Patent Grant
10416596
This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent application No. 2017-159497 filed on Aug. 22, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates to a fixing device fixing a toner image onto a sheet and an image forming apparatus including this fixing device.
Conventionally, an image forming apparatus includes a fixing device fixing a toner image formed on a recording medium, such as a sheet. The fixing device includes a fixing member heating the toner image and a pressuring member pressuring the toner image to the recording medium, and includes a temperature sensing part, such as a thermopile, sensing temperature of the fixing member in order to control heating of the fixing member. The temperature sensing part includes an infrared sensing element sensing infrared rays radiated from the fixing member and a condensing member condensing infrared rays to the infrared sensing element, and is arranged in a non-contact state with the fixing member. On the basis of the result of sensing by the infrared sensing element, detection temperature of the fixing member is calculated.
However, if the temperature sensing part is located at a position receiving an effect of heating of the fixing member, it is feared that temperature of the fixing member is erroneously detected. For example, because the condensing member is located near external environment of the temperature sensing part and easily receives the effect of heating of the fixing member in comparison with the infrared sensing element, temperature difference between the infrared sensing element and the condensing member may occur. In a case where such difference occurs, for example, if the infrared ray from the condensing member acts on the infrared sensing element to affect the result of sensing, the detection temperature may not be accurately calculated.
Moreover, the fixing device may be configured that a condensing mirror located along a longitudinal direction of a heating roller (the fixing member) condenses an infrared radiation light as temperature information of the heating roller and a reflecting mirror reflects the temperature information of the heating roller condensed by the condensing mirror to one side in an axial direction of the heating roller. In such a fixing device, a temperature sensor (the temperature sensing part) is located at a position where temperature does not become high (i.e., a position is not affected by heating of the fixing member) to input temperature information of the heating roller reflected by the reflecting mirror.
Further, the fixing device may be configured to include a thermopile (the temperature sensing part) located in a non-contact state with a heat roller (the fixing member) and the thermopile detects temperature of the heat roller on the basis of infrared rays radiated from the heat roller. This fixing device includes a direct measuring thermistor, in separation from the thermopile, detecting temperature of the heat roller. This fixing device corrects temperature detected by the thermopile on the basis of temperature detected by the direct measuring thermistor.
In the fixing device, in order to locate the temperature sensing part sensing temperature of the fixing member at the position not affected by heating of the fixing member, as mentioned above, it is necessary to provide a transmitting member, such as the condensing mirror and the reflecting mirror. Therefore, in comparison with a device not including the transmitting member and a mounting mechanism for the transmitting member, the number of components and component cost are increased, and then, enlargement and complication of the device are incurred in order to secure a mounting space for the transmitting member.
In addition, in order to correct detection temperature of a non-contact type temperature sensing part, such as a thermopile, in a case where other contact type temperature sensing part, such as a direct measuring thermistor, is arranged as mentioned above, cost may be increased in comparison with a device without the other contact type temperature sensing part and a mounting mechanism for the other contact type temperature sensing part.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fixing device includes a fixing member, a pressuring member, a temperature sensing part and an air blow controlling part. The fixing member is configured to be heated by a heat source, to come into contact with a recording medium on which a toner image is formed, and to heat the toner image. The pressuring member is configured to pressure the recording medium passing between the fixing member and the pressuring member. The temperature sensing part is arranged in a non-contact state with the fixing member, and is configured to include an infrared sensing element sensing infrared rays radiated from the fixing member and a condensing member condensing the infrared rays to the infrared sensing element. The air blow controlling part is configured to control execution and stop of the air blow to the temperature sensing part. Detection temperature of the fixing member is calculated on the basis of a sensing value by the infrared sensing element. The detection temperature or control temperature of the heat source is corrected on the basis of air blow condition by the air blow controlling part and temperature difference between the infrared sensing element and the condensing member. Heating of the fixing member is controlled on the basis of the corrected detection temperature and the control temperature or the detection temperature and the corrected control temperature.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes the above-described fixing device.
The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure is shown by way of illustrative example.
First, the entire structure of a printer 1 (an image forming apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
The printer 1 includes a box-like formed printer body 2. In a lower part of the printer body 2, a sheet feeding cartridge 3 storing sheets (recording mediums) is installed. In an upper part of the printer body 2, an ejected sheet tray 4 is formed.
Inside the printer body 2, an exposing device 5 composed of a laser scanning unit (LSU) is located at a left side. Inside the printer body 2, an image forming part 6 is arranged at a right side. In the image forming part 6, the photosensitive drum 7 as an image carrier is rotatably arranged. Around the photosensitive drum 7, a charging device, a developing device connected to a toner container, a transferring roller and a cleaning device are located along a rotating direction of the photosensitive drum 7.
In a right part inside the printer body 2, a conveying path 10 for the sheet is arranged from a lower side to an upper side. At an upstream end of the conveying path 10, a sheet feeding part 11 is positioned near the sheet feeding cartridge 3. At an intermediate stream part of the conveying path 10, a transferring part composed of the photosensitive drum 7 and the transferring roller is positioned. At a downstream part of the conveying path 10, a fixing device 13 is positioned. At a downstream end of the conveying path 10, a sheet ejecting part 14 is positioned near the ejected sheet tray 4. Moreover, inside the printer body 2, a controller 15 controlling fixing process of the fixing device 13 is provided.
Next, image forming operation of the printer 1 including such configuration will be described. In the printer 1, when image data is inputted and a printing start is directed from an external computer or the like connected with the printer 1, image forming operation is started. First, in the image forming part 6, the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is electrically charged by the charging device, and then, is exposed on the basis of the image data by a laser light from the exposing device 5, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image is developed to a toner image by the developing device using toner in the image forming part 6.
On the other hand, the sheet stored in the sheet feeding cartridge 3 is picked up by the sheet feeding part 11 and conveyed on the conveying path 10. The sheet on the conveying path 10 is conveyed to the transferring part 12 in a given timing and, in the transferring part 12, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred onto the sheet. The sheet with the transferred toner image is conveyed to the fixing device 13 and, in the fixing device 13, the toner image is fixed on the sheet. The sheet with the fixed toner image is ejected from the sheet ejecting part 14 to the sheet ejected tray 4.
Next, the fixing device 13 will be described with reference to
The frame 20 is formed in a box-like shape. The frame 20 includes an inlet port for the sheet at a lower side and an outlet port for the sheet at an upper side. The frame 20 is attached to the printer body 2 so that the conveying path 10 penetrates through the frame 20 to pass through the inlet port and the outlet port. In the frame 20, the fixing roller 21 and the pressuring roller 22 are respectively positioned at a left side and a right side across the conveying path 10. In a left face (a face at a side of the fixing roller 21) of the frame 20, a temperature sensing hole 20a is opened.
The fixing roller 21 is formed in a roughly columnar shape elongated in forward and backward directions, has a rotation axis elongated in the forward and backward directions, and is rotatably supported by the frame 20. The fixing roller 21 is composed of, for example, a cylindrical core material made of aluminum or other metal, an elastic layer made of silicone rubber or the like provided around the core material, and a release layer made of PFA or other fluororesin coating the elastic layer. The core material is connected with a drive source (refer to
Inside the fixing roller 21, a heat source 24 is arranged. The heat source 24 is composed of, for example, a halogen heater, a ceramic heater or the like, and generates heat by energization to heat the fixing roller 21. The fixing roller 21 comes into contact with the sheet having the toner image to heat the toner image.
The pressuring roller 22 is formed in a columnar shape elongated in the forward and backward directions, has a rotation axis elongated in the forward and backward directions, and is rotatably supported by the frame 20. The pressuring roller 22 is composed of, for example, a cylindrical core material made of aluminum, iron or other metal, an elastic layer made of silicone rubber or the like provided around the core material, and a release layer made of PFA or other fluororesin coating the elastic layer. The pressuring roller 22 is pressured to a side of the fixing roller 21 to form a fixing nip N between the fixing roller 21 and the pressuring roller 22. The pressuring roller 22 pressures the sheet passing the fixing nip N together with the fixing roller 21 while rotating by following rotation of the fixing roller 21.
The temperature sensing part 23 is attached to the temperature sensing hole 20a of the frame 20 so that a sensing face 23a of the temperature sensing part 23 faces to a side of the fixing roller 21. The temperature sensing part 23 is arranged in a non-contact state with the fixing roller 21. The temperature sensing part 23 includes, for example, an infrared sensing element 25, a condensing member 26, a tube-like case 27 and a substrate 28. The infrared sensing element 25 is composed of, for example, a thermopile to sense infrared rays radiated from the fixing roller 21. The condensing member 26 is composed of, for example, a lens to condense the infrared rays radiated from the fixing roller 21 into the infrared sensing element 25. The infrared sensing element 25 is attached inside the case 27 at an opposite side to the sensing face 23a and the condensing member 26 is attached inside the case 27 at a side of the sensing face 23a. The case 27 is attached to the substrate 28 and the infrared sensing element 25 is electrically connected with the substrate 28. Subsequently, the temperature sensing part outputs an electric signal indicating the result of sensing of the infrared rays by the infrared sensing element 25 as a signal corresponding to surface temperature of the fixing roller 21.
The air blow controlling part 29 is a mechanism controlling to switch execution and stop of an air blow to the temperature sensing part 23. For example, the air blow controlling part 29 may be configured as a mechanism composed of a fan and a duct taking in cooling in-device air flow of the fixing device 13 or the printer 1 and sending the air flow to the temperature sensing part 23. Alternatively, the air blow controlling part 29 may be configured as a mechanism composed of a shutter and a duct switching the air blow and interruption of the in-device air flow to the temperature sensing part 23. For instance, the air blow controlling part 29 is controlled to execute or stop the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 when heating of the fixing roller 21 is started, and then, to switch stop and execution of the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 according to predetermined condition during heating of the fixing roller 21. Concretely, on the basis of the result of sensing by a temperature sensor sensing temperature or a humidity sensor sensing humidity in the fixing device 13, if the temperature in the fixing device 13 exceeds predetermined threshold temperature or the humidity in the fixing device 13 exceeds predetermined threshold humidity, the air blow controlling part 29 switches the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 to execution. Otherwise, the air blow controlling part 29 switches the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 to stop.
Next, structure of the controller 15 will be described with reference to
The controller 15 is connected with the temperature sensing part 23, the heat source 24 heating the fixing roller 21, the air blow controlling part 29, the drive source 32 rotating the fixing roller 21 and other components of the fixing device 13. The storing part 31 stores programs and data for actualizing a fixing process function, such as a fixing temperature control function, of the fixing device 13. The controller 15 controls components connected with the controller 15 by executing operation process in the controlling part 30 in accordance with program and others stored in the storing part 31.
For example, as the fixing temperature control function of the fixing device 13, the controller 15 inputs a sensing value by the temperature sensing part 23 (the infrared sensing element 25) and calculates detection temperature of the surface of the fixing roller 21 on the basis of the sensing value. Moreover, the controller 15 sets control temperature (threshold) of the heat source 24 heating the fixing roller 21 on the basis of desired fixing temperature (ideal temperature as target temperature). Subsequently, the controller 15 controls the heat source 24 on the basis of the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 and the control temperature of the heat source 24. For example, in a case where the detection temperature is lower than the control temperature, the controller 15 executes energization to the heat source 24 to execute heating. On the other hand, in another case where the detection temperature is equal to or higher than the control temperature, the controller 15 interrupts energization to the heat source 24 to stop heating. Thereby, the controller 15 controls the heat source 24 so that the detection temperature becomes equal to the control temperature, and accordingly, actual surface temperature (actual temperature) of the fixing roller 21 is controlled so as to become equal to the desired fixing temperature (the ideal temperature). Correction of the detection temperature and the control temperature by the controller 15 will be described later.
In the storing part 31, a correction amount table is stored as a way of acquiring a correction amount T3 used for correcting the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 and a correction amount T4 used for correcting the control temperature of the heat source 24. In the correction amount table, the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4, and temperature difference between temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 itself and temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 itself in the temperature sensing part 23 are set while being associated with heating time (driving time) of the fixing roller 21 and air blow condition (execution or stop) by the air blow controlling part 29. In the embodiment, as the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 stored in the storing part 31, a value integrated every correction of the detection temperature or the control temperature may be set, and then, the integrated correction amount T3 and the integrated correction amount T4 are used for correction of the detection temperature or the control temperature. The temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 are measured for each of various heating times of the fixing roller 21 in advance, the detection temperature and the actual temperature of the fixing roller 21 are measured in advance, and the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 are calculated (backwards) on the basis of the detection temperature and the actual temperature in advance, and accordingly, the correction amount table is made and stored in the storing part 31 in advance.
Hereinafter, relationship among the correction amount T3 of the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 and the correction amount T4 of the control temperature of the heat source 24, the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 in the temperature sensing part 23, and the heating time of the fixing roller 21 and the air blow condition of the air blow controlling part 29 will be described with reference to
The detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 calculated on the basis of the sensing value by the temperature sensing part 23 (the infrared sensing element 25) is generally estimated as the actual temperature of the fixing roller 21. However, as a first example, when the temperature sensing part 23 is heated according to the lapse of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 since start of heating of the fixing roller 21, and then, temperature of the temperature sensing part 23 reaches predetermined temperature, as shown in
Moreover, the control temperature of the heat source 24 is generally set to a value equal to the ideal temperature of the fixing roller 21. As described above, heating of the heat source 24 is executed in a case where the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is lower than the control temperature, while stopped in another case where the detection temperature is equal to or higher than the control temperature. In the first example, regardless of the actual temperature of the fixing roller 21 lower than the ideal temperature, the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 may be detected higher than the actual temperature due to the temperature difference T2>T1 of the temperature sensing part 23 and reach the ideal temperature. In such a case, if the control temperature is not corrected, because the detection temperature becomes equal to or higher than the control temperature set equal to the ideal temperature, heating of the heat source 24 may be stopped and the actual temperature of the fixing roller 21 may not reach the ideal temperature. On other words, when the detection temperature becomes high due to the temperature difference T2>T1 of the temperature sensing part 23, as shown in
Thereupon, in the correction amount table of the first example, if the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is higher than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (T1<T2), as shown in
Further, as a second example, when the temperature sensing part 23 is heated according to the lapse of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 since start of heating of the fixing roller 21, and then, temperature of the temperature sensing part 23 reaches predetermined temperature, contrary to the first example, the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 itself may become lower than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 itself depending on location and individuality of the temperature sensing part 23. In such a case, because the condensing member 26 absorbs infrared rays from the fixing roller 21 and thereby infrared rays from the fixing roller 21 receiving by the infrared sensing element 25 is decreased, the sensing value by the temperature sensing part 23 is decreased. For example, the temperature sensing part 23 has individuality so that graphs after reaching target temperature in
In the second example, contrary to the first example, regardless of the actual temperature of the fixing roller 21 higher than the ideal temperature, the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 may be detected lower than the actual temperature due to the temperature difference T2<T1 of the temperature sensing part 23 and not reach the ideal temperature. In such a case, if the control temperature is not corrected, because the detection temperature becomes lower than the control temperature set equal to the ideal temperature, heating of the heat source 24 may be continued and the actual temperature of the fixing roller 21 may exceed the ideal temperature. On other words, when the detection temperature becomes low due to the temperature difference T2<T1 of the temperature sensing part 23, if the control temperature is not corrected, the control temperature is set higher than temperature to be set for comparison with the detection temperature.
Thereupon, in the correction amount table of the second example, contrary to the first example, if the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is lower than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (T>T2), the correction amount T3 (T3>0, e.g. +1 to +5 degree centigrade) for heightening the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is set, or alternatively, the correction amount T4 (T4<0, e.g. −1 to −5 degree centigrade) for lowering the control temperature of the heat source 24 is set. Incidentally, the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 are updated by being integrated every correction of the detection temperature or the control temperature. Moreover, because the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 depend on location and individuality of the temperature sensing part 23, the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 are preferably calculated when the printer 1 is shipped from a factory or installed. For example, an absolute value (variation) of the correction amount T3 may be increased according to increase of temperature difference of T1−T2, and inclination of increase of the absolute value of the correction amount T3 may be constant or be increased or decreased according to increase of temperature difference of T1−T2. Incidentally, upper limit values for the integrated correction amount T3 and the integrated correction amount T4 may be set.
In both cases of the first example and the second example, when the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 are equal to each other (T1=T2), the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 may be updated to zero (T3=0, T4=0), or alternatively, the detection temperature and the control temperature may be not corrected.
In both cases of the first example and the second example, the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 of the temperature sensing part 23 begins to occur after heating of the fixing roller 21 is started and the actual temperature reaches the ideal temperature. Then, the temperature difference is varied according to the heating time of the fixing roller 21 and degree of variation of the temperature difference depends on the heating time. For example, the temperature difference is steeply varied immediately after occurring, and then, variation of the temperature difference gradually becomes gentle, and finally, converges to a predetermined value. Thereupon, within a lapse time from start of heating of the fixing roller to reaching of the actual temperature to the ideal temperature, an integrated value for the correction amount T3 and an integrated value for the correction amount T4 may be set to zero, or alternatively, the detection temperature and the control temperature may be not corrected. Moreover, the absolute values of the integrated value for the correction amount T3 and the integrated value for the correction amount T4 may be set so as to be relatively enlarged immediately after the temperature difference occurs and to be relatively reduced as heating is continued. Further, within the heating time during the temperature difference converges, the integrated value for the correction amount T3 and the integrated value for the correction amount T4 may be set to zero, that is, the detection temperature and the control temperature may be not updated.
Further, degree of variation of the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 of the temperature sensing part 23 depends on whether the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed or stopped. For example, in a case where the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, because the temperature sensing part 23 is affected by the air blow, the temperature difference is steeply varied. On the other hand, in a case where the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, because the temperature sensing part 23 is not affected by the air blow, the temperature difference is gently varied. Thereupon, in an air blow stop period, because the detection temperature or the control temperature should be corrected so as to correspond to the temperature difference being relatively gently varied, a time interval (a first time interval) of correction is set to a relatively long interval (e.g. 10 to 100 sec). On the other hand, in an air blow execution period, because the detection temperature or the control temperature should be corrected so as to correspond to the temperature difference being relatively steeply varied, a time interval (a second time interval) of correction is set to an interval (e.g. 1 to 10 sec) shorter than the first time interval. On other words, because the temperature sensing part 23 in the air blow stop period is in a state being gradually deviated from appropriate temperature detection, the air blow stop period is a period requiring correction using the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4. On the other hand, because the temperature sensing part 23 in the air blow execution period is in a state being returned to appropriate temperature detection, the air blow execution period is a period reducing the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4. Between the first time interval and the second time interval, a variation amount of the correction amount T3 may be set to the same value and a variation amount of the correction amount T4 may be set to the same value. Incidentally, for example, in a case where, due to location and individuality of the temperature sensing part 23, the infrared sensing element 25 is affected by the air blow, when the air blow is executed in a state of the temperature sensing part 23 that the temperature difference is T1>T2, because the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is lowered, the temperature difference approaches T1=T2. Alternatively, in a case where, due to location and individuality of the temperature sensing part 23, the condensing member 26 is affected by the air blow, when the air blow is executed in a state of the temperature sensing part 23 that the temperature difference is T2>T1, because the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is lowered, the temperature difference approaches T2=T1.
Moreover, execution and stop of the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 may be switched after the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 or the control temperature of the heat source 24 corrected by using the correction amount T3 or the correction amount T4. If the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched, an effect of the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is varied, the temperature difference of T2>T1 or T1>T2 caused in the temperature sensing part 23 before switching of the air blow is shifted to T1=T2. Thereupon, in the correction amount table of the first example as described above, in a case where the detection temperature is corrected low (T3<0) before switching of the air blow, the correction amount T3 (T3>0, e.g. +1 to +5 degree centigrade) used for correcting the detection temperature high after switching of the air blow is set. Similarly, in a case where the control temperature is corrected high (T4>0) before switching of the air blow, the correction amount T4 (T4<0, e.g. −1 to −5 degree centigrade) used for correcting the detection temperature low after switching of the air blow is set. Alternatively, in the correction amount table of the second example as described above, in a case where the detection temperature is corrected high (T3>0) before switching of the air blow, the correction amount T3 (T3<0, e.g. −1 to −5 degree centigrade) used for correcting the detection temperature low after switching of the air blow is set. Similarly, in a case where the control temperature is corrected low (T4<0) before switching of the air blow, the correction amount T4 (T4>0, e.g. +1 to +5 degree centigrade) used for correcting the detection temperature high after switching of the air blow is set. Thereby, as the temperature difference of the temperature sensing part 23 approaches T1=T2, the integrated correction amount T3 and the integrated correction amount 14 are set so as to approach zero. Therefore, when the temperature difference of the temperature sensing part 23 becomes T1=T2, the detection temperature and the control temperature becomes original values, that is, the detection temperature based on a detection value of the temperature sensing part 23 (uncorrected detection temperature) and the control temperature based on the ideal temperature (uncorrected control temperature).
Incidentally, when the printer 1 is shipped from a factory or installed, location and individuality of the temperature sensing part 23 are measured, that is, it is decided whether the temperature difference of the temperature sensing part 23 becomes T2>T1 or T2<T1 according to heating of the fixing roller 21. Subsequently, if the temperature difference of the temperature sensing part 23 is decided as T2>T1, the correction amount table of the first example as described above is set, or alternatively, if the temperature difference of the temperature sensing part 23 is decided as T2<T1, the correction amount table of the second example as described above is set.
Next, heating control operation of the fixing roller 21 with correcting the control temperature of the heat source 24 as the fixing temperature control function of the fixing device 13 will be described with reference to flowcharts of
As shown in
The controller 15 starts measurement of the heating time from heating start of the fixing roller 21 (step S3). Moreover, the controller 15 starts correction amount calculation of the control temperature of the heat source 24 (step S4). Incidentally, correction amount calculation of the control temperature may be carried out parallel to heating control of the fixing roller 21 on the basis of comparison of the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 and the control temperature of the heat source 24 as described later by background.
An example of correction amount calculation of the control temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
As shown in
The controller 15 grasps the temperature difference between the temperature ssT1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S12 and S13). For example, it is decided whether or not the heating time corresponds to a time period (e.g. a time period before the actual temperature reaches the ideal temperature) in which the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 are equal to each other (T1=T2) (step S12). Subsequently, in a case where the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 are equal to each other (T1=T2) (step S12: Yes), the integrated correction amount T4 of the control temperature is set to zero and the control temperature is not corrected.
On the other hand, in another case where the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 are not equal to each other (step S12: No), it is decided whether or not the heating time corresponds to a time period (e.g. a time period after the actual temperature first reaches the ideal temperature) in which the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (T1<T2) (step S13). Here, a case where the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (T1<T2) will be described (step S13: Yes).
Further, the controller 15 decides whether or not a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is a condition switched after the control temperature is corrected (step S15). In this example, a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped without switching since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 will be described (step S15: Yes).
As described above, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (T1<T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction heightening in comparison with temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T4 (T4>0, e.g. +1 to +5 degree centigrade) used for heightening the control temperature of the heat source 24 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S16). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every first time interval (e.g. 10 to 100 sec) being relatively long. Measurement of the first time interval may be started since a time when the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 becomes lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the control temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from stop to execution after the control temperature of the heat source 24 is corrected high as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (step S11) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (steps S22 and S23) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to execution (step S11: Yes), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S22: No, step S23: No).
Subsequently, the controller 15 decides whether or not a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is a condition switched after the control temperature is corrected (step S25). Here, as described above, after the control temperature is corrected higher than the ideal temperature, the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and executed.
Because the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 becomes low by the air blow, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature is varied in a direction lowering toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T4 (T4<0, e.g. −1 to −5 degree centigrade) used for lowering the control temperature of the heat source 24 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S28). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every second time interval (e.g. 1 to 10 sec) being relatively short. Measurement of the second time interval may be started since a time when the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched.
Further, heating control carried out parallel to correction amount calculation of the control temperature as described above will be described. As shown in
Subsequently, after the control temperature of the heat source 24 is corrected by using the correction amount T4 of the control temperature being currently calculated as described above, the controller 15 compares the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 with the corrected control temperature (step S6). As a result, if the detection temperature is less than the corrected control temperature (step S6: Yes), the controller 15 continues energization to the heat source 24 and continues heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S7). On the other hand, if the detection temperature is equal to or more than the corrected control temperature (step S6: No), the controller 15 interrupts energization to the heat source 24 and stops heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S8). Incidentally, control of the heat source 24 on the basis of comparison of the detection temperature and the corrected control temperature is continued during the fixing process (step S9: No) and is executed each time the controller 15 calculates the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21. On the other hand, such control is completed by completion of the fixing process (step S9: Yes).
Moreover, another example of correction amount calculation of the control temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
Subsequently, in this example, in a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S11: Yes), before the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched (step S25: No), the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is higher than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (step S22: No and step S23: Yes). On other words, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member (T1<T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction heightening in comparison with the actual temperature. Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T4 used for heightening the control temperature of the heat source 24 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S26). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every second time interval.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the control temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from execution to stop after the control temperature of the heat source 24 is corrected high as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (steps S11 and S15) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S12 and S13) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to stop (step S11: No), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S12: No, step S13: Yes).
Here, as described above, a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and stopped after the control temperature is corrected higher than the ideal temperature (step S15: Yes). Therefore, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature is varied in a direction lowering toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T4 used for lowering the control temperature of the heat source 24 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S18). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every first time interval.
Moreover, a further example of correction amount calculation of the control temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
Subsequently, in this example, in a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S11: No), before the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched (step S17: No), the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is lower than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (step S12: No and step S13: No). On other words, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (T1>T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction lowering in comparison with the actual temperature. Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount 14 used for lowering the control temperature of the heat source 24 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S18). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every first time interval.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the control temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from stop to execution after the control temperature of the heat source 24 is corrected low as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (steps S11 and S27) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S22 and S23) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to execution (step S11: Yes), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S22: No, step S23: No).
Here, as described above, a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and executed after the control temperature is corrected lower than the ideal temperature (step S27: Yes). Because the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 becomes low by the air blow, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature is varied in a direction heightening toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T4 used for heightening the control temperature of the heat source is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S26). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every second time interval.
Moreover, a furthermore example of correction amount calculation of the control temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
Subsequently, in this example, in a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S11: Yes), before the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched (step S27: No), the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is lower than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (step S22: No and step S23: No). On other words, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member (T1>T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction lowering in comparison with the actual temperature. Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T4 used for lowering the control temperature of the heat source 24 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S28). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every second time interval.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the control temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from execution to stop after the control temperature of the heat source 24 is corrected low as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (steps S11 and S17) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S12 and S13) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to stop (step S11: No), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S12: No, step S13: No).
Here, as described above, a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and stopped after the control temperature is corrected lower than the ideal temperature (step S17: Yes). Therefore, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature is varied in a direction heightening toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T4 used for heightening the control temperature of the heat source 24 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T4 (step S16). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T4 is carried out at every first time interval.
Next, heating control operation of the fixing roller 21 with correcting the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 as the fixing temperature control function of the fixing device 13 will be described with reference to flowcharts of
In such an operation with correcting the detection temperature, similarly to the above-described operation with correcting the control temperature, as shown in
However, in the operation with correcting the detection temperature, instead of correction amount calculation of the control temperature in the operation with correcting the control temperature, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature is started. Incidentally, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature also may be carried out parallel to heating control of the fixing roller 21 on the basis of comparison of the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 and the control temperature of the heat source 24 by background.
An example of correction amount calculation of the detection temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
Subsequently, in this example, in a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S31: No), before the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched (step S35: No), the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is higher than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (step S32: No and step S33: Yes). On other words, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (T1<T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction heightening in comparison with the actual temperature. Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for lowering the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S36). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every first time interval.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from stop to execution after the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is corrected low as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (steps S31 and S45) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S42 and S43) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to execution (step S31: Yes), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S42: No, step S43: Yes).
Here, as described above, a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and executed after the detection temperature is corrected low (step S45: Yes). Therefore, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature before correcting is varied in a direction lowering toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for heightening the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S48). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every second time interval.
Further, heating control carried out parallel to correction amount calculation of the detection temperature as described above will be described. As shown in
Moreover, another example of correction amount calculation of the detection temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
Subsequently, in this example, in a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S31: Yes), before the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched (step S45: No), the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is higher than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (step S42: No and step S43: Yes). On other words, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member (T1<T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction heightening in comparison with the actual temperature. Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for lowering the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S46). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every second time interval.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from execution to stop after the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is corrected low as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (steps S31 and S35) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S32 and S33) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to stop (step S31: No), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains lower than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S32: No, step S33: Yes).
Here, as described above, a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and stopped after the detection temperature is corrected low (step S35: Yes). Therefore, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature before correcting is varied in a direction lowering toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for heightening the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S38). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every first time interval.
Moreover, a further example of correction amount calculation of the detection temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
Subsequently, in this example, in a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S31: No), before the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched (step S37: No), the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is lower than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (step S32: No and step S33: No). On other words, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (T1>T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction lowering in comparison with the actual temperature. Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for heightening the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S38). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every first time interval.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from stop to execution after the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is corrected high as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (steps S31 and S47) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S42 and S43) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to execution (step S31: Yes), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S42: No, step S43: No).
Here, as described above, a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and executed after the detection temperature is corrected high (step S47: Yes). Therefore, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature before correcting is varied in a direction heightening toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for lowering the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S46). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every second time interval.
Moreover, a furthermore example of correction amount calculation of the detection temperature will be described with reference to the flowchart in
Subsequently, in this example, in a condition that the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 (step S31: Yes), before the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched (step S47: No), the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 is lower than the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 (step S42: No and step S43: No). On other words, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed since start of heating of the fixing roller 21 and the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 is higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member (T1>T2), the detection temperature is varied in a direction lowering in comparison with the actual temperature. Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow execution condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for heightening the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S48). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is executed, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every second time interval.
Moreover, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature in a case where the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched from execution to stop after the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is corrected high as described above will be described. In this case, decision of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 (steps S31 and S37) and decision of the temperature difference between the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 and the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21 (steps S32 and S33) are executed similarly to the above description. Incidentally, immediately after the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched to stop (step S31: No), the temperature T1 of the infrared sensing element 25 remains higher than the temperature T2 of the condensing member 26 (step S32: No, step S33: No).
Here, as described above, a current air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 is switched and stopped after the detection temperature is corrected high (step S37: Yes). Therefore, by switching the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature before correcting is varied in a direction heightening toward temperature to be calculated (i.e. the actual temperature). Thereupon, the correction amount table is referred on the basis of the heating time and an air blow stop condition, and accordingly, the correction amount T3 used for lowering the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is acquired and integrated with the last correction amount T3 (step S36). Incidentally, because the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 is stopped, such calculation of the correction amount T3 is carried out at every first time interval.
In accordance with the embodiment, as described above, the fixing device 13 in the printer 1 (the image forming apparatus) includes the fixing roller 21 (the fixing member), the pressuring roller 22 (the pressuring member), the temperature sensing part 23 and the air blow controlling part 29. The fixing roller 21 is configured to be heated by the heat source 24, to come into contact with the sheet (the recording medium) on which a toner image is formed, and to heat the toner image. The pressuring roller 22 is configured to pressure the sheet passing between the fixing roller 21 and the pressuring roller 22. The temperature sensing part 23 is arranged in a non-contact state with the fixing roller 21, and configured to include the infrared sensing element 25 sensing infrared rays radiated from the fixing roller 21 and the condensing member 26 condensing the infrared rays to the infrared sensing element 25. The air blow controlling part 29 is configured to control execution and stop of the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23. In the fixing device 13, for example, by the controller 15, the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 is calculated on the basis of a sensing value by the infrared sensing element 25, the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 or the control temperature of the heat source 24 is corrected on the basis of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 and the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26, heating of the fixing roller 21 is controlled on the basis of the corrected detection temperature and the control temperature or the detection temperature and the corrected control temperature.
According to such a configuration, even if the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 of the temperature sensing part 23 occurs due to heating of the temperature sensing part 23 and the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, heating of the fixing roller 21 is controlled on the basis of the appropriately corrected detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 or the appropriately corrected control temperature of the heat source 24. Therefore, since, regardless of whether or not location of the temperature sensing part 23 is a position affected by heating of the fixing roller 21 and regardless of the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature or the control temperature is acquired according to individuality of the temperature sensing part 23, it is possible to improve detection accuracy of temperature of the fixing roller 21 by the temperature sensing part 23 and to accurately control heating of the fixing roller 21. Incidentally, since it is necessary to locate the temperature sensing part 23 far from the fixing roller 21, it is necessary to provide a transmitting member, such as a mirror, transmitting radiation from the fixing roller 21 to the temperature sensing part 23 and a mounting mechanism for the transmitting member. Therefore, in comparison with a device including the transmitting member for radiation and the mounting mechanism for the transmitting member, it is possible to restrain the number of components and component cost, and to design miniaturization and simplification of the fixing device 13.
In addition, in accordance with the embodiment, in the fixing device 13, relationship between the heating time of the fixing roller 21, the air blow condition by the air blow controlling part 29 and the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 is stored in the storing part 31 in advance, and when heating of the fixing roller 21 is controlled, the detection temperature or the control temperature is corrected on the basis of the temperature difference corresponding to the heating time of the fixing roller 21 and the air blow condition at that time.
Thereby, since it is necessary to provide a sensor sensing temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 of the temperature sensing part 23 for each individual fixing device 13, it is possible to restrain the number of components and component cost, and to design miniaturization and simplification of the fixing device 13.
Incidentally, although, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration that the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 is estimated on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21, and the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 or the control temperature of the heat source 24 is corrected on the basis of the result of estimating was described, the present disclosure is not restricted by such configuration. For example, in another embodiment, the fixing device 13 may estimate the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 on the basis of the number of prints or an interval of prints. Moreover, the fixing device 13 may use temperature (high temperature or low temperature) of the fixing roller 21 at heating for estimating of the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26.
Moreover, in accordance with the embodiment, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature or the control temperature is carried out at every predetermined first time interval, or when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, correction amount calculation of the detection temperature or the control temperature is carried out at every second time interval shorter than the first time interval.
Thereby, in a case where temperature is steeply varied by an effect of the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature or the control temperature is corrected at every second time interval being relatively short, and in another case where temperature is gently varied without an effect of the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29, the detection temperature or the control temperature is corrected at every first time interval being relatively long. Therefore, it is possible to correct the detection temperature or the control temperature so as to appropriately correspond to temperature variation of the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26.
Further, in accordance with the embodiment, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is less than temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, the control temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount.
Or, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is less than temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, the control temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount.
Alternatively, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to or more than temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, the control temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount.
Otherwise, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to or more than temperature of the condensing member 26, the control temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, the control temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount.
According to these, it is possible to use the control temperature of the heat source 24 accurately adapted to individuality of the temperature sensing part 23 on the basis of the effect of the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 and the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26.
Moreover, in accordance with the embodiment, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is less than temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, the detection temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount.
Or, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is less than temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, the detection temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount.
Alternatively, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to or more than temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, the detection temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount.
Otherwise, in the fixing device 13, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is not corrected. On the other hand, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is executed, if temperature of the infrared sensing element 25 is equal to or more than temperature of the condensing member 26, the detection temperature is corrected to be heightened by a predetermined amount. After that correction, when the air blow to the temperature sensing part 23 is stopped, the detection temperature is corrected to be lowered by a predetermined amount.
According to these, it is possible to detect temperature of the fixing roller 21 accurately adapted to individuality of the temperature sensing part 23 on the basis of the effect of the air blow by the air blow controlling part 29 and the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, an example of setting an integrated value every correction of the detection temperature or the control temperature as the correction amount T3 and the correction amount 14 stored in the correction amount table and using the integrated correction amount T3 and the integrated correction amount 14 for correcting the detection temperature or the control temperature was described, the present disclosure is not restricted by such an example. For example, in another embodiment, the fixing device 13 may set, as the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 stored in the correction amount table, a value itself used for correcting the detection temperature or the control temperature.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, an example of using the correction amount table as a way of acquiring the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 used for correcting the detection temperature of the fixing roller 21 or the control temperature of the heat source 24 was described, the present disclosure is not restricted by such an example. For example, in another embodiment, the fixing device 13 may use numerical expressions calculating the temperature difference between the infrared sensing element 25 and the condensing member 26 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller and calculating the correction amount T3 and the correction amount T4 on the basis of the temperature difference, or use a numerical expression calculating the correction amount T3 and the correction amount t4 on the basis of the heating time of the fixing roller 21.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration that the fixing device 13 includes the fixing roller 21 as the fixing member was described, the fixing member is not restricted by this, but may be composed by including a fixing belt, for example.
Although, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration that the heat source 24 is composed of a halogen heater or a ceramic heater was described, the heat source 24 is not restricted by these, but may be composed of an IH coil, for example.
The embodiment was described in a case of applying the configuration of the present disclosure to the monochrome printer 1. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the configuration of the disclosure may be applied to another image forming apparatus, such as a color printer, a copying machine, a facsimile or a multifunction peripheral.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-159497 | Aug 2017 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5819136 | Tomita | Oct 1998 | A |
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| 20160202647 | Nanjo | Jul 2016 | A1 |
| 20160334740 | Tokunaga | Nov 2016 | A1 |
| 20160349675 | Yamamoto | Dec 2016 | A1 |
| 20170090363 | Yotsutsuji | Mar 2017 | A1 |
| 20190064713 | Hayashi | Feb 2019 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| H10-078728 | Mar 1998 | JP |
| 2002-116653 | Apr 2002 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190064712 A1 | Feb 2019 | US |
