JP2004233848A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which exactly controls the width of a nip formed by a fixing roller and a pressing roller in time series and grasps the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressing roller in a fixing device of the image forming apparatus, and thereby provides high quality image and realizes downtimeless resulting in greater customer satisfaction and realizes reduction of service person's maintenance period or the like. <P>SOLUTION: A remaining life calculation means 406 judges the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressing roller and the remaining life of a fixing roller supporting member and a pressing roller supporting member from a measured value of the nip width 451 and the cumulative operating time 450 of the fixing device. At least either among the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressing roller and the remaining life of the fixing roller support and the pressing roller support is disclosed on at least one among a liquid crystal device screen 410 and the outside of the image forming apparatus via a network or the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier, a facsimile, and a printer, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of collecting maintenance information via a network in a maintenance service mode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An example of an image forming apparatus according to the related art will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a periphery of a fixing device of a conventional image forming apparatus, which is housed in an image forming apparatus (not shown), and includes a photoconductor, a transfer device, a separation device, a conveyance device, and a fixing device in an image forming unit. It is a schematic cross section of an apparatus.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet material P conveyed to the registration roller 10 as sheet material supply means by a sheet supply / conveyance means (not shown) holds a toner image formed by electrophotography and rotates. The photosensitive drum 11 enters between a photosensitive drum 11 which is a photosensitive member, and a transfer unit 13 and a separation unit 14 which are arranged in close proximity to the photosensitive drum 11.
[0004]
The sheet material P starts to come into contact with the photosensitive drum 11 serving as an image carrier in the transfer area, passes through the transfer area, and reaches the corona discharge area of the separating unit 14, the sheet material P that has been in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 is separated. You.
[0005]
The separated sheet material P is conveyed to the fixing means 25 by a sheet material conveying means 24 constituted by a driving roller 20, a driven roller 21, a driving roller 22, and a conveying belt 23 which is driven by being driven over the driven roller. . The fixed sheet material P is discharged out of the image forming apparatus by a transport device (not shown).
[0006]
Here, a schematic configuration of the fixing unit 25 will be described. In FIG. 10, a heater (not shown) is built in the substantially rigid fixing roller 30, and the circumference of the fixing roller 30 is maintained at a predetermined high temperature.
[0007]
Further, the pressure roller 31 has an elastic layer on its circumference, and forms a nip portion with the fixing roller 30 by being pressed against the fixing roller 30 by a pressing unit (not shown). The entrance guide 32 guides the leading end of the sheet material P conveyed from the conveyance device 24 to the nip portion.
[0008]
A bearing (bearing) 33 of the fixing roller 30 is supported by a support member (not shown), and a bearing (bearing) 35 of the pressure roller 31 is supported by a support member (not shown).
[0009]
The fixing web 37 in which a sheet-like fiber member impregnated with silicon oil is spread in a roll shape is driven by a driving unit (not shown) to rotate a web winding shaft (not shown) to supply a web from a web supply unit 39. It is transported and driven to the unit 40.
[0010]
The web sponge roller 41 is rotatable in the conveying path of the fixing web 37 and is supported while being pressed against the fixing roller 30.
[0011]
The fixing web 37 is disposed so as to pass between the fixing roller 30 and the web sponge roller 41. When the unfixed toner on the sheet material P is offset at the contact portion with the fixing roller 30, , And serves to clean the surface of the fixing roller 30.
[0012]
The fixing unit 25 measures and manages the width of the nip portion as a measurement item for managing the quality of image fixability, instead of the pressing force measuring unit for the fixing roller 30 and the pressing roller 31.
[0013]
The method of measuring the nip width is as follows. After the black image is formed on the sheet material P, the conveyance of the sheet material P is stopped at a predetermined position while the sheet material P is passing through the nip portion. At the portion of the sheet material P stopped at the nip portion, the heat received while stopped at the nip portion and the oil impregnated in the fixing web 37 ooze out, so that a black image formed at that portion is formed. Is a glossy image, which is a nip mark.
[0014]
The sheet material P on which the nip mark is formed is taken out, the width of the nip mark is measured with a ruler, caliper, or the like, and the pressing force is adjusted so that the nip width becomes a predetermined value. In addition, when a predetermined nip width cannot be ensured even if the pressing force is adjusted, or when a pressing force exceeding a predetermined value is required to secure the nip width, it is necessary to replace the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 31 with each other. It was determined that parts were replaced.
[0015]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, in image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers that form images, this is seen in image forming apparatuses that have a post-processing apparatus that has functions of sorting, stapling, punching, binding, and the like on sheets on which images have been formed. As described above, while the device system is becoming more complicated, high speed and high quality for improving productivity are required.
[0016]
Furthermore, in order to ensure high durability and high productivity of various functional components of the image forming apparatus, it is required to have no downtime during the operation of the image forming apparatus. Then, there is a fact that the number of times, time, and the number of parts to be replaced by the serviceman to perform maintenance of the image forming apparatus further increase.
[0017]
Therefore, reducing the time required for maintenance of service personnel and the number of dispatches to achieve customer satisfaction by realizing downtime less, and reducing the number of dispatches and maintenance time of service personnel to ensure high productivity and maintenance. There is a need to reduce costs.
[0018]
Therefore, in the case of the above-mentioned conventional technology, there are the following problems with respect to the above-mentioned requirements.
[0019]
As shown in the related art, the width of the nip formed by the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 31 is measured by a serviceman using a ruler or a caliper.
[0020]
However, a measurement point is changed by a serviceman, and a visual error using a ruler causes a slight error, and a time required for providing a stable nip width is long. This contradicts the above-mentioned requirements such as reduction of maintenance time and downtime.
[0021]
Further, since the fixing roller 30 and the pressure roller 31 are replaced by a predetermined number of durable sheets, they are replaced even if the remaining life is still sufficient, or the parts have already reached the end of their life. There was a great possibility that he would be there. This also contradicts the above requirements in that a large amount of time is required for a serviceman to replace parts and the quality of fixability is stable.
[0022]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fixing device of an image forming apparatus, which accurately manages a nip width formed by a fixing roller and a pressure roller in a time-series manner and performs fixing. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing high-quality images, realizing customer satisfaction with no downtime, reducing maintenance time for service personnel, and the like by grasping the remaining life of the roller and the pressure roller.
[0023]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a fixing roller having a built-in heat source, and a pressure roller that presses against the surface of the fixing roller, and a nip between the fixing roller and the pressure roller. In an image forming apparatus including a fixing device that performs fixing through a transfer material having an unfixed toner image formed thereon, a nip width of a nip mark formed on a surface of a transfer material for measurement output by the fixing device is read, and Nip width measurement calculating means for measuring, nip width measurement value storing means for storing the measured values of the nip width in a time series corresponding to the operation time of the fixing device, and processing the stored data; and Fixing device operating time measuring means for measuring the operating time of the device, fixing device cumulative operating time measuring means for calculating the cumulative operating time of the fixing device, and fixing device cumulative operating time measurement A fixing device cumulative operation time storage unit that stores a value calculated by the step; and a value processed by the nip width measurement value storage unit and a value stored in the fixing device cumulative operation time storage unit, the fixing roller and the A remaining-life calculating unit configured to determine a remaining life of the pressure roller, a fixing roller supporting member that supports the fixing roller, and a remaining life of the pressure roller supporting member that supports the pressing roller; At least one of the remaining life of the pressure roller and at least one of the remaining life of the fixing roller support member and the pressure roller support member is at least one of an apparatus outside the image forming apparatus connected via a display unit, a network, or the like. And a disclosing means for disclosing the information.
[0024]
Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the measurement positions of the nip width by the nip width measurement calculation means include the positions of both ends and the center in the longitudinal direction of the nip mark.
[0025]
Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the nip width measurement value storage unit measures the nip widths at both ends and a center portion with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nip trace, measured by the nip width measurement calculation unit. From the values, the measured values at both ends, the measured values at the center, and the values obtained by calculating the differences between the measured values at the center and both ends are stored.
[0026]
Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured to output at least one of the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller and the remaining life of the fixing roller support member and the pressure roller support member to an output of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by being converted into the number of sheets and displayed.
[0027]
Further, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention converts at least one of the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller and the remaining life of the fixing roller support member and the pressure roller support member into time. It is characterized by displaying.
[0028]
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a fixing device operating date and time measuring unit that measures the operating date and time of the fixing device, and a fixing device operating date and time storing unit that stores a value measured by the fixing device operating date and time measuring unit. A fixing device use frequency calculating unit that calculates a use frequency of the fixing device based on a value of the operation date and time of the fixing device and a value of the cumulative operation time of the fixing device calculated by the cumulative operation time of the fixing device. And displaying at least one of the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller and the remaining life of the fixing roller support member and the pressure roller support member in terms of time.
[0029]
In an image forming apparatus having a fixing device as described above, the nip width formed by the fixing roller and the pressure roller is properly managed in a time series, and for example, the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller is accurately grasped. In addition, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of providing high-quality images, realizing customer satisfaction with no downtime, and reducing maintenance time for service personnel.
[0030]
Note that the positions of both ends and the center with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nip mark as the nip width measurement position by the nip width measurement calculation means are not limited to strictly both ends and the center, May include location.
[0031]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0032]
(1st Embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view in which the vicinity of a fixing device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
[0033]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an original platen glass on which an original 101 is placed, and reference numeral 102 denotes a reader unit that reads image information of the original 101. Reference numeral 103 denotes an optical unit that writes image information of the document 101 or other image information on the photosensitive drum 104 at a predetermined position on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 by laser light.
[0034]
The optical unit 103 is provided with a laser light source that processes image information obtained by the reader unit 102 or other image information via an image processing device (not shown) and blinks by a controlled electric signal. On the optical path for guiding the laser light from the laser light source to the photosensitive drum 104, there are provided a plurality of optical components, that is, a plurality of mirrors for reflecting the laser light, and a plurality of optics for optically expanding and correcting. Members (such as various lenses) are provided.
[0035]
In the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 104, a developing device 105 for supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 104 to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104, and transferring the toner image to the sheet material P, A transfer / separation charging device 106 for peeling off the sheet material P in which P is electrostatically adsorbed on the photosensitive drum 104; a separation / suction device 107 for sucking a sheet to assist the separation by the transfer / separation charging device 106; A cleaning unit 108 for removing toner remaining on the sheet material P without being transferred onto the sheet material 104 and a pre-exposure unit 109 for erasing a residual latent image on the photosensitive drum 104 are provided.
[0036]
Further, a conveying unit 110 for conveying the sheet material P on which the toner image has been transferred from the photosensitive drum 104 to the fixing device 111 is provided.
[0037]
Further, the sheet material P coming out of the fixing device 111 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 113 outside the apparatus by a paper discharge roller 112, or the sheet material P is reloaded to the photosensitive drum 104 when making double-sided / multiple copies. A paper discharge reversing device 114 is also provided for controlling whether the sheet is conveyed to the re-feeding device 115 for re-feeding the paper. Further, a sheet cassette 116 for stacking and stocking the sheet materials P is also provided.
[0038]
Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus having the above configuration will be described step by step. First, when the user presses a copy start button (not shown), the sheet materials P stacked on the sheet feeding cassette 116 are conveyed one by one to the vertical path conveying unit 118 from the sheet feeding cassette 116 by the sheet feeding device 117. The sheet is fed to a registration roller 119 serving as sheet material supply means.
[0039]
Next, scanning is started by the reader unit 102 to convert the image information of the original 101 into an electric signal, and the optical unit 103 has information of the original image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 via an image processing device (not shown). Light is applied and the image is recorded. Note that this operation can be performed based on image information input from an external device.
[0040]
The registration roller 119 starts to convey the sheet material P in synchronization with this operation.
[0041]
At this time, an electrostatic latent image, which is image information of the document 101 recorded on the photosensitive drum 104, is converted into a toner image by a developing device 105, and the toner image is transferred to a sheet material by a transfer / separation charging device 106. After the transfer to P, the sheet material P is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 by the transfer / separation charging device 106 and the suction device 107.
[0042]
The separated sheet material P is conveyed by a conveying device 110 as a conveying device, and after a toner image is fixed on the sheet material P by a fixing device 111 as a fixing device, if the sheet material P is a single-sided copy, a sheet reversing device. The paper is conveyed to the paper discharge roller 112 by the 114 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 113 outside the apparatus.
[0043]
In the case of double-sided or multiple copying, the sheet material P on which the toner image has been fixed by the fixing device 111 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 104 again by the sheet reversing device 115 by the sheet discharging reversing device 114, and again Is transferred to the sheet discharging tray 113 via the conveying device 110, the fixing device 111, the sheet discharging reversing device 114, and the sheet discharging roller 112.
[0044]
Next, FIG. 2 shows details of a schematic cross section of the fixing device 111 and devices disposed around the fixing device 111.
[0045]
In FIG. 2, a heater (not shown) is built in the substantially rigid fixing roller 220, and the periphery of the fixing roller 220 is maintained at a predetermined high temperature.
[0046]
Further, the pressure roller 221 has an elastic layer on its circumference, and forms a nip portion with the fixing roller 220 by being pressed against the fixing roller 220 by a pressing unit (not shown). The front end of the sheet material P conveyed from the conveyance device 110 is guided to the nip by the entrance guide 222.
[0047]
A bearing (bearing) 223 of the fixing roller 220 is supported by a support member (not shown), and a bearing (bearing) 224 of the pressure roller 221 is supported by a support member (not shown).
[0048]
The fixing web 225 obtained by impregnating the sheet-like fiber member with silicon oil in a roll form is rotated by a driving unit (not shown) to rotate a web winding shaft (not shown). It is transported and driven to the section 228.
[0049]
The web sponge roller 229 is rotatable in the conveyance path of the fixing web 225 and is supported while being pressed against the fixing roller 220.
[0050]
The fixing web 225 is disposed so as to pass between the fixing roller 220 and the web sponge roller 229. When the unfixed toner on the sheet material P is offset at the contact portion with the fixing roller 220, , And serves to clean the surface of the fixing roller 220.
[0051]
In the fixing device 111, a method for measuring the nip width, which is a measurement item for managing the quality of the image fixing property, is as follows.
[0052]
After the black image is formed on the sheet material P, the conveyance of the sheet material P is stopped at a predetermined position while the sheet material P is passing through the nip portion.
[0053]
The black image formed at the portion of the sheet material P stopped at the nip portion is formed by the heat received while stopped at the nip portion and the oil impregnating the fixing web 225 seeping out. It becomes a glossy image, which is a nip mark.
[0054]
When the sheet material P on which the nip mark is formed is taken out in the conveying direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, a nip mark is formed on the sheet material P as indicated by a hatched portion. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a nip mark formed by the fixing device of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[0055]
The sheet material P is taken in by the leader unit 102 of FIG. 1, the width of the nip mark is measured at both ends a and b and the center c in the longitudinal direction, and the measurement result is managed by a device such as a CPU.
[0056]
Next, an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[0057]
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a CPU. As its functions, a nip width measurement calculating unit 402 that measures a nip width at a measurement point and stores it as a nip width measurement value 451 in a memory 404, a fixing device operating time measuring unit 403 that measures an operating time of the fixing device 111, and The latest cumulative time is calculated by adding the operating time measured by the fixing device operating time measuring unit 403 to the fixing device cumulative operating time 450 of the fixing device stored in the memory 404 so far, and the latest fixing time in the memory 404 is calculated. Based on the fixing device cumulative operation time measuring unit 405 for updating the device cumulative operation time 450, the nip width measurement value (time series data) 451 stored in the memory 404, and the fixing device cumulative operation time 450, Life calculating means 406 for calculating the remaining life of the pressure roller 221 and the remaining life calculated by the remaining life calculating means 406 , And a disclosure means for disclosing to the image forming apparatus outside the device connected to the LCD screen 410 and the network (not shown).
[0058]
The memory 404 stores time-series data 451 of the nip width measurement / calculation unit 402 of the CPU 401 and the fixing device cumulative operation time 450 calculated by the fixing device cumulative operation time measurement unit 405.
[0059]
Reference numeral 407 denotes a switch for turning on / off power supply from an AC power supply 408 to a motor 409 for driving the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 of the fixing device 111, and is controlled by the CPU 401. The fixing device operating time measuring unit 403 measures the time during which the switch 407 is on.
[0060]
The calculation result of the remaining life calculation means 406 of the CPU 401 is sent to the LCD screen 410 by the CPU 401, and the remaining life of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 as shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a life display screen of the fixing roller and the pressure roller in the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the life of the image forming apparatus is displayed after being converted into the number of output sheets.
[0061]
Next, the calculation contents of the remaining life calculation means 406 in the CPU 401 will be described.
[0062]
The surface of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 shown in FIG. 2 gradually deteriorate due to durability, and the rubber hardness decreases, and the fixing ability of the unfixed toner gradually decreases. Therefore, the time series transition of the nip width with respect to the durability of the fixing roller and the pressure roller is estimated as follows.
[0063]
The service life of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is predicted by observing the transition of the values of the nip widths a, b, and c shown in FIG.
[0064]
For example, when the values of the nip widths a, b, and c increase, it is predicted that the durability of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is deteriorated due to a decrease in the rubber hardness of each roller.
[0065]
When the absolute values of the differences between the nip widths a and b and the nip width c are A = | ac− and B = | bc−, and when the values of A and B increase, the fixing roller It is predicted that the durability of the supporting members for the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 such as the bearing (bearing) 220 of the fixing roller 220 and the bearing 224 of the pressure roller 221 is advanced.
[0066]
Further, when a sharp change is observed in the value relating to the nip, it is easily predicted that an accident, an abnormality, or the like is assumed.
[0067]
As described above, in the remaining life calculating means 406, based on the nip widths a, b, c and the calculated values of A and B measured and calculated by the nip width measuring calculating means 402, the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221, or the life of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221, such as the bearing 223 and the bearing 224, is managed.
[0068]
Next, a method of calculating the nip width c will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a graph showing life lines of the fixing roller and the pressure roller in the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. 5 is a graph showing life prediction lines of a fixing roller and a pressure roller in the embodiment.
[0069]
FIG. 6 shows a life line 601 at a predetermined nip width c obtained in advance by a durability test or the like. 6, the horizontal axis represents the accumulated operating time of the fixing device 111, and the vertical axis represents the value of the nip width c.
[0070]
The nip width c gradually increases as the operation time of the fixing device 111 increases. Further, the life 603 of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is defined as the time until the life exceeds the life threshold 602.
[0071]
Here, the nip measured by the nip width measurement calculation means 402 is calculated, and is stored in the memory 404 as nip width measurement values (time-series data) 451 like 701a, 701b, 701c, and 701d shown in FIG. .
[0072]
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the cumulative operating time 450 of the fixing device 111 in the fixing device 111 is stored in the cumulative operating time 450 of the fixing device in the memory 404 from the values 701a to 701d read by the nip width measurement calculating unit 402. I do.
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 7, the remaining life calculation unit 406 calculates the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 of each image forming apparatus based on the measured nip width 451 (701a, 701b, 701c, 701d) and the fixing apparatus cumulative operation time 450. The life line 701 is approximated to a predetermined function described later, and a life prediction line 702 of the future fixing roller 220 and pressure roller 221 is obtained.
[0074]
Further, the operating time of the fixing device 111 from the current nip width 701d to the life threshold 602 of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is calculated from the calculated life prediction line 702, and the remaining time of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is calculated. The life 703 is obtained.
[0075]
Here, a method of approximating the life line 701 to a predetermined function will be described. Assuming that the operating time of the drive motor 409 (cumulative operating time of the fixing device) is x and the measured value 451 of the nip width is y, the life line (average value) is determined in advance as y = f (x).
[0076]
The approximate expression is defined as y = (q (x−p)), and the measured values 451 (701a, 701b, 701c, 701d) of the plurality of nip widths and the corresponding cumulative operation time 450 of the fixing device are used at each time point. Z = | y−f (q (x−p) |), and obtain p and q at which the average value of za, zb, zc, zd,... Thus, the approximate expression y = f (q (x−p)) of the life line 701 is obtained.
[0077]
As described above, the remaining life 703 of the fixing roller 220 and the fixing device 221 obtained as the operation time by the above calculation is displayed on the LCD screen 410 of the operation unit or the like shown in FIG. You.
[0078]
Although the calculation method of the remaining life calculation means 406 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is limited to the nip width c, the same calculation method is used for the values of the nip widths a and b or A and B. Detailed description is omitted for management.
[0079]
However, as described above, calculation of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is performed from the nip width measurement values a, b, and c, and the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller It is reiterated that the durability of the support member 221 is managed.
[0080]
Further, the value displayed on the LCD screen 410 by a disclosure means (not shown) is disclosed to a remote device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network or the like, and is used for a maintenance plan or the like. It is also possible.
[0081]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the remaining life of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 or the support members of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221, such as the bearing 223 and the bearing 224, can be known, and the durability is improved. Preparation of replacement parts due to deterioration and adjustment of work schedule and the like can be performed, so that downtime of the image forming apparatus can be reduced and customer satisfaction can be achieved.
[0082]
Further, since the remaining life of each component can be calculated in consideration of the individual difference of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to know an appropriate replacement time in each image forming apparatus, and the life of each component can be sufficiently ensured. It is possible to achieve cost reduction of parts.
[0083]
(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. The configurations of the image forming apparatus and the fixing device are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the description is omitted. Further, in the following description, points different from the above-described first embodiment will be mainly described, and description of the same parts will be omitted. For example, FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7 and the like described in the first embodiment can be used in almost the same manner in this embodiment.
[0084]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The CPU 401 has, in addition to the functions of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a fixing device operation date and time measurement unit 420 that measures the date and time when the fixing device 111 operates and stores the date and time in the memory 404 as the fixing device operation date and time 452. A fixing device use frequency calculating unit that calculates the use frequency of the fixing device 111 based on the value of the fixing device operation date and time 452 measured by the fixing device operation date and time measurement unit 420 stored in the memory 404 and the value of the fixing device cumulative operation time 450 421 are provided.
[0085]
The fixing device operation date / time 452 measured by the fixing device operation date / time measurement unit 420 is stored in the memory 404.
[0086]
Further, in the first embodiment described above, the calculation result of the remaining life calculation means 406 of the CPU 401 is sent to the LCD screen 410 by the CPU 401, and the fixing screen 220 and the pressure roller 221 as shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, the remaining life 703 of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is converted into time based on the value calculated by the fixing device use frequency calculation unit 421 of the fixing device 111 in the second embodiment. The converted value is displayed on the LCD screen 410.
[0087]
For example, when the remaining life of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 is 500 (hours) in terms of the operating time of the fixing device 111 and the average operating time of the fixing device 111 per day is 2 (hours / day), The remaining life of the pressure roller 221 is 250 days (= 500/2).
[0088]
As described above, the remaining life 703 of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 converted into time is displayed on the screen of the LCD 410 shown in FIG. 9 as described above. FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example of a life display screen of the fixing roller and the pressure roller in the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the life is displayed by time (number of days). However, the time is not limited to the number of days, but may be any combination of year, month, hour, minute, and second.
[0089]
Here, the remaining members of the support members of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 such as the bearings 223 and 224 are also managed by the same means as described above.
[0090]
Further, the calculated remaining life 703 is disclosed to a remote place via a network or the like connected to the image forming apparatus, and can be used for a maintenance plan or the like.
[0091]
In both the first and second embodiments, the fixing device operating time measuring unit 403 measures the power supply time to the drive motor 409 (not shown). The measurement of the ON time and the lighting time of the heating element of the fixing roller 220 may be used instead.
[0092]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the remaining life of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221 or the support members of the fixing roller 220 and the pressure roller 221, such as the bearing 223 and the bearing 224, can be known, and the durability is improved. Preparation of replacement parts due to deterioration and adjustment of work schedule and the like can be performed, so that downtime of the image forming apparatus can be reduced and customer satisfaction can be achieved.
[0093]
Further, since the remaining life of each component can be calculated in consideration of the individual difference of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to know an appropriate replacement time in each image forming apparatus, and the life of each component can be sufficiently ensured. It is possible to achieve cost reduction of parts.
[0094]
Furthermore, since the remaining life of each component can be grasped in terms of time in consideration of the frequency of use of the fixing device 111, it is possible to prepare for more appropriate component replacement work.
[0095]
Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be listed below.
[0096]
[Embodiment 1]
A fixing device having a fixing roller having a built-in heat source and a pressing roller pressed against the fixing roller surface, and performing fixing through a transfer material having an unfixed toner image formed in a nip portion between the fixing roller and the pressing roller. In the image forming apparatus comprising, the nip width of the nip mark formed on the surface of the transfer material for measurement output by the fixing device is read, and a nip width measurement calculation unit for measuring, and the measured value of the nip width, A nip width measurement value storage unit that stores and processes the stored data in a time series corresponding to the operation time of the fixing device; a fixing device operation time measurement unit that measures the operation time of the fixing device; A fixing device cumulative operation time measuring means for calculating the total operation time of the apparatus; and a fixing device cumulative operation time record for storing a value calculated by the fixing device cumulative operation time measuring device. Means for supporting the fixing roller and the remaining life of the pressure roller from the value processed by the nip width measurement value storage means and the value stored in the fixing device cumulative operating time storage means. A remaining life calculating means for determining a remaining life of the fixing roller supporting member and the pressing roller supporting member supporting the pressing roller; a remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressing roller; A disclosing means for disclosing at least one of the remaining life of the pressure roller support member and at least one of devices outside the image forming apparatus connected via a display unit, a network, and the like. Forming equipment.
[0097]
[Embodiment 2]
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement positions of the nip width by the nip width measurement calculation unit include positions of both ends and a center portion in the longitudinal direction of the nip mark.
[0098]
[Embodiment 3]
The nip width measurement value storage means, from the measured values of the nip width at both ends and the center part position with respect to the longitudinal direction of the nip mark, measured by the nip width measurement calculation means, the measured value of each end, the center 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a value obtained by calculating a difference between a measured value of a portion and a measured value of a central portion and a measured value of both end portions is stored.
[0099]
[Embodiment 4]
At least one of the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller and the remaining life of the fixing roller support member and the pressure roller support member is displayed in terms of the number of output sheets of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third embodiments.
[0100]
[Embodiment 5]
The first embodiment is characterized in that at least one of the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller and the remaining life of the fixing roller support member and the pressure roller support member is displayed in terms of time. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
[0101]
[Embodiment 6]
A fixing device operating date and time measuring unit that measures the operating date and time of the fixing device, a fixing device operating date and time storing unit that stores a value measured by the fixing device operating date and time measuring unit, and a value of the operating date and time of the fixing device. A fixing device use frequency calculating unit that calculates the use frequency of the fixing device based on the value of the fixing device cumulative operation time calculated by the fixing device cumulative operation time measuring unit; The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of a life and a remaining life of the fixing roller supporting member and the pressing roller supporting member is converted into time and displayed. apparatus.
[0102]
【The invention's effect】
By using the above technology, in the fixing device of the image forming apparatus, the nip width formed by the fixing roller and the pressure roller is accurately controlled in a time series, and the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller is accurately determined. As a result, it was possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of providing high-quality images, realizing customer satisfaction by downtime less, and reducing maintenance time for service personnel.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a periphery of a fixing device of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a nip mark formed by a fixing device of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a life display screen of a fixing roller and a pressure roller in the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing life lines of a fixing roller and a pressure roller in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing life prediction lines of a fixing roller and a pressure roller in the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a life display screen of a fixing roller and a pressure roller in a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a periphery of a fixing device of an image forming apparatus according to a related art.
[Explanation of symbols]
111 fixing device
220 fixing roller
221 Pressure roller
223,224 bearing
225 fixing web
227,228 Web supply unit
401 CPU
402 Nip width measurement calculation means
403 Fixing device operating time measuring means
404 memory
405 Fixing device cumulative operating time measuring means
406 Remaining life calculation means
407 switch
408 AC power supply
409 drive motor
410 LCD screen
420 Fusing device operation date / time measuring means
421 Fixing Device Usage Frequency Calculation Means
450 Cumulative operating time of fixing device
451 Nip width measurement (time-series data)
452 Fixing device operation date and time
601 Lifeline (predetermined)
602 Lifetime threshold
603 life
701 Lifeline (based on measured values)
702 Life prediction line
703 remaining life
P sheet material

Claims (1)

A fixing roller with a built-in heat source,
A pressure roller that presses against the fixing roller surface,
An image forming apparatus including a fixing device that performs fixing through a transfer material having an unfixed toner image formed in a nip portion between the fixing roller and the pressure roller,
A nip width measurement calculating unit that reads a nip width of a nip mark formed on the surface of the transfer material for measurement output by the fixing device, and measures the nip width;
A nip width measurement value storage unit that stores the measurement value of the nip width in a time series corresponding to the operation time of the fixing device, and processes the stored data;
Fixing device operating time measuring means for measuring the operating time of the fixing device,
A fixing device cumulative operating time measuring means for calculating a cumulative operating time of the fixing device,
A fixing device cumulative operating time storage unit that stores a value calculated by the fixing device cumulative operating time measuring unit,
From the value processed by the nip width measurement value storage unit and the value stored in the fixing device cumulative operation time storage unit, the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller and the fixing roller support for supporting the fixing roller are determined. Remaining life calculating means for determining the remaining life of the member and the pressure roller supporting member supporting the pressure roller,
At least one of the remaining life of the fixing roller and the pressure roller, and the remaining life of the fixing roller support member and the pressure roller support member, outside the image forming apparatus connected via a display unit, a network, and the like. An image forming apparatus comprising: a disclosure unit that discloses the information to at least one of the apparatuses.

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