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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus used with an image
forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer and the like.
2. Related Background Art
In the past, in fixing apparatuses used with an image forming apparatus
such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer and the like, toner
consisting of resin, magnetic material, coloring agent and the like
electrostatically transferred onto a recording sheet at an image forming
portion was fixed to the recording sheet by heating and fusing the toner.
FIG. 4 shows an example of a conventional fixing apparatus. This fixing
apparatus comprises an upper heat roller 51 and a lower pressure roller
52. The heat roller 51 includes therein a main heater 53a and a sub-heater
53b. The main heater 53a is always used in a fixing operation, but, the
sub-heater 53b is used only in a start-up operation to shorten a wait up
time. The recording sheet P is passed through a fixing nip between the
heat roller 51 and the pressure roller 52. The toner 54 transferred from a
photosensitive member to the recording sheet P at the image forming
portion is electrostatically held on the recording sheet in a non-fixed
condition. When the recording sheet P passes through the fixing nip, the
toner 54 is heated by the heat roller 51 directly contacting with the
toner and is pressurized by the pressure roller 52 urging the recording
sheet P against the heat roller 51, with the result that the toner 54 is
fused and fixed to the recording sheet by heat and pressure.
If the toner 54 is fixed at a temperature lower than a temperature at which
the resin and the like constituting the toner is softened or melt, low
temperature offset will occur. That is to say, in the fixing operation,
there are optimum upper temperature limit and lower temperature limit.
Thus, only when the fixing temperature is controlled within a range
between the upper and lower limits, the good fixing can be achieved. The
control of the fixing temperature is effected on the basis of a surface
temperature of the heat roller 51 detected by a thermistor 55.
However, in the fixing apparatus having the above-mentioned construction,
if a copying speed is increased in a continuous copy mode (continuous
image forming mode), as the number of copies is increased, a heat amount
greater than that supplied from the heat roller 51 is absorbed by the
toner 54 and the recording sheet P, with the result that, even when the
heater is fully activated, the temperature detected by the thermistor 55
and accordingly the fixing temperature will be decreased. To avoid this,
electric power supplied to the main heater 53a may be increased. However,
in this case, power consumption require by the copying machine (image
forming apparatus) is increased, with the result that such image forming
apparatus needs more power than is available in typical residences,
thereby limiting the installation locations for the image forming
apparatus. Further, in recent years, since the improvement in productivity
of the copying machines has been required to provide faster copying
machines, the percentage of power consumption of the fixing apparatus
regarding the total power consumption has been increased. Thus, the
specification of the image forming apparatus has been become severe to use
the image forming apparatus in the general homes.
To avoid this, there has been proposed a technique in which, when the
temperature of the heat roller 51 reaches the lower fixing temperature
limit during the continuous copying mode, the copying operation is
temporarily stopped and the fixing operation is waiting until the
temperature of the heat roller 51 is restored to the optimum temperature.
Alternatively, when the temperature of the heat roller reaches a
temperature slightly higher than the lower fixing temperature limit the
copy frequency may be extended to decrease the reduction ratio of the
fixing temperature (reduction of temperature per each copy), thereby
extending the time period reaching the lower fixing temperature limit. In
this method for extending the copy frequency, there has been proposed a
technique wherein a fixing speed is determined on the basis of the
reduction ratio of the fixing temperature and the number of remaining copy
sheets to avoid "copy stop". That is to say, during the continuous copying
operation, if the fixing temperature is decreased, the copy frequency is
suitably extended so that the time period between the copy regarding a
certain recording sheet P and the copy regarding a next recording sheet P
is set to restore the temperature of the heat roller 51 completely.
However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, there arose a
problem that, in the continuous copy mode, the total copying time for
copying all of the sheets which were set as the number of copies is
increased. That is to say, since this technique is not a system for
controlling the entire copying time to the minimum but is a system for
preventing the poor fixing during the continuous copy mode, the total
copying time becomes greater than that in a copying machine having the
latest copying speed. Thus, the productivity of the copying machine cannot
be improved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims to eliminate the above-mentioned conventional
drawbacks, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fixing
apparatus which can reduce or shorten the total copying time in a
continuous image forming mode (continuous fixing mode).
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fixing apparatus
which can effect good fixing in a continuous image forming mode.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a fixing apparatus
which comprises a heat body to be heated by a heater, a temperature
detecting means for detecting a temperature of the heat body, an
energization controlling means for controlling energization of the heater
so that the detection temperature detected by the temperature detecting
means is maintained to a set temperature, and a selection means for
selecting extension of sheet feed interval or temporary interruption of a
fixing operation when the detection temperature detected by the
temperature detecting means reaches a predetermined fixing mode change
temperature during a continuous fixing operation.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a fixing
apparatus which comprises a heat body to be heated by a heater, a
temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of the heat body,
an energization controlling means for controlling energization of the
heater so that the detection temperature detected by the temperature
detecting means is maintained to a set temperature, and a sheet feed
interval controlling means for extending sheet feed interval when the
detection temperature detected by the temperature detecting means reaches
a predetermined fixing mode change temperature during a continuous fixing
operation, and wherein the sheet feed interval controlling means controls
sheet feed interval after the extension of the sheet feed interval on the
basis of a temperature reduction ratio of the heat body and the number of
remaining sheets to be copied.
The other objects will be apparent from the following detailed explanation
referring to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a flow chart for controlling sheet feed interval in a fixing
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a graph showing a relation between a copying time and the number
of copy sheets according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a graph showing a relation between a copying time and the number
of copy sheets according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a sectional end view of a fixing apparatus according to first to
third embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an elevational sectional view of a copying machine having a
fixing apparatus according to any one of first to sixth embodiments of the
present invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional end view of a fixing apparatus according to the
fourth to sixth embodiments;
FIG. 7 is a graph showing a thermistor detection temperature and copy
frequency in a conventional continuous copy mode;
FIG. 8 is a graph showing a thermistor detection temperature and copy
frequency in a continuous copy mode according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a change control for copy frequency (sheet
feed interval) according to the fourth embodiment; and
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a change control for copy frequency (sheet
feed interval) according to the fifth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
First Embodiment
FIG. 5 is a schematic elevational sectional view of a copying machine
(image forming apparatus) having a fixing apparatus according to the
present invention. Now, a construction and an operation of the copying
machine will be described. Incidentally, since the fixing apparatus
according to the first embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 4, the
same functional elements as those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the
same reference numerals.
A recording sheet P supplied from a cassette 32 (or 33) by a sheet supply
roller 27 (or 24) and separated from the other recording sheets by a feed
roller 26 (or 23) and a separation roller 25 (or 22) is sent to a pair of
regist rollers 28 by means of convey rollers 20, 19 (and 21). Then, the
recording sheet P is supplied toward a drum-shaped photosensitive member
37 by the paired regist roller 28 at a predetermined timing.
In FIG. 5, the photosensitive member 37 is rotated in a clockwise
direction; meanwhile, a surface of the photosensitive member is uniformly
charged by a first charger 11. On the other hand, in synchronous with the
charging of the photosensitive member, an original rested on an original
support glass 6 is illuminated by light from an original illumination lamp
4, and light reflected from the original is directed to a CCD 15 through a
slit 3, a first mirror 5, a second mirror 2, a third mirror 1, a lens 13
and a fourth mirror 14. Thus, image information is read by the CCD 15.
When the read image information is electrically treated, laser light
corresponding to the image information is emitted from a laser unit 7, so
that the uniformly charged photosensitive member 37 is exposed by the
laser light incident to the photosensitive member through a first laser
mirror 16 and a second laser mirror 12, thereby forming an electrostatic
latent image on the photosensitive member.
The electrostatic latent image is visualized with toner from a developing
device 17 as a toner image. The toner image on the photosensitive member
37 is transferred onto the recording sheet P supplied to the
photosensitive member 37 by the paired regist rollers 28, by means of a
transfer charger 29. Excessive charge on the recording sheet P to which
the toner image was transferred is removed by an electricity removal probe
30, and then, the recording sheet is sent to a fixing apparatus 34 through
a convey portion 31. After the toner image was fixed to the recording
sheet P by the fixing apparatus 34 with heat and pressure, the recording
sheet is discharged out of the copying machine by a discharge portion 36.
On the other hand, after the toner image was transferred to the recording
sheet, the residual toner remaining on the photosensitive member 37 is
removed by a drum cleaner 9 having a cleaning blade, and then, the
photosensitive member is illuminated by a pre-exposure lamp 10 to be
prepared for a next image formation (next copy).
Incidentally, in FIG. 5, the reference numeral 18 denotes a manual sheet
insertion portion; 8 denotes an exhaust fan; and 35 denotes a discharge
vertical path portion.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing a relation between a copying time and the number
of copy sheets.
In FIG. 2, the solid line (1) shows a graph obtained under normal sheet
feed interval copy, the dot and chain line (2) shows a graph obtained when
the copy is temporarily interrupted at a predetermined fixing mode change
temperature, and the broken line (3) shows a graph obtained when the sheet
feed interval is changed (extended) during the copying operation.
As seen from FIG. 2, when the main heater 53a and the sub-heater 53b in the
heat roller 51 (FIG. 4) are activated after the temperatures of the heat
roller and the pressure roller is decreased during the continuous copying
operation to reach a predetermined fixing mode change temperature T.sub.2,
a time period (temporary interruption time period) t.sub.0 is required
until the predetermined fixing mode change temperature T.sub.2 is
increased to a fixing temperature T.sub.1. To the contrary, when the sheet
feed interval is extended without temporary interruption, the total
copying time regarding the total number of sheets to be copied becomes
greater than the total copying time under the condition shown in the graph
(2) (temporary interruption) if the number of remaining sheets to be
copied is greater than M.sub.0 immediately after the temperature of the
heat roller is decreased to the temperature T.sub.2.
Now, a control method for minimizing the copying time in the continuous
copying mode will be explained with reference to a flow chart shown in
FIG. 1.
In a stand-by condition of the copying machine, the fixing temperature
T.sub.1 is under the temperature control (step S1). The originals are set,
the number of sheets to be continuously copied is set, and a copy start
button is depressed (step S2). When the images on the originals are
successively copied on the recording sheets P and the recording sheets are
successively passed through the nip of the heat body (heat roller 51 and
pressure roller 52), the surface temperatures T of the heat roller 51 and
the pressure roller 52 are gradually decreased. When the temperature T
reaches the predetermined fixing mode change temperature T.sub.2 (step
S3), it is judged whether the number M of remaining sheets is greater than
a value M.sub.0 which was previously determined for each of sheet sizes
(step S4). If the number M of remaining sheets is smaller than the value
M.sub.0, the sheet feed interval is extended (step S9), and the copying
operation is continued. On the other hand, if the number M of the
remaining sheets is greater than the value M.sub.0, the copying operation
(fixing operation) is temporarily interrupted (step S5). By the temporary
interruption, it is not required to supply the electric power to the
original illumination lamp 4 and the like, and such electric power is
supplied to the main heater 53a and the sub-heater 53b (step S6). When the
detection temperature T detected by the thermistor 55 reaches the fixing
temperature T.sub.1 (step S7), the copying operation is re-started (step
S8).
In this way, by selecting the extension of the sheet feed interval or the
temporary interruption of the copying operation (fixing operation) in
accordance with the number M of remaining sheets by means of a selection
means (not shown), the continuous image formation can be finished at the
minimum time, and, when the copying operation is temporarily interrupted,
the fixing operation can be effected under the best condition.
Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. The
temperature of the pressure roller 52 is greatly decreased in the initial
condition of the continuous copying operation, such as, immediately after
the copying machine is powered on or when the input electric power voltage
is in the lower limit of the reference voltage. Further, during the
continuous copying operation, when the thermistor detection temperature T
is decreased to the fixing mode change temperature T.sub.2, the temporary
interruption of the copying operation is selected by the selection means
to restore the thermistor detection temperature to the fixing temperature
T.sub.1. In this case, when the copying operation is re-started, even if a
temperature surrounding the fixing apparatus is low, the pressure roller
is not sufficiently warmed up, so that the thermistor detection
temperature is often quickly decreased to the fixing mode change
temperature T.sub.2.
In such a case, during the temporary interruption, when the main heater 53a
and the sub-heater 53b are activated, the fixing drive portion is operated
to rotate the pressure roller 52. As a result, the temperature of the
interior of the pressure roller approaches the surface temperature of the
pressure roller to effectively accumulate the heat within the pressure
roller. However, when the fixing drive portion is operated to idly rotate
the fixing apparatus, the time period (t.sub.0 +t.sub.1) during which the
temperature T.sub.2 reaches the fixing temperature T.sub.1 becomes longer,
by t.sub.1, than the case where the pressure roller 52 is stopped in the
first embodiment.
However, as shown in FIG. 3, during the continuous copying operation, when
the surface temperature of the heat roller reaches the temperature T.sub.2
and the temporary interruption is selected, this is possible since the
number of times that the thermistor detection temperature reaches the
change temperature T.sub.2 can be decreased. Upper limit value M.sub.1 of
the number of the remaining sheets can be increased by idly rotating the
fixing apparatus during the temporary interruption, even when the number
of sheets to be continuously copied is considerably great.
In this way, by idly rotating the fixing apparatus during the temporary
interruption, it is possible to accumulate the heat within the pressure
roller 52, and, thus, the temperature reduction ratio after the re-start
of the copying operation can be minimized.
Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In the
first embodiment, when the copying operation is temporarily interrupted,
while an example that the apparatus is waiting for the time t.sub.0 until
the temperature T.sub.2 is restored to the fixing temperature T.sub.1 was
explained, the copying operation may be temporarily interrupted for a time
T.sub.3 that the total copying time becomes equal to or smaller than the
total copying time obtained when the sheet feed interval is changed, and,
then, the copying operation may be effected under the extended sheet feed
interval. In this case, the time T.sub.3 is determined on the basis of the
number of remaining sheets. When it is assumed that a temperature of the
heat roller obtained after the temporary interruption of the time t.sub.3
is T.sub.3, since t.sub.3 <t.sub.0, although the temperature of the heat
roller is not completely restored to the fixing temperature T.sub.1
(T.sub.2 <T.sub.3 <T.sub.1), the fixing operation can be effected under
more optimum fixing temperature in comparison with the case where the
sheet feed interval is changed, and total copying time can be reduced.
Next, an apparatus for preventing a bad feeling from affecting to the
operator by reducing the times that the temperature of the heat body
reaches the fixing mode change temperature and reducing the times that the
recording sheet discharge interval is changed will be explained.
Fourth Embodiment
Now, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained with
reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.
Incidentally, since an image forming apparatus using a fixing apparatus
according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the image forming
apparatus shown in FIG. 5, explanation thereof will be omitted.
The fixing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment has a construction
shown in FIG. 6, and, thus, comprises a pair of heat roller 51 and
pressure roller 52, a thermistor (temperature detection means) 55, and a
main heater 53a and a sub-heater 53b (heat source). The fixing apparatus
is temperature-controlled to a predetermined temperature by a temperature
control means such as a CPU.
In the fixing apparatus having the above-mentioned construction, the
continuous copying operation can be performed. However, when the
continuous fixing operation is effected by the fixing apparatus 34, since
the thermistor detection temperature is decreased to cause the poor
fixing, in the illustrated embodiment, if the detection temperature is
decreased to a predetermined temperature, the copy frequency (sheet feed
interval) is changed by a frequency change means (sheet feed interval
control means) such as a CPU, thereby suppressing the reduction of
temperature.
However, when the fixing operation is continued under the condition that
the copy frequency is extended, since the detection temperature is
gradually increased, the copy frequency must be returned to the initial
value. And, the copy frequency is returned to the initial value, the
temperatures of the paired rollers are decreased again as mentioned above.
Accordingly, when the temperature reduction ratio is great, if the timing
for returning the copy frequency is not correct, there arises a problem
that the copy frequency is changed frequently.
The temperature reduction ratio is changed on the basis of various
conditions such as fluctuation of the input power source voltage,
environment (temperature and humidity) where the image forming apparatus
is installed, density of the original, physical property of the recording
sheet (thickness, density, moisture, surface condition, kind and ratio of
size additive agent, and material), dimension of the recording sheet,
temperature of the pressure roller, size of the nip and the like.
Particularly, the temperature reduction ratio of the fixing temperature
greatly depends upon the temperature of the pressure roller. That is to
say, the temperature reduction ratio is great until the temperature of the
pressure roller is saturated; but, thereafter, the temperature of the
pressure roller is saturated; but, thereafter, the temperature reduction
ratio is gradually decreased, and, since further temperature reduction
ratio is determined by the number of remaining sheets, the timing for
returning the copy frequency cannot be set to a constant time period.
Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, a measurement point is set to a
temperature slightly greater than a predetermined temperature for changing
the copy frequency (referred to as "fixing mode change temperature"
hereinafter), and, the reduction ratio of the detection temperature in the
normal copy frequency is calculated on the basis of a difference between
the measurement point and the fixing mode change temperature and a
difference between the number of sheets copied until the measurement point
is achieved and the number of sheets copied until the fixing mode change
temperature is achieved (temperature difference/number of copied sheets),
thereby changing (extending) the copy frequency. After the change of the
copy frequency, the increased temperature of the heat roller is
continuously detected. A value obtained by multiplying the number of
remaining sheets at the temperature detection by the temperature reduction
ratio is added to the fixing mode change temperature to determine a target
temperature. When the detection temperature reaches the target
temperature, the copy frequency is returned to the normal value.
Accordingly, even after the copy frequency is returned to the normal value
and the remaining sheets are copied, the surface temperature of the roller
is greater than the fixing mode change temperature. Thus, during the
treatment of the remaining sheets, the change of the copy frequency is not
required.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing the change in the thermistor detection
temperature and the change in the copy frequency (sheet feed interval)
under the conventional control method in which the sheet feed interval is
returned to the normal condition as soon as the detection temperature is
increased after the extension of the sheet feed interval, and FIG. 8 is a
graph showing the change in the thermistor detection temperature and the
change in the copy frequency under the copy frequency change control
according to the illustrated embodiment. Incidentally, in FIGS. 7 and 8,
the numbers of sheets to be continuously copied are the same.
In FIGS. 7 and 8, T.sub.1 is a temperature at the start of the fixing
operation, T.sub.2 is the fixing mode change temperature, and Ta is the
measurement point temperature. As seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, according to
the illustrated embodiment, the copying time can be reduced without
repeating the useless change in copy frequency.
Now, the copy frequency change control according to the illustrated
embodiment will be explained with reference to a flow chart shown in FIG.
9. First of all, in a stand-by condition of the copying machine, the
fixing temperature T.sub.1 is under the temperature control (step S4-1).
The originals are set, the number of sheets to be continuously copied is
set, and a copy start button is depressed (step S4-2). As a result, the
supply of the recording sheet P, image forming operation and fixing
operation as mentioned above are performed. As the fixing operation is
continuously effected, the temperatures of the paired fixing rollers are
gradually decreased. Thus, it is continuously judged whether the detection
temperature reaches the measurement point temperature Ta (step S4-3). If
the detection temperature reaches the measurement point temperature Ta,
the number X of the copied sheets at the point is stored (step S4-4). 0n
the other hand, if the copying operation is finished before the detection
temperature reaches the measurement point temperature Ta, the number of
copies sheets is not stored (step S4-5).
Then, it is judged whether the detection temperature reaches the change
temperature T.sub.2 for changing the copy frequency (step S4-6). If the
detection temperature reaches the change temperature T.sub.2, the number Y
of the copied sheets at that point is stored (step S4-7). On the other
hand, if the copying operation is finished before the detection
temperature reaches the change temperature T.sub.2, the number of copies
sheets is not stored (step S4-8).
The temperature reduction ratio A=(Ta-T.sub.2)/(Y-X) is calculated on the
basis of the numbers X, Y of the copies sheets at the measurement point
temperature Ta and the change temperature T.sub.2 and the difference in
temperature between the temperatures Ta, T.sub.2, and the calculated value
A is stored (step S4-9). Then, the copy frequency is, increased (step
S4-10).
As a result of the extension of the sheet feed interval, since the
detection temperature is increased, whenever the detection temperature t
is changed, the target temperature is calculated by adding the value
obtained by multiplying the number of remaining sheets at that point by
the temperature reduction ratio A to the change temperature, and the
target temperature is compared with the detection temperature (step
S4-11). If the detection temperature t is greater than the target
temperature, the copy frequency is returned (S4-12). On the other hand, if
the copying operation is finished before the temperature t reaches the
target temperature, the copy frequency is not returned (step S4-13 ).
In this way, by determining the timing for returning the copy frequency to
the initial condition on the basis of the temperature reduction ratio
before the change of the copy frequency (sheet feed interval), the copying
time can be reduced without repeating the useless change in copy
frequency.
Incidentally, since the target value obtained by adding the change
temperature T.sub.2 to the value AM (the number M of remaining
sheets.times.the temperature reduction ratio A) is not preferable to
exceed the fixing temperature T.sub.1 at the start of the fixing operation
as shown in FIG. 8, when the number of sheets to be copied is so great
that the target temperature exceeds the fixing temperature T.sub.1, an
upper limit of the target temperature may be set.
Further, since the greater the number of sheets to be copied the greater
the temperature reduction ratio is decreased, it is preferable that the
temperature reduction ratio is continuously corrected.
Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained with
reference to a flow chart shown in FIG. 10. Incidentally, explanation
common to the fourth embodiment will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 10, also in this embodiment, in a stand-by condition of
the copying machine, the fixing temperature T.sub.1 is under the
temperature control (step S5-1). The originals are set, the number of
sheets to be continuously copied is set, and a copy start button is
depressed (step S5-2). As a result, the supply of the recording sheet P,
image forming operation and fixing operation as mentioned above are
performed. As the fixing operation is continuously effected, the
temperatures of the paired fixing rollers are gradually decreased. Thus,
it is continuously judged whether the detection temperature reaches the
measurement point temperature Ta (step S5-3). If the detection temperature
reaches the measurement point temperature Ta, the number X of the copied
sheets at that point is stored (step S5-4). On the other hand, if the
copying operation is finished before the detection temperature reaches the
measurement point temperature Ta, the number of copied sheets is not
stored (step S5-5).
Then, it is judged whether the detection temperature reaches the change
temperature T.sub.2 for changing the copy frequency (step S5-6). If the
detection temperature reaches the change temperature T.sub.2, the number Y
of the copied sheets at that point is stored (step S5-7). On the other
hand, if the copying operation is finished before the detection
temperature reaches the change temperature T.sub.2, the number of copies
sheets is not stored (step S5-8).
At the same time when the number Y of the copied sheets is stored, the copy
frequency is changed to be large (step S5-9). After the change of the copy
frequency, when the detection temperature is increased to reach the
measurement point temperature Ta again, the number M of remaining sheets
at that point is compared with the difference (Y-X) between the number X
of the copied sheets at the measurement point temperature Ta and the
number Y of copied sheets at the copy frequency change temperature T.sub.2
(step S5-10). If M.ltoreq.(Y-X), the copy frequency is returned (step
S5-12). On the other hand, if the copying operation is finished within the
condition of M>(Y-X), the copy frequency is not returned (step S5-11).
Incidentally, the measurement point temperature Ta may be changed
independence upon the set value for the total number of sheets to be
copied.
Sixth Embodiment
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be explained.
Incidentally, explanation common to the above embodiments will be omitted.
In the fourth and fifth embodiments, while an example that the measurement
point temperature Ta is set to be higher than the change temperature
T.sub.2 for changing the copy frequency was explained, in order to make
simpler, the measurement point temperature Ta may be provided. In this
case, after the copy frequency is changed, the copy frequency is not
changed until the detection temperature reaches a certain temperature
T.sub.3 to prevent the frequent change of the copy frequency.
Alternatively, after the copy frequency is changed, the copy frequency is
not changed until a certain number m of sheets are treated.
As mentioned above, during the continuous copying operation, when the
fixing apparatus reaches the fixing mode change temperature, by selecting
the condition that the copy frequency is changed and the copying operation
is continued or the condition that the copying operation is temporarily
interrupted until the fixing temperature is restored and then the copying
operation is re-started, the total copying time can be reduced, and, the
fixing operation can be effected under the more optimum fixing condition
when the temporary interruption is selected.
Further, during the continuous copying operation, when the temperatures of
the paired rollers are decreased, since the timing for returning the copy
frequency is determined on the basis of the temperature reduction ratio
before the change of the copy frequency and the number of remaining
sheets, the useless copy treatment time can be eliminated and the frequent
changes of the copy frequency affording the bad feeling to the operator
can be prevented.
The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments,
and various alterations can be effected within the scope of the present
invention.
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