JP7155548B2 - image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, devices described in Patent Literatures 1 and 2 below, for example, are known as devices that use a belt-like member with a finite length and are used for purposes such as cleaning and application of a release agent.

Patent Document 1 discloses a pair of fixing rollers, a web member that contacts at least one of the pair of fixing rollers, a winding roller around which the web member is wound, and a winding roller that winds up the web member fed from the winding roller. a rotating roller that abuts against the web member and rotates according to the movement of the web member; detecting means for detecting the number of revolutions of the rotating roller; driving means for driving the winding roller; and the detected number of revolutions of the rotating roller. An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a control unit that controls a driving means based on the following.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-100002 discloses that, according to the above-mentioned image forming apparatus, the length of the web member fed out from the winding roller is made constant by controlling the drive means in the control section, and the feeding amount (winding amount) of the web member is adjusted. has been shown to be kept constant.

Patent Document 2 discloses a fixing roller, a web impregnated with a release agent and pressed against the fixing roller by a pressure roller, a conductive first shaft around which an unused portion of the web is wound, and a fixing roller. a fixing device having a second shaft for winding the web after being pressed against the pressure and web remaining amount detecting means for detecting that the remaining amount of the unused web wound around the first shaft has reached a predetermined value; is disclosed. The web remaining amount detection means includes a conductive spring member pressed against the web wound around the first shaft and biased in the axial direction of the shaft, an axial electrode electrically connected to the first shaft, and a first When the web of one shaft is reduced to a predetermined residual amount and the spring member and the first shaft are switched to a conductive state, and the spring member and the axial electrode are conductive via the first shaft, this is detected. and a judgment means for judging from the result of detection by the conduction detection means that the remaining amount of the unused web has reached a predetermined amount.
According to Patent Document 2, according to the fixing device (including the configuration of the web remaining amount detection means), it is possible to accurately detect the remaining amount of the web that supplies the release agent to the surface of the fixing roller. is shown.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the fixing roller, the web, the first shaft, the second shaft, the rotation speed measuring means for measuring the rotation speed of the first shaft, and the measured rotation speed of the rotation speed measuring means. storage means storing data indicating the correlation between the number of rotations of the first shaft and the remaining amount of unused web; web remaining amount detecting means for estimating the current amount of unused web from the number of rotations of the shaft; is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200000 discloses that, according to the above fixing device, the remaining amount of the web for supplying the release agent to the surface of the fixing roller is accurately detected from the number of rotations of the first shaft measured by the number of rotations measuring means. has been shown to be possible.

JP-A-2000-98787 JP-A-2000-66546

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of detecting at least the occurrence of a defective winding operation of a finite-length belt-like member used in contact with a rotating part and the arrival of replacement time for the belt-like member.

The image forming apparatus of this invention (A1) is, as described in claim 1,
a rotating part that rotates in contact with a belt-shaped member of finite length;
a delivery roll around which the belt-shaped member is wound and rotated so as to be delivered toward the rotating part;
a winding roll that is rotationally driven so that the belt-shaped member after contact with the rotating portion is wound;
a first detection means for detecting the replacement timing of the belt-shaped member on the delivery roll from the presence or absence of a constant continuous waveform;
a second detection means for detecting the operating state of the delivery roll from the presence or absence of a pulse waveform or a constant continuous waveform;
From the combined waveform obtained by synthesizing the waveform obtained by the first detection means and the waveform obtained by the second detection means, there are two states: the occurrence of a winding operation failure of the belt-shaped member and the arrival of the time to replace the belt-shaped member. a determination means for determining that it is either
display means for displaying content related to the determination result of the determination means;
driving means for driving the winding roll;
a driving measuring means for cumulatively measuring the driving time of the driving means;
storage means storing first data indicating the correlation between the cumulative drive time obtained by the drive measurement means and the winding length of the belt-shaped member;
with
The first detection means includes contact means that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the belt-shaped member wound around the delivery roll and is displaced following the reduction of the belt-shaped member, and the contact means replaces the belt-shaped member. terminal means for contacting when the time is reached; and first waveform generating means for energizing when the contacting means contacts the terminal means to generate a constant continuous waveform having a voltage different from that when the contacting means does not contact the terminal means. equipped with
The second detection means includes detection means having detection target portions that are present at regular intervals in the rotation direction of the delivery roll and are detected, and detection means for detecting the detection target portions of the detection target means. , a second waveform generating means for generating a pulse waveform or a constant continuous waveform depending on the presence or absence of detection by the detecting means,
The judging means judges that the winding operation of the belt-like member is normal when the composite waveform is not a constant continuous waveform composed of a voltage obtained when the terminal means of the contact means is contacted, and When the composite waveform is a constant continuous waveform composed of the voltage obtained when the terminal means of the contact means is contacted, the accumulated drive time obtained by the drive measurement means is set as the first data in the storage means. If the accumulated drive time does not exceed the threshold time, a defective winding operation of the belt-shaped member occurs. On the other hand, when the cumulative drive time exceeds the threshold time, it is determined that the time to replace the belt-shaped member has arrived.

The image forming apparatus of this invention (A2) is the image forming apparatus of the above invention A1, wherein the delivery roll is a detachable and replaceable roll, and the contact means or the contact means and the contact means in the first detection means It is provided with terminal means .
The image forming apparatus of this invention (A3) is the image forming apparatus of the above invention A1, wherein the delivery roll is a detachable and replaceable roll, and the detected means or the detected means in the second detection means A detection means and a detection means are provided side by side .

The image forming apparatus of this invention (A 4 ) is the image forming apparatus of any one of the above inventions A1 to A3 , wherein the fixing means for fixing an unfixed image onto a recording medium includes the rotating section, the feeding roll, a fixing means having at least a part of the take-up roll and the first detection means and the second detection means;
The fixing section is configured as a fixing section that can be attached and detached while holding the belt-shaped member with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus of this invention (A 5 ) is the image forming apparatus of the invention A 4 , wherein the driving means, the interval measuring means for measuring the interval between pulse waveforms obtained by the second detecting means, and the interval measuring means a control unit for controlling the driving time of the driving means using information on the pulse waveform interval obtained by the means; and a correlation between the pulse waveform interval obtained by the interval measuring means and the driving time of the driving means. and a storage means in which second data indicating
When the fixing means is replaced with a half-used fixing means holding the band-shaped member that has not reached the replacement time, the control unit measures the distance measured by the gap measuring means after the replacement with the half-used fixing means. The second data in the storage means is collated with the interval of the pulse waveform that is output, and the driving time of the driving means is adjusted and controlled.
The image forming apparatus of this invention ( A6 ) is the image forming apparatus of the invention A4 or A5 ,
The storage means is configured to store the last cumulative drive time in the drive measurement means when the fixing means holding the belt-shaped member which has not reached the replacement time is removed as the fixing means in use. ,
When the synthetic waveform becomes a constant continuous waveform, the determining means determines the cumulative driving time obtained by the driving measuring means after the fixing means is replaced with the halfway used fixing means, and the last cumulative driving time in the storing means. is added to obtain the latest cumulative drive time, and whether or not the latest cumulative drive time exceeds the threshold time set in the first data is collated to determine whether the belt-shaped member winding operation failure has occurred and the It is determined that it is either the time to replace the belt-shaped member.

According to the image forming apparatus of the invention A1, it is possible to detect the occurrence of a defective winding operation of the finite-length band-shaped member used in contact with the rotating portion and the arrival of the time to replace the band-shaped member. Further, according to this image forming apparatus, when the composite waveform becomes a constant continuous waveform, the cumulative driving time of the winding roll driving means and the first data are compared with the first data, and the determining means for determining is not adopted. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately know whether the winding operation failure of the finite-length belt-like member has occurred or whether it is time to replace the belt-like member. Furthermore, according to this image forming apparatus, the first detection means and the second detection means can be configured simply.

According to the image forming apparatus of the invention A2, even if the delivery roll is replaced, the belt-shaped member and the contact means and terminal means of the first detection means are kept in an inseparable relationship, and the detection by the first detection means is stabilized. can be made
According to the image forming apparatus of the above invention A3, even if the delivery roll is replaced, the belt-shaped member and the detection means and the detection means of the second detection means are kept in an inseparable relationship so that detection by the second detection means can be performed. can be stabilized .

According to the image forming apparatus of the invention A4 , even if the fixing means is replaced while holding the belt-shaped member, the belt-shaped member is not properly wound in the replaced fixing means. It is possible to know when it is time to replace the member.

According to the image forming apparatus of the invention A5 , even if the fixing means is replaced with the fixing means that is in the middle of use, the band-shaped member that is being used and held by the replaced fixing means is wound up. Be able to work properly.
According to the image forming apparatus of the invention A6 , even if the fixing means is replaced with the fixing means that is in the middle of being used, the belt-like member that is being used in the replaced fixing means is defective in its winding operation. and the arrival of the time to replace the belt-shaped member.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 and the like; FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a cleaning device that uses fixing means and a belt-shaped member in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control configuration regarding the operation of the cleaning device of FIG. 2; FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a part of a cleaning device using a band-shaped member and its control configuration; (a) is a conceptual diagram showing part of the control configuration (first detection means and second detection means) of FIG. 4, (b) is a conceptual diagram showing the first detection means, and (c) is the second detection. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a means. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing differences in the winding diameter on the delivery side, the winding diameter on the winding side, the pulse waveform at the time of delivery, and the winding driving time along the progress order (a) to (c) of winding the belt-shaped member. . (a) is a diagram showing the control content that determines the relationship between the cumulative driving time of the winding roll and the driving time, (b) is a graph used for explaining the setting of the driving time, and (c) is the winding roll. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the correlation between the cumulative driving time and the winding length of the belt-shaped member; It is a figure which shows each waveform in a 1st detection means, a 2nd detection means, and a determination means, and a combination example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the flow of the determination related operation|movement by a determination means. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a part of a cleaning device using a belt-shaped member and its control configuration according to Embodiment 2; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control configuration regarding the operation of the cleaning device of FIG. 10; FIG. 9 is a diagram showing respective waveforms and combination examples in the first detection means, the second detection means, and the determination means in Embodiment 2; FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram showing the flow of determination-related operations by determination means in Embodiment 2; FIG. 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the last cumulative drive time and first data in Embodiment 3; FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a control configuration regarding the operation of the cleaning device using the belt-shaped member according to Embodiment 4; (a) is a chart showing the details of control that defines the relationship between the interval of the pulse waveform on the delivery roll side and the drive time, (b) is a graph used to explain the setting of the drive time, and (c) is a delivery FIG. 5 is a graph showing the correlation between the interval between pulse waveforms on the roll side and the winding length of the belt-shaped member. 1 shows another configuration example of the first detection means and the second detection means, (a) is a conceptual diagram showing a part of the first detection means and the second detection means, and (b) shows the first detection means. Conceptual diagram, (c) is a conceptual diagram showing the second detection means.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 conceptually shows the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.
This image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus for forming an image including characters, figures, patterns, photographs, etc. on a recording sheet 9 which is an example of a recording medium. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured as a printer that forms an image corresponding to image information input from an externally connected device such as an information terminal or a storage medium.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 has a housing 10 having a box-like appearance. A paper unit 40, a fixing unit 50, and the like are arranged. The dashed-dotted line shown in FIG. 1 is the main transport path along which the recording paper 9 is transported inside the housing 10 .

The housing 10 is composed of various support members, exterior materials, and the like. An operating means 12 is arranged outside the housing 10 . The operating means 12 includes, for example, a display means 13 for displaying various kinds of information, an input means 14 for performing selection operations and input operations, and the like. Further, a control means 15 is arranged inside the housing 10 . The control means 15 is a means having a function of comprehensively controlling various operations in the image forming apparatus 1, and is composed of, for example, an arithmetic processing circuit, a storage means, an input/output means, a control section for these, and the like.

The image forming means 20 is means for forming (image forming) a toner image composed of toner as a developer. The image forming means 20 in Embodiment 1 has four processes for individually forming developer (toner) images of four colors, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). It is composed of image units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K.

Each of the four image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, and K) has a photosensitive drum 21 which is a drum-shaped photosensitive member that rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow A. , a charging device 22, an exposure device 23, a developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K), a primary transfer device 25, a drum cleaning device 26, and the like. In FIG. 1, all of the reference numerals 21 to 26 are shown only in the image forming unit 20K for black (K), while only some of them are shown in the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C) for other colors. described.

Among them, the charging device 22 is a device for charging the outer peripheral surface portion of the photosensitive drum 21, which is an image forming area, to a required potential. The charging device 22 includes, for example, a charging member such as a roll that is brought into contact with the image forming area on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 and supplied with a charging current. The exposure device 23 is a device that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the charged outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light for forming a latent image. The exposure device 23 receives an image signal obtained by decomposing the image information input from the outside into the four color components (Y, M, C, K) by an image processing unit (not shown) for each color component. It has become. The developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) develops the electrostatic latent image of each color component on each photosensitive drum 21 with the toner of the color corresponding to the color component to develop the four colors (Y, M, C, K). This is an apparatus for visualizing a toner image of either color (C, K).

The primary transfer device 25 is a device that primarily transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 21 onto (the intermediate transfer belt 31 in) the intermediate transfer means 30 . The primary transfer device 25 includes, for example, a primary transfer member such as a roll that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 via an intermediate transfer belt 31 (to be described later) and is supplied with a primary transfer current. Further, the primary transfer device 25 constitutes a part of the intermediate transfer device 30 as will be described later. The drum cleaning device 26 is a device that removes and cleans unnecessary matter such as toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21 after primary transfer. The drum cleaning device 26 includes a cleaning member such as a blade, a collecting section for removing unnecessary matter, and the like.

The intermediate transfer means 30 temporarily holds and conveys the toner images formed by the respective image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, and K) in the image forming means 20 by primary transfer, and transfers them to the recording paper 9 . It is means for subsequent transfer. The intermediate transfer means 30 in Embodiment 1 includes an intermediate transfer belt 31 that holds the toner image primarily transferred from the photosensitive drum 21 of the image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) and conveys it to a secondary transfer position. It is configured by a belt system using

The intermediate transfer belt 31 is an endless belt capable of holding a toner image, and rotates (circulates) while sequentially passing through the primary transfer positions of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K). A plurality of support rolls 32a to 32e are supported with tension applied thereto. The intermediate transfer belt 31 is rotationally driven in the direction indicated by an arrow B by a support roll 32a as a drive roll.

The primary transfer device 25 and the like in each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) are arranged on the inner circumferential surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 31 . A secondary transfer device 35, a belt cleaning device 36, and the like are arranged on the outer peripheral surface side of the intermediate transfer belt 31. As shown in FIG.
The secondary transfer device 35 is a device 35 that secondarily transfers the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 31 onto the recording paper 9 . The secondary transfer device 35 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface portion of the intermediate transfer belt 31 supported by a support roll 32d as a secondary transfer backup roll, for example, and includes a secondary transfer member such as a roll. A secondary transfer current is supplied to the support roll 32d or the secondary transfer member. The belt cleaning device 36 is a device that removes and cleans unnecessary matter such as toner remaining on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 after secondary transfer.

The paper feeding means 40 is a means for receiving the recording paper 9 used for image formation and supplying it to the secondary transfer position where the secondary transfer of the intermediate transfer means 30 is performed. The paper feeding means 40 in Embodiment 1 is configured to include a paper container 41, a delivery device 43, and the like. The secondary transfer position is a portion of the intermediate transfer means 30 where the intermediate transfer belt 31 and the secondary transfer device 35 face each other.

The paper container 41 is, for example, a device that is attached to the housing 10 so as to be able to be pulled out, and contains the recording paper 9 of a desired size, type, etc. in a stacked state on a stacking plate (not shown). The delivery device 43 is a device that delivers the recording paper 9 one by one from the paper container 41 . The recording paper 9 may be any medium as long as it can be transported on the transport path in the housing 10 and can hold and fix the toner image. used.
Between the paper feeding means 40 and the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer means 30, as shown in FIG. Rt1 is provided. The paper feed path Rt1 is configured by arranging, for example, a plurality of transport rolls 45a to 45d and a plurality of transport guide members (not shown).

The fixing means 50 is a means for fixing the toner image, which is an unfixed image transferred to the recording paper 9 , onto the recording paper 9 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixing unit 50 according to the first embodiment has a heating rotator 52, a pressurizing rotator 53, a cleaning device 60, and the like arranged in the inner space of a box-shaped housing 50. is configured as

The heating rotator 52 is a roll-type, belt-type, or other structure, which is heated to a required temperature by a heating means (not shown) and held therein, and is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by an arrow C by a driving means (not shown). supported to do so. The pressurizing rotator 53 is a structure having a roll shape, a belt shape, or the like. is supported so as to follow the rotation of the
In this fixing means 50, a fixing processing section ( Fixing nip) FN. The housing 51 has an introduction port 51a for introducing the recording paper 9, an ejection port 51b for discharging the recording paper 9 after fixing, a guide member 51c for guiding the introduced recording paper 9 to the fixing processing unit FN, and the like. is provided.

A cleaning device 60 in the fixing unit 50 is a device for removing unnecessary substances such as toner and paper dust adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the heating rotary member 52 and cleaning the outer peripheral surface. Details of the cleaning device 60 will be described later.

Between the fixing means 50 and the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer means 30, as shown in FIG. ing. The relay transport path Rt2 is configured by arranging, for example, a belt-type paper transport device 46 . Further, as shown in FIG. 1, between the fixing means 50 and the paper ejection port 11 of the housing 10, there is provided an ejection transport path Rt3 for transporting the recording paper 9 after fixing to the paper ejection port 11. there is The discharge transport path Rt3 is configured by arranging transport rolls 47a and 47b and a transport guide member (not shown).

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, image formation is performed by the operation described below.

Here, an image forming operation for forming a full-color image formed by combining toners of four colors (Y, M, C, K) on one side of the recording paper 9 will be described as an example.
First, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the control means 15 receives an image forming operation request command from an externally connected device, the operation means 12, or the like, the image forming means 20, the intermediate transfer means 30, the paper feeding means 40, and the fixing means 50 are controlled. etc. will start at the required timing.

In each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K) in the image forming means 20, each photosensitive drum 21 starts rotating in the direction indicated by the arrow A, and each charging device 22 moves the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 21. After being charged to a desired potential, the charged peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 21 is irradiated with light corresponding to the image signal of each color component handled by the exposing device 23 to form an electrostatic latent image of each color component. Form.
Subsequently, in each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K), each developing device 24 (Y, M, C, K) creates an electrostatic latent image of each color component on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Each color component is developed with toner of one of the above four colors (Y, M, C, K). As a result, a toner image of one of the four colors is individually formed on the outer peripheral surface of each photosensitive drum 21 .
Subsequently, in each image forming unit 20 (Y, M, C, K), each photosensitive drum 21 that is rotationally driven transfers the toner image to each primary transfer position facing intermediate transfer means 30 (intermediate transfer belt 31 thereof). A primary transfer device 25, which will be described later, performs primary transfer at each primary transfer position. After the primary transfer, each photosensitive drum 21 has its outer peripheral surface cleaned by each drum cleaning device 26 to prepare for the next image forming process.

In the intermediate transfer means 30 , the intermediate transfer belt 31 is rotationally driven in the direction indicated by the arrow B, and the photosensitive drums 21 of the image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K) are driven against the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 31 . The upper toner image is sequentially primarily transferred by the transfer action of each primary transfer device 25 .
Subsequently, in the intermediate transfer means 30, the intermediate transfer belt 31 holds the primarily-transferred toner image, conveys it to the secondary transfer position, and supplies it to the secondary transfer position from the paper feeding device 40 through the conveying path Rt1. The toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 31 are collectively secondarily transferred onto the recording paper 9 by the transfer action of the secondary transfer device 35 . After the secondary transfer, the intermediate transfer belt 31 has its outer peripheral surface cleaned by the belt cleaning device 36 to prepare for the next image forming process.

Next, the recording paper 9 on which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 31 and then conveyed to the fixing means 50 by the paper conveying device 46 on the relay conveying path Rt2.
In the fixing means 50, the recording paper 9 holding the toner image is introduced into the inside of the housing 50 through the introduction port 51a, and then the heating rotary body 52 is driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow C. It is sent to the fixing processing section FN between the body 53 and heated under pressure while passing through the fixing processing section FN. As a result, the toner image is fused and fixed on the recording paper 9 .
Finally, after fixing, the recording paper 9 is ejected from the inside of the housing 51 of the fixing means 50 through the ejection opening 51b, and then conveyed by the ejection transportation path Rt3 to the paper ejection accommodating section (not shown) from the paper ejection opening 11. discharged to be contained in

As described above, a full-color image composed of toners of four colors is formed on one side of one sheet of recording paper 9, and the basic image forming operation is completed. When a command to perform the image forming operation for a plurality of sheets is issued, the series of operations described above are similarly repeated for the number of sheets.
Incidentally, according to the image forming apparatus 1, by selecting and operating three or two of the four image forming units 20 (Y, M, C, K), three-color toners or two-color toners are combined. By operating any one of the four image forming device units 20 (Y, M, C, K), one color image such as black can be used. Composite monochromatic images can also be formed.

<Structure Regarding Cleaning Device in Fixing Means>
As shown in FIG. 2, etc., the cleaning device 60 is of a type that cleans the outer peripheral surface of the heating rotating body 52 of the fixing means 50 by bringing a finite-length belt-shaped member 61 having a cleaning function into contact with the outer peripheral surface. be.

The cleaning device 60 according to the first embodiment includes a feed roll 62 around which the belt-shaped member 61 is wound and rotated so as to be fed toward the heating rotor 52, and a belt-shaped member after contacting the heating rotor 52. A winding roll 63 that rotates so that the member 61 is wound up, and a pressing roll 64 that presses the belt-shaped member 61 against the outer peripheral surface of the heating rotor 52 on the way from the delivery roll 62 to the winding roll 63. I have.

The belt-shaped member 61 is a material (also called a cleaning web) in which a functional layer that exhibits a cleaning function is formed on, for example, a belt-shaped base material having a predetermined width and length. As the base material, for example, a material made of polyimide and polyester impregnated with silicone oil is applied. Incidentally, the strip-shaped member 61 in Embodiment 1 is configured to exhibit non-conductive physical properties.
The belt-like member 61 is attached with one longitudinal end (winding-side end) fixed to the delivery roll 62, and then held in a wound state as a whole. Further, the belt-like member 61 is attached with the other longitudinal end (the end on the delivery side) fixed to the winding roll 63 via a pressing roll 64. The film is wound intermittently on a winding roll 63 which is rotationally driven with timing.

In the cleaning device 60, a delivery roll 62, a take-up roll 63, a pressing roll 64, and the like are rotatably supported by a support member (not shown).

Of these, the delivery roll 62 is detachably supported by the supporting member (not shown). The delivery roll 62 in the first embodiment is configured so that at least the entirety or the surface layer thereof has conductivity, partly due to the configuration of the first detection means (65) and the second detection means (66) to be described later. ing.
As shown in FIG. 4, the take-up roll 63 obtains rotational power from a driving means 16 such as a pulse motor arranged in a part of the housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, and is indicated by an arrow D (FIG. 2). It is configured to rotate in one direction at a constant speed.
The take-up roll 63 in Embodiment 1 is detachably connected at one end to the drive shaft 16a of the drive means 16 by a joint means 165 such as a coupling. That is, the winding roll 63 is connected to the drive means 16 by connecting one joint means 165a attached to one end thereof to the other joint means 165b attached to the drive shaft 161 of the drive means 16. FIG. The take-up roll 63 may also be detachably supported by a support member (not shown) if it is necessary to replace the roll 63 together with the strip-shaped member 61 that has been wound up.

Further, when the cleaning device 60 is used, for example, every time the number of sheets of recording paper 9 on which an image is formed (the number of prints) reaches a predetermined cumulative number, the driving means of the take-up roll 63 is driven by the control means 15. 16 is controlled to operate once for the required drive time T.
Moreover, in the cleaning device 60, the driving means 16 is controlled by the control means 15 according to the accumulated driving time ADt, which is the accumulated driving time of the driving means 16 of the winding roll 63, as shown in FIG. 7(a). It is also controlled to drive based on each drive time T divided into a plurality.

In relation to this control content, in the image forming apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. A storage means 17 is provided in which third data indicating the correlation between the obtained accumulated driving time ADt and the driving time T of the driving means 16 is stored.

The drive measurement means 151 is configured as one measurement function of the control means 15 . In practice, the functional unit of the control means 15 as the drive measurement means 151 integrates all the drive times T of the drive means 16 from the beginning of use of the belt-shaped member 61, and the result is stored in the storage means 17 or the like each time. is doing.
The storage means 17 is configured as storage means such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) in the control means 15 .
The third data is set in advance for each numerical range after dividing the cumulative drive time ADt of the winding drive in the driving means 16 into six numerical ranges, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(a). This is control data obtained by quantifying and summarizing relationships with six types of drive times T. FIG.

The six types of drive times T are the reference initial drive time Ts and each drive time (Ts-n1 to Ts -n5). Numerical values n1 to n5 to be subtracted are numerical values related to time, and are set to have a magnitude relationship of "n1<n2<n3<n4<n5". Further, the numerical values n1 to n5 to be subtracted are the band-shaped members per sheet of the recording paper 9, as shown in FIG. 61 is appropriately selected from the viewpoint of ensuring that the winding length of 61 falls within the initially set numerical range (between the length of 0.b and the length of 0.c illustrated on the vertical axis in the figure). .

Here, in the cleaning device 60, when the strip-shaped member 61 actually wound around the feed roll 62 is started to be wound around the take -up roll 63, each of FIGS. As shown in the left half, the winding diameter of the belt-shaped member 61 on the delivery side of the supply roll 62 gradually decreases, while the winding diameter of the belt-shaped member 61 on the winding side of the winding roll 63 gradually increases. transition as follows.

For this reason, if the driving means 16 of the winding roll 63 is controlled to be repeatedly driven at a constant driving time (for example, the initial driving time Ts) regardless of the difference in the cumulative driving time ADt, the following lead to the results described in
That is, when such provisional control is performed, as the winding diameter of the belt-shaped member 61 on the winding roll 63 rotated at a constant speed gradually increases, the circumference of the portion of the winding roll 63 including the belt-shaped member 61 increases. Since the speed increases, although the winding roll 63 rotates at the same speed for the same drive time, the feed amount of the band-shaped member 61 actually fed from the feed roll 62 gradually increases. That is, the winding length of the belt-like member 61 per sheet of the recording paper 9 gradually increases.
As a result, when this provisional control is performed, as illustrated by the broken line in FIG. As the length increases, the life of the belt-shaped member 61 is shortened by accelerating the time when the belt-shaped member 61 finally reaches the full length (the timing indicated by (1) on the horizontal axis in the figure). I will put it away.

In this respect, like the cleaning device 60 in the first embodiment, the driving means 16 of the winding roll 63 is controlled to be driven by being switched to a plurality of different driving times that gradually become shorter as the cumulative driving time ADt increases. 7(c), the time when the belt-shaped member 61 reaches the full length (the time indicated by (2) on the horizontal axis in the figure) is the case of the provisional control configuration (reference indicated by the broken line). You can extend your life by delaying it compared to example).

<Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus Regarding Operation of Cleaning Device in Fixing Unit>
In the image forming apparatus 1, as a configuration related to the operation of the cleaning device 60, as shown in FIG. 65, a second detection means (second detection part) 66 for detecting the operating state of the delivery roll 62, and a synthesized waveform obtained by synthesizing the waveforms respectively obtained by the first detection means 65 and the second detection means 66. Determining means (determining unit) 67 for determining that one of the two states of the occurrence of a winding operation failure of the belt-shaped member 61 and the arrival of the replacement time for the belt-shaped member 61, and the determination result of the determining means 67 A display means (display unit) 13 for displaying the content to be displayed is provided.

The first detection means 65 is a means for detecting the replacement timing of the belt-shaped member 61 from the presence or absence of a constant continuous waveform. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first detection means 65 in Embodiment 1 includes contact means 651, terminal means 652, first waveform generation means 653, and the like.

Of these, the contact means 651 is means for contacting the outer peripheral surface of the belt-shaped member 61 wound around the delivery roll 62 and displacing it following the degree of reduction of the belt-shaped member 61 . This contact means 651 uses a member that is supported so as to swing in directions indicated by arrows H1 and H2 that contact and separate from the delivery roll 62 with a support shaft 651a as a fulcrum. The contact portion 651b is arranged in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the belt-shaped member 61. As shown in FIG. Also, the contact means 651 is constructed such that the whole or a required part thereof is electrically conductive.

Also, the terminal means 652 is a means configured so that the contact means 651 comes into contact with it when it is time to notify that the belt-like member 61 should be replaced with a new one. The terminal means 652 in Embodiment 1 also uses the feeding roll 62 to which conductivity is imparted as a terminal means. Since the terminal means 652 is the delivery roll 62, the contact means 651 contacts the delivery roll 62 when the belt-like member 61 is completely delivered.

Furthermore, the first waveform generating means 653 is means for generating a constant continuous waveform by energizing when the contact means 651 contacts the terminal means 652 . The first waveform generating means 653 in Embodiment 1 includes a DC power source (circuit) (not shown), and as shown in FIG. They are electrically connected to each other.
As a result, the first waveform generating means 653 is electrically connected when the contact means 651 contacts the delivery roll 62 of the terminal means 652, as exemplified as cases 4 to 6 in the upper part of the table of FIG. It is configured as an energization detection means that generates a continuous waveform.
Information on the waveform obtained by the first waveform generating means 653 is finally transmitted to the determining means 67 and used.

The constant continuous waveform generated by the first waveform generating means 653 is obtained from the voltage (Low) obtained when the contact means 651 is not in contact with the terminal means 652 and is not conducting as illustrated in the upper part of FIG. a constant continuous waveform (cases 1 to 3) , or a constant continuous waveform (cases 4 to 6) consisting of a voltage (Hi) obtained when the contact means 651 contacts the terminal means 652 and conducts become.

At this time, when a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Low) is obtained, it is when the contact means 651 is not in contact with the delivery roll 62, which is the terminal means 652, so the belt-like member 61 exists ( remaining). Conversely, when a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi) is obtained, it is when the contact means 651 is in contact with the delivery roll 62, which is the terminal means 652, so the belt-shaped member 61 does not exist ( not left).
As the voltage (Low), a zero voltage or a voltage having a value (absolute value) smaller than the voltage (Hi) is applied.

The second detection means 66 is a means for detecting the operating state of the delivery roll 62 from the presence or absence of a pulse waveform or constant continuous waveform. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second detection means 66 in Embodiment 1 includes detection target means 661, detection means 663, second waveform generation means 664, and the like.

Of these, the detection target means 661 is a means having detection target portions 662 that exist at regular intervals in the rotation direction E of the delivery roll 62 and are detected. The means to be detected 661 in Embodiment 1 is provided with four protruding parts to be detected 662 arranged at regular intervals on one side of a circular substrate attached to one end of the delivery roll 62 on the circumference of the substrate. It consists of a structure. Further, the detected means 661 is configured such that the whole or at least the surface layer thereof is conductive.

Further, the detecting means 663 is means for detecting the detected portion 662 of the detected means 661 . The contact means 663 is configured using a member arranged so that one end is fixed and the other end can sequentially contact the four detected parts 662 of the detected means 661 . Further, the detection means 663 is configured to have flexibility and to have conductivity in its entirety or in a required part.

Furthermore, the second waveform generation means 664 is means for generating a pulse waveform or a constant continuous waveform depending on whether or not the detection means 663 has detected. The second waveform generating means 664 in Embodiment 1 has a DC power supply (circuit) (not shown), and as shown in FIG. are electrically connected to each other.
As a result, the second waveform generating means 664 becomes conductive when the detecting means 663 sequentially contacts one of the four detected parts 662 of the detected means 661, as illustrated in the middle row of the table of FIG. A pulse waveform is generated, or a constant (voltage, including zero voltage) continuous waveform in a state of continuous contact with any one of the detected parts 662 or a state of not contacting any of the detected parts 662 is configured as an energization detecting means for generating
Information about the waveform obtained by the second waveform generating means 664 is finally transmitted to the determining means 67 and used.

The pulse waveform illustrated in FIG. 8 generated by the second waveform generating means 664 is the voltage (Low) when the detecting means 663 is not in contact with the detected portion 662 of the detected means 661 and is not conducting, and the detecting means 663 is a pulse waveform obtained between the voltage (Hi) when 663 is in contact with the detected part 662 of the detected means 661 and conducts. The constant continuous waveform illustrated in FIG. 8 generated by the second waveform generating means 664 is obtained at the voltage (Low) when not conducting, in substantially the same manner as the constant continuous waveform in the first waveform generating means 653. or a constant continuous waveform obtained at the voltage (Hi) when conducting.

At this time, when a pulse waveform between the voltage (Low) and the voltage (Hi) is obtained, the detection means 663 rotates at equal intervals on the circumference of the detection means 661 rotating in synchronization with the rotation of the delivery roll 62. Since contacting and non-contacting with the four detected parts 662 arranged in . are generated in order, the delivery roll 62 is rotating normally.
On the other hand, when a constant continuous waveform of the voltage (Low) is obtained, it means that the detecting means 663 is not in contact with any of the detected parts 662 of the detected means 661, so that the delivery roll 62 can be operated normally. It is not rotating. Also, when a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi) is obtained, it is when the detecting means 663 is in continuous contact with any one of the detected parts 662 of the detected means 661. Then, the roll 62 is not rotating normally.

The determination means 67 is configured as one functional part of the control means 15 in the image forming apparatus 1 . The judging means 67 may be configured as separate means independent of the control means 15 .

This determination means 67 basically obtains a synthesized waveform obtained by synthesizing a constant continuous waveform obtained by the first detection means 65 and a pulse waveform or a constant continuous waveform obtained by the second detection means 66, and The waveform is used to make the determination.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the determination means 67 includes a waveform synthesizing section 671 that obtains a synthesized waveform by adding waveform outputs respectively obtained at the same elapsed time in the first detection means 65 and the second detection means 66. I have.

In the waveform synthesizing section 671 in Embodiment 1, the first detection means 65 and the second detection means 66 use a common DC power supply, and one of the power supplies is used as the contact means 651 of the first detection means 65 and the second detection means. The same circuit is constructed by branching and connecting to the detection means 633 of the means 66 and similarly connecting the other power source to the contact terminal 68 (delivery roll 62) used in common.

As a result, in the waveform synthesizing section 671, as shown in the bottom column of the table in FIG. obtained, and the resulting voltage state will be generated as a composite waveform.
8 synthesized by the waveform synthesizing unit 671 is the same pulse waveform as the pulse waveform obtained by the second detection means 66, or The resulting constant continuous waveform is the same as the constant continuous waveform.

Incidentally, when the waveform synthesizing section 671 is configured as the same circuit, the waveform information obtained by the first detection means 65 and the second detection means 66 are configured as separate and independent circuits. A port (actually an I/O port for input and output) for transmitting and inputting waveform information obtained by the detection means 65 and the second detection means 66 to the determination means 67 (actually the control means 15) can be reduced without the need to increase

In addition to the basic configuration described above, the determining means 67 in Embodiment 1 stores the cumulative driving time ADt of the driving means 16 obtained by the driving measuring means 151 and the winding length of the belt-shaped member 61. is stored (see FIG. 3) , and when the above synthesized waveform becomes a constant continuous waveform, the accumulated driving time ADt obtained by the driving measurement means 151 and stored in the storage means 17 By collating the stored first data, it is determined that either the belt-shaped member 61 has failed to take up or the time to replace the belt-shaped member 61 has come.

The first data is, for example, the relationship between the cumulative driving time ADt of the driving means 16 and the length of the belt-shaped member 61 wound on the winding roll 63, as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 7(c). This is control data. The length at this time is, for example, a measured value obtained by experiment or an estimated value obtained from a calculation formula. The first data indicates that there is a correlation that the winding length of the belt-like member 61 (web) increases substantially in proportion to the increase in the cumulative drive time ADt.
The solid line in FIG. 7(c) shows the transition state when the solid line portion between the 0 coordinate (origin) and the first black circle is driven at the first speed drive time Ts in the control stage shown in FIG. 7(a), The solid line portions between the black dots from the first black dot to the sixth black dot show transition states when driving at each driving time of the 2nd to 6th speeds in the control stage shown in FIG. 7(a). ing.

Further, when the synthesized waveform becomes a constant continuous waveform, it means when a waveform consisting of a constant voltage as exemplified in the bottom column of the table as Cases 2 to 6 in FIG. 8 is obtained. It is assumed that the waveforms exemplified in each column of the table of FIG. 8 are obtained during the winding drive (elapsed time) when the drive means 16 is driven once at each drive time shown in FIG. 7(a). shown as a length.

The judging means 67 judges that there is at least one of two states, that is, the belt-shaped member 61 has failed to take up and the timing for replacing the belt-shaped member 61 has come.
Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, the content related to the determination result of the determination means 67 is displayed on the display means 13. FIG. As contents related to the determination result, as will be described later, for example, when it is determined that a winding operation failure of the belt-shaped member 61 has occurred, contents such as "request inspection of the cleaning device 60" are displayed. , and when it is reversed to indicate that it is time to replace the belt-like member 61, the content such as "Replacement of the belt-like member 61 is requested" is displayed.

<Operation Related to Determination in Image Forming Apparatus Regarding Operation of Cleaning Device>
Next, an operation related to determination in the image forming apparatus 1 (actually, determination means 67 as a functional part of the control means 15) regarding the operation of the cleaning device 60 will be described.

The operation related to the determination by the determination means 67 at this time is performed at a predetermined timing. In Embodiment 1, the determination-related operation is performed each time the take-up roll 63 of the cleaning device 60 is rotationally driven for take-up, but is not limited to this time.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9, this decision-related operation is to decide whether or not the synthesized waveform is a pulse waveform (step 10. This is also abbreviated as "S10". The same applies to notation.).

In step 10 (S10), when it is determined that the composite waveform is a pulse waveform as exemplified as case 1 in FIG. (S11). This determination is made for the following reasons.

A pulse waveform is obtained as the composite waveform at this time, but in this case, as exemplified as case 1 in FIG. and when a pulse waveform is obtained in the second detecting means 66.
Therefore, at this time, in conjunction with the winding operation (winding length) by rotational driving of the winding roll 63, the delivery roll 62 is also rotated by a required amount for feeding out the band-shaped member 61. Therefore, it can be considered that the belt-shaped member 61 is being wound normally.
Further, when such determination is made, the determination result is not displayed on the display means 13, and the determination-related operation ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 10 (S10) that the composite waveform is not a pulse waveform, it is determined whether or not the composite waveform is a continuous voltage (Hi) waveform (S12).

If it is determined in step 12 (S12) that the composite waveform is not a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi), the determining means 67 determines that "the winding operation failure has occurred in the cleaning device 60" (S13). The determination at this time is made for the following reasons.

The synthesized waveform at this time is not a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi) but a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Low). Second, it is limited to when the constant continuous waveform of the voltage (Low) is obtained in the first detection means 65 and the constant continuous waveform of the voltage (Low) is obtained in the second detection means 66 as well.
Therefore, at this time, although it is the time to take up the belt-shaped member 61 while the belt-shaped member 61 remains, for some reason the delivery roll 62 is not rotating and the belt-shaped member 61 is delivered. is not performed, it can be considered that the winding operation of the belt-shaped member 61 is not performed normally, resulting in malfunction. Causes of malfunction at this time include, for example, disconnection of the motor drive circuit of the drive means 16, poor connection of the wiring harness, dropout due to improper installation of the motor of the drive means 16, damage to the power transmission gear, and the like. be done.

Further, when it is determined that a defect has occurred in the winding operation, the control means 15 displays on the display means 13 a display requesting inspection, such as "Please inspect the cleaning device 60 because an abnormality has occurred." (S14). Incidentally, when this determination is made, the driving of the driving means 16 in the cleaning device 60 is formally stopped.
With such a display, it is possible to check the cleaning device 60 in which the winding operation is defective. Induction of the accompanying poor fixing can be prevented.

Next, when it is determined in step 12 (S12) that the composite waveform is a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi), the cumulative driving time ADt of the driving means 16 is set to determine when it is time to replace the band-shaped member 61. It is determined whether or not the threshold time Tx is exceeded (S15).

The judgment in step 15 (S15) is made when the synthesized waveform becomes a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi). is compared with the first data stored in .
Specifically, the cumulative drive time ADt at the time of this determination exceeds the threshold time Tx set from the correlation between the cumulative drive time ADt and the winding length of the belt-shaped member 61 indicated by the solid line in FIG. 7(c). Check whether it is a value or not. Regarding the threshold time Tx, in the first data, for example, when the winding length of the strip-shaped member 61 (the replacement time of the strip-shaped member 61) is suitable for displaying (warning) requesting the replacement time of the strip-shaped member 61. It is determined in advance as an accumulated driving time.

Then, when it is determined in step 15 that the accumulated drive time ADt does not exceed the threshold time Tx (ADt≤Tx), the determining means 67 determines that "a defective winding operation has occurred" in the cleaning device 60. (S13). The determination at this time is made for the following reasons.

First, since the composite waveform at this time is a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi), the constant continuous waveform is obtained from either the first detection means 65 or the second detection means 66, or from both of them. I can't tell what I got.
However, even in this case, one reason is that the belt-shaped member 61 remains to such an extent that it does not require replacement because information is obtained that the cumulative driving time ADt does not exceed the threshold time Tx. can be considered and identified as that constant continuous waveform obtained from the second detection means 66 . As exemplified as "Case 3" in FIG. This corresponds to the case where a continuous waveform of
Therefore, at this time, although it is the time to take up the belt-shaped member 61 while the belt-shaped member 61 remains, for some reason the delivery roll 62 is not rotating and the belt-shaped member 61 is delivered. is not performed, it can be considered that the winding operation of the belt-shaped member 61 is not performed normally, resulting in malfunction. Causes of malfunctions such as "Case 3" include, for example, the same factors as the causes of malfunctions exemplified in Case 2 above.

In addition, regarding the determination in step 13 (S13), even if information is obtained that the cumulative drive time ADt does not exceed the threshold time Tx, as in cases 4 to 6 illustrated in FIG. Since the constant continuous waveform of the voltage (Hi) is obtained from the detecting means 65, the synthesized waveform may be the constant continuous waveform of the voltage (Hi).
However, in this case, after all, the reason why the composite waveform is a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi) can be obtained from either one of the first detection means 65 and the second detection means 66 or both of them. It is not possible to distinguish whether it is due to a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi). Therefore, in this case, safety is forcibly determined as "faulty winding operation has occurred".

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 15 that the accumulated driving time ADt exceeds the threshold time Tx (ADt>Tx), the determining means 67 determines that "the web replacement time has come" (S16). When this determination is made, the control means 15 displays on the display means 13, for example, "Please replace the belt - like member 61 with a new one." When this determination is made, driving of the driving means 16 in the cleaning device 60 is stopped.

Incidentally, the case where it is determined in step 15 that the cumulative driving time ADt exceeds the threshold time Tx occurs when the states are in the cases 4 to 6 illustrated in FIG.
For example, in the case of case 5, it is estimated that it is time to replace the belt-shaped member 61 by obtaining a constant continuous waveform of the voltage (Hi) in the first detection means 65, and the second detection means 66 From the fact that the pulse waveform is obtained at , it is also presumed that the delivery roll 62 is rotating by inertia after (the end of) the strip-shaped member 61 has left the delivery roll 62 . However, in this case 5, it is considered that the replacement time has come by obtaining the information that the cumulative drive time ADt has exceeded the threshold time Tx. By the way, when the above determination is made, for example, a state such as case 5 is first entered, and a state such as case 4 or 6 is entered when the belt-like member 61 is completely wound up.

By displaying such a display, the belt-shaped member 61 in the cleaning device 60 can be replaced with a new one. It is also possible to prevent the induction of poor fixation associated with this.

In order to replace the belt-shaped member 61 of the cleaning device 60 in the image forming apparatus 1 with a new one, for example, the used belt-shaped member 61 is taken up by the delivery roll 62 from which the belt-shaped member 61 has been completely fed out. This can be done by removing the wound roll 63 from the support member (not shown) of the cleaning device 60, and newly attaching the delivery roll 62 wound with the new belt-shaped member 61 and the empty winding roll 63. In this case, since the contact terminal 68 common to the contact means 651 of the first detection means 65, the detected means 661 and the detection means 633 of the second detection means 66 are integrated with the feed roll 62, It is to be removed in an integrated state with them and installed in an integrated state.
2, the entire cleaning device 60 with the used band-shaped member 61 is removed from the fixing means 50, and a new cleaning device 60 with the new band-shaped member 61 is installed. It can also be configured to be performed by attaching to the fixing means 50 .

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1, the belt-shaped member 61 of the finite length used in contact with the heating rotating body 52 in the fixing means 50 is not properly wound, and the time for replacing the belt-shaped member is reached. It is possible to accurately know which one is.

[Embodiment 2]
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration described below is added and part of the determination-related operation of the determination means 67 is changed as described below. It has the same configuration as the image forming apparatus 1 concerned.

First, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. A resistive element 655 is added.

This resistance element 655 is for adjusting the relatively higher voltage in the constant continuous waveform generated by the first waveform generating means 653 . In the second embodiment, the resistive element 655 detects the relatively higher voltage (Hi2) in the constant continuous waveform generated by the first waveform generating means 653 as shown in FIG. An electrical resistance value that can be lower in absolute value (Hi2<Hi1) than the relatively higher voltage (Hi1) of the waveform generated by the second waveform generating means 664 is applied.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, the determining means 37 determines the occurrence of the winding operation failure of the belt-shaped member 61 and the occurrence of the belt-shaped member from the synthesized waveform obtained by synthesizing the waveforms obtained by the first detecting means 65 and the second detecting means 66, respectively. 61, the arrival of the replacement time. It is configured so that determination can be made without using one data. Therefore, in this image forming apparatus 1, it is not necessary to store the first data in Embodiment 1 in the storage means 17 as shown in FIG.

In the determination means 37 of the second embodiment, waveforms shown as Cases 1 to 6 in FIG. 12 are obtained as composite waveforms.
In this case, especially the composite waveforms shown in Cases 3 to 6 are obtained as characteristic composite waveforms. In other words, this characteristic composite waveform is such that the relatively higher voltage (Hi2) in the constant continuous waveform generated by the first waveform generation means 653 is generated by the second waveform generation means 664 of the second detection means 66. This is obtained because the relationship (Hi2<Hi1) is such that the value is lower than the relatively higher voltage (Hi1) of the waveform that causes the voltage to rise. Specifically, a continuous waveform consisting of a relatively high voltage (Hi1) shown in cases 3 and 4 and a continuous waveform consisting of a voltage (Hi2) lower than the voltage (Hi1) shown in case 6 are obtained as constant continuous waveforms. Also, a pulse waveform generated between the voltage (Hi1) and the voltage (Hi2) shown in case 5 is obtained as a pulse waveform.

<Operation Related to Determination in Image Forming Apparatus Regarding Operation of Cleaning Device>
Next, an operation related to determination in the image forming apparatus 1 (actually, determination means 67 as in the operation in the first embodiment) regarding the operation of the cleaning device 60 in the second embodiment will be described.

First, in the determination-related operation in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the composite waveform is a pulse waveform generated between the voltage (Hi1) and the lowest voltage (Low). (step 20).

In step 20 (S20), when it is determined that the composite waveform is a pulse waveform between voltage (Hi1) and voltage (Low) as exemplified as case 1 in FIG. It is determined that "winding operation is normal" (S21). The determination at this time is made for substantially the same reason as the determination at step 10 in the first embodiment.
Moreover, when it determines in this way, determination related operation|movement is complete|finished.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 20 (S20) that the composite waveform is not a pulse waveform between voltage (Hi1) and voltage (Low), it is determined whether or not the composite waveform is a continuous waveform of voltage (Low). (S22).

If it is determined in this step 22 (S22) that the composite waveform is a continuous waveform of voltage (Low), the determining means 67 determines that "a winding operation failure has occurred" in the cleaning device 60 (S23). .
The synthesized waveform at this time is obtained as a constant continuous waveform of the voltage (Low) generated in the case exemplified as "Case 2" in FIG. This is done for substantially the same reason as the determination in step 13 in the determination-related operation of .

Further, when it is determined that a defect has occurred in the winding operation, a display requesting inspection is displayed on the display means 13 by the control means 15, as in the case of step 14 in the determination-related operation of the first embodiment. (S24). Incidentally, even when this determination is made, the driving of the driving means 16 in the cleaning device 60 is officially stopped.

Next, if it is determined in step 22 (S22) that the composite waveform is not a continuous waveform of voltage (Low), it is determined whether or not the composite waveform is a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi2) (S25).

Then, when it is determined in step 25 (S25) that the synthesized waveform is not a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi2) (cases 3 to 5) , the determining means 67 determines that "the cleaning device 60 has a defective winding operation". (S23). The determination at this time is made for the following reasons.

First, the synthesized waveform at this time is not a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi2), but a continuous waveform of voltage ( Hi1 ) or a pulse waveform between voltage (Hi1) and voltage (Hi2).
At this time, when the synthesized waveform is a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi 2 ), as shown in cases 3 and 4 of FIG. 66 is a continuous waveform of the voltage (Hi2).
Therefore, at this time, as in cases 3 and 4 (FIG. 8) of the operation in Embodiment 1, the delivery roll 62 is not rotating and the belt-shaped member 61 is not delivered for some reason. Therefore, it can be considered that the winding operation of the belt-shaped member 61 is not performed normally, resulting in malfunction.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 25 that the synthesized waveform is a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi2), control means 15 displays the web on display means 13 as in step 17 in the determination-related operation in the first embodiment. A display requesting replacement is displayed ( S27 ). When this determination is made, the driving of the driving means 16 in the cleaning device 60 is also stopped.

Incidentally, the case in which it is determined in step 25 that the composite waveform is a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi2) occurs when there is a state exemplified as case 6 in FIG.
In case 6, it is presumed that the time to replace the belt-like member 61 has come due to the continuous waveform of the voltage (Hi2) being obtained in the first detection means 65 .
Further, when the synthesized waveform is determined to be a continuous waveform of voltage (Hi2), the second detection means 66 is limited to obtaining a continuous waveform of voltage (Low), but this is limited to the belt-shaped member 61 ( ) is completely separated from the delivery roll 62, the delivery roll 62 stops rotating. However, at this time, the existence of the information that the continuous waveform of the voltage (Hi2) is obtained in the first detecting means 65 is relied upon, and it is considered that the replacement time has come.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the belt-shaped member 61 with a finite length, which is used in contact with the heating rotating body 52 in the fixing unit 50, is not properly wound. It is possible to easily know whether it is time to replace the member or not, without using the first data as in the case of the determination means 67 in the first embodiment.

[Embodiment 3]
The image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment has the configuration described below added to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the same configuration as that of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first or second embodiment is adopted except for the added configuration.

First, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. It is configured as a fixing means that can be detached and replaced as is.

Specifically, the housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a mounting portion to which the fixing means 50 including the cleaning device 60 can be detachably mounted. When the fixing means 50 is mounted on the mounting portion, the take-up roll 63 of the cleaning device 60 is connected to the drive means 16 via the joint means 165 . Also, by the mounting, the first detection means 65 and a part of the second detection means arranged side by side on the delivery roll 62 are replaced by the first signal generation means 653 of the first detection means 65 arranged on the main body 10 side. and the second signal generating means 664 of the second detecting means 66 are electrically connected.

In addition, when the fixing means 50 holding the belt-shaped member 61 that has not reached the time for replacement is removed as the "fixing means halfway through use", the image forming apparatus 1 stores data as indicated by a chain double-dashed line in FIG. Means 17 are arranged to store the last cumulative drive time in drive measuring means 151 .

Specifically, as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. A fixing means identifying means 19 is provided.
The fixing means identifying means 19 may be any means capable of identifying at least that the "fixing means 50 in use" has been removed and then reattached. is configured to be identifiable based on The fixing unit identification unit 19 is configured as a unit that automatically identifies the unique information, or a unit that identifies the unique information by inputting it from the input unit 14 of the operation unit 12 .
Furthermore, the fixing means identification means 19 is connected to the control means 15 and transmits information of the identification result to the control means 15 . The control means 15 recognizes, for example, the fixing device 50 as the "half-use fixing means" when the fixing device 50 is removed from the mounting portion before the determination result indicating that the belt-shaped member 61 has come to be replaced is obtained from the determination means 67, for example. It is designed to

Further, when the control means 15 acquires the identification information indicating that the fixing means 50 in use has been removed from the fixing means identification means 19, the control means 15 stores the data of the last cumulative drive time measured by the drive measurement means 151. Means 17 is made to store.
On the other hand, when the fixing unit 50 in use is removed and the process of storing the last cumulative drive time is completed, the drive measurement unit 151 resets (erases) the measurement results up to that point. At this time, the driving measuring means 151 measures (accumulates) the driving time of the cleaning device 60 for the winding roll 63 of the cleaning device 60 of the fixing means 50 to be mounted next from the beginning.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that the determination section 67 performs the following determination when the fixing section 50 that is in use is reattached and reused.
That is, the determining means 67 basically performs determination in the same flow as the determining means 67 in Embodiment 1, but especially when the composite waveform becomes a constant continuous waveform, the fixing means 50 in the middle of use is replaced. The cumulative drive time obtained by the drive measurement means 151 after the recording is collated with the last cumulative drive time in the storage means 17 and the first data, and occurrence of a winding operation failure of the belt-shaped member 61 and replacement of the belt-shaped member 61 are checked. It seems to determine whether it is either with the arrival of time.

Specifically, the determining means 67 determines that the synthesized waveform obtained by synthesizing the respective waveforms obtained from the first detecting means 65 and the second detecting means 66 for the cleaning device 60 of the fixing means 50 during use is the voltage (Hi). When a constant continuous waveform is obtained, the following operation is performed when determining whether or not the cumulative drive time ADt is longer than the threshold time Tx in step 15 (S15) of FIG.
At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the determination means 67 determines that the cleaning device 60 in the fixing means 50 that is in use is stored at the last cumulative driving time (F-ADt) stored in the storage means 17. The cumulative drive time (F-ADt+N-ADt) is calculated by adding the cumulative drive time (N-ADt) obtained by the drive measurement means 151, and the calculated cumulative drive time (F-ADt+N-ADt) is reused. Also obtained as the "latest cumulative drive time" of the cleaning device 60 in the fixing means 50 during use (the time corresponding to the position of the black diamond on the solid line in FIG. 14).
Subsequently, the determination means 67 determines whether or not the latest cumulative drive time (F-ADt+N-ADt) exceeds the threshold time Tx set on the first data.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, when the fixing means 50 which is in use is reattached and reused, the control means 15 determines the "latest cumulative drive time" obtained by the determination means 67. The driving time of the driving means 16 of the cleaning device 60 in the fixing means 50 that is in use is controlled while collating it with the third data.

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, when the fixing unit 50 is replaced with the fixing unit 50 in use and reused (and the driving before the fixing unit 50 in use is removed) Even if the measurement result of the measuring means 151 is erased), the occurrence of a winding operation failure of the belt-shaped member 61 that is being used by the cleaning device 60 in the replaced fixing means 50 that is being used, and the belt-shaped member It is possible to appropriately know about the arrival of the replacement time of 61.
However, if this image forming apparatus 1 is replaced with a new fixing device 50 equipped with a cleaning device 60 having an unused and new belt-shaped member 61 after the "half-use fixing device 50" is removed, , the determination-related operation for the operation of the cleaning device 60 having the new belt-shaped member 61 is performed in the same manner as the determination-related operation in the actual embodiment 1. FIG.

[Embodiment 4]
The image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 4 differs from the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 in that a configuration described below is added and a part of the control of the control means 15 is changed as described below. It has the same configuration as the forming apparatus 1 .

First, as shown in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes an interval measuring means 152 for measuring the interval L (FIG. 6) of the pulse waveform obtained by the second detecting means 66. Further, second data indicating the correlation between the pulse waveform interval L obtained by the interval measuring means 152 and the driving time of the driving means 16 is stored in the storage means 17 .
In the image forming apparatus 1, the controller 15 compares information on the interval L of the pulse waveform obtained by the interval measuring means 152 with the second data, and controls the driving time of the winding roll 63 in the driving means 16. It is configured as follows.

Specifically, the interval measuring means 152 is configured as one measuring function of the control means 15 . Actually, the interval L of the pulse waveform obtained by the interval measuring means 152 is measured as, for example, the elapsed time in the functional part as the interval measuring means 152 of the control means 15, and the result is stored in the storage means 17 or the like each time, and is temporarily stored. are stored in
The interval L between the pulse waveforms is the distance between adjacent pulses, or the distance between rising portions of adjacent pulses. Further, the interval L of the pulse waveform may be obtained as a value obtained by averaging a plurality of intervals L when a plurality of pulses are obtained during one measurement.

For the second data, for example, the pulse waveform interval L obtained by the interval measuring means 152 is divided into six numerical ranges as shown in FIG. This is control data obtained by quantifying and summarizing relationships with six types of drive times T. FIG.
The six drive times T are an initial drive time Ts as a reference and each drive time (Ts-m1 to Ts- m5). The numerical values m1 to m5 to be subtracted are numerical values related to time, and are set to have a magnitude relationship of "m1<m2<m3<m4<m5". Further, the numerical values m1 to m5 to be subtracted are appropriately selected from the same viewpoint as the numerical values n1 to n5 to be subtracted of the third data in the first embodiment.

FIG. 16B shows the relationship between the number of prints and the winding length of the belt-like member per sheet of recording paper 9 . The relationship shown in FIG. 16B is the same as the relationship information shown in FIG.
FIG. 16(c) shows a case where the control device 15 controls the driving time of the driving means 16 of the winding roll 63 by comparing the information of the interval L of the pulse waveform obtained by the interval measuring means 152 with the second data. 2 shows the relationship between the interval L of the pulse waveform and the winding length of the belt-shaped member 61. FIG. From FIG. 16(c), it can be seen that the interval L between the pulse waveforms gradually decreases as the winding length of the belt-shaped member 61 increases. It can also be seen that it gradually increases (becomes faster) as the length increases. Therefore, each drive time (Ts-m1 to Ts-m5) is shortened step by step from the viewpoint of suppressing the natural increase in the winding length of the belt-shaped member 61 in accordance with the shortening of the interval L of the pulse waveform. is set to

When the fixing means 50 is replaced with the "half-use fixing means 50" as described in the third embodiment, the control means 15 in the image forming apparatus 1 replaces the half-use fixing means 50. By comparing the interval L of the pulse waveform obtained by the interval measuring means 152 and the second data stored in the storage means, it is possible to drive the cleaning device 60 to the take-up roll 63 in the fixing means 50 during use. It is configured to adjust and control the driving time of the means 16 .

Further, when the fixing unit 50 is removed while it is in use, the interval measuring unit 152 resets (deletes) the measurement results up to that point. At this time, the interval measuring means 152 measures again from the beginning the interval of the pulse waveform obtained by the second detecting means 66 for the cleaning device 60 of the fixing means 50 to be mounted next.

In this image forming apparatus 1 , when the “half-use fixing device 50 ” is attached again and reused, the control device 15 controls the driving device 16 for the take-up roll 63 of the cleaning device 60 in the fixing device 50 . Regarding the driving time T, the driving time T corresponding to the interval L of the latest pulse waveform obtained by the interval measuring means 152 is selected from the second data, and the driving means 16 is controlled to be driven at the selected driving time T.

As a result, in the "half-use fixing means 50", although the belt-shaped member 61 in use is present on the delivery roll 62 of the cleaning device 60 and the remaining amount is unknown, the current state of the delivery roll 62 is determined. Since the operating state is grasped from the interval L of the latest pulse waveform obtained by the interval measuring means 152, the driving time T of the driving means 16 can be set appropriately by comparing the interval L of the latest pulse waveform with the second data. can be selected to
For example, if the pulse waveform interval (FL) exemplified on the horizontal axis of FIG. FL) can be obtained with substantially the same value as the interval L of the latest pulse waveform obtained from the interval measuring means 152 when the fixing means 50 in use is replaced and reused.

Therefore, according to the image forming apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment, even if the fixing unit 50 is replaced with the fixing unit 50 that is in the middle of use and reused, the replaced fixing unit that is in the middle of use can be reused. The belt-like member 61 that is being held in the cleaning device 60 of 50 and is in use can be properly wound up.
Further, according to this image forming apparatus 1, as in the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3, the process of storing the last accumulated driving time (F-ADt) when the fixing means 50 is removed during use, Since there is no need to calculate the latest cumulative drive time (F-ADt+N-ADt) from the cumulative drive time (F-ADt), the belt-shaped member 61 that is in use can be easily wound up. can also

It should be noted that this image forming apparatus 1 is configured to perform determination by the determining means 67 that also uses the first data, as in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the first data is also stored in the storage means 17 as shown in FIG.
Also, this image forming apparatus 1 is provided with the fixing unit identification unit 19 described in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. Further, the fixing means identifying section 19 identifies removal and re-attachment of the "fixing means 50 in use".
Further, the control unit 15 in this image forming apparatus 1 also indicates that the "fixing unit 50 in use" has been removed from the fixing unit identifying unit 19, as in the case of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment. When the identification information is obtained, the data of the last cumulative drive time measured by the drive measuring means 151 is stored in the storage means 17 as shown in FIG.

[Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the image forming apparatus 1 according to Embodiments 1 to 4, and can be modified as appropriate without changing the gist thereof. An example is given below.

As the first detection means 65, for example, as shown in FIGS. By applying the first detection means 65B composed of the contact means 651 having the first contact part 651b contacting the outer peripheral surface of the good too.

The terminal means 654 is connected to the contact means 651 when the first contact portion 651b of the contact means 651 reaches the outer peripheral surface portion 61e of the winding diameter corresponding to the replacement detection timing of the strip-shaped member 61 wound around the delivery roll 62. is arranged at a position where the second contact portion 651c of the . Also, the terminal means 654 is electrically connected to one of the DC power sources in the first waveform generating means 653 . Further, the terminal means 654 can change the replacement detection timing of the belt-like member 61 by changing the contact position of the second contact portion 651c of the contact means 651 .
As with the contact means 651 of the first detection means 65 in Embodiments 1 to 4, the contact means 651 contacts and separates from the delivery roll 62 with the support shaft 651a as a fulcrum in the directions indicated by the arrows H1 and H2. A member supported for rocking is applied. Also, the contact means 651 has conductivity so that the second contact portion 651 c is electrically connected to the other side of the DC power source in the first waveform generation means 653 .
According to the first detection means 65B, when the second contact portion 651c of the contact means 651 contacts the terminal means 654, a constant continuous waveform of voltage (Hi) is obtained in the first waveform generation means 653. A constant continuous waveform of voltage (Low) is obtained in the first waveform generating means 653 when there is no contact.

As the second detection means 66, for example, as shown in FIGS. A second detection means 66B composed of a detection means 667 for optically detecting the detection portion 666 and a second waveform generation means 664 may be applied.

The encoder plate of the means to be detected 665 is a disk fixed to one end side of the delivery roll 62, and a plurality of parts to be detected 666 having a desired light-transmitting or light-reflecting shape are formed on the disk. They are provided so as to exist at equal intervals on the circumference. A portion of the encoder plate other than the detected portion 666 is configured as a light shielding or non-reflecting portion. The detecting means 667 optically detects the light emitted from the plurality of detected portions 666 toward the encoder plate by transmitting or reflecting the light. The sensing means 667 is electrically connected to the second sensing means 66B.
According to the second detection means 66B, when the detection means 667 optically detects the plurality of detection target portions 666 in the detection target means 665 at required intervals, the second waveform generation means 664 obtains a pulse waveform, When the detecting means 667 continuously detects a plurality of detected parts 666 in the detected means 665 or parts other than the detected parts 666 , a constant continuous waveform is obtained in the second waveform generating means 664 .

When the first detection means 65B and the second detection means 66B are applied at the same time, the delivery roll 62 need not be a conductive roll and can be a non-conductive roll.

The cleaning device 60 may be detachably replaceable with respect to the fixing device 50, as illustrated by the chain double-dashed line in FIG.
When the detachable and replaceable cleaning device 60 is used from the stage of a new product, and when the cleaning device 60 is removed as the cleaning device 60 in the middle of use while holding the belt-shaped member 61 that has not reached the replacement time, it is reattached. In any case of reuse, the determination-related operation of the determination means 67 in Embodiments 1 to 4 etc. can be performed in the same manner, and the new belt-shaped member 61 or the belt-shaped member 61 in use can be wound up. Occurrence of malfunction and arrival of replacement time for each belt-like member can be known in the same manner.
In addition to the new cleaning device 60, even if the cleaning device 60 is replaced with a cleaning device 60 that is in use, the in-use cleaning device 60 that is held in the replaced cleaning device 60 that is in use Therefore, the winding operation of the belt-shaped member 61 can be appropriately performed.

As the belt-shaped member 61, a member having an application function for applying a material such as a mold release agent may be applied in addition to the member having the cleaning function. The cleaning device 60 having the band-shaped member 61 may be one in which the pressing roll 64 is omitted.
Further, the object to be used in contact with the belt-shaped member 61 is not limited to the heating rotating body 52 of the fixing means 50, and other rotating parts in the image forming apparatus 1 may be applied.

In addition, the image forming apparatus is not limited to an apparatus that forms an image made of a developer, and may be made of other materials (ink, etc.) as long as it has a rotating portion that rotates while the belt-shaped member 61 is brought into contact therewith. It may be a device that forms an image.

1... Image forming apparatus 10... Housing (main body)
13... Display means 15... Control means (control unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16... Driving means 17... Storage means 50... Fixing means 52... Rotating body for heating (an example of a rotating part)
61 strip-shaped member 62 delivery roll 63 take-up roll 65 first detection means 66 second detection means 67 determination means 151 drive measurement means 152 interval measurement means 651 contact means 652, 654 terminal means 653 First waveform generating means 661, 665 Means to be detected 662, 666 Parts to be detected 663, 667 Detection means 664 Second waveform generating means

Claims (6)

a rotating part that rotates in contact with a belt-shaped member of finite length;
a delivery roll around which the belt-shaped member is wound and rotated so as to be delivered toward the rotating part;
a winding roll that is rotationally driven so that the belt-shaped member after contact with the rotating portion is wound;
a first detection means for detecting the replacement timing of the belt-shaped member on the delivery roll from the presence or absence of a constant continuous waveform;
a second detection means for detecting the operating state of the delivery roll from the presence or absence of a pulse waveform or a constant continuous waveform;
From the combined waveform obtained by synthesizing the waveform obtained by the first detection means and the waveform obtained by the second detection means, there are two states: the occurrence of a winding operation failure of the belt-shaped member and the arrival of the time to replace the belt-shaped member. a determination means for determining that it is either
display means for displaying content related to the determination result of the determination means;
driving means for driving the winding roll;
a driving measuring means for cumulatively measuring the driving time of the driving means;
storage means storing first data indicating the correlation between the cumulative drive time obtained by the drive measurement means and the winding length of the belt-shaped member;
with
The first detection means includes contact means that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the belt-shaped member wound around the delivery roll and is displaced following the reduction of the belt-shaped member, and the contact means replaces the belt-shaped member. terminal means for contacting when the time is reached; and first waveform generating means for energizing when the contacting means contacts the terminal means to generate a constant continuous waveform having a voltage different from that when the contacting means does not contact the terminal means. equipped with
The second detection means includes detection means having detection target portions that are present at regular intervals in the rotation direction of the delivery roll and are detected, and detection means for detecting the detection target portions of the detection target means. , a second waveform generating means for generating a pulse waveform or a constant continuous waveform depending on the presence or absence of detection by the detecting means,
The judging means judges that the winding operation of the belt-like member is normal when the composite waveform is not a constant continuous waveform composed of a voltage obtained when the terminal means of the contact means is contacted, and When the composite waveform is a constant continuous waveform composed of the voltage obtained when the terminal means of the contact means is contacted, the accumulated drive time obtained by the drive measurement means is set as the first data in the storage means. If the accumulated drive time does not exceed the threshold time, a defective winding operation of the belt-shaped member occurs. on the other hand, when the cumulative drive time exceeds the threshold time, the image forming apparatus determines that it is time to replace the belt-shaped member. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the delivery roll is a detachable roll, and the contact means or the contact means and the terminal means of the first detection means are provided together. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the delivery roll is a detachable and replaceable roll, and the detecting means in the second detecting means or the detecting means and the detecting means are provided together. fixing means for fixing an unfixed image onto a recording medium, the fixing means having at least a part of the rotating portion, the delivery roll, the take-up roll, and the first detection means and the second detection means;
4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing section is configured as a fixing section that can be detached and replaced while holding the belt-shaped member with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The drive means, the interval measurement means for measuring the interval of the pulse waveform obtained by the second detection means, and the information on the interval of the pulse waveform obtained by the interval measurement means are used to control the drive time of the drive means. and a storage means storing second data indicating the correlation between the pulse waveform interval obtained by the interval measuring means and the driving time of the driving means,
When the fixing means is replaced with a half-used fixing means holding the band-shaped member that has not reached the replacement time, the control unit measures the distance measured by the gap measuring means after the replacement with the half-used fixing means. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the interval between the pulse waveforms generated and the second data stored in the storage means are collated to adjust and control the driving time of the driving means. The storage means is configured to store the last cumulative drive time in the drive measurement means when the fixing means holding the belt-shaped member which has not reached the replacement time is removed as the fixing means in use. ,
When the synthetic waveform becomes a constant continuous waveform, the determining means determines the cumulative driving time obtained by the driving measuring means after the fixing means is replaced with the halfway used fixing means, and the last cumulative driving time in the storing means. is added to obtain the latest cumulative drive time, and whether or not the latest cumulative drive time exceeds the threshold time set in the first data is collated to determine whether the belt-shaped member winding operation failure has occurred and the 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein it is determined that it is time to replace the belt-shaped member.

Images