Information processing apparatus, system, information processing method, and storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides an information processing apparatus, system, information processing method, and storage medium capable of accurately determining whether a heating member has a sign of an abnormality. The information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a derivation unit, and a determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires voltage information indicating a voltage applied to a heating unit that heats a sheet in an image forming apparatus. The derivation unit derives a variation range of the voltage indicated by the voltage information acquired by the acquisition unit. The determination unit determines whether the heating unit has a sign of an abnormality using the variation range derived by the derivation unit and a variation range serving as a reference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to information processing devices and systems. Background Technology

[0002] The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device for fixing toner. The fixing device includes a heating element. Sometimes, a resistive element is used as the heating element. In this case, conventionally, the resistance change of the resistive element is used to detect signs of malfunction of the heating element. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] However, it is difficult to use changes in resistance to determine whether there are signs of malfunction in the heating element.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and system capable of accurately determining whether there are signs of malfunction in the heating component.

[0006] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0007] The information processing apparatus of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit, an output unit, and a determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires voltage information representing the voltage applied to a heating element that heats a sheet in an image forming apparatus. The output unit outputs the voltage variation range shown by the voltage information acquired by the acquisition unit. The determination unit uses the variation range output by the output unit and a reference variation range to determine whether there are signs of a malfunction in the heating element. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the system's structure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of the server.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an image forming apparatus.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the hardware structure of an image forming apparatus.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a front sectional view of the heating device.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a front sectional view of the heater unit.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the heater unit.

[0015] Figure 8This is a top view of the heater, thermometer, and thermostat.

[0016] Figure 9 This is the circuit diagram of the heating device.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a figure showing an example of experimental results illustrating the relationship between the elapsed time from when the current is applied to the heating element assembly and the temperature of the cylindrical membrane.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the variation in the voltage applied to the heating element assembly in its new product state.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing an example of voltage variation applied to the heating element assembly under adverse condition warning conditions.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a timing diagram showing the processing involved in the reference voltage information.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a timing diagram showing the processing involved in the operation voltage information.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the decision processing based on the decision unit.

[0023] Symbol Explanation

[0024] 100. Image forming apparatus; 51. Server; 515. Judgment unit; 516. Notification unit; 1. Display; 2. Scanning unit; 3. Image forming unit; 4. Sheet supply unit; 5. Transport unit; 6. Control unit; 7. Paper tray; 8. Control panel; 9. Flip unit; 10. Housing; 20. Sheet receiving unit; 30. Fixing apparatus; 301. Film unit; 31. Flange; 32. Core rod; 33. Elastic layer; 34. Release layer; 35. Fixing film; 36. Support member; 38. Support; 40. Heater unit; 41. Substrate; 43. Insulating layer; 45. Heating element assembly; 62. Heater thermometer; 64. Film thermometer; 68. Thermostat; 92. Memory; 93. Auxiliary storage device; 95. Power supply; 961. Central three-terminal bidirectional thyristor switch; 962. End three-terminal bidirectional thyristor switch; 201. Power supply voltage detection circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the image forming apparatus of the embodiments, an information processing device and system capable of accurately determining whether there are signs of a defect in the heating member can be provided. Hereinafter, the information processing device and system of the embodiments will be described in detail.

[0026] Figure 1This diagram illustrates a structural example of a system 50, including an image forming apparatus and a server. The system 50 comprises one or more image forming apparatuses 100, one or more portable terminals 54, and a server 51. The image forming apparatus 100, portable terminals 54, and server 51 are connected to a network 52. The network 52 is a network such as the Internet. The image forming apparatus 100 stores voltage information representing the voltage applied to a heating element (described later) that heats the sheet. The image forming apparatus 100 sends the stored voltage information to the server 51. Details of the voltage information will be described later.

[0027] Server 51 is an example of an information processing device, comprising a computing unit, a storage unit, etc. Server 51 acquires voltage information sent from image forming apparatus 100. Server 51 derives the voltage fluctuation range shown in the acquired voltage information. Server 51 uses the derived fluctuation range and a reference fluctuation range to issue a warning indicating a potential malfunction. The notification is sent to image forming apparatus 100 or portable terminal 54. Portable terminal 54 is a terminal carried by service personnel performing maintenance on image forming apparatus 100.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of server 51. Server 51 includes a reference voltage information acquisition unit 511, a reference voltage information storage unit 512, an operating voltage information acquisition unit 513, an output unit 514, a determination unit 515, and a notification unit 516.

[0029] The image forming apparatus 100 sends two types of voltage information to the server 51: reference voltage information and operating voltage information. The reference voltage information represents the voltage detected when the image forming apparatus 100 is in a new state, such as before it leaves the factory or during setup. The operating voltage information represents the voltage detected when the image forming apparatus 100 is actually in operation.

[0030] Server 51 first acquires reference voltage information through reference voltage information acquisition unit 511. Reference voltage information acquisition unit 511 outputs the acquired reference voltage information to export unit 514. Export unit 514 exports the reference voltage and reference variation range used by determination unit 515 in determination from the reference voltage information and stores them in reference voltage information storage unit 512.

[0031] The operating voltage information acquisition unit 513 acquires operating voltage information and outputs it to the output unit 514. The output unit 514 derives the operating voltage and operating fluctuation range used by the determination unit 515 in the determination from the operating voltage information and outputs it to the determination unit 515. The determination unit 515 uses the operating voltage and operating fluctuation range, reference fluctuation range, and reference voltage output from the output unit 514 to determine whether there are signs of a malfunction in the heating unit. The determination unit 515 outputs the determination result to the notification unit 516. The determination result is output as OK or NG. OK indicates that there are no signs of a malfunction in the heating unit. NG indicates that there are signs of a malfunction in the heating unit. If the determination result is NG, the notification unit 516 notifies the image forming apparatus 100 or the portable terminal 54 of a warning indicating that there are signs of a malfunction in the heating unit. The user or service personnel can pre-set the notification destination to be the image forming apparatus 100, the portable terminal 54, or both.

[0032] Next, the image forming apparatus, heating element, etc., will be explained. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the image forming apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment is, for example, a multifunction printer. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a housing 10, a display 1, a scanning unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet supply unit 4, a conveying unit 5, a paper tray 7, a flipping unit 9, a control panel 8, and a control unit 6.

[0033] The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a sheet S using a developer such as a toner. The sheet S is, for example, paper or label paper. The sheet S can be any sheet on which the image forming apparatus 100 can form an image.

[0034] The housing 10 forms the outer shape of the image forming apparatus 100. The display 1 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The display 1 displays various information related to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0035] The scanning unit 2 reads the image information of the object as light and dark areas. The scanning unit 2 records the read image information. The scanning unit 2 outputs the generated image information to the image forming unit 3. Furthermore, the recorded image information can also be transmitted to other information processing devices via a network.

[0036] The image forming unit 3 forms an output image (hereinafter referred to as a toner image) based on image information received from the scanning unit 2 or image information received from an external source, using a recording agent such as a toner. The image forming unit 3 transfers the toner image onto the surface of the sheet S. The image forming unit 3 heats and pressurizes the toner image on the surface of the sheet S, fixing the toner image onto the sheet S. Details of the image forming unit 3 will be described later. Furthermore, the sheet S can be a sheet supplied by the sheet supply unit 4 or a sheet fed manually.

[0037] The sheet supply unit 4 supplies sheets S one by one to the transport unit 5 in conjunction with the image forming unit 3 forming a toner image. The sheet supply unit 4 includes a sheet receiving unit 20 and a pick-up roller 21.

[0038] The sheet receiving section 20 stores sheets S of predetermined size and type. The pick-up roller 21 removes sheets S one by one from the sheet receiving section 20. The pick-up roller 21 feeds the removed sheets S toward the transport section 5.

[0039] The transport unit 5 transports the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 4 to the image forming unit 3. The transport unit 5 includes a transport roller 23 and an alignment roller 24. The transport roller 23 transports the sheet S supplied from the pick-up roller 21 toward the alignment roller 24. The transport roller 23 causes the top edge of the sheet S in the transport direction to come into contact with the clamping part N of the alignment roller 24.

[0040] Alignment roller 24 aligns the position of the top end of sheet S in the transport direction by flexing sheet S in clamping part N. Alignment roller 24 transports sheet S according to the timing of toner image transfer onto sheet S by image forming unit 3.

[0041] The image forming unit 3 will be described below. The image forming unit 3 includes multiple image forming units 25, a laser scanning unit 26, an intermediate transfer belt 27, a transfer unit 28, and a fixing device 30. Each image forming unit 25 includes a photosensitive drum 255. The image forming unit 25 forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 255 corresponding to image information from the scanning unit 2 or an external source. Multiple image forming units 251, 252, 253, and 254 respectively form toner images based on yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners.

[0042] A charge collector, a developer, and other components are arranged around the photosensitive drum 255. The charge collector charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 255. The developer contains a developer including yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners. The developer develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 255. As a result, a toner image based on each color toner is formed on the photosensitive drum 255.

[0043] The laser scanning unit 26 scans laser L onto the charged photosensitive drum 255, exposing the photosensitive drum 255. The laser scanning unit 26 uses lasers LY, LM, LC, and LK to expose the photosensitive drums 255 of the image forming units 251, 252, 253, and 254 for each color. Thus, the laser scanning unit 26 forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 255.

[0044] The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 255 is transferred once to the intermediate transfer belt 27. The transfer unit 28 transfers the toner image transferred once to the intermediate transfer belt 27 onto the surface of the sheet S at a secondary transfer position. The fixing device 30 heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred to the sheet S, fixing the toner image onto the sheet S. Details of the fixing device 30 will be described later.

[0045] The flipping unit 9 flips the sheet S to form an image on the back side of the sheet S. The flipping unit 9 flips the sheet S discharged from the fixing device 30 by rotating back. The flipping unit 9 then transports the flipped sheet S toward the alignment roller 24.

[0046] The paper tray 7 holds the sheet S on which the image is formed and discharged. The control panel 8 has multiple buttons. The control panel 8 accepts user operations. The control panel 8 outputs signals corresponding to the user's operations to the control unit 6 of the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the display 1 and the control panel 8 can be configured as a single touch panel. The control unit 6 controls various parts of the image forming apparatus 100. Details of the control unit 6 will be described later.

[0047] Figure 4This diagram illustrates a specific example of the hardware structure of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91, a memory 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, etc., connected via a bus, and executes a program. Through program execution, the image forming apparatus 100 functions as a device including a scanning unit 2, an image forming unit 3, a sheet supply unit 4, a transport unit 5, a flipping unit 9, a control panel 8, and a communication unit 90. Furthermore, all or part of the functions of the image forming apparatus 100 can be implemented using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The program can also be transmitted via an electrical communication line.

[0048] CPU 91 functions as control unit 6 by executing programs stored in memory 92 and auxiliary storage device 93. Control unit 6 controls the operation of each functional unit of image forming apparatus 100. Auxiliary storage device 93 is configured using storage devices such as magnetic hard disk devices or semiconductor storage devices.

[0049] The auxiliary storage device 93 stores various information related to the image forming apparatus 100. The communication unit 90 is configured to include a communication interface for connecting the apparatus to an external device. The communication unit 90 communicates with the external device via the communication interface.

[0050] The fixing device 30 will be described in detail. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the fixing device 30. The fixing device 30 includes a pressure roller 302 and a film unit 301.

[0051] A clamping portion N is formed between the pressure roller 302 and the film unit 301. The pressure roller 302 applies pressure to the toner image t of the sheet S that enters the clamping portion N. The pressure roller 302 transports the sheet S by rotating. The pressure roller 302 includes a mandrel 32, an elastic layer 33, and a release layer 34. In this way, the pressure roller 302 can press its surface against the fixing film 35 and can be driven to rotate.

[0052] The mandrel 32 is formed into a cylindrical shape from a metal material such as stainless steel. Both ends of the mandrel 32 are supported axially and are rotatable. The mandrel 32 is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown). The mandrel 32 abuts against a cam member (not shown). The cam member rotates to bring the mandrel 32 closer to and further away from the diaphragm unit 301.

[0053] The elastic layer 33 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The elastic layer 33 is formed to a certain thickness on the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel 32. The release layer 34 is formed of a resin material such as PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer). The release layer is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer 33. For the hardness of the outer peripheral surface of the pressure roller 302, it is desirable to have a hardness of 40° to 70° under a load of 9.8N on an ASKER-C hardness tester. This ensures the area of ​​the clamping portion N and the durability of the pressure roller 302. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hardness is set to 60°.

[0054] The pressure roller 302 can approach and move away from the film unit 301 by rotating the cam member. When the pressure roller 302 approaches the film unit 301 and is pressed by the pressure spring, a clamping part N is formed. On the other hand, in the event of a paper jam of the sheet S in the fixing device 30, the sheet S can be removed by moving the pressure roller 302 away from the film unit 301. In addition, in a state where the fixing film 35 has stopped rotating, such as during sleep mode, plastic deformation of the fixing film 35 is prevented by moving the pressure roller 302 away from the film unit 301.

[0055] The pressure roller 302 is driven to rotate by a motor. When the pressure roller 302 rotates with the clamping portion N formed, the fixing film 35 of the film unit 301 rotates accordingly. The pressure roller 302 transports the sheet S along the transport direction W by rotating with the sheet S disposed in the clamping portion N.

[0056] The film unit 301 heats the toner image t of the sheet S that enters the clamping part N. The film unit 301 includes a fixing film 35, a heater unit 40, a heat conducting member 49, a support member 36, a bracket 38, a heater thermometer 62, a thermostat 68, and a film thermometer 64.

[0057] The fixing film 35 is formed in a cylindrical shape. From its inner peripheral side, the fixing film 35 sequentially comprises a base layer, an elastic layer, and a release layer. The base layer is cylindrical. The elastic layer is laminated onto the outer peripheral surface of the base layer. The elastic layer is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The release layer is laminated onto the outer peripheral surface of the elastic layer. The release layer is formed of a material such as PFA resin.

[0058] Figure 6 yes Figure 7 Front sectional view of the heater unit at line IV-IV. Figure 7This is a bottom view of the heater unit (viewed from the +z direction). The heater unit 40 includes a substrate (heating element substrate) 41, a heating element assembly 45, and a wiring assembly 55. The heating element assembly 45 is an example of a heating section.

[0059] The substrate 41 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel or a ceramic material such as aluminum nitride. The substrate 41 is formed into an elongated rectangular plate shape. The substrate 41 is disposed radially inside the fixing film 35. The axial direction of the fixing film 35 is taken as the long side direction of the substrate 41.

[0060] In this embodiment, the x, y, and z directions are defined as follows: The y direction is the direction of the long side of the substrate 41. The y direction is parallel to the width direction of the fixing film 35. As described later, the +y direction is the direction from the central heating element 451 toward the first end heating element 452. The x direction is the direction of the short side of the substrate 41, and the +x direction is the transport direction of the sheet S (the downstream direction). The z direction is the normal direction of the substrate 41, and the +z direction is the direction in which the heating element assembly 45 is arranged relative to the substrate 41. An insulating layer 43 is formed on the surface of the substrate 41 in the +z direction using a glass material or the like.

[0061] The heating element assembly 45 is disposed on the substrate 41. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the heating element assembly 45 is formed on the surface of the insulating layer 43 in the +z direction. The heating element assembly 45 is formed of a TCR (temperature coefficient of resistance) material. For example, the heating element assembly 45 is formed of a silver-palladium alloy or the like. The heating element assembly 45 is shaped as a rectangle with the y-direction as the long side and the x-direction as the short side.

[0062] like Figure 7 As shown, the heating element assembly 45 includes a first end heating element 452, a central heating element 451, and a second end heating element 453 arranged in the y-direction. The central heating element 451 is located at the center of the heating element assembly 45 in the y-direction. The central heating element 451 can also be constructed by combining multiple small heating elements arranged in the y-direction. The first end heating element 452 is located in the +y direction of the central heating element 451 and is the end of the heating element assembly 45 in the +y direction. The second end heating element 453 is located in the -y direction of the central heating element 451 and is the end of the heating element assembly 45 in the -y direction. The boundary line between the central heating element 451 and the first end heating element 452 can be arranged either parallel to the x-direction or intersecting the x-direction. The same applies to the boundary line between the central heating element 451 and the second end heating element 453.

[0063] The heating element assembly 45 generates heat when energized. The resistance of the central heating element 451 is lower than that of the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453. The resistance ratio of the central heating element 451 to the first end heating element 452 is preferably in the range of 1:3 to 1:7, and more preferably in the range of 1:4 to 1:6. The resistance ratio of the central heating element 451 to the second end heating element 453 is preferably in the range of 1:3 to 1:7, and more preferably in the range of 1:4 to 1:6.

[0064] When a sheet S with a smaller width in the y-direction passes through the central portion of the fixing device 30 in the y-direction, the control unit 6 heats only the central heating element 451. Conversely, when the sheet S has a larger width in the y-direction, the control unit 6 heats the entire heating element assembly 45. Therefore, the central heating element 451, the first end heating element 452, and the second end heating element 453 are heated independently of each other. Furthermore, the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453 are also heated in a similar manner.

[0065] The wiring assembly 55 is made of a metallic material such as silver. The wiring assembly 55 includes a central contact 520, a central wiring 530, an end contact 521, a first end wiring 531, a second end wiring 532, a common contact 58, and a common wiring 57.

[0066] The central contact 520 is positioned in the -y direction of the heating element assembly 45. The central wiring 530 is positioned in the +x direction of the heating element assembly 45. The central wiring 530 connects the end edge of the central heating element 451 in the +x direction to the central contact 520.

[0067] End contact 521 is disposed in the -y direction of central contact 520. First end wiring 531 is disposed in the +x direction of heating element assembly 45, and is also in the +x direction of central wiring 530. First end wiring 531 connects the +x direction end edge of first end heating element 452 and the +x direction end of end contact 521. Second end wiring 532 is disposed in the +x direction of heating element assembly 45, and is also in the -x direction of central wiring 530. Second end wiring 532 connects the +x direction end edge of second end heating element 453 and the -x direction end of end contact 521.

[0068] A common contact 58 is disposed in the +y direction of the heating element assembly 45. A common wiring 57 is disposed in the -x direction of the heating element assembly 45. The common wiring 57 connects the end edges in the -x direction of the central heating element 451, the first end heating element 452, and the second end heating element 453 to the common contact 58.

[0069] Thus, a second end wiring 532, a central wiring 530, and a first end wiring 531 are arranged in the +x direction of the heating element assembly 45. In contrast, only a common wiring 57 is arranged in the -x direction of the heating element assembly 45. Therefore, the center 454 of the heating element assembly 45 in the x direction is located in the -x direction, which is closer to the center 455 of the substrate 41 in the x direction.

[0070] like Figure 5 As shown, a straight line CL is defined connecting the center pc of the pressure roller 302 and the center hc of the membrane unit 301. The center 455 of the substrate 41 in the x direction is positioned closer to the +x direction than the straight line CL. As a result, since the substrate 41 extends in the +x direction of the clamping portion N, it is easy to peel the sheet S that has passed through the clamping portion N from the membrane unit 301.

[0071] The center 454 of the heating element assembly 45 in the x-direction is arranged on the straight line CL. The heating element assembly 45 is entirely contained within the region of the clamping part N and is arranged at the center of the clamping part N. As a result, the heat distribution of the clamping part N becomes uniform, and the sheet S passing through the clamping part N is uniformly heated.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, a heating element assembly 45 and a wiring assembly 55 are formed on the surface of the insulating layer 43 in the +z direction. A protective layer 46 is formed from a glass material or the like to cover the heating element assembly 45 and the wiring assembly 55. The protective layer 46 improves the sliding properties between the heater unit 40 and the fixing film 35.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the heater unit 40 is disposed inside the fixing film 35. A lubricant (not shown) is coated on the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 35. The heater unit 40 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 35 via the lubricant. When the heater unit 40 heats up, the viscosity of the lubricant decreases. This ensures the sliding property between the heater unit 40 and the fixing film 35. As described above, the fixing film 35 is a strip-shaped thin film that slides on the surface of the heater unit 40 while contacting the heater unit 40 through one of its surfaces.

[0074] The heat-conducting component 49 is formed of a metal material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper. The shape of the heat-conducting component 49 is the same as that of the substrate 41 of the heater unit 40. The heat-conducting component 49 is arranged in a manner that makes surface contact with the heater unit 40 in the -z direction. Nickel plating is performed on the contact surface of the heat-conducting component 49 with the heater unit 40.

[0075] The support member 36 is rigid, heat-resistant, and heat-insulating, and is formed of a resin material such as a liquid crystal polymer. The support member 36 is arranged to cover both sides of the heater unit 40 in the x-direction and the -z-direction. The support member 36 supports the heater unit 40 via the heat-conducting member 49. Rounded chamfers are formed at both ends of the support member 36 in the x-direction. The support member 36 supports the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 35 at both ends of the heater unit 40 in the x-direction.

[0076] When the sheet S is heated by the fixing device 30, a temperature distribution is generated in the heater unit 40 according to the size of the sheet S. When the heater unit 40 becomes locally hot, its temperature may exceed the heat resistance temperature of the support member 36 formed of resin material. The heat-conducting member 49 averages the temperature distribution of the heater unit 40. This ensures the heat resistance of the support member 36.

[0077] Figure 5 The bracket 38 shown is formed of a material such as steel plate. The cross-section of the bracket 38 perpendicular to the y-direction is U-shaped. The bracket 38 is fitted to the support member 36 in the -z direction by means of a support member 36 blocking the opening of the U-shape. The bracket 38 extends in the y-direction. Both ends of the bracket 38 in the y-direction are fixed to the housing of the image forming apparatus 100. Thus, the film unit 301 is supported by the image forming apparatus 100. The bracket 38 improves the bending rigidity of the film unit 301. Flanges 31 that allow limited-size imaging film 35 to move in the y-direction are fitted near both ends of the bracket 38.

[0078] The heater thermometer 62 is disposed in the -z direction of the heater unit 40, with the heat-conducting member 49 in between. For example, the heater thermometer 62 is a thermistor. The heater thermometer 62 is mounted and supported on the surface of the support member 36 in the -z direction. The temperature-sensing element of the heater thermometer 62 contacts the heat-conducting member 49 through a hole penetrating the support member 36 in the z direction. The heater thermometer 62 measures the temperature of the heater unit 40 via the heat-conducting member 49. The heater thermometer 62 has a thermistor element disposed in between, with ceramic paper or the like used to stabilize the contact state toward the heater unit 40, and is further covered with an insulating material such as polyimide tape.

[0079] The thermostat 68 is configured in the same way as the heater thermometer 62. The thermostat 68 is assembled into the circuit described later. When the temperature of the heater unit 40 detected by the heat-conducting member 49 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the thermostat 68 cuts off the power supply to the heating element assembly 45.

[0080] Figure 8 This is a top view (viewed from the -z direction) of the heater, thermometer, and thermostat. Figure 8The description of the support member 36 is omitted. Furthermore, the following description, relating to the configuration of the heater thermometer 62, the thermostat 68, and the membrane thermometer 64, explains the configuration of each temperature sensing element.

[0081] A plurality of heater thermometers 62 (central heater thermometer 620, end heater thermometer 621) are arranged in a manner aligned in the y-direction. The plurality of heater thermometers 62 are positioned within the y-direction of the heating element assembly 45. The plurality of heater thermometers 62 are positioned at the center of the heating element assembly 45 in the x-direction. That is, when viewed from the z-direction, the plurality of heater thermometers 62 overlap with the heating element assembly 45 in at least a portion. A plurality of thermostats 68 (central thermostat 681, end thermostat 680) are also arranged in the same manner as the plurality of heater thermometers 62.

[0082] The plurality of heater thermometers 62 include a central heater thermometer 620 and end heater thermometers 621. The central heater thermometer 620 measures the temperature of the central heating element 451. The central heater thermometer 620 is disposed within the area of ​​the central heating element 451. That is, when viewed from the z-direction, the central heater thermometer 620 overlaps with the central heating element 451.

[0083] The end heater thermometer 621 measures the temperature of the second end heating element 453. As described above, both the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453 are controlled to heat up. Therefore, the temperature of the first end heating element 452 is equal to the temperature of the second end heating element 453. The end heater thermometer 621 is positioned within the area of ​​the second end heating element 453. That is, when viewed from the z-direction, the end heater thermometer 621 overlaps with the second end heating element 453.

[0084] Multiple thermostats 68 include a central thermostat 681 and end thermostats 680. The central thermostat 681 cuts off power to the heating element assembly 45 when the temperature of the central heating element 451 exceeds a predetermined temperature. The central thermostat 681 is positioned within the area of ​​the central heating element 451. That is, when viewed from the z-direction, the central thermostat 681 overlaps with the central heating element 451.

[0085] When the temperature of the first end heating element 452 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the end thermostat 680 cuts off the power supply to the heating element assembly 45. As described above, both the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453 are controlled to heat up. Therefore, the temperature of the first end heating element 452 is equal to the temperature of the second end heating element 453. The end thermostat 680 is disposed within the area of ​​the first end heating element 452. That is, when viewed from the z-direction, the end thermostat 680 overlaps with the first end heating element 452.

[0086] Therefore, a central heater thermometer 620 and a central thermostat 681 are arranged within the area of ​​the central heating element 451. This allows for the measurement of the temperature of the central heating element 451. Furthermore, if the temperature of the central heating element 451 exceeds a predetermined temperature, the power supply to the heating element assembly 45 is cut off. On the other hand, an end heater thermometer 621 and an end thermostat 680 are arranged within the areas of the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453. This allows for the measurement of the temperatures of the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453. Furthermore, if the temperatures of the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453 exceed a predetermined temperature, the power supply to the heating element assembly 45 is cut off.

[0087] Multiple heater thermometers 62 and multiple thermostats 68 are arranged alternately along the y-direction. As described above, a first end heater 452 is arranged in the +y direction of the central heating element 451. An end thermostat 680 is arranged within the range of the first end heater 452. The central heater thermometer 620 is arranged at a position closer to the +y direction than the center of the central heating element 451 in the y-direction. The central thermostat 681 is arranged at a position closer to the -y direction than the center of the central heating element 451 in the y-direction. As described above, a second end heater 453 is arranged in the -y direction of the central heating element 451. An end heater thermometer 621 is arranged within the range of the second end heater 453. Thus, the end thermostat 680, the central heater thermometer 620, the central thermostat 681, and the end heater thermometer 621 are arranged sequentially from the +y direction to the -y direction.

[0088] Typically, the thermostat 68 connects and disconnects the circuit by utilizing the bending deformation of the bimetal associated with temperature changes. The thermostat is elongated to fit the shape of the bimetal. Furthermore, terminals extend outwards from both ends along the long side of the thermostat 68. Connectors for external wiring are connected to these terminals by riveting. Therefore, space needs to be ensured on the outer side of the thermostat 68 along its long side. In the fixing device 30, since there is no space allowance in the x-direction, the long side of the thermostat 68 is arranged along the y-direction. In this case, if multiple thermostats 68 are arranged adjacent to each other in the y-direction, it is difficult to ensure sufficient space for the connection of external wiring.

[0089] As described above, multiple heater thermometers 62 and multiple thermostats 68 are arranged alternately along the y-direction. Thus, the heater thermometers 62 are positioned next to the thermostats 68 in the y-direction. Therefore, sufficient connection space for external wiring relative to the thermostats 68 can be ensured. Furthermore, the flexibility in the arrangement of the thermostats 68 and heater thermometers 62 in the y-direction is increased. Therefore, the temperature of the fixing device 30 can be controlled by placing the thermostats 68 and heater thermometers 62 in optimal positions. Furthermore, the separation of AC wiring connected to the multiple thermostats 68 and DC wiring connected to the multiple heater thermometers 62 becomes easier. Therefore, the generation of noise in the circuit can be suppressed.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, the film thermometer 64 is disposed inside the fixing film 35 and in the +x direction of the heater unit 40. The film thermometer 64 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fixing film 35 to measure the temperature of the fixing film 35.

[0091] Figure 9 This is a circuit diagram of the heating device according to the embodiment. Figure 9 middle, Figure 7 The bottom view is positioned at the top of the paper. Figure 8 The top view is positioned below the paper. Additionally, in Figure 9 In the top view below, a plurality of film thermometers 64 are shown together with the cross-section of the fixing film 35. The plurality of film thermometers 64 include a central film thermometer 640 and end film thermometers 641. Furthermore, in... Figure 9 The document describes a heater control board 700.

[0092] The central membrane thermometer 640 contacts the central portion of the fixing film 35 in the y-direction. The central membrane thermometer 640 contacts the fixing film 35 within the y-direction range of the central heating element 451. The central membrane thermometer 640 measures the temperature of the central portion of the fixing film 35 in the y-direction. The central membrane thermometer 640 performs an A / D conversion on the measured temperature and outputs it to the control unit 6.

[0093] The end film thermometer 641 contacts the end of the fixing film 35 in the -y direction. The end film thermometer 641 also contacts the fixing film 35 within the y-direction range of the second end heating element 453. The end film thermometer 641 measures the temperature of the end of the fixing film 35 in the -y direction. The end film thermometer 641 performs an A / D conversion on the measured temperature and outputs it to the control unit 6. As described above, both the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453 are similarly controlled to heat up. Therefore, the temperature of the end of the fixing film 35 in the -y direction is equal to the temperature of the end in the +y direction.

[0094] The heater control board 700 includes a power supply voltage detection circuit 201, a temperature compensation thermometer 202, a central three-terminal bidirectional SCR switch 961, and an end three-terminal bidirectional SCR switch 962. A power supply 95 supplies power to the heating element assembly 45. The power supply 95 is connected to a central contact 520 via the central three-terminal bidirectional SCR switch 961. The power supply 95 is connected to an end contact 521 via the end three-terminal bidirectional SCR switch 962. The power supply 95 is connected to the power supply voltage detection circuit 201. The temperature compensation thermometer 202 is located near temperature-dependent components (such as couplers).

[0095] The control unit 6 independently controls the switching on / off of the central three-terminal bidirectional SCR switch 961 and the end three-terminal bidirectional SCR switches 962. When the control unit 6 turns on the central three-terminal bidirectional SCR switch 961, power is supplied from the power supply 95 to the central heating element 451. As a result, the central heating element 451 heats up. When the control unit 6 turns on the end three-terminal bidirectional SCR switches 962, power is supplied from the power supply 95 to the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453. As a result, the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453 heat up. Through this, the central heating element 451, the first end heating element 452, and the second end heating element 453 are controlled to heat up independently. The central heating element 451, the first end heating element 452, and the second end heating element 453 are connected in parallel with respect to the power supply 95.

[0096] Power supply 95 is connected to common contact 58 via central thermostat 681 and end thermostat 680. Central thermostat 681 and end thermostat 680 are connected in series. When the temperature of the central heating element 451 rises abnormally, the temperature detected by central thermostat 681 exceeds a predetermined temperature. At this time, central thermostat 681 cuts off the power supply from power supply 95 to the entire heating element assembly 45.

[0097] When the temperature of the first end heating element 452 rises abnormally, the temperature detected by the end thermostat 680 exceeds a predetermined temperature. At this time, the end thermostat 680 cuts off the power supply from the power source 95 to the entire heating element assembly 45. As described above, both the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453 are controlled to heat up. Therefore, when the temperature of the second end heating element 453 rises abnormally, the temperature of the first end heating element 452 also rises. Consequently, in the case of an abnormal temperature rise in the second end heating element 453, the end thermostat 680 also cuts off the power supply from the power source 95 to the entire heating element assembly 45.

[0098] The control unit 6 measures the temperature of the central heating element 451 using the central heater thermometer 620. The control unit 6 measures the temperature of the second end heating element 453 using the end heater thermometer 621. The temperature of the second end heating element 453 is equal to the temperature of the first end heating element 452. The control unit 6 measures the temperature of the heating element assembly 45 using the heater thermometer 621 when the fixing device 30 is started (during preheating) and when resuming from a paused state (sleep state).

[0099] When the fixing unit 30 is started and resumed from a paused state, if the temperature of at least one of the central heating element 451 or the second end heating element 453 is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 6 ensures that the heating element assembly 45 heats up for only a short time. Afterward, the control unit 6 starts the rotation of the pressure roller 302. The heating of the heating element assembly 45 reduces the viscosity of the lubricant coated on the inner circumferential surface of the fixing film 35. This ensures smooth sliding between the heater unit 40 and the fixing film 35 when the pressure roller 302 starts rotating.

[0100] The control unit 6 measures the temperature of the central portion of the fixing film 35 in the y-direction using a central film thermometer 640. The control unit 6 also measures the temperature of the end portion of the fixing film 35 in the -y-direction using an end film thermometer 641. The temperature of the end portion of the fixing film 35 in the -y-direction is equal to the temperature of the end portion in the +y-direction. The control unit 6 measures the temperatures of the central portion and the end portions of the fixing film 35 in the y-direction during operation of the fixing device 30.

[0101] The control unit 6 performs phase control or wavenumber control on the power supplied to the heating element assembly 45 via the central three-terminal bidirectional thyristor switch 961 and the end three-terminal bidirectional thyristor switches 962. Based on the temperature measurement results of the central portion of the fixing film 35 in the y-direction, the control unit 6 controls the power supply toward the central heating element 451. Based on the temperature measurement results of the ends of the fixing film 35 in the y-direction, the control unit 6 controls the power supply toward the first end heating element 452 and the second end heating element 453.

[0102] As described above, the heating element assembly 45 is formed of TCR material. Therefore, when power is initially applied to the heating element assembly 45, the power gradually decreases. For this reason, the initial power is set relatively high, taking into account the estimated decrease in power. Typically, image forming apparatuses are designed to tolerate fluctuations in commercial power, up to, for example, ±10% of the commercial power. Setting the initial power too high within this range could exceed the permissible range of commercial power supply equipment, potentially causing a trip, for example.

[0103] Furthermore, if the TCR material is supplied with power higher than its rated power, the change in resistance will be greater. As a result, the change in resistance cannot converge within specifications, and sometimes faults such as TCR material breakage and wire breakage may occur. Based on this background, the control unit 6 increases the power supplied to the heating element assembly 45 in stages after power is initially applied. Figure 10 This needs to be explained.

[0104] Figure 10 This is a graph showing an example of experimental results relating the elapsed time from when the heating element assembly 45 is energized to the temperature of the fixing film 35. Figure 10 The horizontal axis shows the elapsed time (in seconds) from the start of energizing the heating element assembly 45. Figure 10 The vertical axis represents the temperature (°C) and power (W) of the fixing film 35. Additionally, Figure 10 The term "power-on start" refers to the device starting up or resuming from a paused state.

[0105] like Figure 10 As shown, when the heating element assembly 45 is energized in a normal energizing mode (i.e., an energizing mode with a fixed duty cycle), the power output decreases as the TCR material heats up. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the power initially at approximately 1200 W drops to around 1000 W after approximately 9 seconds of initial power-on. This is due to the characteristics of the TCR material used in the heating element assembly 45, as described above. Consequently, when the heating element assembly 45 is powered on using a normal power-on method, the rate of temperature rise in the fixing film 35 gradually slows down as time passes from the start of power-on.

[0106] In contrast, such as Figure 10 As shown, when the heating element assembly 45 is energized in the start-up process mode (i.e., the duty cycle is variable), the duty cycle of the power is changed by increasing it at regular intervals (1.5 seconds in this experiment). Thus, the power is increased again at regular intervals. In this experiment, the heating element assembly 45 is energized with a duty cycle of 80%, and then the duty cycle is changed four times at 1.5 seconds: 85%, 90%, 95%, and 100%. Accompanying this, as... Figure 10 As shown, the power was increased four times. Therefore, the decrease in power was suppressed. Figure 10 As shown, the power of approximately 1200 (W) after initial power-on remains approximately 1200 (W) even after approximately 9 seconds. Furthermore, this slows down the rate of temperature rise in the fixing film 35 over time since power-on, compared to the usual power-on method.

[0107] Next, the variation of the voltage applied to the heating element assembly 45 will be explained. This voltage is detected by the power supply voltage detection circuit 201. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the variation in voltage applied to the heating element assembly 45 from the start-up of the image forming apparatus 100 when the image forming apparatus 100 is in a new state (hereinafter also referred to as "new state"). Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of voltage variation applied to the heating element assembly 45 from the start-up of the image forming apparatus 100 under a state indicating a potential malfunction of the heating element assembly 45 (hereinafter also referred to as a "problem state"). Furthermore, the "new product state" also includes a state where the image forming apparatus 100 is new, the heating element assembly 45, and the apparatus including the heating element assembly 45 (e.g., the fixing device 30) are new. In this embodiment, a malfunction of the heating element assembly 45 is represented by a broken wire caused by a break in the heating element assembly 45.

[0108] exist Figure 11 , Figure 12 In the chart shown, the vertical axis represents voltage, and the horizontal axis represents time. For example... Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, both the new product state and the defective product state oscillate with a constant amplitude of variation over time. In this embodiment, the stable state that oscillates with a roughly constant amplitude of variation is defined as the period during which voltage can be sampled.

[0109] The variation range in the new product state is defined as DV0, and the variation range in the state indicating a potential defect is defined as DV1. The characteristic of this variation range is that the variation range DV0 in the new product state is smaller than the variation range DV1 in the state indicating a potential defect. Furthermore, the characteristic of the voltage magnitude is that, if comparing the maximum voltage values ​​shown in the graph, the voltage in the new product state is smaller than the voltage in the state indicating a potential defect. Therefore, the larger the difference in variation range, or the larger the voltage compared to the new product state, the higher the probability of a potential defect. Thus, server 51 uses this characteristic—that the larger the difference in variation range, or the larger the voltage compared to the new product state, the higher the probability of a potential defect—to determine whether a potential defect exists in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0110] Next, details of the voltage information will be explained. Both the reference voltage information and the operating voltage information are data obtained by sampling the voltage detected by the power supply voltage detection circuit 201. In the following description, the period for sampling the voltage will sometimes be referred to as the sampling period. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sampling period is 10 seconds.

[0111] The reference voltage information is data obtained by sampling the voltage detected by the power supply voltage detection circuit 201 in the new product state at a sampling frequency of 600Hz. The operating voltage information is data obtained by sampling the voltage detected by the power supply voltage detection circuit 201 in the operating state after the image forming apparatus 100 has been used since it was a new product.

[0112] Therefore, both the reference voltage information and the operating voltage information consist of values ​​representing 6000 voltages. If the quantization bit count is set to 16 bits, both the reference voltage information and the operating voltage information are approximately 12 kilobytes of data. Additionally, as... Figure 11 As shown, the voltage displayed in the reference voltage information does not include the voltage when the image forming apparatus 100 is started or when the image forming apparatus 100 resumes from a paused state. Similarly, as Figure 12 As shown, the voltage displayed in the operating voltage information does not include the voltage when the image forming apparatus 100 starts up or when the image forming apparatus 100 resumes from a paused state. This is because the voltage drops significantly during startup and resumption. If such exceptional voltages were included, the server 51 would be unable to make an appropriate determination.

[0113] As described above, the reference voltage information acquisition unit 511 in server 51 acquires reference voltage information from image forming apparatus 100. The reference voltage information is stored in reference voltage information storage unit 512. This reference voltage information is stored until the heating element assembly 45, etc., is replaced and the device becomes a new product. It is stored in reference voltage information storage unit 512.

[0114] The operating voltage information acquisition unit 513 acquires operating voltage information from the image forming apparatus 100. Regarding the timing of this acquisition, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 sends the operating voltage information upon startup; therefore, this sending timing is also the acquisition timing. Figure 12 As shown, the operating voltage information transmitted at this time is obtained under stable conditions where the voltage vibrates with a roughly constant amplitude after startup. Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 100 may transmit the operating voltage information to the server 51 periodically (e.g., once a week). In addition to such periodic transmission, the image forming apparatus 100 may also transmit the operating voltage information when there is a clear abnormality.

[0115] As described above, the derivation unit 514 derives the reference voltage, reference variation range, operating voltage, and operating variation range. An example of this derivation method will be explained. Both the reference voltage and the operating voltage are derived using the same derivation method. Specifically, the reference voltage is the maximum value of the 6000 voltages included in the reference voltage information. Similarly, the operating voltage is the maximum value of the 6000 voltages included in the operating voltage information. The reference variation range is the value obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of the 6000 voltages included in the reference voltage information. The operating variation range is the value obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value of the 6000 voltages included in the operating voltage information.

[0116] The derived reference voltage and reference variation range are stored in the reference voltage information storage unit 512. In addition, whenever the operating voltage information is acquired by the operating voltage information acquisition unit 513, the operating voltage and operating variation range are derived.

[0117] Next, timing diagrams and flowcharts will be used to illustrate the processing of the image forming apparatus 100 and the server 51. Figure 13 This is a timing diagram illustrating the processing involved in obtaining the reference voltage information. The image forming apparatus 100 samples the voltage detected by the power supply voltage detection circuit 201 when the device is in a new state at a sampling frequency of 600Hz (ACT101). The image forming apparatus 100 stores the sampled reference voltage information and sends the stored reference voltage information to the server 51 (ACT102). At this time, the content transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100 is either the reference voltage information or reference voltage information that includes identification information uniquely identifying the apparatus.

[0118] Server 51 acquires reference voltage information (ACT103). Export unit 514 exports reference voltage and reference variation range based on reference voltage information (ACT104), and the reference voltage and reference variation range are stored in reference voltage information storage unit 512 in association with the above-mentioned identification information (ACT105).

[0119] Figure 14 This is a timing diagram illustrating the processing involved in the operation voltage information. The image forming apparatus 100 samples the voltage detected by the power supply voltage detection circuit 201 at a sampling frequency of 600Hz when the transmission opportunity for the operation voltage information arrives (ACT201). The image forming apparatus 100 stores the sampled operation voltage information and sends the stored operation voltage information to the server 51 (ACT202). At this time, the content transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100 is the operation voltage information, or the operation voltage information is transmitted in a manner that includes identification information that uniquely identifies the apparatus.

[0120] Server 51 acquires operating voltage information (ACT203). Output unit 514 outputs the operating voltage and operating fluctuation range based on the operating voltage information (ACT204). Determination unit 515 uses the operating voltage and operating fluctuation range, along with the reference voltage and reference fluctuation range stored in the reference voltage information storage unit 512 in association with the identification information, to determine whether there are signs of a malfunction in the heating element (ACT205). Details of the determination method based on determination unit 515 will be described later.

[0121] If the determination result is OK, the image forming apparatus 100 terminates the processing related to the operating voltage information. If the determination result is OK, a warning (ACT206) is issued to the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 14 The diagram illustrates the process of notifying both the image forming apparatus 100 and the portable terminal 54 of a warning. Upon receiving the warning, the image forming apparatus 100 displays a warning (ACT207) on the display 1 indicating a sign of a problem with the heating element. Similarly, the portable terminal 54 displays a warning (ACT208) on its screen indicating a sign of a problem with the heating element.

[0122] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the determination process based on the determination unit 515. First, for the determination process in... Figure 15 The parameters used are explained below. V0 represents the reference voltage. V1 represents the operating voltage. DV0 represents the reference voltage variation range. DV1 represents the operating voltage variation range.

[0123] The determination unit 515 subtracts DV0 from DV1 to obtain the difference DV (ACT301). The determination unit 515 then determines whether the operating voltage V1 is more than 1.2 times the reference voltage V0 (ACT302). If the operating voltage V1 is more than 1.2 times the reference voltage V0 (ACT302: Yes), the determination unit 515 determines whether the difference DV is greater than 1 / 50th of the reference voltage V0 (ACT303). If the difference DV is greater than 1 / 50th of the reference voltage V0 (ACT303: Yes), the determination unit 515 sets the determination result to NG (ACT304) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the difference DV is less than 1 / 50th of the reference voltage V0 (ACT303: No), the determination unit 515 sets the determination result to OK (ACT308) and ends the process.

[0124] In ACT302 above, if the operating voltage V1 is less than 1.2 times the reference voltage V0 (ACT302: No), the determination unit 515 determines whether the operating voltage V1 is less than 1.1 times the reference voltage V0 (ACT305). If the operating voltage V1 is less than 1.1 times the reference voltage V0 (ACT305: Yes), the determination unit 515 determines whether the difference DV is greater than 1 / 25 of the reference voltage V0 (ACT306). If the difference DV is greater than 1 / 25 of the reference voltage V0 (ACT306: Yes), the determination unit 515 sets the determination result to NG (ACT304) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the difference DV is less than 1 / 25 of the reference voltage V0 (ACT306: No), the determination unit 515 sets the determination result to OK (ACT308) and ends the process.

[0125] In ACT305 above, if the operating voltage V1 is greater than 1.1 times the reference voltage V0 (ACT305: No), and the operating voltage V1 is greater than 1.1 times the reference voltage V0 but less than 1.2 times the reference voltage V0, the determination unit 515 determines whether the difference DV is greater than 1 / 35 of the reference voltage V0 (ACT307). If the difference DV is greater than 1 / 35 of the reference voltage V0 (ACT307: Yes), the determination unit 515 sets the determination result to NG (ACT304) and ends the process. On the other hand, if the difference DV is less than 1 / 35 of the reference voltage V0 (ACT306: No), the determination unit 515 sets the determination result to OK (ACT308) and ends the process.

[0126] As shown in the flowchart, the larger the operating voltage is compared to the reference voltage, the more likely the judgment result will be NG (Not Acceptable) even if the difference in fluctuation range (DV) is small. Furthermore, even when the operating voltage and the reference voltage are almost the same, a larger difference in fluctuation range (DV) will also make the judgment result more likely to be NG. Therefore, it can be concluded that the larger the operating voltage is compared to the reference voltage, or the larger the difference in fluctuation range (DV), the more likely the judgment result will be NG.

[0127] This exists. Figure 11 , Figure 12 The characteristics of the conditions indicating potential problems are described in the text. Therefore, the server 51 and system 50 according to this embodiment can accurately determine whether there are signs of potential problems in the heating element. Furthermore, by issuing a warning indicating the presence of potential problems, the occurrence of such problems can be prevented before they occur.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the operating voltage, reference voltage, reference fluctuation range, and operating fluctuation range are used to determine whether there are signs of a malfunction in the heating element. However, it is also possible to make the determination using only the reference fluctuation range and the operating fluctuation range. The reason for this is that, as Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, significant differences can be identified between the baseline variation range and the operational variation range. Even in this case, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether there are signs of malfunction in the heating element.

[0129] In the embodiments described above, the sampling period is set to 10 seconds, but it can also be more than 1 second but less than 10 seconds. Furthermore, 600Hz is used as an example for the sampling frequency, but it is not limited to this. Any sampling frequency is acceptable as long as it can sample at a frequency exceeding twice the maximum frequency of the voltage waveform.

[0130] In addition, the voltages shown in the reference voltage information and operating voltage information do not include the voltages during startup and recovery. However, they may also exclude the voltages when the pressure roller 302 approaches the membrane unit 301 when power is first applied to the heating element group 45.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the heating element assembly 45 is formed of TCR material, but it can also be used for situations where heating is achieved through induction heating, such as halogen heaters.

[0132] In the above embodiment, a server 51 determines whether there are signs of a malfunction in the heating component. However, for example, IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) can also be used to determine whether there are signs of a malfunction in the heating component.

[0133] The functions of the image forming apparatus described in the above embodiments can also be implemented using a computer. In this case, it can be implemented by recording a program for implementing the function on a computer-readable recording medium, and then having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Furthermore, the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Additionally, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Further, "computer-readable recording medium" can also include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line used to transmit a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, or a medium that holds a program for a constant period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or client in this case. Furthermore, the program described above can be a program used to implement the above functions, or it can be a program that can implement the above functions by combining with programs already recorded in the computer system.

[0134] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and likewise within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: The acquisition unit acquires voltage information representing the voltage applied to the heating unit that heats the sheet in the image forming apparatus; The output unit outputs the voltage fluctuation amplitude shown by the voltage information acquired by the acquisition unit, which is oscillating with a constant fluctuation amplitude, as the value obtained by subtracting the minimum value, i.e., the trough of the vibration, from the maximum value, i.e., the peak of the vibration; and The determination unit uses the variation range derived by the derivation unit and the variation range used as a reference to determine whether there are signs of an adverse condition in the heating unit.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The determination unit also uses the voltage shown in the voltage information and the voltage as a reference to determine whether there are any signs of a malfunction in the heating element.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage information provided does not include the voltage when the image forming apparatus is started or when the image forming apparatus resumes from a paused state.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The information processing device includes a notification unit that issues a warning when the determination unit determines that there are signs of a problem with the heating element.

5. A system comprising an image forming apparatus and an information processing apparatus, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes: The storage unit stores voltage information representing the voltage applied to the heating element that heats the sheet in the image forming apparatus during a predetermined period; and The transmitting unit sends the voltage information stored in the storage unit to the information processing device. The information processing device includes: The acquisition unit acquires the voltage information transmitted by the transmission unit; The output unit outputs the voltage fluctuation amplitude shown by the voltage information obtained by the acquisition unit, which is a voltage that vibrates with a constant fluctuation amplitude, and uses it as the value obtained by subtracting the minimum value, i.e., the trough of the vibration, from the maximum value, i.e., the peak of the vibration. as well as The determination unit uses the variation range derived by the derivation unit and the variation range used as a reference to determine whether there are signs of an adverse condition in the heating unit.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The determination unit also uses the voltage shown in the voltage information and the voltage as a reference to determine whether there are any signs of a malfunction in the heating element.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The voltage information provided does not include the voltage when the image forming apparatus is started or when the image forming apparatus resumes from a paused state.

8. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The information processing device includes a notification unit that issues a warning when the determination unit determines that there are signs of a problem with the heating element.

9. An information processing method, comprising: Obtain voltage information representing the voltage applied to the heating element that heats the sheet in the image forming apparatus; The amplitude of voltage fluctuation with a constant amplitude, as shown by the acquired voltage information, is derived as the value obtained by subtracting the minimum value, i.e., the trough of vibration, from the maximum value, i.e., the peak of vibration. as well as The derived variation range and the variation range used as a reference are used to determine whether there are signs of an adverse condition in the heating part.

10. A storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform the following steps, Obtain voltage information representing the voltage applied to the heating element that heats the sheet in the image forming apparatus; The amplitude of voltage fluctuation with a constant amplitude, as shown by the acquired voltage information, is derived as the value obtained by subtracting the minimum value, i.e., the trough of the vibration, from the maximum value, i.e., the peak of the vibration; and The derived variation range and the variation range used as a reference are used to determine whether there are signs of an adverse condition in the heating part.

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