JP2006189561A - Image forming apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus constituted so that information for specifying a component and a unit causing the abnormality is stored in a non-volatile memory when the operational abnormality occurs in a fixing apparatus of the image forming apparatus, then, the information can be read by turning on the power supply of the apparatus again even after turning off the power supply. <P>SOLUTION: The operational situations of a temperature detector, a recording medium sensor, a driving means and a heater related to the fixing operation of the image forming apparatus are always stored in an RAM as long as a fixed time, and when the abnormality is detected, necessary information is posted to the non-volatile memory RAM, then, after the occurrence of the abnormality, the operational situation of the associated component and unit can be recognized retroactive to the point of time when the abnormality occurs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a non-volatile memory card that is configured to be detachable from an image processing apparatus and has a built-in character font or the like is disposed, and an apparatus body that is generated from a calendar timer, I / O port, A / D converter, etc. Is written in the normal operation area of the memory card. When an abnormality occurs, the abnormality occurrence information is written in the abnormality occurrence area of the memory card. The operating status information includes energization history, date and time, user operation history, etc. during steady operation, and the abnormality occurrence information includes exposure abnormality, power supply abnormality, control abnormality, drive system abnormality, fixing abnormality, paper feeding abnormality, etc. An image forming apparatus has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, the status of the optical system, image forming system, and fixing device provided in the image forming apparatus is constantly monitored, abnormalities occurring in each part can be detected, and a service call corresponding to the content of the detected abnormality is provided. The data is read from the table and stored in the service call storage area of the nonvolatile RAM. Further, the count value of the paper counter at this time is stored in the service call storage area. The service call storage area can store the service call and the paper count value for the past 10 times. The non-volatile RAM has an area used as a service call counter for recording the number of times the service call has been read. An abnormality content storage device is known in which the content stored in the nonvolatile RAM can be displayed on a display unit by operating an operation key on an operation panel (for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 7-175373 A JP-A-10-133527

  However, in the methods described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since the operation state of the time-series component or unit immediately before the abnormality occurs is not written in the nonvolatile memory, the serviceman detects an abnormality from the stored abnormality code. There was no choice but to estimate the multiple parts and units that caused the occurrence and to reproduce and identify the anomaly. Therefore, it may take time to repair.

  Moreover, if the abnormality cannot be reproduced, the repair work may be completed without removing the true cause, and then the abnormality may recur.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily identify a component or unit that causes an abnormality in a fixing device of an image forming apparatus, and a control method therefor.

  The object of the present invention can be achieved by the following constitution.

The invention according to claim 1
In an image forming apparatus having a fixing device for fixing an image transferred on a recording medium,
Detecting means for detecting an operation state of the fixing device at a predetermined period;
First storage means for storing the operation status detected by the detection means for a predetermined number of times;
Second storage means, which is a nonvolatile memory for storing the operation status stored in the first storage means;
Control means for storing the operation status stored in the first storage means in the second storage means when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the fixing device based on the operation status detected by the detection means. And an image forming apparatus.

The invention according to claim 2
The fixing device has a driving unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects whether the driving unit is driven on or off.

The invention according to claim 3
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a temperature of the fixing device.

The invention according to claim 4
The fixing device includes a first heater and a second heater,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects whether the first heater is on or off and whether the second heater is on or off. 5. .

The invention according to claim 5
The fixing device conveys the recording medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the presence or absence of a recording medium conveyed by the fixing device.

The invention according to claim 6
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the second storage unit to overwrite and save the operation state stored in the first storage unit. is there.

The invention according to claim 7 provides:
An operation unit;
7. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display to display information stored in the second storage unit by an input from the operation unit. Device.

The invention according to claim 8 provides:
Having communication means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit information stored in the second storage unit.

The invention according to claim 9 is:
The control unit causes the information stored in the second storage unit to be printed on a recording medium when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on for the first time after the occurrence of abnormality is canceled. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 8.

The invention according to claim 10 is:
In a control method of an image forming apparatus having a fixing device for fixing an image transferred on a recording medium,
A detection step of detecting an operation state of the fixing device at a predetermined period;
A first storage step for storing the operation status detected in the detection step a predetermined number of times;
An abnormality determination step for determining an operation abnormality based on the operation state detected in the detection step;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a storage step of storing, in a nonvolatile memory, the operation status stored in the first storage step when it is determined that the operation is abnormal in the abnormality determination step. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the operation status of the fixing device is detected at a predetermined cycle, and a predetermined number of times are stored in the first storage unit, so that the information can be referred to for a predetermined time. The first storage means can be configured with a fixed memory capacity. When the operation error of the fixing device occurs, the contents of the first storage means are stored in the second storage means, so that the second storage means can be configured with a constant memory capacity. Further, since the second storage means is a non-volatile memory, the information can be stored even when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify a component or unit that causes an abnormality with a simple configuration.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to detect whether the recording medium conveyance function is normal or abnormal as the cause of the abnormality by detecting the on / off of the driving unit of the fixing device.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether the heater is operating normally or abnormally as a cause of the occurrence of abnormality by detecting the temperature of the fixing device.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, voltage is applied to the first heater and the second heater as a cause of the occurrence of abnormality by detecting the on or off of the first heater or the second heater. Or not.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, whether or not the recording medium is normally conveyed in the fixing device as the cause of the abnormality by detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium conveyed by the fixing device. Detectable.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the operation status stored in the first storage means is overwritten on the second storage means, the second storage means only needs to have a constant memory capacity, thereby reducing the cost of the apparatus. And miniaturization and power saving can be achieved.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, since the information stored in the second storage means can be displayed on the display of the operation unit, the service person can check the abnormality occurrence information on the spot. Therefore, the repair time is shortened.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, by receiving input information from a remote location using a communication means such as a telephone line, and transmitting information stored in the second storage means according to the input information, Knowing the cause of anomalies in remote locations, depending on the cause, it is possible to repair by instructing the operator, and even when a service person goes to repair, necessary parts and tools can be predicted in advance, reducing the repair time . Moreover, it is useful for market information management by collecting the collected information.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, after the abnormality is canceled, the information stored in the second storage means is printed when the power is turned on, and the service person takes the printed sheet home with the information. The abnormality occurrence history of the image forming apparatus can be tabulated and stored, and is useful as market quality information.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the operation state of the fixing device is always detected in the detection step at a predetermined cycle, and the first storage step of storing the predetermined number of times in the first storage means is the operation state of the fixing device. Can be edited and memorized. The abnormality determination step for determining an operation abnormality can determine abnormality including the status of the image forming apparatus. In the storing step of storing the information stored in the first storage unit in the non-volatile second storage unit, the information in the first storage unit can be edited in a format that can be easily referred to and stored in the second storage unit. .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 1 processes an automatic document feeder (commonly called ADF) A, a document image reading unit B for reading an image of a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder A, and a read document image. The image control unit C, the writing unit D including the writing unit 12 for writing on the image carrier 10 made of a photosensitive drum in accordance with the data after image processing, the image carrier 10 and the charging electrode 14 around the image carrier 10 and the magnetic field. A plurality of image forming units E including image forming means such as developing means 16, transfer electrode 18, separation electrode 20, and cleaning means 21, a fixing device H, and a tray that accommodates a recording medium P. A storage portion F for the paper storage means 22 and 24 is provided.

  The automatic document feeder A has a document feed table 26, a roller group including a roller R1, and a document transport processor 28 including switching means for appropriately switching a document moving path.

  The document image reading unit B is located under the document glass G, and includes two mirror units 30 and 31 that can reciprocate while maintaining the optical path length, a fixed imaging lens (hereinafter also referred to as a lens) 33, and a line-shaped image reading unit B. The imaging unit (hereinafter also referred to as a CCD) 35 and the like, and the writing unit D includes a laser light source 40, a polygon mirror (polarizer) 42 and the like.

  The automatic document feeder A is known in principle, although there are structural differences from the conventional automatic document feeder, and the document image reading section B, writing section D, image processing means (on the image carrier 10). Since an image forming apparatus and an image forming process provided with means for forming a toner image and transferring the toner image onto a recording medium are well known, the description thereof will be simplified.

  Note that R10 shown on the front side of the transfer electrode 18 is a registration roller, and H shown on the downstream side of the separation electrode is a fixing device (details will be described later). The heating roller 91 and pressure applied to the heating roller 91 are pressed against each other. The recording medium P on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed and fixed between the heating roller 91 and the pressure roller 92, whereby the toner image is thermally fixed on the recording medium P. Is done.

  In the above configuration, the process of forming a toner image on the image carrier 10, transferring it onto the recording medium P, and then discharging it onto a paper discharge tray is as follows.

  One sheet of document (not shown) placed on the document table 26 is conveyed into the document conveyance processing unit 28, and slit exposure is performed by the exposure means L while passing under the roller R1.

  Reflected light from the document is coupled to the CCD and read by the mirror units 30 and 31 and the lens 33 at fixed positions.

  Image information read by the document image reading unit B is processed by an image processing unit, encoded, and stored in a memory in the image control unit C.

  The image data is called according to image formation, the laser light source 40 in the writing unit D is driven according to the image data, and exposure is performed on the photoconductor 10 as an image carrier.

  Prior to this exposure, the photoconductor 10 as an image carrier that rotates in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) is given a predetermined surface potential by corona discharge of the charging electrode 14. As a result, the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed on the photoconductor 10 as the image carrier.

  The electrostatic latent image is reversely developed by the developing means 16 to be a visible image (toner image).

  On the other hand, before the leading end of the toner image on the photoconductor 10 as the image carrier reaches the transfer region, for example, one recording medium P in the paper feed tray 22 is fed and conveyed, and the registration roller R10. Reached and regulated at the tip.

  The recording medium P is conveyed toward the transfer region by a registration roller R10 that starts rotating in synchronization with the toner image, that is, an image region on the photoreceptor 10 as an image carrier.

  In the transfer area, the toner image on the photoconductor 10 as an image carrier is transferred onto the recording medium P by urging the transfer electrode, and then the recording medium P is used as an image carrier by urging the separation electrode 20. The photosensitive member 10 is separated.

  Thereafter, the toner powder forming the toner image is melted and fixed on the recording medium P by heating and pressurizing the fixing device H, and the recording medium P is discharged onto the discharge tray T via the discharge path 78 and the discharge rollers 79. The paper is discharged.

  The configuration of the fixing device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b). 2A is a side view of the fixing device H shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view cut in the X direction of FIG. 2A.

  Reference numeral 191 in the heating roller 91 is a cylindrical cored bar (roller base) with both end faces open.

  A release layer 194 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cored bar 191.

  Inside the heating roller 91, a halogen heater lamp as a first heater 210 that mainly heats a region (L1) outside the passage region of the recording medium P of a predetermined size within the passage region of the recording medium P of the predetermined size. And a halogen heater lamp as a second heater 220 that mainly heats the passage area (L2) of the recording medium P having a predetermined size.

  The heating roller is rotated in the direction of the recording medium P in the direction of arrow X by driving means (not shown). A registration sensor 93 and an exit sensor 94 are arranged on the conveyance path of the recording medium P to detect the passage of the recording medium P through the fixing device. That is, the registration sensor 93 and the exit sensor 94 function as a conveyance detection unit that detects the presence or absence of a recording medium conveyed by the fixing device.

  The pressure roller 92 presses the heating roller 91 with the urging force of the spring 90.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the fixing device H of this embodiment is provided with two temperature detectors 330 and 340. One is a first temperature detector 330 that detects the temperature of the heating roller 91 in the region L1 and a second temperature detector 340 that detects the temperature of the heating roller 91 in the region L2. That is, the first temperature detector 330 and the second temperature detector 340 function as temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the fixing device.

  A fan 350 serves as a cooling unit that cools the end of the region L2.

  The cleaning mechanism 100 includes an original winding roller 103 around which a web 101 made of an aromatic polyamide nonwoven fabric is wound, a winding roller 105 that winds the web 101, and a web backup roller 107 that presses the web 101 against the heating roller 91. ing.

  When an image is formed on a predetermined number of recording media P, the take-up roller 105 is rotated by a predetermined amount so that an unused portion of the web 101 is pressed against the heating roller 91.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing the functional structure of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

  A control unit N, a storage unit M, a communication unit O, an operation unit J, a storage unit F, a printing unit I, and a paper discharge tray T are included.

  The control unit N functioning as a control unit is composed of a CPU (central processing unit) (not shown), a ROM storing a control program, a work area, and the like, and comprehensively controls each unit connected to the system bus Q.

  The control unit N has functions as a memory control unit N1, an operation abnormality determination unit N2, a detection unit N3, and a first storage unit N4.

  The detecting means N3 converts the level of the input from the sensor S that senses the operation status of the fixing device H according to the present invention, or converts it to a digital value by an A / D converter. The detection unit N3 detects on / off of the driving unit H1 that drives the fixing device, and detects on / off of the first heater 210 and on / off of the second heater 220 shown in FIG.

  The operation abnormality determination unit N2 determines an operation abnormality based on the information output from the detection unit N3.

  The first storage unit N4 temporarily stores information output from the detection unit N3.

  The memory control unit N1 performs control to transfer information from the first storage unit directly to the second storage unit J1 without being connected via the system bus when the operation abnormality determination unit N2 determines that the operation is abnormal.

  The storage unit M is composed of a non-volatile large-capacity memory such as a hard disk, and the written information does not disappear even when the power is turned off unless the information is written. Document image data read from the document image reading unit B, image data input from an external PC via the communication unit, and the like are stored.

  The communication unit O can perform communication processing with a host computer (not shown) or a remote device connected to a telephone line via a bidirectional communication medium (not shown), such as image data or printing conditions from the outside. The operation status of the fixing device of the present invention is transmitted in response to reception or an external instruction.

  The operation unit J is provided with a display J2 such as a switch or LCD (not shown) and second storage means J1 which is a nonvolatile memory. The switch is used to input the paper type and weight of the recording medium, and to perform a printing operation instruction operation. Information input by the switch and information about the operation status of the fixing device according to the present invention are stored in the second storage unit J1. Further, information stored in the second storage means J1 is appropriately displayed on the display device J2 in accordance with an instruction from the switch of the operation unit.

  The storage unit F is composed of a tray in which a recording medium is stored as described with reference to FIG.

  The printing unit I includes an image forming unit E that is an output unit that forms a toner image on a recording medium P that is transported from a storage unit F by a transport device (not shown), a heating roller 91 that is rotated by a driving unit H1, and pressure. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device H that melts and fixes the toner image on the recording medium by nipping and conveying the roller 92, and a sensor S that detects the passage of the recording medium P at the entrance and exit of the fixing device H.

  The paper discharge tray T discharges and stacks sheets on which images have been formed and fixed by the printing unit I.

  Next, an example of the operation of the fixing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing operation timings of the detection unit N3, the operation abnormality determination unit N2, and the memory control unit N1.

  The operation state of the fixing device is captured once every 200 milliseconds by the detection means N3 (clock 401). The information about the operation status of the fixing device (hereinafter referred to as fixing device information) taken in by the detection means N3 is the first to measure the temperature of the first heater 210 and the on / off state of the motor that is the driving means of the fixing device. The AD conversion value of the temperature detector 330, the AD conversion value of the second temperature detector 340 for measuring the temperature 220 of the second heater, the ON / OFF state of the first heater 210 and the ON state of the second heater 220 The on / off state of the registration sensor 93 as the sensor S and the on / off state of the outlet sensor 94.

  The fixing device information captured at the timing of the clock 401 is always written to the first storage unit N4 at a rate of once every 200 milliseconds (clock 400).

  The first storage means N4 stores information for 75 times corresponding to 15 seconds as fixing device information. When the stored fixing device information exceeds the above number of times, the old information is sequentially deleted and updated with new information. That is, the first storage unit N4 always stores the latest fixing device information for a predetermined number of times of detection (here, 75 times).

  The operation abnormality determination unit N2 generates an abnormality from the operation status and command of the image forming apparatus and the detected fixing device information at a rate of once every 200 milliseconds at the same timing as the writing to the first storage unit N4. (Clock 400). For example, when an operation abnormality occurs at the timing 404 of writing information to the first storage unit N4, an abnormality occurrence signal 402 is generated.

  The memory control means N1 uses the abnormality occurrence signal 402 as a trigger to rearrange 75 times of fixing device information stored in the first storage means at the time of abnormality occurrence (abnormality occurrence timing 402) into a predetermined format. , The second storage means J1. The second storage means J1 is a non-volatile memory, and the stored contents are not erased even when the image forming apparatus is turned off, and information can be read by turning it on again.

  FIG. 5 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of processing of fixing device information according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, the flow of the storage process of the fixing device information to the first and second storage means will be described.

  As described with reference to FIG. 4, the detection means performs the detection operation at a rate of once every 200 milliseconds.

  In step S1, the output from the first temperature detector 330 is AD converted in the detection means N3 (detection step).

  In step S2, the output from the second temperature detector 340 is AD converted in the detection means N3 (detection step).

  In step S3, the detecting means N3 turns on / off the motor that is the driving means of the fixing device, the first temperature detector AD converted value converted in step S1, and the second temperature detection converted in step S2. The AD conversion value, the on / off state of the first heater 210 and the on / off state of the second heater 220, the on / off state of the registration sensor 93 and the on / off state of the outlet sensor 94 are detected. Is stored in the storage means (first storage step).

Here, the fixing device information stored in the first storage means N4 will be described with reference to FIG.
The time column (N41) indicates the time when the fixing device information is taken in, and has a value from 0 (N411) to -74 (N419). 0 (N411) indicates the most recently taken time, and a value obtained by subtracting 1 every 200 milliseconds is entered. For example, -10 (N413) is the capture time 2 seconds before, and -74 (N719) is the capture time 15 seconds ago.

  The first temperature detector AD conversion value is written in the first temperature detector AD conversion value column (N42). 80 (N421) is a value taken in recently, and 79 (N428) is a value taken in 10 seconds ago.

  In the second temperature detector AD conversion value column (N43), the second temperature detector AD conversion value is written. 79 (N431) is a value taken in recently, and 81 (N438) is a value taken in 10 seconds ago.

  In the drive means column (N44), an on / off signal for the drive means H1 is written. 1 (N441) is a value taken in recently, and 0 (N448) is a value taken in 10 seconds ago.

  In the first heater column (N45), an on / off signal of the first heater is written. 1 (N451) is a value acquired recently, and 0 (N458) is a value acquired 10 seconds ago.

  Hereinafter, the second heater column (N46) to the outlet sensor column (N48) have the same meaning.

Returning to FIG.
In step S4, the first temperature detector AD conversion value is compared with the temperature setting value of the first heater, and the first temperature detector AD conversion value is smaller than or equal to the temperature setting value of the first heater. If (step S4: YES), the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the first heater is turned on and the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S6, the first heater is turned off and the process proceeds to step S7.

  In step S7, when the second temperature detector AD conversion value is compared with the temperature setting value of the second heater and the second temperature detector AD conversion value is smaller than or equal to the temperature setting value of the second heater. If (Step S7: YES), the process proceeds to Step S8, and if it is similarly large (Step S7: NO), the process proceeds to Step S9.

  In step S8, the second heater is turned on and the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S9, the second heater is turned off and the process proceeds to step S10.

  Next, in step S10 to step S12, the determination of the operation abnormality of the fixing device H is performed, and the fixing device information is stored in the second storage unit.

  In step S10, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred (SC: service call) by the operation abnormality determination means N2 (abnormality determination step). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the fixing device information detected in step S3 is within a predetermined range, and if it is outside the predetermined range, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. Further, when an abnormality occurrence signal is output from each part of the image forming apparatus 1 other than the fixing device H, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred (step S10: YES), the process of step S11 is executed. If no abnormality has occurred (step S10: NO), the process ends.

  In step S11, necessary fixing device information stored in the first storage unit is read out, format-converted, and written in the second storage unit (storing step).

  Here, the fixing device information stored in the second storage unit J1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a memory map conceptually showing the fixing device information stored in the second storage unit.

  The address column (J11) indicates the address of the second storage means. For example, in FIG. 7, it starts from address 0500A0 (J111).

  The information read from the first storage means is stored byte by byte in the fixing device information column (J12). In FIG. 7, the information in the fixing device information column (J12) is displayed in the form of a HEX display column (J13) and a Binary display column (J14). The description of the information written in the fixing device information column (J12) is also written in the stored information column (J15). In the description of the stored information column (J15), “F35-1SC” (J15a) is a warning code according to abnormality, “when it occurs” is the time of occurrence (J15b), and finally “first temperature detection” The AD conversion value of the device "(J15b) is described in the order of information.

For example, when it is determined in step S10 that the warning code F35-1 is abnormal, the information of J121 to J129 is written.
J121 is the first temperature detector AD conversion value when the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N421 shown in FIG. 6 is read and written.
J122 is the first temperature detector AD conversion value 5 seconds before the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N425 shown in FIG. 6 is read and written.
J123 is the first temperature detector AD conversion value 10 seconds before the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N428 shown in FIG. 6 is read and written.
J124 is the second temperature detector AD conversion value when the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N431 shown in FIG. 6 is read and written.
J125 is the second temperature detector AD conversion value 5 seconds before the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N435 shown in FIG. 6 is read and written.
J126 is the second temperature detector AD conversion value 10 seconds before the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N438 shown in FIG. 6 is read and written.
J127 is the on / off state of the driving means every 2 seconds from 10 seconds before the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N441, N443, N444, N446, N447, and N448 shown in FIG. 6 are read and written.
J128 is the ON / OFF state of the first heater every 2 seconds from 10 seconds before the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N451, N453, N454, N456, N457, and N458 shown in FIG. 6 are read and written. It is.
J129 is the on / off state of the second heater every 2 seconds from 10 seconds before the warning code F35-1 is generated, and N461, N463, N464, N466, N467, and N468 shown in FIG. 6 are read and written. It is.

  When it is determined in step S10 in FIG. 5 that an abnormality has occurred in the warning code F35-2, the fixing device information read from the first storage unit is written in J12a as in J121 to J129.

Returning to FIG.
In step S12, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is stopped.

  In FIG. 8, the flow of processing for outputting the fixing device information stored in the second storage unit J1 to the display unit J2, the communication unit O, and the printing unit I by the input from the operation unit J will be described.

  The process starts with an input to the operation unit J.

  In step S20, it is determined whether the purpose of the operation unit J input is to display on the display device J2. In the case of display (step S20: YES), the process proceeds to step S21. In the case other than display (step S20: NO), the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S21, it is determined whether the address of the second storage means determined by the warning code has been input. The warning code is displayed on the display unit J2 when an abnormality occurs. If entered (step S21: YES), the process proceeds to step S22. If not input (step S21: NO), the process returns to step S21.

  In step S22, the fixing device information stored in the second storage means address related to the warning code from the input address is displayed on the display J2, and the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S24, it is determined whether the purpose of the operation unit J input is transmission to the outside. In the case of transmission (step S24: YES), the process proceeds to step S25. In the case of non-transmission (step S24: NO), the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S25, it is determined whether transmission information such as a destination and a transmission procedure has been input from the operation unit. If entered (step S25: YES), the process proceeds to step S26. If not input (step S25: NO), the process returns to step S25.

  In step S26, it is determined whether the second storage means address has been input. If entered (step S26: YES), the process proceeds to step S27. If not input (step S26: NO), the process returns to step S26.

In step S27, the fixing device information and transmission information stored in the second storage means address relating to the warning code are sent from the input address to the communication unit, and the process proceeds to step S23.
The communication unit transmits the fixing device information to the other party according to the transmission information.

  In step S28, it is determined whether the purpose of the operation unit J input is printing. If printing (step S28: YES), the process proceeds to step S29. If not printing (step S28: NO), the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S29, it is determined whether the abnormality has been canceled. If the abnormality has been canceled (step S29: YES), the process proceeds to step S30. If the abnormality has not been canceled (step S29: NO), the process proceeds to step S23.

  In step S30, it is determined whether the second storage means address has been input. If entered (step S30: YES), the process proceeds to step S31. If not input (step S30: NO), the process returns to step S30.

In step S31, the fixing device information stored in the second storage unit address related to the warning code is sent from the input address to the printing unit, and the process proceeds to step S23. The printing unit prints the sent fixing device information.

  In this embodiment, the operation state of the fixing device of the image forming apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to, for example, a developing device, a document reading device, and an electrostatic image forming device.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of each component constituting the image forming apparatus can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus provided with a fixing device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a fixing device according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 6 is a timing chart showing the timing of detecting the output of the temperature detector, the state of the recording medium sensor, the heater, and the driving unit related to the fixing device of the present invention and writing to the first storage unit and the second storage unit. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of fixing device information according to the present invention. 6 is an example of information stored in a first storage unit that stores fixing device information of the present invention. It is an example which shows the fixing device information preserve | saved at the 2nd memory | storage means of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a process of outputting fixing device information stored in a second storage unit J1 to the display device J2, the communication unit O, or the printing unit I by an input from the operation unit J.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus H Fixing apparatus 91 Heating roller 92 Pressure roller 93 Registration sensor 94 Exit sensor 210 1st heater 220 2nd heater 330 1st temperature detector 340 2nd temperature detector

Claims (10)

In an image forming apparatus having a fixing device for fixing an image transferred on a recording medium,
Detecting means for detecting an operation state of the fixing device at a predetermined period;
First storage means for storing the operation status detected by the detection means for a predetermined number of times;
Second storage means, which is a nonvolatile memory for storing the operation status stored in the first storage means;
Control means for storing the operation status stored in the first storage means in the second storage means when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the fixing device based on the operation status detected by the detection means. An image forming apparatus comprising: The fixing device has a driving unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects whether the driving unit is driven on or off. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a temperature of the fixing device. The fixing device includes a first heater and a second heater,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects whether the first heater is on or off and whether the second heater is on or off. 5. The fixing device conveys the recording medium;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects the presence or absence of a recording medium conveyed by the fixing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the second storage unit to overwrite and save the operation state stored in the first storage unit. An operation unit;
7. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display to display information stored in the second storage unit by an input from the operation unit. apparatus. Having communication means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit information stored in the second storage unit. The control unit causes the information stored in the second storage unit to be printed on a recording medium when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on for the first time after the occurrence of abnormality is canceled. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 8. In a control method of an image forming apparatus having a fixing device for fixing an image transferred on a recording medium,
A detection step of detecting an operation state of the fixing device at a predetermined period;
A first storage step for storing the operation status detected in the detection step a predetermined number of times;
An abnormality determination step for determining an operation abnormality based on the operation state detected in the detection step;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a storage step of storing the operation state stored in the first storage step in a nonvolatile memory when it is determined that the operation is abnormal in the abnormality determination step.

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