High-voltage control device, image forming apparatus, control device, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a high-voltage control device, an image forming apparatus, a control device, a control method, and a program that can detect a connector misconnection that results in a high-voltage output being applied to the apparatus, even if it is not the target value, thus enabling printing. [Solution] The present invention comprises a high-voltage output means having a variable high-voltage output value, a control means for controlling the high-voltage output value, and a detection means for detecting the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means, wherein the control means has a determination means for determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means based on the waveform of the voltage detected by the detection means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-voltage control device, an image forming apparatus, a control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a high-voltage output board of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a detection method has been developed that monitors a high-voltage output state for performing high-voltage output by feedback and detects an abnormal output state of the high-voltage output. In that detection method, a mounting error or a leak error is determined based on the magnitude relationship between the voltage value of the high-voltage output being fed back and a threshold value. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for detecting an output current for the purpose of detecting and discriminating a plurality of errors in a voltage generation board.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the above detection method, depending on the form of a poor connection of the connector, the voltage value being fed back may fall within a normal range. In this case, there may be a situation where a printing operation becomes possible even though a high-voltage output different from the target value is being applied. Also, with the configuration described in Patent Document 1, a poor connection state of the connector that allows printing cannot be discriminated.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a high-voltage control device, an image forming apparatus, a control device, a control method, and a program that can detect a poor connection state of a connector in which a high-voltage output that is not the target value but allows a printing operation is applied to the apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention comprises a high-voltage output means having a variable high-voltage output value, a control means for controlling the high-voltage output value, and a detection means for detecting the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means, wherein the control means has a determination means for determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means based on the waveform of the voltage detected by the detection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to detect a connector mis-insertion condition in which a high-voltage output, although not the target value, is applied to the device, enabling printing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1-1] Figure 1-1 shows an example of the connection of a high-voltage output substrate and its load in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-2] Figure 1-2 shows an example of the transformer, connector terminals for connection, and connection state of the high-voltage output board in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-3] Figure 1-3 is a diagram illustrating the control overview of the high-voltage output board. [Figure 1-4] Figure 1-4 is a diagram illustrating the control overview of the high-voltage output board. [Figure 1-5] Figure 1-5 shows an example of waveforms when the high-voltage output board operates with constant current control in both normal and faulty states in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrophotographic apparatus, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-voltage output board and control board of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a high-voltage output waveform in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment when the connector is improperly inserted. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining a connector terminal insertion defect in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the process for determining a connector terminal insertion defect in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining a connector terminal insertion defect in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-voltage output board and control board of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a high-voltage output waveform when a connector terminal is improperly inserted in an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-voltage output board and control board of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the high-voltage control device, image forming apparatus, control device, control method, and program will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0009] (First Embodiment) Figure 1-1 shows an example of the connection of a high-voltage output board and its load in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 1-2 shows an example of the transformer, connector terminals for connection, and connection state of the high-voltage output board in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1-2(A), in a normal state in which the high-voltage generating unit 202 such as the transformer of the high-voltage output board 200 and the connector terminals 3 for connection are properly connected, the output terminal 204 of the high-voltage generating unit 202 and the connector terminals 3 are mated and electrically connected. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1-2(B), in a poorly connected state in which the high-voltage generating unit 202 and the connector terminals 3 are not properly connected, the output terminal 204 of the high-voltage generating unit 202 and the connector terminals 3 are not in contact.

[0010] Figures 1-3 and 1-4 illustrate the control overview of the high-voltage output board. In Figure 1-3, the vertical axis represents the voltage output from the high-voltage output board 200, and the horizontal axis represents the DC output value instruction signal (PWM signal) that controls the voltage output from the high-voltage output board 200. In Figure 1-4, the vertical axis represents the voltage V output from the high-voltage output board 200, and the horizontal axis represents time t.

[0011] The high-voltage output board 200 is controlled by an output value instruction signal. Specifically, the high-voltage output board 200 controls the voltage of the high-voltage output by an output value instruction signal (e.g., a PWM signal) as shown in Figure 1-3. However, the output value instruction signal may also be used to control the current of the high-voltage output.

[0012] For example, if the output value instruction signal (DC output value instruction signal) on the high-voltage output board 200 is set to PWM:50%, the voltage waveform output from the high-voltage output board 200 will be a high-voltage output waveform (DC high-voltage output waveform) as shown in Figure 1-4. The DC high-voltage output waveform has a blunted rise time because it takes time to reach the target output due to the load impedance.

[0013] FIG. 1-5 is a diagram showing an example of waveforms (waveforms of voltages output from the high-voltage output board) when the high-voltage output board operates under constant current control in each of the normal state and the defective state in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 1-5, the horizontal axis represents time t, and the vertical axis represents the waveform of the voltage V (high-voltage output waveform) output from the high-voltage output board 200.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, compared with the normal state, the high-voltage output waveform in the insertion defective state has the following characteristics (1) to (3). (1) The rising of the high-voltage output waveform becomes steep due to an increase in the load. (2) Since the output terminal 204 of the high-voltage generation unit 202 and the connector terminal 3 are not in contact, current cannot flow, and the voltage stabilizes once. However, intermittent leakage occurs between the output terminal 204 of the high-voltage generation unit 202 and the connector terminal 3 (period (a)). (3) Since conduction occurs due to dielectric breakdown between the output terminal 204 of the high-voltage generation unit 202 and the connector terminal 3, the high-voltage output waveform becomes larger in one step and stabilizes (period (b)).

[0015] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the insertion defect of the connector terminal 3 is determined from the rising time of the feedback signal (high-voltage output waveform) of the high-voltage output of the high-voltage output board 200, the output voltage in period (a), and the output voltage difference between period (a) and period (b).

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an electrophotographic apparatus which is an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor 101, a developing unit 102, an image exposure unit 103, a charger 104, a destaticizing lamp 105, a cleaning unit 106, and the like. An acrylic-modified polyorganosiloxane is contained in the outermost surface layer of the photoreceptor 101. Note that the photoreceptor 101 has a drum shape, but it may be in a sheet shape or an endless belt shape.

[0017] The charging member can be either non-contact charging using a charger or contact charging using a charging roller or charging brush. Furthermore, when using a charging roller, it is possible and effective to provide a gap between the photoreceptor 101 or the charging roller so that the photoreceptor 101 and the charging roller are in close proximity and not in contact in the image forming area. However, in the case of a tandem electrophotographic apparatus, at least four charging members are required, and using a charger as a charging member significantly increases the amount of ozone generated, so it is preferable to use a charging roller as the charging member. In other words, the charging member is an example of a charging means that charges the surface of the photoreceptor 101 to which a voltage is applied by the high-voltage generating unit 202.

[0018] Next, an image exposure unit 103 is used to form an electrostatic latent image on a uniformly charged photoreceptor 101. Any type of light source can be used, including fluorescent lamps, tungsten lamps, halogen lamps, mercury lamps, sodium lamps, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), semiconductor lasers (LDs), and electroluminescent devices (ELs). Furthermore, various filters such as sharp-cut filters, band-pass filters, near-infrared cut filters, dichroic filters, interference filters, and color temperature conversion filters can be used to irradiate only light within a desired wavelength range.

[0019] Next, a developing unit 102 is used to visualize the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 101. In a full-color electrophotographic apparatus, the developing unit 102 consists of four units arranged in a row, each filled with at least four toners: yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. A revolver-type developing unit can also be effectively used, in which the four toners are separated and filled into a single developing unit 102, and the unit itself rotates in four stages to sequentially develop the four colors. Development methods include a one-component development method using dry toner, a two-component development method, and a wet development method using wet toner. When the photoreceptor 101 is positively (negatively) charged and exposed to an image, a positive (negative) electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 101. If this is developed with a negative (positive) polarity toner (electrodetector particles), a positive image is obtained, and if it is developed with a positive (negative) polarity toner, a negative image is obtained.

[0020] Next, the toner image visualized on the photoreceptor 101 is (primarily) transferred to an intermediate transfer body. The intermediate transfer body may be in the form of a drum, a sheet, or an endless belt. Conventional methods such as charger 104, electrostatic transfer using bias rollers, adhesive transfer, pressure transfer, and magnetic transfer can be used as transfer means. The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body or intermediate transfer belt is immediately (secondarily) transferred to a transfer body (such as paper). Conventional methods such as transfer charger, electrostatic transfer using bias rollers, adhesive transfer, pressure transfer, and magnetic transfer can also be used as transfer means.

[0021] Next, the cleaning unit 106 is used to clean the toner remaining on the photoreceptor 101 after transfer using a fur brush, a cleaning blade, or a combination thereof. A pre-cleaning charger may also be used to make the cleaning more efficient. Other cleaning methods include a web method and a magnetic brush method, which may be used individually or in combination.

[0022] Next, a static elimination means is used to remove the latent image on the photoreceptor 101 as needed. A static elimination lamp 105 and a static elimination charger can be used as the static elimination means, and the exposure light source and charging means described above can be used, respectively.

[0023] Furthermore, all conventionally known processes such as document scanning, paper feeding, fixing, and paper ejection, which are not in close proximity to the photoreceptor, can be used.

[0024] The electrophotographic apparatus illustrated above illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, and of course other embodiments are also possible. For example, although the light irradiation process is shown as image exposure, pre-cleaning exposure, and static elimination exposure, other known light irradiation processes such as pre-transfer exposure, pre-image exposure, and other light irradiation processes can also be provided to irradiate the photoreceptor with light.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-voltage output board and control board of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has a control board 300 and a high-voltage output board 200. In this embodiment, the high-voltage output board 200 and the control board 300 function as an example of a high-voltage control device.

[0026] The high-voltage output board 200 includes a drive circuit 201, a high-voltage generation unit 202, an output detection circuit 203, and an output terminal 204. The output terminal 204 is connected to a connector terminal 3 (an example of a connector) of a high-voltage load such as a photoreceptor 101. The high-voltage generation unit 202 is an example of a high-voltage output means, such as a transformer, which has a variable high-voltage output value. Specifically, the high-voltage generation unit 202 applies (outputs) a voltage to a high-voltage load such as a photoreceptor 101, whose surface is charged by a charging means, via the output terminal 204.

[0027] The drive circuit 201 controls the high-voltage generation unit 202 to apply voltage to the high-voltage load via the high-voltage generation unit 202. Specifically, the drive circuit 201 controls the voltage output from the high-voltage generation unit 202 according to the high-voltage output value instruction signal output from the control board 300. Here, the high-voltage output value instruction signal is a signal indicating the voltage to be output from the high-voltage generation unit 202.

[0028] The output detection circuit 203 is a detection means for detecting the voltage generated by the high-voltage generation unit 202. Specifically, the output detection circuit 203 detects the voltage applied to the high-voltage load via the output terminal 204 and feeds back an output feedback signal indicating the detected voltage to the control board 300.

[0029] The control board 300 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, RAM (Random Access Memory) 302, I / O control unit 303, and ROM (Read Only Memory) 304. The CPU 301 controls the entire control board 300 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 304 using the RAM 302 as a working area. The I / O control unit 303 controls the input and output of various information (e.g., high-voltage output value instruction signals, output feedback signals) on the control board 300.

[0030] The CPU 301 is an example of a control means for controlling the voltage (high voltage output value) output from the high voltage generation unit 202. Specifically, the CPU 301 controls the voltage output from the high voltage generation unit 202 by outputting a high voltage output value instruction signal to the high voltage output board 200. The CPU 301 is also an example of a discrimination means for determining whether the connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted into the output terminal 204 based on the high voltage output waveform (output feedback signal waveform), which is the voltage waveform detected by the output detection circuit 203.

[0031] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a high-voltage output waveform when a connector is improperly inserted in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. In Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the voltage output from the high-voltage generation unit 202. Next, an example of a high-voltage output waveform when the connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted will be explained using Figure 4.

[0032] Compared to the normal state in which connector terminal 3 is properly inserted into output terminal 204, the output in the case of improper insertion has the following characteristics (1) to (3). (1) The rise time of the high-voltage output waveform becomes steeper as the load increases. (2) Because the output terminal 204 of the high-voltage output board 200, which has a high-voltage generating unit 202 such as a transformer, is not in contact with the connector terminal 3 of the high-voltage load, current cannot flow and the voltage stabilizes temporarily. However, intermittent leakage occurs between the output terminal 204 and the connector terminal 3 (period (a) in Figure 4). (3) Due to dielectric breakdown, current flows between output terminal 204 and connector terminal 3, causing the high-voltage output waveform to become larger and more stable (period (b) in Figure 4).

[0033] Therefore, in the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, a faulty connection of the connector terminal 3 is determined by the determination method described below. When the connector terminal 3 is faulty, intermittent leakage occurs between the output terminal 204 and the connector terminal 3, causing the voltage output from the high-voltage generation unit 202 to fluctuate significantly more than in a normal state. For this reason, the CPU 301 starts sampling the output feedback signal before and after the high-voltage output value output signal is turned ON, and if the fluctuation range within a certain period of time exceeds a threshold, it determines that the connector terminal 3 is faulty. In other words, the CPU 301 may also determine a faulty connection of the connector terminal 3 based on the range of the high-voltage output value (output value range) after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of output of the high-voltage output value from the high-voltage generation unit 202.

[0034] Furthermore, when connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted, the rise time of the high-voltage output waveform becomes steeper compared to the normal state. Therefore, after the high-voltage output value is activated (output starts), the CPU 301 records the time that has changed by a predetermined percentage relative to the target output, compares this recorded time with the time recorded when the high-voltage output value was activated the previous time, and determines that there is a faulty connection at connector terminal 3 if the difference exceeds a threshold. In other words, the CPU 301 may also determine a faulty connection at connector terminal 3 based on the output rise time of the high-voltage output value.

[0035] Furthermore, when connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted, a difference in the high-voltage output value occurs between period (a) and period (b), as shown in Figure 4. Therefore, the CPU 301 compares the average of the high-voltage output value over a certain period of time before and after (period (a) and period (b)), and if the difference exceeds a threshold, it determines that connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted. In other words, the CPU 301 may also determine that connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted based on the amount of change in the high-voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of high-voltage output.

[0036] While the above discrimination method can be used to identify a faulty connection of connector terminal 3, combining the three discrimination methods described above will enable more accurate discrimination.

[0037] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining a connector terminal insertion defect in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. First, the CPU 301 starts sampling the output detection signal (output feedback signal) (step S501). Next, the CPU 301 outputs a high-voltage output value instruction signal to the drive circuit 201 to start the high-voltage output board 200 (step S502).

[0038] Next, the CPU 301 records the time it takes for the high-voltage output value to change to a preset percentage relative to the target high-voltage output value (step S503). Furthermore, if the fluctuation range of the high-voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of high-voltage output exceeds a threshold (step S504: Yes), the CPU 301 determines that the connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted (step S505). If the fluctuation range of the high-voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of high-voltage output is below the threshold (step S504: No), the CPU 301 determines that the connector terminal 3 is properly inserted.

[0039] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the process for determining a connector terminal insertion defect in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The process similar to the example shown in Figure 5 will not be explained.

[0040] If the fluctuation range of the high-voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of high-voltage output is below a threshold (Step S504: No), the CPU 301 determines that there is a faulty connection of connector terminal 3 if the difference between the startup time, which has changed by a predetermined percentage relative to the target output after the high-voltage output is started, and the startup time recorded when the high-voltage output was started last time, exceeds a threshold (Step S601: Yes). If the difference between the startup time, which has changed by a predetermined percentage relative to the target output after the high-voltage output is started, and the startup time recorded when the high-voltage output was started last time, is below a threshold (Step S601: No), the CPU 301 determines that the connection of connector terminal 3 is normal.

[0041] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining a connector terminal insertion defect in an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The process similar to the example shown in Figure 6 will not be explained.

[0042] If, after the high-voltage output value is activated (output started), the difference between the activation time, which has changed by a predetermined percentage relative to the target output value, and the activation time recorded when the high-voltage output value was activated last time, is less than or equal to a threshold (Step S601: No), the CPU 301 determines that there is a faulty connection of connector terminal 3 if the amount of change in the high-voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of high-voltage output value exceeds a threshold (Step S701: Yes) (Step S505). If the amount of change in the high-voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of high-voltage output value is less than or equal to a threshold (Step S701: No), the CPU 301 determines that the connection of connector terminal 3 is normal.

[0043] Thus, according to the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, it is possible to detect a poorly inserted state of the connector terminal 3 in which a high-voltage output, although not the target value, is applied to the high-voltage load, which enables printing.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) This embodiment is an example of detecting the surface potential of a high-voltage load and determining a faulty connector terminal based on the difference between the detected surface potential of the high-voltage load and the high-voltage output value generated by the high-voltage generation unit. In the following description, the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0045] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-voltage output board and control board of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has a potential sensor 801, which is an example of a surface potential detection means for detecting the surface potential of a high-voltage load such as a photoreceptor 101. The potential sensor 801 then notifies the control board 300 of the detected surface potential.

[0046] In this embodiment, the CPU 301 determines whether the connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted based on the difference between the surface potential detected by the potential sensor 801 and the high-voltage output value output by the high-voltage generation unit 202.

[0047] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a high-voltage output waveform when the connector terminal is improperly inserted in an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. In Figure 9, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the voltage output from the high-voltage generation unit 202. Next, using Figure 9, the surface potential of the high-voltage load when the connector terminal 3 is improperly inserted will be explained.

[0048] If there is a faulty connection of connector terminal 3, as shown in Figure 9, the voltage applied to the high-voltage load will drop due to the load caused by the dielectric breakdown path. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 301 determines the faulty connection of connector terminal 3 by utilizing the fact that the surface potential of the high-voltage load becomes smaller compared to the high-voltage output value obtained from the output feedback signal.

[0049] In the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, the process for determining whether the connector terminal 3 is properly inserted is performed by adding a process to the processes shown in Figures 5 to 7, which determines whether the difference between the high-voltage output value obtained from the output feedback signal and the surface potential of the high-voltage load exceeds a threshold value, as a condition for determining whether the connector terminal 3 is properly inserted.

[0050] Thus, according to the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment, based on the difference between the surface potential detected by the potential sensor 801 and the high-voltage output value output by the high-voltage generation unit 202, it is possible to detect a poor insertion state of the connector terminal 3 in which a high-voltage output that is not the target value but is sufficient to enable printing is applied to the high-voltage load.

[0051] (Third embodiment) This embodiment is an example of determining a connector terminal insertion failure using at least one of ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and ambient altitude. In the following description, configurations similar to those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0052] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-voltage output board and control board of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to this embodiment has at least one of the following: a temperature sensor 1001, which is an example of an ambient temperature detection means for detecting ambient temperature; a humidity sensor 1002, which is an example of an ambient humidity detection means for detecting ambient humidity; and an altitude sensor 1003, which is an example of an ambient altitude detection means for detecting ambient altitude.

[0053] In this embodiment, the CPU 301 functions as an example of a condition control means for controlling the criteria for determining a faulty connection of the connector terminal 3 based on at least one of the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1001, the ambient humidity detected by the humidity sensor 1002, and the ambient altitude detected by the altitude sensor 1003. The dielectric breakdown voltage fluctuates depending on the ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and ambient altitude. Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 301 can determine a faulty connection of the connector terminal 3 with higher accuracy by adjusting each threshold used in the first and second embodiments (for example, the threshold for the range of fluctuation of the output value, the threshold for the difference between the current startup time and the previous startup time, and the threshold for the amount of change in the high-voltage output value) using the values ​​detected by each sensor. For example, the CPU 301 may multiply each threshold used in the first and second embodiments by a coefficient calculated from the values ​​detected by each sensor.

[0054] Thus, according to the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment, by adjusting the threshold values ​​used in the first and second embodiments using the values ​​detected by each sensor, it is possible to determine the improper insertion of the connector terminal 3 with higher accuracy.

[0055] The program executed in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment is provided pre-installed in ROM 304 or the like. The program executed in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment may also be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0056] Furthermore, the program executed by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the image forming apparatus of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0057] The program executed in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment has a modular configuration that includes the above-described parts (such as discrimination means). In actual hardware, a processor such as the CPU 301 reads the program from the ROM 304 and executes it, thereby loading the above-described parts into the main memory and generating the discrimination means in the main memory.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is described using an example in which it is applied to a multifunction device having at least two functions from among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. However, it can be applied to any image forming apparatus such as a copier, printer, scanner, or facsimile device.

[0059] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A high-voltage output means in which the high-voltage output value is variable, Control means for controlling the high-voltage output value, The system includes a detection means for detecting the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means, The control means includes a discrimination means for determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means, based on the waveform of the voltage detected by the detection means. <2> The determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the range of the voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the voltage output. <1> The high-voltage control device described above. <3> The determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the voltage output rise time. <1> or <2> The high-voltage control device described above. <4> The determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the amount of change in the output value of the voltage after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the voltage output. <1> from <3> A high-voltage control device as described in any one of the following. <5> A charging means for charging the surface of a high-voltage load to which the aforementioned voltage is applied, The system includes a surface potential detection means for detecting the surface potential of the high-voltage load, The determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the difference between the surface potential of the high-voltage load detected by the surface potential detection means and the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means. <1> from <4> A high-voltage control device as described in any one of the following. <6> An ambient temperature detection means for detecting ambient temperature, A condition control means controls the conditions for determining a connector insertion failure using the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection means, Equipped with <1> from <5> A high-voltage control device as described in any one of the following. <7> An environmental humidity detection means for detecting environmental humidity, A condition control means controls the conditions for determining a connector insertion failure using the ambient humidity detected by the ambient humidity detection means, Equipped with <1> from <6> A high-voltage control device as described in any one of the following. <8> An environmental altitude detection means for detecting the environmental altitude, A condition control means controls the conditions for determining a connector insertion failure using the environmental altitude detected by the environmental altitude detection means, Equipped with <1> from <7> A high-voltage control device as described in any one of the following. <9> A high-voltage output means in which the high-voltage output value is variable, Control means for controlling the high-voltage output value, A charging means for charging the surface of a high-voltage load to which the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means is applied, The system includes a surface potential detection means for detecting the surface potential of the high-voltage load, The control means includes a discrimination means for determining a connector insertion failure based on the difference between the surface potential of the high-voltage load detected by the surface potential detection means and the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means. <10> <1> from <9> An image forming apparatus equipped with a high-voltage control device as described in any one of the following. <11> A control means for controlling the high-voltage output value output by the high-voltage output means, The system includes a detection means for detecting the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means, The control means is a control device having a determination means for determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means based on the waveform of the voltage detected by the detection means. <12> A control method performed by a control device, A step of detecting the voltage generated by a high-voltage output means whose high-voltage output value is variable, Based on the waveform of the detected voltage, the step of determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means, A control method including <13> Computers A determination means for determining whether a connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of a high-voltage output means based on the voltage waveform generated by a high-voltage output means having a variable high-voltage output value and detected by a detection means. A program designed to function as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 3 Connector terminals 101 Photoreceptor 200 High-Voltage Output Board 201 Drive Circuit 202 High-voltage generation unit 203 Output detection circuit 204 Output terminals 300 Control Board 301 CPU 302 RAM 303 I / O Control Unit 304 ROM 801 Potential Sensor 1001 Temperature Sensor 1002 Humidity Sensor 1003 Altitude Sensor [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0061] [License 1] Patent No. 6512831

Claims

1. A high-voltage output means in which the high-voltage output value is variable, Control means for controlling the high-voltage output value, The system includes a detection means for detecting the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means, The control means includes a discrimination means for determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means, based on the waveform of the voltage detected by the detection means.

2. The high-voltage control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the range of the voltage output value after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the voltage output.

3. The high-voltage control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the voltage output rise time.

4. The high-voltage control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the amount of change in the output value of the voltage after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of the voltage output.

5. A charging means for charging the surface of a high-voltage load to which the aforementioned voltage is applied, The system includes a surface potential detection means for detecting the surface potential of the high-voltage load, The high-voltage control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines whether the connector is improperly inserted based on the difference between the surface potential of the high-voltage load detected by the surface potential detection means and the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means.

6. An ambient temperature detection means for detecting ambient temperature, A condition control means controls the conditions for determining a connector insertion failure using the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature detection means, A high-voltage control device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

7. An environmental humidity detection means for detecting environmental humidity, A condition control means controls the conditions for determining a connector insertion failure using the ambient humidity detected by the ambient humidity detection means, A high-voltage control device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

8. An environmental altitude detection means for detecting the environmental altitude, A condition control means controls the conditions for determining a connector insertion failure using the environmental altitude detected by the environmental altitude detection means, A high-voltage control device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

9. A high-voltage output means in which the high-voltage output value is variable, Control means for controlling the high-voltage output value, A charging means for charging the surface of a high-voltage load to which the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means is applied, The system includes a surface potential detection means for detecting the surface potential of the high-voltage load, The control means includes a discrimination means for determining a connector insertion failure based on the difference between the surface potential of the high-voltage load detected by the surface potential detection means and the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means.

10. An image forming apparatus equipped with the high-voltage control device described in claim 1.

11. A control means for controlling the high-voltage output value output by the high-voltage output means, The system includes a detection means for detecting the voltage generated by the high-voltage output means, The control means is a control device having a determination means for determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means based on the waveform of the voltage detected by the detection means.

12. A control method performed by a control device, A step of detecting the voltage generated by a high-voltage output means whose high-voltage output value is variable, The steps include determining whether the connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of the high-voltage output means based on the waveform of the detected voltage, A control method including

13. Computers, A determination means for determining whether a connector is improperly inserted into the output terminal of a high-voltage output means based on the voltage waveform generated by a high-voltage output means having a variable high-voltage output value and detected by a detection means. A program designed to function as such.

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