Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can accurately detect, with single detection means, a near-end state in which a cleaning web for sweeping a fixing member is about to run out and an end state in which the cleaning web is run out for the remaining amount of the cleaning web.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a fixing device 107 that conveys a recording medium P to a fixing nip part N formed by a fixing member 30 and a pressure member 31 to fix an unfixed toner image; and cleaning means 32. The cleaning means 32 includes a cleaning web 41, a web holding member 44, a take-up member 46, and single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web 41. The detection means has a filler 40 that is displaced according to the remaining amount of the cleaning web, and a sensor 42 that detects the filler 40. The image forming apparatus further comprises storage means 12, control means 11, and display means 13. The image forming apparatus detects a web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to run out and a web end state in which the cleaning web is run out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a fixing device installed in an image forming apparatus includes a fixing nip formed by a fixing member having a heating means and a pressure member, in which a recording medium (paper) carrying a toner image is passed through the fixing nip and heat and pressure are applied to fix the toner image to the recording medium. Also, a configuration is known in which a cleaning means is provided to wipe the surface of the fixing member of the fixing device.

[0003] Known cleaning devices include a web holding member to which the trailing end of the cleaning web is fixed, a take-up member to which the leading end of the cleaning web is fixed and which rotates to take up the cleaning web, and a pressing member that presses the cleaning web against the fixing member. By taking up the cleaning web with the take-up member, a new web unwound from the web holding member can wipe the surface of the fixing member. This ensures that the cleaning function for the fixing member remains stable over time.

[0004] Among such cleaning means, there are known ones that have a mechanism that detects the remaining or used amount of cleaning web wound around the web holding member and warns the user to replace the cleaning web with a new one if the remaining amount is low (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0005] If the device continues to operate with an insufficient amount of cleaning web remaining, this may result in problems such as a deterioration in image quality and damage to the drive motor and gears. Regarding the remaining amount of the cleaning web, it is required to be able to detect both a web near-end state, in which the cleaning web is about to run out, and a web end state, in which the cleaning web has run out.

[0006] Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism for detecting a notch in a cleaning web remaining amount detection device, which is provided at a point where a certain amount of cleaning web remains. The notch is detected by a sensor that detects a lever that drops at the notch. However, the web remaining amount detection device of Patent Document 1 is based on the assumption that a web having a notch is used, which poses issues with versatility and also raises the risk of unstable detection quality or false detection due to defects in the notch.

[0007] In response to this, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology that eliminates problems such as unstable detection quality and false detection by arranging a pair of detection means for monitoring the usage status of the web (web cloth) in a position where both the web supply side and the web take-up side can be detected simultaneously. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In the device of Patent Document 2, a pair of photosensors are positioned so that they can simultaneously detect both the supply side and the take-up side of the web, which improves detection reliability, but the use of multiple photosensors increases costs and requires adjustment of the placement positions of each photosensor.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can detect with high accuracy, using a single detection means, the near-end state in which the remaining amount of cleaning web that wipes the fixing member is nearing completion and the end state in which the remaining amount of cleaning web has completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device that transports a recording medium to a fixing nip portion between a fixing member that is a heated rotating body and a pressure member, and fixes an unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium to the fixing nip portion; and cleaning means that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member, wherein the cleaning means comprises a cleaning web, a web holding member that holds the cleaning web so that it can be fed out, a winding member that winds up the cleaning web, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web, the detection means having a filler that displaces depending on the remaining amount of the cleaning web and a sensor that detects the filler, and further comprising: storage means that stores the detection results of the detection means; control means that controls the operation of the apparatus based on the state detected by the detection means; and display means that displays the detected state. nine Detects the web near-end state, which indicates that the leaning web is about to break, and the web end state, which indicates that the cleaning web is broken. When the sensor detects the filler a predetermined number of times in succession in a predetermined cycle, the ON state is determined, and when the sensor does not detect the filler a predetermined number of times in succession in a predetermined cycle, the OFF state is determined. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus can be provided that can detect with high accuracy, using a single detection means, whether the remaining amount of cleaning web used to wipe the fixing member is in a near-end state, in which the end is approaching, or in an end state, in which the end has been reached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a fixing device included in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detection unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the remaining amount of cleaning web and a detecting means. [Figure 5] 1 is a functional block diagram of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow according to the second and third embodiments. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 is a partial flowchart of a control flow according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a partial flowchart of a control flow according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a partial flowchart of a control flow according to the seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and other modifications, additions, corrections, deletions, and other changes can be made within the scope of what one skilled in the art can conceive. Any embodiment that achieves the functions and effects of the present invention is within the scope of the present invention.

[0014] [Image forming apparatus] An embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus, specifically a copier / printer capable of forming monochrome images. It can also function as a printer when connected to a PC.

[0015] Although the image forming apparatus of this embodiment has a document reading unit that functions as a scanner as a copier, the document reading unit may be omitted if the apparatus is a dedicated PC online output machine, a so-called printer version, or the like, with a built-in controller.

[0016] The general configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described below. The image forming apparatus 10 has a scanner unit 104 that houses an illumination device, an optical system, a CCD image sensor, and the like. Above the scanner is provided an automatic document reader (hereinafter referred to as "ADF unit" (ADF: Auto Document Feeder)) 103. The ADF unit 103 automatically transports the document and sends it to the reading surface of the contact glass.

[0017] The operator places an original on the contact glass above the scanner unit 104 or on the ADF unit 103, selects a mode using the function selection keys on the operation panel 101, and sets the desired image formation conditions by operating the numeric keypad, function keys, etc. while checking the contents displayed on the LCD screen. The image forming apparatus is equipped with a call light 100 that indicates the operating status, etc. to the operator.

[0018] The image signal read by the scanner unit 104 is A / D (Analog / Digital) converted by an SBU (Sensor Board Unit) and then irradiated as laser light from a laser writing unit 112. The laser light is focused by a cylindrical lens of the laser writing unit 112 and line-scanned in the main scanning direction by a polygon mirror, forming an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum 116.

[0019] The developing unit 113 includes a cleaning unit 114 and a charger around the photosensitive drum 116. A charger 115 is used to charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 116. A high voltage is applied to the charger 115 from a PSU (Power Supply Unit) via a receptacle, electrode terminals, conductive bearings, and the like.

[0020] Toner supplied from a toner supply unit (toner bottle) 111 and developer previously filled in the developing unit 113 are stirred and mixed by an internal conveying screw and transported to the developing roller. The toner is electrostatically attracted by magnetic force and is negatively charged.

[0021] The two-component developer carried by the developing roller is regulated to an appropriate amount by a developer brush regulating member such as a doctor blade or casing arranged below the developing roller, and then the frictionally charged toner in the two-component developer moves onto the photosensitive drum 116 due to the bias voltage and selectively adheres to the electrostatic latent image.

[0022] The toner concentration inside the developing unit 113 is detected from the charge amount by a toner concentration sensor located at the bottom. Any untransferred toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 116 after transfer is scraped off by a cleaning blade provided in the cleaning unit 114, and is transported to a waste toner bottle 125 and collected.

[0023] Additionally, an entrance seal made of Mylar or a sponge-like material is provided around the developing unit 113 as needed to prevent toner from scattering.

[0024] The visible image formed by the toner on the photosensitive drum 116 is temporarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt unit 105 . When the transfer paper is transported by the paper transport section 117 and passes through the registration roller section, the toner on the intermediate transfer belt unit 105 is transferred to the transfer paper by the positive charge from the secondary transfer roller as it passes through the nip between the intermediate transfer belt unit 105 and the secondary transfer unit 118.

[0025] Any untransferred toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt unit 105 after transfer is scraped off by a cleaning blade in the belt cleaning unit 106 and transported to a waste toner bottle 125 for collection.

[0026] A high voltage is applied to the transfer roller from the PSU via a receptacle, electrode terminals, conductive bearings, and the like. To suppress fluctuations due to the printing environment, type of transfer paper, etc., constant current control is performed, and the transfer current is switched appropriately depending on the paper feed tray, transfer paper size, paper thickness, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, in order to prevent the back side of the transfer paper from being soiled by toner adhering to the transfer roller, a negative bias can be applied to the transfer roller at a predetermined timing to return the adhering toner to the intermediate transfer belt unit 105. This cleans the transfer roller.

[0028] The transfer paper onto which the toner has been transferred is transported to a fixing device (fixing unit) 107, where a certain temperature and pressure are applied to heat-fuse the toner image onto the paper. The fixing roller in the fixing device 107 is provided with a thermistor to detect the surface temperature and control the heater ON / OFF. The thermistor may be of a contact type or a non-contact type. A thermal fuse is also provided to prevent the temperature from rising too high.

[0029] The fixing device 107 includes at least a fixing member (fixing roller) 30, a heating means, and a pressure member 31. The pressure member (pressure roller) 31 is, for example, a hollow member that rotates in contact with the fixing member 30, forming a fixing nip portion. Pressure and depressurization of the fixing nip portion are controlled by a cam. A heating member may be provided inside the pressure member. The fixing device 107 also includes a cleaning means 32 that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member 30.

[0030] The fixing member may be a heating roller and a fixing belt stretched over the fixing roller. In this case, the pressure member 31 rotates in contact with the fixing belt, forming a nip between the pressure member 31 and the fixing belt.

[0031] The transfer paper with the heat-fused toner image is separated from the heating roller and fixing belt by a fixing separation plate, and then passes through a reversing paper discharge unit 109, or is printed on both sides according to the set conditions, and is then discharged onto a paper discharge tray 126. If a post-processing device or the like is connected, the paper is transported to the transfer paper inlet of the connected device. The image forming apparatus also includes casters 127 for moving the main body.

[0032] The image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment forms an image by electrophotography using the above-described configuration and operation.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the fixing device 107 and cleaning means 32 mounted in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes a fixing device 107 that transports a recording medium P to a fixing nip N between a fixing member 30, which is a heated rotating body, and a pressure member 31, and fixes the unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium P, and a cleaning means 32 that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member 30.

[0034] The cleaning means 32 includes a cleaning web 41, a web holding member 44 that holds the cleaning web 41 so that it can be fed out, a winding member 46 that winds up the cleaning web 41, a pressing member 45 that presses the cleaning web 41 against the fixing member 30, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web 41. The detection means includes a filler 40 that is displaced depending on the remaining amount of cleaning web 41 and a sensor 42 that detects the filler 40 .

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing device 107 includes a drive motor 43 for the winding member 46 and a control means 11. In addition, the device may further include a means for detecting a change in the current value due to torque fluctuations of the drive motor 43, and the amount of cleaning web 41 wound around the winding member 46 may be calculated from the change in the current value, and the amount may be compared with the remaining amount of cleaning web 41 detected by the detection means (sensor 42).

[0036] By comparing the torque fluctuation of the drive motor 43 with the detection result of the sensor 42, the accuracy of detecting the remaining amount of the cleaning web 41 can be further improved.

[0037] It is preferable that the current value caused by the torque fluctuation of the drive motor 43 is corrected based on at least one of the temperature condition, the value of the power supply voltage, and the horizontal state of the device.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the main parts of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the main components of the control system include storage means (storage section) 12 that stores the detection results of detection means (detection section) 14, control means (control section) 11 that controls the operation of the device based on the state detected by the detection means (detection section) 14, and an IOB (Input / Output Board) 17. Furthermore, the system includes display means (display section) 13 that displays the detected state, and a printing section 15 that prints images. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various data and programs, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU executes the various programs stored in the ROM to control the IOB 17 and realize various functions.

[0039] The detection means of the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment consists of a filler 40 that displaces depending on the remaining amount of cleaning web 41 and a sensor 42 that detects the filler 40, and can detect a web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to run out, and a web end state in which the cleaning web has run out.

[0040] Not all of the toner melted in the fixing nip N is fixed to the recording medium P after passing through the fixing nip N, but some adheres to the surface of the fixing member 30 and moves as the fixing member 30 rotates. The toner that has moved to the fixing member 30 adheres to the pressure member 31 that comes into contact with the fixing member 30, the recording medium P that is next passed through, and the like, causing problems such as soiling these. To prevent this problem from occurring, the fixing device 107 of this embodiment is provided with a cleaning means 32 for cleaning the toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member 30.

[0041] Any known long-length cleaning web 41 can be used as long as it is capable of wiping off residual toner from the surface of the fixing member 30, and examples thereof include nonwoven fabric. Specific examples include fiber sheets, webs, etc., in which fibers are oriented in one direction or randomly and are bonded together by alternating current, fusion, and / or adhesion. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, wool, hemp, pulp, and silk, while examples of chemical fibers include rayon, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, acrylic fiber, vinylon, and aramid fiber.

[0042] When the winding member 46 is driven by the drive motor 43 and rotates in the winding direction, the unused portion of the cleaning web 41 (the portion not in contact with the fixing member 30) is sent out from the web holding member 44 side and moves. As the cleaning operation continues, the diameter of the roll-shaped cleaning web 41 wound around the web holding member 44 decreases, and the diameter of the roll-shaped cleaning web 41 taken up by the take-up member 46 increases.

[0043] One end of the filler 40, which displaces depending on the remaining amount of cleaning web 41, abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning web 41 wound around the web holding member 44, and displaces with changes in the remaining amount of unused cleaning web 41, i.e., changes in the roll diameter. The displacement of the filler 40 is, for example, rotation around a fulcrum.

[0044] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams schematically illustrating one embodiment of the cleaning means 32, with Fig. 3A being a cross-sectional view (side view of the configuration) on the cleaning web 41 side, and Fig. 3B being a side view of the configuration on the rear side when Fig. 3A is the front side of the side plate 50. Note that in Fig. 3B, the outer periphery of the cleaning web 41 wound around the web holding member 44 and the invisible portion of the filler 40 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the filler 40 of the detection means is a member having a contact portion 40a that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the cleaning web 41 wound around the web holding member 44 and a detected portion 40b that is detected by the sensor 42, and rotates and displaces around a fulcrum 40c.

[0046] The sensor 42 may be any known sensor capable of detecting the displacing filler 40, such as an optical sensor that uses light to detect the presence or absence and position of an object (filler 40). As the optical sensor, a transmissive photointerrupter or a reflective photoreflector is preferable. A photointerrupter is a sensor in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are arranged opposite each other, and the light-receiving element detects when the light from the light-emitting element is blocked by the detected portion 40b of the filler as the light passes through. A photoreflector is a sensor in which the light from the light-emitting element is reflected by the detected portion 40b of the filler, and the reflected light is detected by the light-receiving element.

[0047] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the remaining amount of cleaning web 41 and the detecting means. 4(a) shows the positional relationship between the filler 40 and the sensor 42 when there is a sufficient remaining amount of cleaning web 41. The contact portion 40a of the filler contacts the outer periphery 41a of the cleaning web 41 wound around the web holding member 44, and the detected portion 40b of the filler is located away from the sensor 42, so the sensor 42 is in the "detection off" state.

[0048] 4(b) shows the positional relationship between the filler 40 and the sensor 42 when the cleaning web 41 is in a web-near-end state (the proportion of unused cleaning web is approximately 20%). In the web-near-end state, where the remaining amount of cleaning web 41 wound around the web holding member 44 is low and the cleaning web is about to break, the contact portion 40a of the filler comes into contact with the outer periphery 41b. By rotating around the fulcrum 40c from the position where it was in contact with the outer periphery 41a in FIG. 4(a), the detected portion 40b of the filler is displaced to a position where it can be detected by the sensor 42, and the sensor 42 turns "detection on."

[0049] Figure 4(c) shows the positional relationship between the filler 40 and sensor 42 when the cleaning web 41 is in a web-end state (the proportion of unused cleaning web is approximately 2 to 3%). In this web-end state, when almost no cleaning web 41 remains wound around the web holding member 44 and the cleaning web is broken, the contact portion 40a of the filler comes into contact with the outer periphery 41c. As the filler further rotates about the fulcrum 40c from the position where it was in contact with the outer periphery 41b in Figure 4(b), the detected portion 40b of the filler is displaced to a position where it cannot be detected by the sensor 42, and the sensor 42 again switches to "detection off."

[0050] Figure 4(d) shows the positional relationship between the filler 40 and the sensor 42 when the percentage of unused cleaning web 41 is 0%. There is no cleaning web 41 remaining wound around the web holding member 44, and the contact portion 40a of the filler abuts against the core metal 41d of the web holding member 44. The filler further rotates about the fulcrum 40c from the position where it abutted against the outer periphery 41c in Figure 4(c), but the detected portion 40b of the filler is in a position where it cannot be detected by the sensor 42, and the sensor 42 remains in the "detection off" state.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d), in the cleaning means 32, the sensor 42 that detects the filler 40 is off when there is a sufficient amount of cleaning web 41 remaining held by the web holding member 44, is on when the web is near end, and is off again when the web is at end. The filler 40 is not detected by the sensor 42 when there is a sufficient amount of cleaning web 41 remaining, displaces to a position where it is detected by the sensor 42 when the web is near end, and displaces to a position where it is not detected by the sensor 42 when the web is at end.

[0052] While the sensor 42 of the detection means is in an off state where it does not detect the filler 40, it is determined that there is a sufficient amount of the cleaning web 41 remaining, and when the sensor 42 detects the filler 40 and turns on for the first time thereafter, it is determined that the web is in a near-end state, and the history of the web near-end state is stored in the storage means 12.

[0053] The detection means is configured so that the on state is confirmed when the sensor 42 detects the filler 40 a predetermined number of times (multiple times) consecutively in a predetermined cycle, and the off state is confirmed when the sensor 42 does not detect the filler 40 a predetermined number of times (multiple times) consecutively in a predetermined cycle, thereby preventing erroneous detection and improving detection accuracy. When the sensor 42 detects the filler 40 a predetermined number of times (plural times) in a predetermined cycle and the ON state is confirmed, the web near-end state is confirmed and confirmed near-end information is stored in the storage means 12.

[0054] In addition, when the sensor 42 does not detect the filler 40 a predetermined number of times (multiple times) consecutively in a predetermined cycle in a web near-end state and the off state is confirmed, the web end state is confirmed and confirmed end information is stored in the memory means 12. In this way, by determining the off state and then the web end state while the web near-end state is stored, control that is in line with the actual situation becomes possible.

[0055] It is preferable that the number of times that the sensor 42 detects the filler 40 to determine the ON state can be set arbitrarily. Similarly, it is preferable that the number of times that the sensor 42 does not detect the feeler 40 in order to determine the OFF state under the web near-end state can be set arbitrarily.

[0056] Immediately after the detected portion 40b of the filler 40 reaches the detection position of the sensor 42, there is a risk that it may be in a misaligned position due to differences in the shape of the contact portion 40a of the filler 40 or the action of inertial forces, which may result in false detection or reduced detection position accuracy. Therefore, the sensor 42 is determined to be in the ON state when it has detected the detection target portion 40b of the filler 40 a predetermined number of times in succession, thereby making it possible to avoid false detections and deterioration of detection accuracy.

[0057] The number of times the sensor 42 is on when it detects the filler 40 and / or the number of times it is off when it does not detect the filler 40 is stored in the storage means 12. At this time, it is preferable to reset the number of off times stored in the memory means 12 when the sensor 42 did not detect the filler 40 based on the number of on times when the sensor 42 detected the filler 40, and to reset the number of on times stored in the memory means 12 when the sensor 42 did not detect the filler 40 based on the number of off times when the sensor 42 did not detect the filler 40.

[0058] It is preferable that it is possible to select whether or not the confirmed web near-end information and / or confirmed web end information stored in storage means 12 is displayed on display means 13. In the image forming apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, examples of the display means 13 include a liquid crystal screen of the operation panel 101 and a call light 100.

[0059] The conditions for determining the timing for displaying the confirmed web near-end information and / or confirmed web end information stored in the memory means 12 on the display means 13 can be set arbitrarily, and the conditions can be set according to any of the detection period of the detection means, the paper passage time of the recording medium P, and the number of sheets of the recording medium P that have passed through. By making it possible to set whether or not to display the confirmed web near-end information and / or confirmed web end information, and the timing of displaying the information, it is possible to meet the needs of users and services.

[0060] In addition, when the conditions for determining the timing of displaying the confirmed web end information stored in the memory means 12 on the display means 13 are met, the confirmed web end information can be displayed on the display means 13 and the operation of the device can be controlled to immediately stop. By immediately stopping the device, it is possible to prevent degradation of image quality that occurs after the web end.

[0061] 6 to 11 show examples of flowcharts of the control flow relating to the detection of the remaining amount of the cleaning web 41 described above in the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention. The control means 11 can execute the programs according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

[0062] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the control of this embodiment, while the sensor 42 of the detection means is in an off state where it does not detect the filler 40, it is determined that there is a sufficient amount of cleaning web 41 remaining, and when the sensor 42 subsequently detects the filler 40 and turns on for the first time, it is determined that the web is in a near-end state, and the history of the web near-end state is saved in the memory means 12.

[0063] First, it is determined whether the sensor 42 has detected the filler 40 and turned on (step S101). If the sensor 42 is on, it is determined whether the web is near-end (step S102). If the web is not near-end, it is determined that the sensor 42 has first turned on and is in the web near-end state (step S103), and the web near-end state is saved (stored in the storage means 12) (step S104). Then, the web near-end state is displayed as appropriate (S105).

[0064] Next, it is determined whether the sensor 42 is in an OFF state, i.e., not detecting the filler 40 (step S106). If it is in an OFF state, it is determined whether there is a web near-end history (step S107). If there is a web near-end history, it is determined that the sensor subsequently went into an OFF state, and the web end state is determined (step S108), and the web end state is saved (stored in the storage means 12) (step S109). Then, the web end is displayed as appropriate (S110).

[0065] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the control of this embodiment, it is determined that there is a sufficient amount of cleaning web 41 remaining while the sensor 42 of the detection means is in an off state where it does not detect the filler 40, and when the sensor 42 subsequently detects the filler 40 and first turns on, it is determined that the web is in a near-end state, and a step is included in which it is determined whether the conditions for determining the on state are met. Similarly, when it is determined that the web is in the end state, it is determined whether the condition for determining the off state is met.

[0066] First, it is determined whether the sensor 42 has detected the filler 40 (whether it has turned on) (step S201). If it is on, it is determined whether it is in a web near-end state (step S202). If it is not in a web near-end state, it is determined whether the conditions for determining the on state are met (step S203). The condition for determining the ON state is, for example, that the filler 40 is detected a predetermined number of times in succession in a predetermined cycle. Specifically, the condition can be that the filler 40 is detected 50 times in succession in a 400 ms cycle (i.e., 400 ms x 50 times = 20 seconds of successive detection). If the condition is met, the web near-end state is confirmed (step S204), and the confirmed web near-end information is saved (stored in the storage means 12) (step S205).

[0067] Next, it is determined whether to display the web near-end state (step S206), and if so, it is displayed on the display means 13 or the like provided in the image forming apparatus (step S207).

[0068] Next, when the sensor 42 is in the OFF state where it does not detect the filler 40, it is determined whether the conditions for determining the OFF state are met (step S208). The condition for determining the OFF state is, for example, that the filler 40 is not detected a predetermined number of times in a predetermined cycle. Specifically, the condition can be that the filler 40 is not detected 50 times in a 400 ms cycle (i.e., 400 ms x 50 times = 20 seconds of continuous non-detection). If the condition is met, it is determined that the web is in the end state (step S210), and the determined web near-end information is saved (stored in the storage means 12) (step S211). Next, the web end state is displayed on the display means 13 or the like provided in the image forming apparatus (step S212).

[0069] Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, the conditions for determining the ON state determined in step S203 of the flowchart in FIG. 7 and the conditions for determining the OFF state determined in step S208 can be arbitrarily selected. Furthermore, it is also possible to arbitrarily select whether or not the confirmed near-end information is displayed on the display means 13.

[0070] [Fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the control of this embodiment, the number of times the sensor 42 was on when it detected the filler 40 and / or the number of times it was off when it did not detect the filler 40 is stored in the memory means 12, and further, the number of times the sensor was off that had been stored can be reset based on the number of times the sensor was on, and the number of times the sensor was on that had been stored can be reset based on the number of times the sensor was off.

[0071] First, it is determined whether the sensor 42 has detected the filler 40 (whether it has turned on) (step S301). If it has turned on, it is determined whether or not the number of times it has been turned on needs to be stored (step S302), and the number of times it has been turned on is stored according to the determination result (step S303). Next, it is determined whether to reset the stored number of times of OFF (step S304), and resetting is carried out as appropriate, and it is determined that the device is in the ON state (step S305). Thereafter, the flow of determining whether the web is in a near-end state is the same as that of step S202 and subsequent steps in the flow of FIG.

[0072] On the other hand, it is determined whether the sensor 42 has detected the filler 40 (whether it has turned on) (step S301), and if it has not detected the filler 40 and is off, it is determined whether or not the number of times it has been turned off needs to be stored (step S312), and the number of times it has been turned off is stored according to the determination result (step S313). Next, it is determined whether to reset the stored number of times of ON (step S314), and resetting is carried out as appropriate, and it is determined that the switch is in the OFF state (step S315). Thereafter, the flow of determining whether or not the state is the web end state is the same as that of step S208 and thereafter in the flow of FIG.

[0073] Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Figure 9 corresponds to steps S204 to S207 in Figure 7 and steps S308 to S311 in Figure 8. The flow other than the corresponding parts is the same as Figures 7 and 8, and therefore will be omitted.

[0074] In the control of this embodiment, the conditions for determining the timing for displaying the confirmed web near-end information stored in the storage means 12 on the display means 13 can be set arbitrarily. The conditions for making the decision can be set according to, for example, the detection cycle of the detection means, the time during which the recording medium passes, or the number of sheets of the recording medium that have passed.

[0075] The web near-end state is confirmed (step S401), the confirmed web near-end information is saved (stored in the storage means 12) (step S402), and then it is determined whether to display the web near-end state (step S403). Here, it is determined whether the timing matches the set display timing (step S404), and if it matches, a web near end is displayed on the display means 13 or the like provided in the image forming apparatus (step S405). No display is performed until the set display timing matches. If displaying the web near-end state has been selected in advance, and non-display is selected, the display is cancelled (step S406).

[0076] Sixth Embodiment The sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Figure 10 corresponds to steps S210 to S212 in Figure 7 and steps S318 to S320 in Figure 8. The flow other than the corresponding parts is the same as Figures 7 and 8, and therefore will be omitted.

[0077] In the control of this embodiment, the conditions for determining the timing for displaying the confirmed web end information stored in the storage means 12 on the display means 13 can be set arbitrarily. The conditions for making the decision can be set according to, for example, the detection cycle of the detection means, the time during which the recording medium passes, or the number of sheets of the recording medium that have passed.

[0078] The web end state is confirmed (step S501), the confirmed web end information is saved (stored in the storage means 12) (step S502), and then it is determined whether to display that the web end state is present (step S503). Here, it is determined whether the timing matches the set display timing (step S504), and if it matches, the web end is displayed on the display means 13 or the like provided in the image forming apparatus (step S505). No display is performed until the set display timing matches.

[0079] Seventh Embodiment The seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Figure 11 corresponds to the part from step S210 onwards in Figure 7 and the part from step S318 onwards in Figure 8. The flow other than the corresponding parts is the same as Figures 7 and 8, and therefore will be omitted.

[0080] In the control of this embodiment, conditions for determining the timing for displaying the confirmed web end information stored in the memory means 12 on the display means 13 can be set arbitrarily, and when the conditions are met, the confirmed web end information is displayed on the display means 13 and the operation of the device is stopped. The conditions for making the decision can be set according to, for example, the detection cycle of the detection means, the time the recording medium has passed through, or the number of sheets of the recording medium that have passed through.

[0081] The web end state is confirmed (step S601), the confirmed web end information is saved (stored in storage means 12) (step S602), and then it is determined whether to display the web end state (step S603). It is determined whether the timing matches the set display timing (step S604), and if so, the web end is displayed on display means 13 or the like provided in the image forming device (step S605). No display is performed until the set display timing matches. After the web end is displayed, the cleaning means 32 and other devices are immediately stopped.

[0082] The image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment can detect with high accuracy using a single detection means whether the remaining amount of cleaning web 41, which wipes the fixing member 30 that constitutes the fixing device 107, is in a near-end state, meaning that the web is nearing the end, or in an end state, meaning that the web has finished.Furthermore, the user can select the display of the detection results, set the display conditions, stop the apparatus in accordance with the detection results, and so on, as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Image forming device 11 Control measures 30 Fixing member 31 Pressure member 32 Cleaning means 40 Filler 41 Cleaning Web 42 sensors 43 Drive motor 44 Web holding member 45 Pressing member 46 Winding member 50 Side panel 107 Fixing device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0084] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2-136868 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-120217

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus including: a fixing device that conveys a recording medium to a fixing nip portion between a fixing member that is a heated rotating body and a pressure member, and fixes an unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium to the fixing nip portion; and a cleaning device that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member, the cleaning means comprises a cleaning web, a web holding member that holds the cleaning web so that it can be fed out, a winding member that winds up the cleaning web, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web; the detection means includes a filler that is displaced depending on the remaining amount of the cleaning web and a sensor that detects the filler; The device further comprises a storage means for storing the detection result of the detection means, a control means for controlling the operation of the device based on the state detected by the detection means, and a display means for displaying the detected state, A web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to break and a web end state in which the cleaning web has broken are detected, An image forming apparatus characterized in that the sensor is determined to be in an ON state when it detects the filler a predetermined number of times consecutively in a predetermined cycle, and is determined to be in an OFF state when it does not detect the filler a predetermined number of times consecutively in a predetermined cycle.

2. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device that conveys a recording medium to a fixing nip portion between a fixing member, which is a heated rotating body, and a pressure member, and fixes an unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium, and cleaning means that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member, the cleaning means comprises a cleaning web, a web holding member that holds the cleaning web so that it can be fed out, a winding member that winds up the cleaning web, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web; the detection means includes a filler that is displaced depending on the remaining amount of the cleaning web and a sensor that detects the filler; The device further comprises a storage means for storing the detection result of the detection means, a control means for controlling the operation of the device based on the state detected by the detection means, and a display means for displaying the detected state, A web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to break and a web end state in which the cleaning web has broken are detected, When the ON state of the sensor is confirmed, the image forming apparatus confirms that the web is in a near-end state, and stores confirmed near-end information in the storage means.

3. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device that conveys a recording medium to a fixing nip portion between a fixing member, which is a heated rotating body, and a pressure member, and fixes an unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium, and cleaning means that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member, the cleaning means comprises a cleaning web, a web holding member that holds the cleaning web so that it can be fed out, a winding member that winds up the cleaning web, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web; the detection means includes a filler that is displaced depending on the remaining amount of the cleaning web and a sensor that detects the filler; The device further comprises a storage means for storing the detection result of the detection means, a control means for controlling the operation of the device based on the state detected by the detection means, and a display means for displaying the detected state, A web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to break and a web end state in which the cleaning web has broken are detected, When the sensor is confirmed to be in an off state under a web near-end state, the image forming apparatus confirms that the web is in an end state, and stores confirmed end information in the storage means.

4. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of times that the sensor detects the filler to determine the ON state can be set arbitrarily.

5. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of times that the sensor does not detect the filler for determining the OFF state under a web near-end state can be set arbitrarily.

6. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device that conveys a recording medium to a fixing nip portion between a fixing member, which is a heated rotating body, and a pressure member, and fixes an unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium, and cleaning means that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member, the cleaning means comprises a cleaning web, a web holding member that holds the cleaning web so that it can be fed out, a winding member that winds up the cleaning web, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web; the detection means includes a filler that is displaced depending on the remaining amount of the cleaning web and a sensor that detects the filler; The device further comprises a storage means for storing the detection result of the detection means, a control means for controlling the operation of the device based on the state detected by the detection means, and a display means for displaying the detected state, A web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to break and a web end state in which the cleaning web has broken are detected, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the number of times the sensor is turned on when it detects the filler and / or the number of times the sensor is turned off when it does not detect the filler is stored in the storage means.

7. resetting the number of times the sensor was turned on when the filler was not detected, which is stored in the storage means, based on the number of times the sensor was turned on when the filler was detected; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the number of times the sensor is turned on when the filler is detected, which is stored in the storage means, is reset based on the number of times the sensor is turned off when the filler is not detected.

8. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device that conveys a recording medium to a fixing nip portion between a fixing member, which is a heated rotating body, and a pressure member, and fixes an unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium, and cleaning means that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member, the cleaning means comprises a cleaning web, a web holding member that holds the cleaning web so that it can be fed out, a winding member that winds up the cleaning web, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web; the detection means includes a filler that is displaced depending on the remaining amount of the cleaning web and a sensor that detects the filler; The device further comprises a storage means for storing the detection result of the detection means, a control means for controlling the operation of the device based on the state detected by the detection means, and a display means for displaying the detected state, A web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to break and a web end state in which the cleaning web has broken are detected, an image forming apparatus capable of selecting whether or not to display the confirmed web near-end information and / or confirmed web end information stored in the storage means on the display means;

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: a fixing device that conveys a recording medium to a fixing nip portion between a fixing member, which is a heated rotating body, and a pressure member, and fixes an unfixed toner image carried on the recording medium, and cleaning means that removes residual toner adhering to the surface of the fixing member, the cleaning means comprises a cleaning web, a web holding member that holds the cleaning web so that it can be fed out, a winding member that winds up the cleaning web, and a single detection means that detects the remaining amount of the cleaning web; the detection means includes a filler that is displaced depending on the remaining amount of the cleaning web and a sensor that detects the filler; The device further comprises a storage means for storing the detection result of the detection means, a control means for controlling the operation of the device based on the state detected by the detection means, and a display means for displaying the detected state, A web near-end state in which the cleaning web is about to break and a web end state in which the cleaning web has broken are detected, a condition for determining the timing for displaying the confirmed web near-end information and / or the confirmed web end information stored in the storage means on the display means can be set arbitrarily; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the condition is set according to any one of a detection cycle of the detection means, a paper passing time of the recording medium, and a number of sheets of the recording medium passed.

10. When the condition for determining the timing for displaying the final web end information stored in the storage means on the display means is satisfied, 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the confirmed web end information is displayed on the display means and the operation of the apparatus is immediately stopped.

Images