JP5768584B2 - Fixing apparatus, image forming apparatus, fixing control method, and fixing control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, a fixing control method, and a fixing control program, and more specifically, a recording agent image transferred onto a recording medium by a fixing member that is rotated and heated. The present invention relates to a fixing device for fixing on a medium, an image forming apparatus equipped with the fixing device, a fixing control method, and a fixing control program.

  Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a recording agent such as toner (hereinafter simply referred to as toner) is attached to a photoreceptor on which an electrostatic latent image is formed based on image data, and a toner image. A recording agent image (hereinafter simply referred to as a toner image) is formed, and the toner image is transferred from the photoreceptor onto a recording medium (hereinafter simply referred to as a paper) such as paper. The sheet with the image transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit.

  The fixing unit generally includes a heating member such as a fixing heater and is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by the heating member, and is also referred to as a fixing roller (hereinafter simply referred to as a fixing roller) that is driven to rotate. ) And a pressure member such as a pressure roller that is pressed against the fixing roller and rotates with the fixing roller (hereinafter simply referred to as a pressure roller), and the sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is added to the fixing roller. When the sheet is conveyed to the contact portion with the pressure roller, the sheet is heated while being nipped between the fixing roller and the pressure roller, and the toner image on the sheet is fixed to the sheet.

  The fixing unit separates the sheet on which the fixing has been completed from the fixing roller by a separation claw that contacts the fixing roller at a downstream side in the rotation direction from the contact portion of the fixing roller with the pressure roller, and sends the sheet to a paper discharge tray or the like.

  For example, conventionally, a separation assisting member (separation claw) that is detachable from the fixing rotator (fixing roller) and separates the recording medium (paper) from the fixing rotator is brought into contact with the recording medium conveyed to the fixing rotator. A fixing device including a transmission member that transmits a force received from the recording medium to the separation assisting member and shifts from a standby posture not in contact with the fixing rotator to a contact posture in contact with the fixing rotator is proposed. (See Patent Document 1).

  That is, in this prior art, the separation claw is brought into contact with the fixing roller while the transmission member receives a force from the sheet, that is, while the sheet passes through the position of the transmission member.

  However, in the prior art described in the above publication, since the separation claw is in contact with the fixing roller while the sheet passes through the position of the transmission member, the sheet passes through the position of the transmission member. The paper can be separated from the fixing roller by bringing the separation claw into contact with the fixing roller, but the interval between the trailing edge of the paper passing the position of the transmission member and the position of the separation claw. In addition, when an abnormal state in which the conveyance of the paper stops, for example, an abnormal state such as a power supply stop state of the image forming apparatus due to a power failure or a power switch off operation, a paper jam, etc. occurs, Even if the abnormality occurs and the sheet conveyance system stops, the rotation is continued after a predetermined time due to inertia.

  That is, at this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the separation claw 101 is separated from the fixing roller 102, and the rear end of the sheet 103 is not separated from the fixing roller 102. As a result, the sheet 103 sticks to the surface of the fixing roller 102 due to the adhesive force of the melted toner, and is not separated from the fixing roller 102 from the middle of the sheet 103, but the separation claw 101 and the fixing roller separated from the fixing roller 102. 102, and is wound around the fixing roller 102. As a result, even if the paper 103 is taken out, not only is the wrinkle or image quality deteriorated, but the paper may damage the mechanism that drives the separation claw 101. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 104 denotes a pressure roller that rotates in contact with the fixing roller 102.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to appropriately separate a recording medium from a fixing member even when an abnormality accompanied with a stop of conveyance of the recording medium occurs during a fixing operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the fixing device according to claim 1 is a fixing member that is heated and rotated to a predetermined fixing temperature, and a pressure that is rotated in contact with the fixing member to form a predetermined nip portion. And a separating member for separating the recording medium that has passed through the nip portion from the fixing member with the separation leading end being in contact with the fixing member, the separation leading end being in contact with the fixing member. The contact direction urging means for urging the separation tip of the separation member in a direction to contact the fixing member with a predetermined urging force; and the separation force against the urging force of the contact direction urging means. Separating means for separating the separation leading end portion of the separating member by a predetermined amount from the fixing member, recording medium detecting means for detecting the recording medium to which the recording agent image conveyed to the nip portion is transferred, and the recording target The medium detecting means is When a recording medium is detected, at least a separation period until the recording medium passes through a contact position between the separation tip portion of the separation member and the fixing member invalidates the separation force of the separation unit, and When the separation leading end is brought into contact with the fixing member by the urging force of the contact direction urging means, and at least an abnormality in which the conveyance of the recording medium is stopped occurs in the separation period, the predetermined contact time only. And a separation control means for continuing the contact of the separation tip with the fixing member by the urging force of the contact direction urging means.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately separate the recording medium from the fixing member even when an abnormality accompanied with the stop of conveyance of the recording medium occurs during the fixing operation.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a fixing unit in a state where a separation claw is separated from a fixing roller. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a fixing unit in a state where a separation claw is in contact with a fixing roller. The principal part perspective view of a fixing | fixed part. The schematic block diagram of the fixing | fixed part which charges a storage battery with a solar cell. 5 is a flowchart showing fixing control processing. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating winding of a sheet around a fixing roller.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, since the Example described below is a suitable Example of this invention, various technically preferable restrictions are attached | subjected, However, The range of this invention is unduly limited by the following description. However, not all the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

  1 to 6 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, a fixing control method, and a fixing control program according to the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a fixing device, an image forming apparatus, and a fixing control according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 to which an embodiment of a method and a fixing control program are applied.

  In FIG. 1, a color image forming apparatus 1 stores a paper feeding unit 10, a transport unit 20, an image forming unit 30, a control board 50, a fixing unit 60, and the like in a main body housing 2. In addition, a paper discharge tray 3 is provided.

  The paper supply unit 10 includes a paper supply tray 11, a paper supply roller 12, a separation pad (not shown), and the like, and a plurality of sheets P are stored in the paper supply tray 11. The paper feed unit 10 separates the paper P in the paper feed tray 11 one by one by the paper feed roller 12 and the separation pad, and sends the paper P to the transport unit 20.

  The conveyance unit 20 includes a registration roller 22, a secondary transfer roller 23, a fixing unit 60, a paper discharge roller 24, and the like disposed on the paper conveyance path 21, and is conveyed to the registration roller 22 (not illustrated). A registration sensor for detecting the sheet P, a sheet discharge sensor for detecting the sheet P conveyed to the sheet discharge roller 24, and the like, and a plurality of conveyance rollers (not shown) are disposed. The conveyance unit 20 conveys the paper P sent out from the paper supply unit 10 to the registration roller 22 on the paper conveyance path 21 by the conveyance roller, and after the registration roller 22 stops conveyance of the temporary paper P, The sheet P is sent to the secondary transfer roller 23 by being driven in accordance with the toner image formation timing in the image forming unit 30.

  The secondary transfer roller 23 is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 to transfer a color toner image generated by an image forming unit 30 to be described later to the sheet P by a transfer voltage, and the sheet P after the transfer is fixed to the fixing unit. To 60.

  As will be described later, the fixing unit 60 fixes the toner image on the paper P onto the paper P and sends it to the paper discharge roller 24, and the paper discharge roller 24 puts the fixed paper P onto the paper discharge tray 3. Discharge.

  The image forming unit (image forming unit) 30 is a so-called tandem type image forming unit, which is an endless belt-like ring-shaped intermediate transfer belt 31 stretched in a substantially horizontal direction. The process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K for the respective colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), which are arranged side by side, the exposure unit 33, and the belt cleaner 34. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is stretched between a secondary transfer driving roller 36 and a tension roller 37. The color image forming apparatus 1 is provided with transfer rollers 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K for CMYK colors corresponding to the process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K with the intermediate transfer belt 31 interposed therebetween.

  Each of the process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K is a so-called AIO (all-in-one) type cartridge, and is charged around the photoreceptors 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K that are driven to rotate clockwise in FIG. Rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K, developing / toner storage units 43Y, 43M, 43C, 43K, cleaning units 44Y, 44M, 44C, 44K, etc. are stored in a cartridge case (not shown). Each of the process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K has the photoconductors 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K facing the transfer rollers 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K for each color with the intermediate transfer belt 31 interposed therebetween. The photosensitive drums 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K of the process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K and the transfer roller 38Y are mounted in the main body housing 2 of the color image forming apparatus 1 in a state where they can contact the transfer belt 31. , 38M, 38C, 38K, the intermediate transfer belt 31 is conveyed. The transfer rollers 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K are used to transfer the toner images on the photoconductors 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K to the intermediate transfer belt 31, but the transfer rollers 38Y, 38M at the transfer operation timing are used. , 38C, 38K are positioned facing the photoconductors 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K, and the transfer rollers 38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K other than the transfer operation timing are opposed to the photoconductors 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K. Retreat to a position separated from the position to be.

  The exposure unit 33 includes a laser diode 33a, a mirror 33b for each color, and a polygon motor, a polygon mirror, an Fθ lens, and the like (not shown), and process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C for each color modulated based on image data for each color. A 32K laser beam is emitted from the laser diode 33a to a polygon mirror that is rotationally driven by a polygon motor. The exposure unit 33 deflects the laser light in the main scanning direction by a polygon mirror, passes through an fθ lens, a mirror 33b, and the like, and as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1, each process cartridge 32Y, 32M, 32C. , 32K charging rollers 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are uniformly charged by the photoreceptors 41Y, 41C, 41M, and 41K, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the photoreceptors 41Y, 41C, 41M, and 41K of the respective colors. Form.

  The image forming unit 30 rotates the photoconductors 41Y, 41C, 41M, and 41K on which the electrostatic latent images are formed in the clockwise direction, and supplies the toner of each color to the photoconductors by the developing / toner storage units 43Y, 43M, 43C, and 43K. 41Y, 41C, 41M, and 41K are supplied to develop the electrostatic latent images to form toner images of the respective colors, and the transfer rollers 38Y, 41Y, 41C, 41M, and 41K on which the toner images of the respective colors are formed are provided. A color toner image is formed by sequentially superimposing and transferring on the intermediate transfer belt 31 by 38M, 38C, and 38K. The image forming unit 30 further rotates the photoreceptors 41Y, 41C, 41M, and 41K, to which the toner image has been transferred, and removes residual toner by the cleaning units 44Y, 44M, 44C, and 44K, and then again the charging roller 42Y. , 42M, 42C, and 42K to be used for image formation.

  The image forming unit 30 rotationally drives the secondary transfer driving roller 36 by a driving motor (not shown) to rotationally drive the intermediate transfer belt 31 counterclockwise, so that the secondary transfer driving roller 36 portion and the secondary transfer roller 23 The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 is transferred by the transfer potential of the secondary transfer roller 23 to the paper P conveyed from the registration roller 22 during the period.

  The fixing unit (fixing device) 60 includes a fixing roller 61, a pressure roller 62, a thermistor 63 that detects the surface temperature of the fixing roller 61, and the like. When the sheet P is conveyed to a nip portion N (see FIGS. 2 and 3) between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62, the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 heated to a predetermined fixing temperature. The paper P is transported while being heated and pressurized by the above, and the toner image on the paper P is fixed to the paper P. The fixing unit 60 sends the paper P on which the toner image has been fixed to the paper discharge roller 24, and the paper discharge roller 24 discharges the paper P fixed by the fixing unit 60 onto the paper discharge tray 3.

  In the above description, the case where image formation is performed using all four process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K has been described. However, one of the process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, and 32K is used for 1 A color image can be formed, or a two-color or three-color image can be formed using two or three process cartridges 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the fixing unit 60 is in contact with the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 in a state having a predetermined contact portion (nip portion) N. The fixing roller 61 is heated to a predetermined fixing temperature by a heater 64 disposed therein, and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown) in the direction shown.

  The fixing roller 61 is a cylindrical member in which an elastic layer is formed around a heat conductive substrate and is further covered with a coating layer. The heat conductive substrate of the fixing roller 61 is made of a carbon steel material or aluminum material having a predetermined mechanical strength and good heat conductivity. The elastic layer is made of synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber or fluorine rubber, for example. The coating layer is for improving the releasability from the toner and enhancing the durability of the elastic layer, and is formed of a material having high thermal conductivity and high durability. For example, a fluororesin (PFA: Tetra) Use a tube coated with a fluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinyl ether copolymer (Fluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinyl ether copolymer) tube, a fluororesin (PFA or PTFE: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) paint), or a silicone rubber or fluororubber layer. It is done.

  The pressure roller 62 is a cylindrical member including a cored bar, an elastic layer formed on the outer side (outer periphery) of the cored bar, and a coating layer that covers the elastic layer. The cored bar is, for example, STKM (for mechanical structure) Carbon steel pipes) are used. The elastic layer is made of silicone rubber, fluororubber, or a foam thereof, and the coating layer is formed of a heat-resistant fluororesin tube such as PFA or PTFA (polytetrafluoroethylene), which has excellent releasability, for example. .

  Further, the thermistor 63, a thermostat for preventing abnormal temperature, and the like are disposed around the fixing roller 61. The thermistor 63 detects the surface temperature of the fixing roller 61 and outputs it to the control board 50.

The control board 50 includes a control unit 75 and the like, and the control unit 75 controls energization to the heater 64 based on the detection signal of the thermistor 63 so that the surface temperature of the fixing roller 61 is within a predetermined fixing temperature range. The fixing unit 60 executes a fixing control process to be described later. The fixing unit 60 is downstream of the nip portion N between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 in the transport direction of the paper P (the nip portion N in FIGS. 2 and 3). 4, four separation claws 65 are arranged in the axial direction of the fixing roller 61 as shown in FIG. 4, and each separation claw 65 rotates independently about a fulcrum 66. Supported as possible.

  The separation claw (separation member) 65 rotates about the fulcrum 66 in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 2 and 3, so that the separation tip 65 a abuts on the fixing roller 61 and counterclockwise about the fulcrum 66. By rotating in the direction, the fixing roller 61 is separated. The separation claw 65 is restricted from rotating in the counterclockwise direction around the fulcrum 66 to a predetermined standby position by the restriction member 67. 2 is a schematic side view of the main part of the fixing unit 60 in a state in which the separation claw 65 is separated from the fixing roller 61. FIG. 3 is a state in which the separation claw 65 is in contact with the fixing roller 61. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a main part of a fixing unit 60 of FIG.

  This separation claw 65 has good releasability and slidability, such as PFA, PEK (Poly Ether Ketone), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), etc., hardly damages the surface of the fixing roller 61, and the fixing roller 61. A material that appropriately separates the paper P from the surface of the paper is used, and the surface of the separation claw 65 is coated with a material having good releasability and slidability such as PFA and Teflon (registered trademark). Also good.

  In the present embodiment, two separation claws 65 are disposed in the vicinity of the both ends in the axial direction of the fixing roller 61 and the central portion at two predetermined intervals, for a total of four. The number is not limited to four, and may be any number as long as the sheet P can be appropriately separated from the fixing roller 61.

  Each separation claw 65 has one end of a tension spring (contact direction biasing means) 68 attached to the base end 65b opposite to the separation tip 65a with the fulcrum 66 interposed therebetween. The other end of 68 is attached to the housing 60 a of the fixing unit 60. Therefore, each separation claw 65 has its base end portion 65b pulled upward by the spring force (biasing force) of the tension spring 68 as indicated by an arrow in FIGS. The separation tip 65a abuts against the surface of the fixing roller 61 as shown in FIG.

  Each separation claw 65 is provided with a separation mechanism (separation means) 70 for separating the separation claw 65 counterclockwise against the urging force of the tension spring 68 at the base end portion 65b. The separation mechanism unit 70 includes a separation member 71 and a tension switching 72.

  The separation member 71 rotates a predetermined amount as shown by an arrow in FIGS. 2 and 3 with the fulcrum arm 71a as a fulcrum, and engages with the base end portion 65b of each separation claw 65 as shown in FIG. An engagement member 71b, and a release member 71c engaged with a tension switch 72 that rotates the engagement member 71b about the fulcrum arm 71a to release the urging force of the tension spring 68 against the separation claw 65; Are attached to the fulcrum arm 71a. The separation member 71 is made of a resin material that is lightweight and has a predetermined mechanical strength, such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) or PEK, and is excellent in heat resistance and wear resistance. In particular, the fulcrum arm 71a is separated. In order to prevent the bending of the member 71 in the axial direction (longitudinal direction), it is made of SUS material, but an appropriate material is selected according to the overall size of the fixing unit 60 and the urging force of the tension spring 68. can do.

  The tension spring 72 of the separation mechanism unit 70 is a spring whose spring force (separation force) is larger than the spring force (biasing force) of the tension spring 68 by a predetermined amount, and resists the biasing force of the tension spring 68. Then, the separation member 71 is rotated in the clockwise direction in FIGS. 2 and 3 about the fulcrum arm 71a, and the separation claw 65 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction to be separated from the fixing roller 61 to the position regulated by the regulation member 67. Let

  The tension spring 72 has its spring force (separation force) controlled by the separation control mechanism 73.

  The separation control mechanism unit 73 includes a solenoid 74, a control unit 75, a drive circuit 76, and the like. A sheet detection signal from the sheet detection unit 77 is input and power supply power is supplied from a power switch 78.

  The solenoid 74 includes a solenoid body 74a containing a coil and a plunger 74b inserted into the coil of the solenoid body 74a so as to be able to advance and retreat. When the solenoid 74 is turned on and energized to be excited, the plunger 74b Is pulled back in the direction of the solenoid body 74a. One end of the tension spring 72 is attached to the casing 60 a of the fixing unit 60, and the other end is attached to the tip end of the plunger 74 b of the solenoid 74, and the other end of the tension spring 72 is connected to the plunger 74 b. In the meantime, the release member 71c of the separation member 71 is attached.

  When the solenoid 74 is turned on and the coil is energized and excited, the separation control mechanism 73 pulls the plunger 74b in the direction of the solenoid body 74a, and the separation member 71 is centered on the fulcrum arm 71a as shown in FIG. Then, the separation force of the tension spring 72 against the separation claw 65 via the separation member 71 is released by rotating it counterclockwise. As a result, the separation claw 65 rotates in the clockwise direction by the urging force of the tension spring 68 acting on the base end portion 65 b, and the separation tip portion 65 a abuts on the surface of the fixing roller 61.

  The paper detection unit (recording medium detection means) 77 includes a paper detection filler 77a, a support member 77b, a detection switch (not shown), and the like. The paper detection filler 77a is a paper as shown in FIG. It is rotatably supported between a state orthogonal to the conveyance path 21 and a state where the sheet P is pushed and inclined by the sheet P conveyed on the sheet conveyance path 21 as shown in FIG. The detection switch is turned on / off by the paper detection filler 77a, and is turned off when the paper detection filler 77a is orthogonal to the paper transport path 21, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the sheet P is turned on when it is pushed by the sheet P and inclined at a predetermined angle, and an on / off sheet detection signal is output to the control unit 75.

  The paper detection unit 77 detects the presence or absence of the paper P using the behavior of the paper detection filler 77a depending on the paper P, but is not limited to the one using the paper detection filler 77a. Alternatively, a reflective optical sensor or the like may be used, or a jam occurrence detection sensor disposed in the paper conveyance path 21 before the fixing unit 60 in the paper conveyance direction or the registration roller 22 may be arranged in front of the paper conveyance direction. The registration sensor provided is used in place of the sheet detection filler 77a, and the conveyance timing of the sheet P to the fixing unit 60 is determined from the detection result of the sensor and the length of the sheet conveyance path 21 from the sensor to the fixing unit 60. The presence or absence of the paper P in the fixing unit 60 may be detected by calculation.

  The paper detection filler 77a is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the center of the paper conveyance path 21 in the width direction so that the paper P does not come into contact with the paper detection filler 77a and the conveyance posture is not inclined (skew). When the paper detection filler 77a is provided in this manner, the paper P can be transported in the correct posture, and image transport and paper wrinkles can be prevented and transport reliability can be ensured.

  A commercial power supply unit 79 and a power storage unit 80 are connected to the power switch (power switching means) 78.

  The commercial power supply unit (commercial power supply means) 79 is supplied with AC100V commercial power via the power switch of the image forming apparatus 1, and the commercial power supply unit 79 converts the AC100V commercial power into AC / DC (AC / DC) conversion. Then, processing such as voltage conversion and rectification is performed to supply power to each unit of the image forming apparatus 1, particularly to the control unit 75, the solenoid 74, and the like via the power switch 78 and to charge the power storage unit 80. .

  The power storage unit (power storage unit) 80 includes a storage battery having a predetermined charge capacity, and a charging circuit (charging unit) that charges the storage battery using external power (power source power supplied from the commercial power source unit 79). Then, the stored power charged by the storage battery is output to the power switch 78. In the fixing control process described later, the storage battery of the power storage unit 80 drives the solenoid 74, the drive circuit 76, and the control unit 75 only during a separation period described later when the commercial power supply unit 79 stops the supply of power supply, thereby separating the storage battery. The capacity is such that the power necessary for the contact of the separation tip 65a of the claw 65 with the fixing roller 61 can be continuously supplied. In this way, the cost of the power storage unit 80 can be reduced.

  When the commercial power supply power is supplied from the commercial power supply unit 79, the power supply switch 78 supplies the commercial power supply power to the solenoid 74, the control unit 75, and the drive circuit 76, and charges the storage battery of the power storage unit 80. When charging is performed through the circuit and the supply of commercial power from the commercial power supply unit 79 is stopped, the stored power from the power storage unit 80 is supplied to the solenoid 74, the control unit 75, and the drive circuit 76.

  Although not shown, the control unit 75 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like, and transports the paper P in the ROM at least during the fixing operation of the present invention. A fixing control program for causing the CPU to execute a fixing control method for appropriately separating the paper P from the fixing roller 61 is stored even when an abnormality accompanied by the stoppage occurs. The CPU executes the fixing control method by controlling each unit of the fixing unit 60 while using the RAM as a work memory based on the program in the ROM. The control unit 75 stores the basic program and necessary data of the image forming apparatus 1 in the ROM, stores the fixing control program, and controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1 to control the image forming apparatus 1 as the image forming apparatus 1. While performing the basic process, the fixing control method may be executed.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a ROM, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM, a flash memory, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable), and a DVD. A ROM is read by reading a fixing control program for executing the fixing control method of the present invention recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a (Digital Versatile Disk), an SD (Secure Digital) card, or an MO (Magneto-Optical Disc). Or a hard disk (not shown) is used to perform a fixing control method for appropriately separating the paper P from the fixing roller 61 even when an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the conveyance of the paper P occurs during the fixing operation described later. It is constructed as an image forming apparatus on which the unit 60 is mounted. This fixing control program is a computer-executable program written in a legacy programming language such as assembler, C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark), an object-oriented programming language, or the like, and is stored in the recording medium. Can be distributed.

  In the fixing control process, the control unit 75 controls the drive signal to the drive circuit 76 based on the paper detection signal from the paper detection unit 77, so that the separation claw 65 contacts and separates from the fixing roller 61. Control.

  That is, the control unit 75 determines that the sheet P is not conveyed to the nip portion N between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 when the sheet detection signal from the sheet detection unit 77 is off, and the drive circuit 76 causes an OFF drive signal to be output.

  When the drive signal of the drive circuit 76 is turned off, the solenoid 74 is turned off, and the plunger 74b of the solenoid 74 is pulled out by the spring force of the tension spring 72, and the tension spring 72 moves the separation member 71 and the arrow in FIG. 2, against the spring force of the tension spring 68, it is rotated clockwise around the fulcrum arm 71 a, and the engagement member 71 b of the separation member 71 moves the base end 65 b of the separation claw 65 in FIG. 2. Press down. When the base end portion 65 b is pushed downward by the engaging member 71 b of the separation member 71, the separation claw 65 rotates counterclockwise around the fulcrum 66, and the separation tip portion 65 a is separated from the fixing roller 61. At this time, the separation distance between the separation tip 65 a of the separation claw 65 and the fixing roller 61 is determined by the position regulated by the regulation member 67.

  That is, the separation claw 65 receives a moment M1 in the direction in which the separation tip 65a abuts against the fixing roller 61 due to the spring force of the tension spring 68, and via the separation member 71 due to the spring force of the tension spring 72. Therefore, the separation claw 65 is separated from the surface of the fixing roller 61 due to the magnitude relationship (M1 <M2) between the moment M1 and the moment M2 in a direction opposite to the moment M1. It is separated.

  When the paper detection signal from the paper detection unit 77 is on, the control unit 75 determines that the paper P is or is being conveyed to the nip portion N between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62, and The drive circuit 76 is made to output an ON drive signal.

  When the drive signal of the drive circuit 76 is turned on, the solenoid 74 is turned on, and the plunger 74b is pulled into the solenoid body 74a by exciting the coil of the solenoid body 74a against the spring force of the tension spring 72. 3, the separating member 71 is rotated counterclockwise about the fulcrum arm 71 a as shown by an arrow in FIG. 3, and the engaging member 70 of the separating member 71 is pulled away from the base end portion 65 b of the separation claw 65. When the engagement member 71b of the separation member 71 is separated from the base end portion 65b, the separation claw 65 is rotated clockwise around the fulcrum 66 by the spring force of the tension spring 68, and the separation tip portion 65a is fixed to the fixing roller 61. Abut. That is, in this case, the moment M2 due to the spring force of the tension spring 72 is invalidated by the solenoid 74, and only the moment M1 due to the spring force of the tension spring 68 acts on the separation claw 65, thereby separating the distal end portion 65a of the separation claw 65. Comes into contact with the surface of the fixing roller 61.

  In addition, when the paper detection signal is switched from on to off, that is, when the rear end of the paper P passes through the paper detection filler 77a, the control unit 75 does not immediately stop the drive circuit 76 from outputting the drive signal. After waiting for a predetermined waiting time, the drive circuit 76 stops outputting the drive signal. In this waiting time, after the trailing edge of the paper P passes through the paper detection filler 77 a, it passes through the nip portion N between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62, and the separation leading edge 65 a of the fixing roller 61 and the claw member 65. It is time until it passes through the contact position (separation position).

  Further, the control unit 75 has an abnormality detection function for detecting whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the image forming apparatus 1 such as an abnormality that occurs at least when the power switch is operated and the conveyance of the paper P such as a paper jam is stopped. Before the separation period, which is a predetermined waiting time from when the paper detection signal is turned on or when the paper detection signal is turned off until the trailing edge of the paper P passes the position of the separation leading edge 65 a of the separation claw 65. In addition, when the occurrence of an abnormality accompanied by the stop of paper conveyance is detected, the drive circuit 76 continues to output the drive signal for a predetermined contact time, and then the drive circuit 76 stops outputting the drive signal. In this case, as described above, the separation tip 65 a contacts the fixing roller 61 while the drive signal is output from the drive circuit 76 to the solenoid 70.

  In other words, when an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the sheet conveyance occurs during the fixing operation, the control unit 75 moves the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 from the fixing roller 61 until a predetermined contact time elapses after the occurrence of the abnormality. Abut.

  This contact time is at least the time from the occurrence of an abnormality accompanied by the stop of paper conveyance until the rotation that has continued due to the inertia of the fixing roller 61 stops.

  In addition, when the abnormality that has occurred is due to the stop of the supply of commercial power, the controller 75 switches the power switch 78 to the stored power of the power storage unit 80 as described above, and supplies the power to the control unit 75, the solenoid 74, etc. In this case, when the contact time elapses and the drive circuit 76 stops outputting the drive signal, a switch signal is output to the power switch 78 and the power storage unit 80 supplies the commercial power source 79 to the commercial power supply unit 79. The supply of power is stopped until the supply of power from the commercial power supply unit 79 is started by switching the power supply source, and the consumption of the stored power in the power storage unit 80 is reduced.

  The image forming apparatus 1 charges the storage battery of the power storage unit 80 via the charging circuit with the commercial power supply power when the commercial power supply power is supplied from the commercial power supply unit 79. Charging of the storage battery is not limited to charging using commercial power. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a solar cell (photovoltaic element) 90 is provided, and power is generated by the generated power generated by the solar cell 90. You may always charge the storage battery of the part 80 via a charging circuit.

  Further, the tension spring 68 and the tension spring 72 are not limited to springs, and appropriate biasing members can be used from various conditions such as the installation space of the fixing unit 60 and manufacturing costs.

  The control unit 75, the drive circuit 76, the power supply switch 78, the commercial power supply unit 79, and the power storage unit 80 are mounted on the control board 50.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment appropriately separates the paper P from the fixing roller 61 even when an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the conveyance of the paper P occurs during the fixing operation.

  That is, when forming an image, the image forming apparatus 1 sends out the paper P one by one from the paper supply unit 10 to the conveyance unit 20, and the registration roller 22 of the conveyance unit 20 is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 31 by the image formation unit 30. The paper P is transported to a transfer position by the secondary transfer roller 23 in accordance with the transport timing of the toner image to the secondary transfer roller 23. The image forming apparatus 1 sends the paper P on which the toner image is transferred to the fixing unit 60 by the conveyance unit 20. The fixing unit 60 is turned off when the paper is sent and the paper detection unit 77 detects the paper P. This paper detection signal is switched on and output to the control unit 75.

  While the paper detection signal from the paper detection unit 77 is off, the control unit 75 outputs an off drive signal from the drive circuit 76 to the solenoid 74 to turn off the solenoid 74, and the tension spring 72 causes the separation member 71 to be turned off. The separation claw 65 is rotated counterclockwise against the spring force of the tension spring 68, and the separation tip 65 a of the separation claw 65 is separated from the fixing roller 61.

  In this state, when the paper detection signal is turned on, the control unit 75 outputs a driving signal from the driving circuit 76 to the solenoid 74, turns on the solenoid 74, and passes the separation member 71 by the tension spring 72. The separation of the separation claw 65 is released. When the separation claw 65 is released from separation by the separation mechanism unit 70, the separation claw 65 is rotated clockwise by the spring of the tension spring 68, and the separation tip 65 a of the separation claw 65 contacts the fixing roller 61. .

  The fixing unit 60 transfers the toner image to the nip N between the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 heated to the fixing temperature in a state where the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is in contact with the fixing roller 61. When the sheet P is fed, the fixing roller 61 and the pressure roller 62 heat and press the sheet P to fix the toner image on the sheet P to the sheet P, and the rotating fixing roller 61 It is conveyed by the pressure roller 62.

  At this time, since the toner on the paper P is melted by heating, the fixing unit 60 adheres the paper P to the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 in a state where it adheres to the surface of the fixing roller 61 as shown in FIG. The sheet P adhering to the fixing roller 61 is separated from the fixing roller 61 by the separation tip 65a and sent to the paper discharge roller 24.

  In this series of image forming operations, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a fixing control process as shown in FIG.

  That is, when starting the printing operation (image forming operation) (step S101), the control unit 75 checks whether a jam (abnormality) has occurred (step S102). This jam includes not only a jam of the paper P itself on the paper conveyance path 21, but also an abnormality that stops on the paper conveyance path 21 due to the stop of the supply of commercial power from the commercial power supply unit 79 due to an operation of turning off the power switch or the like. It is.

  When a jam occurs in step S102, the control unit 75 checks whether commercial power is supplied from the commercial power unit 79 (step S103). If commercial power is supplied, the control unit 75 separates the separation claw 65. It is checked whether the leading edge portion 65a is in contact with the fixing roller 61 to perform separation processing for separating the paper P from the fixing roller 61 (step S104).

  When the commercial power supply is not supplied in step S103, the power supply switching unit 78 switches to the stored power from the power storage unit 80, and supplies the stored power to the solenoid 74, the control unit 75, the drive circuit 76, and the like (step S105). ), The control unit 75 continues to operate with the stored power and checks whether the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is in contact with the fixing roller 61 (step S104). That is, the control unit 75 causes the drive circuit 76 to output an ON drive signal to the solenoid 74 based on the paper detection signal from the paper detection unit 77, so that the separation tip 65 a of the separation claw 65 is applied to the fixing roller 61. Check whether the separation process is in contact.

  In step S104, when the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is in contact with the fixing roller 61, the controller 75 causes at least an abnormal state accompanied by a stop of sheet conveyance to occur due to the inertia (inertia) of the fixing roller 61. The drive circuit 76 is made to output an ON drive signal to the solenoid 74 until the predetermined contact time until the continuous rotation stops, and the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 contacts the fixing roller 61. A separation process and a separation control process for maintaining the contact state are performed (step S106). When the controller 75 brings the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 into contact with the fixing roller 61 for the contact time, the control circuit 75 causes the drive circuit 76 to output an OFF drive signal to the solenoid 74, thereby causing the separation claw 65 to move to the fixing roller 61. The separation process is performed to separate the fixing control process, and the fixing control process is terminated (step S107).

  In step S104, when the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is not in contact with the fixing roller 61, that is, when the fixing operation and the separation operation are completed, the fixing of the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is completed. The fixing control process is terminated while maintaining the separated state from the roller 61 (step S107).

  As described above, the fixing unit 60 of this embodiment forms a predetermined nip portion N by the contact between the fixing roller (fixing member) 61 and the pressure roller 62 which are heated and rotated to a predetermined fixing temperature. A separation claw (separation member) 65 is disposed on the fixing roller 61 so that the separation tip portion 65a can be separated from and brought into contact with the fixing roller 61, and by the spring force (biasing force) of a tension spring (contact direction biasing means) 68, the fixing roller The separation tip 65a abuts on the sheet 61 to separate the paper (recording medium) P that has passed through the nip N from the fixing roller 61, and the tension spring 72 of the separation mechanism section (separation means) 70 is a tension spring 68. The separation tip 65 a of the separation claw 65 is separated from the fixing roller 61 by a predetermined amount by a spring force (separation force) that resists the spring force of the separation claw 65. The fixing unit 60 includes a separation control function unit (separation control unit) 73, a sheet detection unit (recording medium detection unit) 77, and a toner image (recording agent image) transferred to the nip N. When P is detected, at least during the separation period until the sheet P passes through the contact position between the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 and the fixing roller 61, the spring force of the tension spring 72 is invalidated, and the tension spring 68 When the separation tip 65a is brought into contact with the fixing roller 61 by a spring force, and at least an abnormality in which the conveyance of the paper P is stopped occurs during the separation period, the separation tip by the spring force of the tension spring 68 for a predetermined contact time. The contact of the portion 65a with the fixing roller 61 is continued.

  Therefore, if an abnormality such as an operation of turning off the power switch or the occurrence of a paper jam occurs in the middle of separating the paper from the fixing roller 61 by the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65, the separation tip 65a is held for a predetermined contact time. Since the contact with the fixing roller 61 continues, as shown in FIG. 7, the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is separated from the fixing roller 61 in the middle of the separation period, and the sheet P adhering to the fixing roller 61 is removed. Even when the abnormality occurs, it can be prevented from entering between the fixing roller 61 that rotates due to inertia and the separation tip 65a, and an abnormality accompanied with the stop of the conveyance of the paper P has occurred during the fixing operation. Even in this case, the paper P can be appropriately separated from the fixing roller 61.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a fixing roller 61 that is heated and rotated to a predetermined fixing temperature, and a pressure roller 62 that is rotated in contact with the fixing roller 61 to form a predetermined nip portion N. A sheet detection processing step (recording medium detection processing step) for detecting the sheet on which the toner image conveyed to the nip portion N is transferred, and a separation tip 65a of the fixing roller 61 are detachably connected. The separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is brought into contact with the fixing roller 61 by the spring force of the tension spring 68 having a predetermined spring force to separate the paper P that has passed through the nip portion N from the fixing roller 61. The separation claw 65 is separated by the separation processing step and the spring force of the tension spring 72 having a spring force against the spring force of the tension spring 68. When a paper is detected in the separation processing step for separating the separation front end portion 65a from the fixing roller 61 by a predetermined amount and the paper detection processing step, at least the paper is separated between the separation front end portion 65a of the separation claw 65 and the fixing roller 61. During the separation period until it passes through the contact position, the spring force of the tension spring 72 is invalidated, and the separation tip 65a is brought into contact with the fixing roller 61 by the spring force of the tension spring 68, and at least the conveyance of the paper P is stopped. And a separation control processing step of continuing the contact of the separation tip portion 65a to the fixing roller 61 by the spring force of the tension spring 68 for a predetermined contact time when the abnormality occurs during the separation period. Running.

  Therefore, if an abnormality such as an operation of turning off the power switch or the occurrence of a paper jam occurs in the middle of separating the paper from the fixing roller 61 by the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65, the separation tip 65a is held for a predetermined contact time. Since the contact with the fixing roller 61 continues, as shown in FIG. 7, the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is separated from the fixing roller 61 in the middle of the separation period, and the sheet P adhering to the fixing roller 61 is removed. Even when the abnormality occurs, it can be prevented from entering between the fixing roller 61 that rotates due to inertia and the separation tip 65a, and an abnormality accompanied with the stop of the conveyance of the paper P has occurred during the fixing operation. Even in this case, the paper P can be appropriately separated from the fixing roller 61.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment forms a predetermined nip portion N in contact with the fixing roller 61 that is heated and rotated to a predetermined fixing temperature, and the fixing roller 61, in a control unit 75 as a computer. A sheet detection process (recording medium detection process) for detecting the sheet on which the toner image transferred to the nip portion N with the rotating pressure roller 62 is transferred, and the separation tip 65a is separated from the fixing roller 61. The separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 disposed so as to come into contact is brought into contact with the fixing roller 61 by the spring force of the tension spring 68 having a predetermined spring force, and passes through the nip portion N from the fixing roller 61. By the separation process for separating the sheet P and the spring force of the tension spring 72 having a spring force against the spring force of the tension spring 68. When a separation process for separating the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 from the fixing roller 61 by a predetermined amount and a sheet is detected by the sheet detection process, at least the sheet is separated from the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 and the fixing roller 61. In the separation period until it passes through the contact position, the spring force of the tension spring 72 is invalidated so that the separation tip 65a is brought into contact with the fixing roller 61 by the spring force of the tension spring 68 and at least the sheet P is conveyed. When an abnormality that stops the separation occurs during the separation period, the separation control process for executing the separation control process for continuing the contact of the separation tip 65a to the fixing roller 61 by the spring force of the tension spring 68 for a predetermined contact time. The program is installed.

  Therefore, if an abnormality such as an operation of turning off the power switch or the occurrence of a paper jam occurs in the middle of separating the paper from the fixing roller 61 by the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65, the separation tip 65a is held for a predetermined contact time. Since the contact with the fixing roller 61 continues, as shown in FIG. 7, the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 is separated from the fixing roller 61 in the middle of the separation period, and the sheet P adhering to the fixing roller 61 is removed. Even when the abnormality occurs, it can be prevented from entering between the fixing roller 61 that rotates due to inertia and the separation tip 65a, and an abnormality accompanied with the stop of the conveyance of the paper P has occurred during the fixing operation. Even in this case, the paper P can be appropriately separated from the fixing roller 61.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the contact time is a time from when the separation control function unit (separation control unit) 73 of the fixing unit 60 is stopped until the rotation of the fixing roller 61 stops. The contact between the separation tip 65a and the fixing roller 61 by the tension spring 68 is continued.

  Accordingly, the separation leading edge 65a is separated from the fixing roller 61 between the separation leading edge 65a and the fixing roller 61 between the occurrence of an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the paper P and the stopping of the fixing roller 61 due to inertia. It is possible to reliably prevent the paper P from entering and winding around the paper while reducing the power consumption, and to reduce the power consumption even if an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the conveyance of the paper P occurs during the fixing operation. In addition, the sheet P can be appropriately separated from the fixing roller 61.

  Further, the fixing unit 60 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a commercial power source unit (commercial power source unit) that a power source switch (power switching unit) 78 generates and outputs internal power used internally from a commercial power source. When 79 is outputting internal power, the internal power is output to the control unit 75, the solenoid 74, etc., and when the commercial power supply unit 79 stops outputting internal power, the internal charge is stored from the stored charge stored in the storage battery. The internal power output from the power storage unit (power storage means) 80 that generates and outputs power is output to the control unit 75 and the solenoid 74. The control unit 75 and the solenoid 74 of the separation control function unit 73 detect that at least the sheet P is detected when the sheet detection unit (recording medium detection unit) 77 detects the sheet P to which the toner image conveyed to the nip N is transferred. During the separation period until the separation tip 65a of the separation claw 65 passes through the contact position between the fixing roller 61 and the internal power supplied from the commercial power supply unit 79 via the power switch 78, the solenoid 74 is turned on. The spring force of the tension spring 72 is invalidated to bring the separation tip 65a into contact with the fixing roller 61 by the spring force of the tension spring 68, and at least an abnormality in which the conveyance of the paper P is stopped is the separation period. Occurs for the predetermined contact time using the internal power supplied from the power storage unit 80 via the power switching unit 78. And allowed to continue contact by the spring force of the tension spring 68 to the fixing roller 61 of the separation tip portion 65a.

  Accordingly, the separation leading edge 65a is separated from the fixing roller 61 between the separation leading edge 65a and the fixing roller 61 between the occurrence of an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the paper P and the stopping of the fixing roller 61 due to inertia. It is possible to reliably prevent the paper P from entering and winding around the paper while reducing the power consumption, and to reduce the power consumption even if an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the conveyance of the paper P occurs during the fixing operation. In addition, the sheet P can be appropriately separated from the fixing roller 61.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the power storage unit 80 of the fixing unit 60 generates power using a solar cell (photovoltaic element) that generates electric power using internal power or incident light output from the commercial power supply unit 79. The charging circuit (charging means) which charges a storage battery using the electric power to perform is provided.

  Therefore, the storage battery of the power storage unit 80 can be appropriately charged, and the fixing control process is reliably executed when an abnormality occurs, so that the fixing can be performed even when an abnormality accompanied by the stop of the conveyance of the paper P occurs during the fixing operation. The paper P can be appropriately and reliably separated from the roller 61.

  The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the fixing unit 60, so that power consumption can be reduced even when an abnormality that accompanies the conveyance of the paper P occurs during the fixing operation associated with image formation. In addition, the sheet P can be appropriately separated from the fixing roller 61.

  In the above description, the urging force and the separating force acting on the separation claw 65 are the spring force. However, actually, the separation claw 65 acts on the separation claw 65 in the contact direction with the fixing roller 61 around the fulcrum 66 by the tension spring 68. The moment force M1 and the moment force M2 acting on the separation claw 65 in the direction away from the fixing roller 61 via the separation member 71 by the tension switching 72.

  The invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It goes without saying that it is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color image forming apparatus 2 Main body housing | casing 3 Paper discharge tray 10 Paper feed part 11 Paper feed tray 12 Paper feed roller 20 Carrying part 21 Paper conveyance path 22 Registration roller 23 Secondary transfer roller 24 Paper discharge roller 30 Image forming part 31 Intermediate Transfer belt 32Y, 32M, 32C, 32K Process cartridge 33 Exposure unit 34 Belt cleaner 35 Waste toner box 36 Secondary transfer drive roller 37 Tension roller 38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K Transfer roller 41Y, 41M, 41C, 41K Photoconductor 42Y, 42M, 42C, 42K Charging roller 43Y, 43M, 43C, 43K Development / toner storage 44Y, 44M, 44C, 44K Cleaning unit 50 Control board 60 Fixing unit 60a Housing 61 Fixing roller 62 Pressure roller 63 Thermistor 64 Heater 65 minutes Claw 65a Separation tip 65b Base end 66 Support point 67 Restriction member 68 Pull spring 70 Separation mechanism 71 Separation member 71a Support point arm 71b Engagement member 71c Release member 72 Pull spring 73 Separation control mechanism 74 Solenoid 74a Solenoid body 74b Plunger 75 Control unit 76 Drive circuit 77 Paper detection unit 77a Paper detection filler 77b Support member 78 Power switch 79 Commercial power supply unit 80 Power storage unit

JP 2010-217442 A

Claims (7)

A fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature and rotated;
A pressure member that is rotated in contact with the fixing member to form a predetermined nip portion;
A separation member that is detachably attached to the fixing member, and that separates the recording medium that has passed through the nip portion from the fixing member when the separation tip contacts the fixing member;
Contact direction biasing means for biasing the separation tip of the separation member in a direction to contact the fixing member with a predetermined biasing force;
Separating means for separating the separation tip of the separation member by a predetermined amount from the fixing member by a separation force against the urging force of the contact direction urging means;
A recording medium detection means for detecting a recording medium to which the recording agent image conveyed to the nip portion is transferred;
When the recording medium detection unit detects the recording medium, at least a separation period until the recording medium passes through a contact position between the separation leading end portion of the separation member and the fixing member is determined by the separation unit. The separation force is invalidated, the separation tip is brought into contact with the fixing member by the urging force of the contact direction urging means, and at least an abnormality in which the conveyance of the recording medium is stopped occurs in the separation period. Then, a separation control unit that continues the contact of the separation tip with the fixing member by the biasing force of the contact direction biasing unit for a predetermined contact time;
A fixing device. The separation control means includes
The time from the occurrence of the abnormality until the rotation of the fixing member stops is defined as the contact time, and the contact of the separation tip portion by the contact direction urging unit with the fixing member is continued. Item 4. The fixing device according to Item 1. The fixing device includes:
Commercial power supply means for generating and outputting internal power used inside the apparatus from the commercial power supply,
Power storage means for generating and outputting internal power from the stored charge stored in the storage battery;
Power switching for outputting the internal power output from the power storage means when the commercial power supply means outputs the internal power while the commercial power supply means outputs the internal power and the commercial power supply means stops outputting the internal power Means,
With
The separation control means includes
If an internal power from the commercial power supply means stops when an abnormality occurs in which the conveyance of the recording medium is stopped, the internal power output from the power storage means is driven, and the contact is made only for the predetermined contact time. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein the contact of the separation tip portion with the fixing member by the biasing force of the direction biasing unit is continued. The power storage means is
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising charging means for charging the storage battery using internal power output from the commercial power supply means or power generated by a photovoltaic element that generates power using incident light. The fixing device described. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image by fixing a recording medium onto which a recording agent image has been transferred by an image forming unit, at a fixing unit,
An image forming apparatus comprising the fixing device according to claim 1 as the fixing unit. A recording material image transferred to the nip portion between a fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature and rotated and a pressure member rotated in contact with the fixing member to form a predetermined nip portion. A recording medium detection processing step for detecting a recording medium;
The separation tip of the separation member, the separation tip of which is detachably attached to the fixing member, is brought into contact with the fixing member by the biasing force of the contact direction biasing means having a predetermined biasing force. A separation process step of separating the recording medium that has passed through the nip portion from the fixing member;
A separation process step of separating the separation tip portion of the separation member from the fixing member by a predetermined amount by the separation force of the separation means having a separation force against the urging force of the contact direction urging means;
When the recording medium is detected in the recording medium detection processing step, at least the separation period until the recording medium passes through the contact position between the separation tip portion of the separation member and the fixing member is The separation force of the separation means is invalidated, and the separation tip is brought into contact with the fixing member by the urging force of the contact direction urging means, and at least an abnormality in which the conveyance of the recording medium is stopped is caused by the separation. A separation control processing step for continuing contact of the separation tip with the fixing member by a biasing force of the contact direction biasing means for a predetermined contact time when it occurs during a period;
A fixing control method characterized by comprising: On the computer,
A recording material image transferred to the nip portion between a fixing member heated to a predetermined fixing temperature and rotated and a pressure member rotated in contact with the fixing member to form a predetermined nip portion. A recording medium detection process for detecting a recording medium;
The separation tip of the separation member, the separation tip of which is detachably attached to the fixing member, is brought into contact with the fixing member by the biasing force of the contact direction biasing means having a predetermined biasing force. Separating the recording medium that has passed through the nip portion from the fixing member, and
A separation process of separating the separation tip of the separation member from the fixing member by a predetermined amount by the separation force of the separation means having a separation force against the urging force of the contact direction urging means;
When the recording medium is detected in the recording medium detection process, at least the separation period until the recording medium passes through the contact position between the separation tip portion of the separation member and the fixing member is the separation distance. The separation force of the means is invalidated, the separation tip is brought into contact with the fixing member by the urging force of the contact direction urging means, and at least an abnormality in which the conveyance of the recording medium is stopped is in the separation period. A separation control process for continuing the contact of the separation tip with the fixing member by the urging force of the contact direction urging means for a predetermined contact time;
A fixing control program characterized in that is executed.

Images