有するためである。 The auxiliary power supply 4 has a chargeable / dischargeable capacitor C. As the capacitor C, for example, a module configuration in which 15 to 40 cells having a rated voltage of 2.5 V and a capacitance of about 400 to 1000 F are connected in series to obtain a predetermined rated voltage and capacity is desirable. Further, for use in preventing a decrease in the fixing temperature during continuous paper feeding, for example, a heater having a rating of about 300 to 600 w, in which 18 to 22 cells of 500 to 700 F are connected in series, is suitable. This has sufficient capacity for power supply for about 1 to 2 minutes, and when all the stored power is supplied from a high temperature state due to a runaway control system, the power decreases as the voltage decreases, reducing the risk of ignition. This is because the capacity can be reduced. Another reason is that the voltage is about 50V and there is no danger of electric shock. In addition, for the purpose of supplying power at the time of start-up, for example, a heater having a rating of 800 to 1000 w is connected in parallel to the auxiliary power supply device to supply a total power of about 1600 to 2000 w. 44 connected in series is suitable. This is equipped with a capacity and voltage for supplying sufficient power for power supply for about 10 seconds, and a capacity capable of preventing a decrease in fixing temperature by using only one heater even when shifting during continuous paper feeding. It is for having. In actual operation, a voltage lower than the rated voltage is set as the charge target voltage because the reliability can be improved in consideration of variations in the voltage circuit and the durability of the capacitor cell. Also, a module configuration in which cells with lower capacitances of about 100 F are connected in parallel may be used. However, the number of electronic circuits required per cell can be reduced, and it is easy to detect when a failure occurs in the cell. It is desirable to connect the cells in series. The reason why the above configuration is adopted is that, unlike a secondary battery, a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor has excellent characteristics because it does not involve a chemical reaction.

既に述べたように、二次電池として一般的なニッケル−カドミウム電池を用いた補助電源装置では、急速充電を行っても数十分から数時間という長い時間を要するが、キャパシタを用いた補助電源装置４では数分程度の急速な充電が可能であり、同一時間内で待機状態と加熱状態を繰り返した場合、キャパシタを用いた補助電源装置４を使用することにより、加熱立ち上げ時に確実に補助電源装置４から電力を供給することができ、加熱部２を短時間で所定の温度に立ち上げることができる。また、ニッケル−カドミウム電池は充放電の許容繰り返し回数が５００回から１０００回程度であるため、加熱用の補助電源としては寿命が短く、交換の手間やコストが問題となるが、電気二重層キャパシタを用いた補助電源装置４は充放電の許容繰り返し回数が数１００万回以上であるとともに、充放電の繰り返しによる劣化も少なく、さらに、鉛蓄電池のように液交換や補充なども必要がないため、メンテナンスをほとんど必要とせず、長期間安定して使用することができる。 As described above, in the auxiliary power supply using a general nickel-cadmium battery as a secondary battery, it takes a long time of several tens of minutes to several hours even if rapid charging is performed. The device 4 can be charged quickly for several minutes, and when the standby state and the heating state are repeated within the same time, the auxiliary power supply device 4 using a capacitor is used to reliably assist when starting up the heating. Electric power can be supplied from the power supply device 4, and the heating unit 2 can be raised to a predetermined temperature in a short time. In addition, since the nickel-cadmium battery has an allowable number of repetitions of charge / discharge of about 500 to 1000 times, it has a short life as an auxiliary power source for heating, and the trouble and cost of replacement are problematic. Auxiliary power supply device 4 using a battery has an allowable number of repetitions of charge and discharge of several million times or more, and is less susceptible to deterioration due to repeated charge and discharge, and does not require liquid replacement or replenishment unlike lead-acid batteries. It requires little maintenance and can be used stably for a long time.

なお電気二重層キャパシタは、誘電体がなく、個体電極と溶液界面にできるイオンまたは溶媒分子の電荷が集中した電気二重層のイオン吸着層の吸、脱着反応（充、放電）を利用するもので、繰り返し充放電に強くて寿命が長く、メンテナンスの必要がなく、環境にやさしく、しかも他の種のバッテリに比べて充電時間が短く、充放電効率が高く、しかも電圧の検知により残電力がわかりやすい等の優れた特徴を有し、最近では静電容量が数万Ｆ、エネルギ密度が数十ｗｈ／ｋｇという大容量のものも開発され、一層の大容量化が図られつつある。 An electric double layer capacitor does not have a dielectric, and uses the absorption and desorption reactions (charging and discharging) of the ion adsorbing layer of the electric double layer in which the charge of ions or solvent molecules formed at the solid electrode and solution interface is concentrated. Resistant to repeated charging / discharging, long life, no maintenance required, environmentally friendly, shorter charging time compared to other types of batteries, high charging / discharging efficiency, and easy detection of remaining power through voltage detection Recently, a large-capacity capacitor having an electrostatic capacity of tens of thousands of F and an energy density of several tens of wh / kg has been developed, and the capacity is being further increased.

メインスイッチ５は、主電源装置３から主発熱体２ａに供給する電力をオン／オフするものであり、充電器６は、主電源装置３から供給される電力で補助電源装置４のキャパシタＣを充電する。また切替装置７は、補助電源装置４の充電と補助電源装置４からの補助発熱体２ｂに対する電力供給を切りえ替るものである。 The main switch 5 turns on / off the power supplied from the main power supply 3 to the main heating element 2a, and the charger 6 turns on the capacitor C of the auxiliary power supply 4 with the power supplied from the main power supply 3. Charge. The switching device 7 switches charging of the auxiliary power supply 4 and power supply from the auxiliary power supply 4 to the auxiliary heating element 2b.

制御手段８は、スイッチ９とＣＰＵ１０を有し、予め設定された後述する条件で補助電源装置４から補助発熱体２ｂに供給する電力をオン／オフ等させる制御を行う。ただし、図示の制御手段８の構成は、加熱部２の制御を行う部分だけを示す単なる一例であって、画像形成装置全体の制御を行う装置で兼用する等の種々の構成を採用できる。また補助電源装置４に対する制御のための接続形態等も図示の例に限定されない。例えば切替装置７を切り替えてオン／オフ等の制御を行う構成等々種々の形態を採用できる。 The control means 8 has a switch 9 and a CPU 10 and performs control to turn on / off the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply device 4 to the auxiliary heating element 2b under preset conditions described later. However, the configuration of the control means 8 shown in the drawing is merely an example showing only a portion that controls the heating unit 2, and various configurations such as a device that controls the entire image forming apparatus can be employed. Further, the connection form for controlling the auxiliary power supply 4 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, various forms such as a configuration in which the switching device 7 is switched to perform on / off control or the like can be employed.

このような加熱装置１の基本的な動作を説明する。まず待機時には、切替装置７を切り替えて補助電源装置４に充電器６を接続し、補助電源装置４のキャパシタＣを充電しておく。この状態で加熱装置１で加熱部２を加熱するときは、メインスイッチ５をオンにして主電源装置３から主発熱体２ａに電力を供給し、同時に切替装置７を切り替えて補助電源装置４から補助発熱体２ｂに電力を供給し、加熱部２に大容量の電力を供給する。このように加熱部２の加熱を開始するときに、主電源装置３と補助電源装置４の両方から大容量の電力を加熱部２に供給するから、加熱部２を短時間で所定の温度に立ち上げることができる。 The basic operation of such a heating device 1 will be described. First, at the time of standby, the switching device 7 is switched and the charger 6 is connected to the auxiliary power supply device 4 to charge the capacitor C of the auxiliary power supply device 4. When heating the heating unit 2 with the heating device 1 in this state, the main switch 5 is turned on to supply power from the main power supply device 3 to the main heating element 2a, and at the same time, the switching device 7 is switched and the auxiliary power supply device 4 is switched. Electric power is supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b, and a large amount of electric power is supplied to the heating unit 2. Thus, when heating of the heating unit 2 is started, a large amount of power is supplied from both the main power supply device 3 and the auxiliary power supply device 4 to the heating unit 2, so that the heating unit 2 is brought to a predetermined temperature in a short time. Can be launched.

また、補助電源装置４で加熱部２の補助発熱体２ｂに電力を供給して加熱を開始してから予め定めた所定の時間が経過したときに、制御手段８は補助電源装置４から補助発熱体２ｂに供給している電力を遮断して加熱部２の過熱を防止して所定の温度に維持する。補助電源装置４から補助発熱体２ｂに供給する電力は、供給を開始してから時間が経過するにつれて低減する。この供給電力の低減量に応じて、補助電源装置４から補助発熱体２ｂに供給している電力を遮断する時間を定め、供給電力がある程度低減したときに補助電源装置４から補助発熱体２ｂに供給している電力を遮断すると、大電力を供給している状態で遮断するときに発生する周囲回路の各部品の劣化や電磁ノイズを防止することができる。 Further, when a predetermined time elapses after the auxiliary power supply 4 supplies electric power to the auxiliary heating element 2b of the heating unit 2 and starts heating, the control means 8 receives auxiliary heating from the auxiliary power supply 4. The electric power supplied to the body 2b is cut off to prevent overheating of the heating unit 2 and maintained at a predetermined temperature. The power supplied from the auxiliary power supply 4 to the auxiliary heating element 2b decreases as time elapses after the supply is started. A time for cutting off the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply 4 to the auxiliary heating element 2b is determined according to the reduction amount of the supplied power, and when the supply power is reduced to some extent, the auxiliary power supply 4 changes to the auxiliary heating element 2b. When the supplied power is cut off, it is possible to prevent deterioration of each component of the surrounding circuit and electromagnetic noise that occur when cutting off in the state of supplying a large amount of power.

このような構成の定着装置３６に送られたトナー像Ｔが転写された記録媒体Ｐは、定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４１の間に搬送され、一定温度に加熱された定着ローラ４０によりトナーＴを加熱溶融し、記録媒体Ｐにトナー像として定着させる。そのため定着ローラ４０の加熱部２が有する主発熱体２ａと補助発熱体２ｂには主電源装置３と補助電源装置４から電力を供給し、それにより定着ローラ４０の温度を上昇させ、かつ補助電源装置４から供給する電力をオン／オフ制御することにより、定着ローラ４０の温度が高くなりすぎることを防止して、定着温度を一定温度あるいは所望の温度に保ち、または所要の温度変化を示すように制御することにより、トナーＴを安定して加熱溶融させ、良質なトナー像Ｔを記録媒体Ｐに定着させる。また、定着ローラ４０に内蔵した加熱部２の主発熱体２ａと補助発熱体２ｂに主電源装置３と補助電源装置４から電力を供給して定着ローラ４０の温度を上昇させるので、定着ローラ４０の表面温度を所定の定着温度まで迅速に上昇させることができるようになっている。 The recording medium P to which the toner image T sent to the fixing device 36 having such a configuration is transferred is conveyed between the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41, and the toner T is heated by the fixing roller 40 heated to a constant temperature. Is heated and melted and fixed on the recording medium P as a toner image. Therefore, power is supplied from the main power supply device 3 and the auxiliary power supply device 4 to the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b included in the heating unit 2 of the fixing roller 40, thereby increasing the temperature of the fixing roller 40 and the auxiliary power supply. By controlling on / off of the power supplied from the device 4, the temperature of the fixing roller 40 is prevented from becoming too high, and the fixing temperature is kept at a constant temperature or a desired temperature, or a required temperature change is shown. Thus, the toner T is stably heated and melted, and a good quality toner image T is fixed on the recording medium P. Further, since the power is supplied from the main power supply device 3 and the auxiliary power supply device 4 to the main heating element 2a and the auxiliary heating element 2b of the heating unit 2 built in the fixing roller 40, the temperature of the fixing roller 40 is raised. The surface temperature of the toner can be quickly raised to a predetermined fixing temperature.

図４は上記のように構成した画像形成装置の使用電力の変化を示す図（Ａ）とキャパシタＣの電圧変化を示す図（Ｂ）及び（Ｃ）である。待機時にあまり電力を消費していない状態から、画像形成の開始とともに使用電力は上限値まで増大し、画像形成時は上限値から少し少なくなり、その後に待機時の状態へと戻る。一般的には、画像形成時に電力的に余裕がある（図４中にＸで示す）ことを利用して補助電源装置４のキャパシタＣ
を充電している。キャパシタＣの出力電圧は、待機時に最高値を示し、立ち上げ時に定着ローラ４０の加熱のために電力を供給することによって下がり、画像形成時に充電を受けることによって待機時の状態へと復帰する。 FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a change in power consumption of the image forming apparatus configured as described above, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a voltage change of the capacitor C. From the state in which less power is consumed during standby, the power consumption increases to the upper limit with the start of image formation, decreases slightly from the upper limit during image formation, and then returns to the standby state. In general, the capacitor C of the auxiliary power supply 4 is utilized by utilizing the power margin (indicated by X in FIG. 4) during image formation.
Is charging. The output voltage of the capacitor C shows the maximum value during standby, decreases when supplying power for heating the fixing roller 40 during startup, and returns to the standby state when charged during image formation.

図４（Ｂ）において、実線で示すのは画像形成中に充電した場合、一点鎖線で示すのは画像形成直後に充電した場合である。一般的には画像形成直後に充電するが、これは、直前の画像形成を終えた直後に画像形成を行うときにキャパシタＣの充電が完了していないとｃｐｍ（コピー速度）の低下や充電待ち時間が発生し、画像形成装置全体としての機能が低下するためである。すなわち、補助電源装置４から補助発熱体２ｂに供給している電力を遮断したとき、補助電源装置４には十分に充電されていない状態となる。そこで加熱部２の温度が安定して比較的電力を消費しないときに、切替装置７を充電器６側に切り替えて補助電源装置４に充電器６を接続して主電源装置３から供給される電力で補助電源装置４を充電しておく。そして加熱部２に再度多量の電力を供給する必要があるとき、主電源装置３とともに補助電源装置４から電力を供給して加熱部２に多量のエネルギを供給する。さらに図４（Ｃ）は、連続通紙中の電力供給が不足して定着ローラ温度が低下するのを防ぐ用途にキャパシタＣを使用した場合である。一般的には立ち上げ直後には装置全体が冷えているため電力が不足しやすいため、連続通紙中にキャパシタＣからの給電を行う。これにより、連続通紙中に定着ローラ温度が回復するまでのｃｐｍダウンや停止などの生産性低下を防ぐことが可能となる。 In FIG. 4B, the solid line indicates charging when image formation is performed, and the alternate long and short dash line indicates charging immediately after image formation. Generally, charging is performed immediately after image formation. This is because, when image formation is performed immediately after the previous image formation is completed, if charging of the capacitor C is not completed, cpm (copy speed) decreases or charging waits. This is because time is generated and the function of the entire image forming apparatus is deteriorated. That is, when the power supplied from the auxiliary power supply 4 to the auxiliary heating element 2b is cut off, the auxiliary power supply 4 is not sufficiently charged. Therefore, when the temperature of the heating unit 2 is stable and relatively no power is consumed, the switching device 7 is switched to the charger 6 side, and the charger 6 is connected to the auxiliary power supply 4 to be supplied from the main power supply 3. The auxiliary power supply 4 is charged with electric power. When it is necessary to supply a large amount of power again to the heating unit 2, a large amount of energy is supplied to the heating unit 2 by supplying power from the auxiliary power supply device 4 together with the main power supply device 3. Further, FIG. 4C shows a case where the capacitor C is used for the purpose of preventing the fixing roller temperature from being lowered due to insufficient power supply during continuous paper feeding. In general, immediately after start-up, the entire apparatus is cold, so that power is likely to be insufficient. Therefore, power is supplied from the capacitor C during continuous paper feeding. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in productivity such as cpm down or stop until the fixing roller temperature recovers during continuous paper feeding.

図５は、定着ローラ４０の温度変化を示す図である。待機時には低温で、立ち上げ時には上述のような両発熱体２ａ、２ｂの発熱によって所定の定着温度（図では１８０℃）まで上昇し、画像形成中はほぼ定着温度に保たれ、画像形成動作の終了とともに徐々に低下していくという過程をとる。このとき、定着ローラ４０の温度は環境条件によって室温（画像形成装置を設置した場所の温度）または画像形成装置内温度にまで低下する。 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a temperature change of the fixing roller 40. At the time of standby, the temperature is low, and at the time of start-up, the heat generated by both the heat generating elements 2a and 2b rises to a predetermined fixing temperature (180 ° C. in the figure), and is maintained at a substantially fixing temperature during image formation. Take the process of gradually decreasing with the end. At this time, the temperature of the fixing roller 40 decreases to room temperature (the temperature at the place where the image forming apparatus is installed) or the temperature inside the image forming apparatus depending on environmental conditions.

ところで、キャパシタＣを放電停止電圧まで放電すると、当然ながら充電を行って次の放電に備える必要がある。また長時間装置を使用しないとキャパシタＣの電圧は自然放電によって低下し、装置の立ち上がりに時間がかかってしまうため、キャパシタＣの電圧を自動的に検知して自動的に充電する等の手法が採用されているが、いずれにしてもキャパシタＣを放電可能にするには、所定の最低電圧まで充電する必要がある。充電に要する時間は数十秒ないし２分程度の短時間程度ではあるが、その間キャパシタＣは使用できない。 By the way, when the capacitor C is discharged to the discharge stop voltage, it is naturally necessary to perform charging and prepare for the next discharge. If the device is not used for a long time, the voltage of the capacitor C decreases due to spontaneous discharge, and it takes time to start up the device. Therefore, there is a method of automatically detecting the voltage of the capacitor C and charging it automatically. In any case, in order to make the capacitor C dischargeable, it is necessary to charge to a predetermined minimum voltage. Although the time required for charging is about several tens of seconds to about 2 minutes, the capacitor C cannot be used during that time.

そこで本発明は、この充電時間を短くするために、キャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。ただし、単に可変させるのではなく、加熱装置１の状況に関わる情報、換言すれば加熱装置１自体や、これを用いている定着装置３６や画像形成装置に関する温度等の情報を検知し、検知情報に応じてキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。 Therefore, the present invention varies the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C in order to shorten the charging time. However, it is not merely variable, but information relating to the status of the heating device 1, in other words, information such as the temperature relating to the heating device 1 itself, the fixing device 36 using the same, and the image forming apparatus is detected, and the detection information. In response to this, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is varied.

図６は、上述した画像形成装置において定着ローラ４０の加熱に用いるキャパシタＣの、放電停止状態から充電開始、満充電（充電停止）、放電による電圧低下に至る電圧変化を示す。図示の例のキャパシタＣは、満充電時の電圧が５０Ｖとなっており、充電途中に電圧が３０Ｖ以上になれば放電可能となっているが、本発明は、この例においては３０Ｖとした放電可能電圧を、種々の条件に応じて制御手段８により可変させるものである。もちろん上述の電圧値は単なる一例であり、例えば満充電時４５Ｖ、放電可能最低電圧３２Ｖ、放電停止電圧２０Ｖ等の構成もあり、本発明はこの例に限定されない。また充電開始ｔ１から放電可能最低電圧到達時点ｔ２までは例えば１分弱、満充電（充電停止）時ｔ３までは２分以内（１〜１．５分）などであるが、これも単なる一例である。 FIG. 6 shows a voltage change of the capacitor C used for heating the fixing roller 40 in the image forming apparatus described above, from a discharge stop state to a charge start, full charge (charge stop), and a voltage drop due to discharge. The capacitor C in the illustrated example has a voltage of 50 V when fully charged, and can be discharged when the voltage becomes 30 V or more during charging. However, in the present example, the capacitor C is discharged at 30 V. The possible voltage is varied by the control means 8 according to various conditions. Of course, the voltage values described above are merely examples, and there are configurations such as 45 V when fully charged, a minimum dischargeable voltage of 32 V, and a discharge stop voltage of 20 V, and the present invention is not limited to this example. Also, for example, it is less than 1 minute from the start of charging t1 to the time t2 when the lowest dischargeable voltage is reached, and within 2 minutes (1 to 1.5 minutes) until t3 when fully charged (stopped charging). is there.

＜主電源装置の電圧値対応の実施例＞ キャパシタＣの放電可能電圧を可変させる条件となる情報としては、主電源装置３の電圧値とすることができる。主電源装置３の電圧値を検出する電圧検出手段としては公知の種々の手段を採用すればよい。制御手段８は、主電源装置３の電圧検出値の変化に応じてキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。 <Example of Main Power Device Corresponding to Voltage Value> Information serving as a condition for varying the dischargeable voltage of the capacitor C may be the voltage value of the main power device 3. Various known means may be employed as voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage value of the main power supply device 3. The control means 8 varies the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C in accordance with the change in the voltage detection value of the main power supply device 3.

例えば、主電源装置３の電圧値が所定の値より高い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を下げる。主電源装置３の電圧が高ければ主電源装置３の給電量が大きいと判断できる。そのような場合にはキャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量は小さくても良い。そこで、放電開始を可能にする最低充電電圧を可変にして、必要な電力が小さくて良い場合には電圧を下げることにより、充電時間を短縮する。なお充電時間を短縮することは、換言すれば、通常であれば充電途中の状態であっても放電可能とすることで充電時間の短縮化を実現しているものであり、以下の実施例においても同様である。 For example, when the voltage value of the main power supply device 3 is higher than a predetermined value, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is lowered. If the voltage of the main power supply 3 is high, it can be determined that the power supply amount of the main power supply 3 is large. In such a case, the amount of power supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b by discharging the capacitor C may be small. Therefore, the charging time can be shortened by making the minimum charging voltage that enables the start of discharging variable and reducing the voltage when the required power is small. In addition, shortening the charging time is, in other words, realizing the shortening of the charging time by enabling discharge even in a normal charging state. Is the same.

またこれとは逆に、主電源装置３の電圧値が所定の値より低い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を上げる。主電源装置３の電圧が低ければ主電源装置３の給電量が小さいと判断できるので、そのような場合にはキャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量を大きくしないと、定着ローラ４０の温度が十分に上昇せず、定着装置３６における画像の定着不良が発生し得るためである。なおこのような制御は、主電源装置３が交流電源であるか、直流電源であるかにかかわらず可能である。またなお、所定の電圧値は実験等により適宜定めるようにすればよい。以下に説明する各実施例においても所定の値については本例と同様である。 On the other hand, when the voltage value of the main power supply device 3 is lower than a predetermined value, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is increased. If the voltage of the main power supply device 3 is low, it can be determined that the power supply amount of the main power supply device 3 is small. In such a case, unless the power supply amount to the auxiliary heating element 2b due to the discharge of the capacitor C is increased, the fixing roller 40 This is because the temperature of the fixing device 36 does not rise sufficiently and an image fixing failure in the fixing device 36 may occur. Such control is possible regardless of whether the main power supply 3 is an AC power supply or a DC power supply. It should be noted that the predetermined voltage value may be appropriately determined by experiments or the like. In each of the embodiments described below, the predetermined value is the same as in this example.

＜加圧ローラの温度対応の実施例＞ キャパシタＣの放電可能電圧を可変させる条件となる情報としては、定着ローラ４０に対する加圧部材である加圧ローラ４１の温度とすることができる。加圧ローラ４１の温度を検出する温度検出手段としては公知の種々の温度センサ等の手段を採用すればよい。制御手段８は、加圧ローラ４１の温度の変化に応じてキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。 <Example of Corresponding to Temperature of Pressure Roller> As information that becomes a condition for changing the dischargeable voltage of the capacitor C, the temperature of the pressure roller 41 that is a pressure member for the fixing roller 40 can be used. As temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the pressure roller 41, means such as various known temperature sensors may be employed. The control means 8 varies the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C according to the temperature change of the pressure roller 41.

例えば、加圧ローラ４１の温度が所定の値より高い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を下げる。例えば画像形成装置に連続通紙を行って連続的に画像形成を行った場合、加圧ローラ４１の温度も十分に高くなる。そのような場合には、定着ローラ４０の熱が加圧ローラ４１に奪われる量が少ないため、キャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量は小さくても良い。そこで、放電開始を可能にする最低充電電圧を可変にして、必要な電力が小さくて良い場合には電圧を下げることにより、充電時間を短縮する。 For example, when the temperature of the pressure roller 41 is higher than a predetermined value, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is lowered. For example, when continuous image formation is performed by continuously passing paper through the image forming apparatus, the temperature of the pressure roller 41 becomes sufficiently high. In such a case, since the amount of heat from the fixing roller 40 taken away by the pressure roller 41 is small, the amount of power supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b by the discharge of the capacitor C may be small. Therefore, the charging time can be shortened by making the minimum charging voltage that enables the start of discharging variable and reducing the voltage when the required power is small.

また逆に、加圧ローラ４１の温度が所定の値より低い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を上げる。加圧ローラ４１の温度が低い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量を大きくしないと、定着ローラ４０の熱が加圧ローラ４１の温度を上昇させるために消費され、定着ローラ４０の温度が十分に上昇せず、定着装置３６における画像の定着不良が発生し得るためである。 Conversely, when the temperature of the pressure roller 41 is lower than a predetermined value, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is increased. When the temperature of the pressure roller 41 is low, unless the amount of power supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b due to the discharge of the capacitor C is increased, the heat of the fixing roller 40 is consumed to increase the temperature of the pressure roller 41, and fixing. This is because the temperature of the roller 40 does not rise sufficiently and an image fixing failure in the fixing device 36 may occur.

＜環境温度対応の実施例＞ キャパシタＣの放電可能電圧を可変させる条件となる情報としては、加熱装置１、定着装置３６、画像形成装置の環境温度、例えば定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４１のニップ温度等とすることができる。もちろん、定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４１のニップ部Ｎの温度は計測しにくい面もあるので、本実施例での環境温度とは、加熱装置１、定着装置３６あるいは画像形成装置の内部温度だけでなく、これら装置の外部温度も対象とすることができる。いずれにしても、そのような温度が定着装置３６における画像の定着に影響を与える、あるいは与え得ると考えられるものすべてを情報検知の対象とすることができ、制御手段８は、環境温度の変化に応じてキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。 <Embodiment corresponding to environmental temperature> Information that becomes a condition for changing the dischargeable voltage of the capacitor C includes the environmental temperature of the heating device 1, the fixing device 36, and the image forming apparatus, for example, the nip between the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41. It can be a temperature or the like. Of course, since the temperature of the nip portion N between the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41 is difficult to measure, the environmental temperature in this embodiment is only the internal temperature of the heating device 1, the fixing device 36, or the image forming apparatus. In addition, the external temperature of these devices can also be targeted. In any case, it is possible to set information detection targets for all such temperatures that affect or are thought to affect image fixing in the fixing device 36, and the control means 8 can change the environmental temperature. In response to this, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is varied.

例えば、環境温度が所定の値より高い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を下げて充電時間を短縮し、低い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を上げる。環境温度が上述のようなものであれば、それが高ければ定着ローラ４０への給電量が小さくても良く、低ければ定着不良を防止するためにキャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量を大きくする。なおその理由については、先の加圧ローラの温度対応の例と同様である。 For example, when the environmental temperature is higher than a predetermined value, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is reduced to shorten the charging time, and when it is low, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is increased. If the environmental temperature is as described above, the power supply amount to the fixing roller 40 may be small if it is high, and if it is low, the power supply to the auxiliary heating element 2b by discharging the capacitor C in order to prevent fixing failure. Increase the amount. The reason for this is the same as in the previous example for the temperature of the pressure roller.

＜画像形成ジョブの内容対応の実施例１＞ キャパシタＣの放電可能電圧を可変させる条件となる情報としては、定着装置３６における前回のジョブでの定着通紙枚数とすることができる。定着通紙枚数を検知する手段としては通紙カウンタ等の公知の種々の手段を採用すればよい。制御手段８は、定着通紙枚数値に応じてキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。 <Embodiment 1 Corresponding to Contents of Image Forming Job> Information that becomes a condition for changing the dischargeable voltage of the capacitor C may be the number of sheets to be fixed in a previous job in the fixing device 36. As a means for detecting the number of sheets that have been fixed, various known means such as a paper passing counter may be employed. The control means 8 varies the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C according to the fixed sheet passing sheet value.

例えば、定着装置３６における前回のジョブにおける通紙枚数が所定の値より多い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を下げる。前回ジョブでの通紙枚数が多ければ、加圧ローラ４１の温度も十分に高くなっているので、先の加圧ローラの温度対応の例と同様に、キャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量は小さくても良く、充電時間を短縮できる。 For example, when the number of sheets to be passed in the previous job in the fixing device 36 is larger than a predetermined value, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is lowered. If the number of sheets passed in the previous job is large, the temperature of the pressure roller 41 is sufficiently high, so that the auxiliary heating element 2b due to the discharge of the capacitor C is discharged as in the previous example corresponding to the temperature of the pressure roller. The amount of power supplied can be small, and the charging time can be shortened.

＜画像形成ジョブの内容対応の実施例２＞ キャパシタＣの放電可能電圧を可変させる条件となる情報としては、定着装置３６における前回ジョブと今回ジョブとの時間間隔とすることができる。ジョブ間の時間間隔を検知する手段としてはタイマー等の公知の種々の手段を採用すればよい。制御手段８は、ジョブの時間間隔に応じてキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。例えば、ジョブ時間間隔が所定の値より短い場合にはキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を下げる。ジョブ時間間隔が短ければ加圧ローラ４１の温度が高くなっていて、先の加圧ローラの温度対応の例と同様に、キャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量は小さくても良く、充電時間を短縮できる。 <Example 2 Corresponding to Contents of Image Forming Job> Information serving as a condition for changing the dischargeable voltage of the capacitor C can be a time interval between the previous job and the current job in the fixing device 36. Various known means such as a timer may be employed as means for detecting the time interval between jobs. The control means 8 varies the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C according to the job time interval. For example, when the job time interval is shorter than a predetermined value, the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C is lowered. If the job time interval is short, the temperature of the pressure roller 41 is high, and the amount of power supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b due to the discharge of the capacitor C may be small as in the previous example corresponding to the temperature of the pressure roller. , Can shorten the charging time.

＜画像形成ジョブの内容対応の実施例３＞ キャパシタＣの放電可能電圧を可変させる条件となる情報としては、定着装置３６における前回ジョブの稼働時間とすることができる。ジョブ稼働時間を検知する手段としてはタイマー等の公知の種々の手段を採用すればよい。制御手段８は、前回ジョブの稼働時間に応じてキャパシタＣの放電開始可能電圧を可変させる。例えば、定着装置３６における前回ジョブ稼働時間が所定の値より長い場合には加圧ローラ４１の温度が高くなっていて、これも先の加圧ローラの温度対応の例と同様に、キャパシタＣの放電による補助発熱体２ｂへの給電量は小さくても良く、充電時間を短縮できる。 <Embodiment 3 Corresponding to Contents of Image Forming Job> Information serving as a condition for changing the dischargeable voltage of the capacitor C can be the operation time of the previous job in the fixing device 36. Various known means such as a timer may be employed as means for detecting the job operating time. The control means 8 varies the discharge startable voltage of the capacitor C according to the operation time of the previous job. For example, when the previous job operating time in the fixing device 36 is longer than a predetermined value, the temperature of the pressure roller 41 is high, and this is also the case of the capacitor C as in the example corresponding to the temperature of the previous pressure roller. The amount of power supplied to the auxiliary heating element 2b by discharging may be small, and the charging time can be shortened.

なお上述してきた各種の対応実施例については、単独であっても他と組み合わせてもいずれでも実施できる。また各実施例においては、キャパシタＣの放電可能電圧を可変させる制御を加熱装置１が備える制御手段８により行うようにしているが、本発明はこれに限定されず、定着装置３６あるいはこれを備える画像形成装置側に制御手段を備えて、これによって放電可能電圧の制御を行っても良く、またいずれの場合についても放電電圧制御のための専用の制御手段を備えても、あるいは他の制御手段を兼用するようにしても、いずれでもよく、図示の例には限定されない。 The various corresponding embodiments described above can be implemented either alone or in combination with others. Further, in each embodiment, control for varying the dischargeable voltage of the capacitor C is performed by the control means 8 provided in the heating device 1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixing device 36 or the same is provided. A control unit may be provided on the image forming apparatus side to control the dischargeable voltage. In any case, a dedicated control unit for controlling the discharge voltage may be provided, or other control unit. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

またなお、以上説明してきた実施例では、二つのローラ、すなわち定着ローラ４０と加圧ローラ４１によってニップ部Ｎを形成しているが、本発明の定着装置及びこれを用いた画像形成装置は、このような構成に限定されず、ローラとベルト、ベルトとベルトによりニップ部Ｎを形成するもの等、記録媒体Ｐが被加熱体と摺接または近接して通過するタイプ等種々の構成のものが採用可能である。また、本発明が図示のタイプの画像形成装置に限定されるものではなく、例えば感光体がドラム状ではなくベルトタイプのもの、中間転写ベルトを用いるカラー画像形成装置等々の種々のタイプの装置に適用可能である。さらには、補助電源装置としてキャパシタを用いたものだ
けでなく、二次電池を用いたものでも前記課題がより深刻であるとともに、前記構成により解決が図れるため、キャパシタ補助電源装置に限定するものではない。なお、二次電池のように出力電圧がほぼ一定のデバイスの場合は、図４（Ｂ）、（Ｃ）の縦軸はキャパシタ電圧でなく、残蓄電量となる。 In the embodiment described above, the nip portion N is formed by two rollers, that is, the fixing roller 40 and the pressure roller 41. However, the fixing device of the present invention and the image forming apparatus using the same are as follows. The present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and there are various configurations such as a type in which the recording medium P is slidably in contact with or close to the heated body, such as a roller and belt, a belt and a belt forming a nip portion N It can be adopted. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated type of image forming apparatus. For example, the photosensitive member is not a drum but a belt type, and a color image forming apparatus using an intermediate transfer belt. Applicable. Furthermore, the problem is more serious not only in the case of using a capacitor as an auxiliary power supply device but also in the case of using a secondary battery, and the solution can be achieved by the above configuration. Absent. Note that in the case of a device with a substantially constant output voltage such as a secondary battery, the vertical axis in FIGS. 4B and 4C is not the capacitor voltage but the remaining power storage amount.

本発明に係る画像形成装置の実施形態を示す概念的断面図1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 図１の画像形成装置に用いる本発明の実施形態に係る定着装置の構成を示す概念的断面図1 is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention used in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 本発明に係る加熱装置の一実施形態の構成を示す回路図The circuit diagram which shows the structure of one Embodiment of the heating apparatus which concerns on this invention 図１の画像形成装置の使用電力の変化を示す図（Ａ）とキャパシタＣの電圧変化を示す図（Ｂ）、（Ｃ）FIG. 1A shows a change in power consumption of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B shows a voltage change in a capacitor C. 定着ローラの温度変化を示す図Diagram showing temperature change of fixing roller キャパシタの、放電停止状態から充電開始、満充電（充電停止）、放電による電圧低下に至る電圧変化を示す図A diagram showing the voltage change of a capacitor from the discharge stop state to charge start, full charge (charge stop), and voltage drop due to discharge

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１：加熱装置２：加熱部２ａ：主発熱体２ｂ：補助発熱体３：主電源装置４：補助電源装置５：メインスイッチ６：充電器７：切替装置８：制御手段９：スイッチ１０：ＣＰＵ１１：読み取りユニット１２：画像形成部１３：自動原稿搬送装置（ＡＤＦ）１４：原稿排紙トレイ１５、１６、１７、１８：給紙カセット１９：給紙部２０：排紙トレイ２１：原稿台２５：読み取り装置３０：感光体３１：帯電装置３２：書き込みユニット３３：現像装置３４：転写装置３５：クリーニング装置３６：定着装置３７：排出ローラ対４０：定着ローラ４１：加圧ローラＣ：キャパシタＤ：原稿Ｐ：記録媒体Ｔ：トナーＮ：ニップ部 1: heating device 2: heating unit 2a: main heating element 2b: auxiliary heating element 3: main power supply device 4: auxiliary power supply device 5: main switch 6: charger 7: switching device 8: control means 9: switch 10: CPU 11 : Reading unit 12: Image forming unit 13: Automatic document feeder (ADF) 14: Document discharge trays 15, 16, 17, 18: Paper feed cassette 19: Paper feed unit 20: Paper discharge tray 21: Document table 25: Reading device 30: photoreceptor 31: charging device 32: writing unit 33: developing device 34: transfer device 35: cleaning device 36: fixing device 37: discharge roller pair 40: fixing roller 41: pressure roller C: capacitor D: document P: Recording medium T: Toner N: Nip part

Claims (15)

加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
前記主電源装置の電圧値を検知する電圧検知手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記電圧検知手段が検知した前記主電源装置の電圧値が所定値より高い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
Voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage value of the main power supply device;
When the voltage value of the main power supply detected by the voltage detection means is higher than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. The image forming apparatus is characterized by lowering a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage . 加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
前記主電源装置の電圧値を検知する電圧検知手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記電圧検知手段が検知した前記主電源装置の電圧値が所定値より低い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
Voltage detecting means for detecting a voltage value of the main power supply device ;
When the voltage value of the main power supply device detected by the voltage detection means is lower than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. The image forming apparatus characterized by increasing a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage . 加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
前記定着装置に備えられた加圧部材の温度を検知する温度検知手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記温度検知手段が検知した前記加圧部材の温度が所定値より高い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the pressure member provided in the fixing device ;
When the temperature of the pressurizing member detected by the temperature detecting means is higher than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. An image forming apparatus characterized by lowering a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage . 加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
前記定着装置に備えられた加圧部材の温度を検知する温度検知手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記温度検知手段が検知した前記加圧部材の温度が所定値より低い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
Comprising a temperature detection knowledge means for detection known temperature of the pressure member provided in the fixing device,
When the temperature of the pressurizing member detected by the temperature detecting means is lower than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage. An image forming apparatus characterized by increasing a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage . 加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
画像形成装置の内部又は外部の環境温度を検知する環境温度検知手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記環境温度検知手段が検知した前記環境温度が所定値より高い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
Environmental temperature detection means for detecting the internal or external environmental temperature of the image forming apparatus ,
When the environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detection means is higher than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage , An image forming apparatus, wherein a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage is lowered . 加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
画像形成装置の内部又は外部の環境温度を検知する環境温度検知手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記環境温度検知手段が検知した前記環境温度が所定値より低い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
With an environmental temperature detecting means for detecting an internal or external environmental temperature of images forming device,
When the environmental temperature detected by the environmental temperature detection means is lower than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage , An image forming apparatus characterized by increasing a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the power storage device is not charged to the charge target voltage . 加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
前回のジョブでの定着通紙枚数を検出する通紙枚数検出手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記通紙枚数検知手段が検知した通紙枚数が所定値より多い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
A sheet passing number detecting means for detecting the number of sheets that have been fixed in the previous job;
When there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, if the number of sheets passed by the sheet passing number detection means is greater than a predetermined value, It said power storage device image forming apparatus comprising the Rukoto lowers the firing voltage capable to enable discharge without being charged to the charging target voltage. 加熱部を有する定着装置と、
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、
前回のジョブでの定着通紙枚数を検出する通紙枚数検出手段を備え、
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記通紙枚数検知手段が検知した通紙枚数が所定値より少ない場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。 A fixing device having a heating unit;
A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby ,
A sheet passing number detecting means for detecting the number of sheets that have been fixed in the previous job;
When there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, when the number of passing sheets detected by the sheet passing number detecting means is less than a predetermined value, said power storage device image forming apparatus according to claim resulting in higher discharge start voltage capable to enable discharge without being charged to the charging target voltage. 加熱部を有する定着装置と、A fixing device having a heating unit;
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby,
前回ジョブと今回ジョブとの時間間隔を検知する検知手段を備え、It has a detection means to detect the time interval between the previous job and the current job,
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記検知手段が検知した前記時間間隔が所定値より長い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。When the time interval detected by the detection means is longer than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charge target voltage, the power storage device An image forming apparatus characterized by lowering a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even if the battery is not charged to the charge target voltage. 加熱部を有する定着装置と、A fixing device having a heating unit;
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby,
前回ジョブと今回ジョブとの時間間隔を検知する検知手段を備え、It has a detection means to detect the time interval between the previous job and the current job,
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記検知手段が検知した前記時間間隔が所定値より短い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。When the time interval detected by the detection means is shorter than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, the power storage device An image forming apparatus characterized by increasing a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even if the battery is not charged up to the charge target voltage. 加熱部を有する定着装置と、A fixing device having a heating unit;
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby,
前回ジョブの稼働時間を検知する稼働時間検知手段を備え、It has an operating time detection means to detect the operating time of the previous job,
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記稼働時間検知手段が検知した稼働時間が所定値より長い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を下げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。When the operating time detected by the operating time detecting means is longer than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit during charging while charging the power storage device to the charging target voltage, the power storage An image forming apparatus, wherein a voltage capable of starting discharge is lowered to enable discharge even when the apparatus is not charged to the target charging voltage. 加熱部を有する定着装置と、A fixing device having a heating unit;
前記加熱部に電力を供給する主電源装置と、A main power supply for supplying power to the heating unit;
前記加熱部への最大の供給電力を主電源装置のみの場合よりも高める補助電源装置と、を有し、An auxiliary power supply device that increases the maximum supply power to the heating unit as compared with the case of only the main power supply device,
前記補助電源装置が、待機時において前記主電源装置から充電目標電圧まで充電される蓄電装置を備える画像形成装置において、In the image forming apparatus provided with a power storage device in which the auxiliary power device is charged from the main power device to a charging target voltage during standby,
前回ジョブの稼働時間を検知する稼働時間検知手段を備え、It has an operating time detection means to detect the operating time of the previous job,
前記蓄電装置を前記充電目標電圧まで充電している充電途中に前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記稼働時間検知手段が検知した稼働時間が所定値より短い場合には、前記蓄電装置が前記充電目標電圧まで充電されていなくても放電を可能にする放電開始可能電圧を上げることを特徴とする画像形成装置。When the operating time detected by the operating time detecting means is shorter than a predetermined value when there is a request to heat the heating unit while charging the power storage device to the target charging voltage, the power storage An image forming apparatus characterized by increasing a discharge startable voltage that enables discharge even when the apparatus is not charged to the charge target voltage. 請求項１乃至１２のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
前記加熱部を加熱させる要求があったときに、前記蓄電装置の充電電圧が前記放電開始可能電圧以上の場合には、前記蓄電装置を放電させることを特徴とする画像形成装置。An image forming apparatus, wherein when there is a request to heat the heating unit, if the charging voltage of the power storage device is equal to or higher than the discharge startable voltage, the power storage device is discharged. 請求項１乃至１２のいずれか１項に記載の画像形成装置において、The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
前記蓄電装置がキャパシタであることを特徴とする画像形成装置。An image forming apparatus, wherein the power storage device is a capacitor. 請求項１４に記載の画像形成装置において、The image forming apparatus according to claim 14.
前記キャパシタが電気二重層キャパシタであることを特徴とする画像形成装置。An image forming apparatus, wherein the capacitor is an electric double layer capacitor.
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