Image forming apparatus and method of operating image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus that performs different actions for each fixing unit. An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control section that acquires fixing unit information relating to a fixing unit attached to the image forming section and executes a predetermined process based on the acquired fixing unit information, and an image forming section having a detachable fixing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus and an operating method of the image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, dry electrophotography (laser printers) have been a popular printing method for image forming devices such as printers and multifunction printers. In laser printers, after toner is transferred to form an image on paper, the image on the paper is heated and pressurized to fix the image on the paper. Therefore, image forming devices that print using the laser printer method include a fixing unit (fuser) for heating and pressurizing the image on the paper.

[0003] The fixing unit has a fixing component that contacts the paper on which the image to be fixed is formed. The fixing component is, for example, a fixing belt. The fixing belt is arranged so that its long side direction is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper. In this application, the width of the paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper is referred to as the paper width. For example, in a general MFP (Multi Function Printer) with a scanning function, the sub-scanning direction of the scanner is consistent with the conveying direction of the paper, and the main scanning direction of the scanner is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper. Therefore, in a general MFP, the paper width refers to the paper width in the main scanning direction.

[0004] Figure 15 Figure (a) illustrates the damage that occurs on the fixing belt when an A5 sheet of paper is repeatedly passed through it. When an A5 sheet of paper 301 is repeatedly passed through a fixing belt 303, damage 305 and 307 are generated on the fixing belt 303 at locations corresponding to the width of the A5 sheet of paper 301. After these damages occur, consider the case where an A3 sheet of paper 309, which is larger than the A5 sheet, is repeatedly passed through the same fixing belt 303.

[0005] At this time, if Figure 15 As shown in (b), on the fixing belt 303, scratches 311 and 313 also occur at locations corresponding to the width of the A3 paper 309. However, since scratches 311 and 313 are located substantially outside the A3 paper 309, they do not affect the print quality of the A3 paper 309. However, scratches 305 and 307 caused by the A5 paper 301 are contained within the width of the A3 paper 309, and therefore adversely affect the print quality of the A3 paper 309. Specifically, stains 315 and 317 occur on the A3 paper 309 at locations corresponding to the scratches 305 and 307 caused by the A5 paper 301.

[0006] In order to avoid this problem, it is considered to use the fixing belt only for printing of a specific paper width. Figure 16As shown in (a), when printing A5 paper 301, a fixing belt 303 is used. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16 As shown in (b), when printing A3 paper 309, another fixing belt 321 is used. Although repeated printing causes scratches 305 and 307 on fixing belt 303 and scratches 311 and 313 on fixing belt 321, preparing fixing belts for each paper width prevents the scratches from adversely affecting print quality when printing on other paper widths.

[0007] As mentioned above, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-003725 discloses another method for replacing the fixing belt or fixing unit. The variety of media that can be fed through paper varies, and the fixing conditions that determine the final image quality require careful adjustment based on the thickness, surface characteristics, and the desired image density and glossiness of the final product. As a countermeasure to these problems, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-003725 proposes preparing dedicated fixing units corresponding to the paper size and type of media being fed through, allowing users to replace the fixing units as needed to achieve optimal image quality.

[0008] However, generally speaking, the temperature of the fixing unit after operation reaches a high temperature. Therefore, when replacing the fixing unit, it is necessary to take this high temperature into consideration. In response to this, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-003725 proposes notifying the user whether the temperature of the installed fixing unit has dropped below a specified temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0009] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-003725 discloses a method of replacing the fixing unit of an image forming apparatus and operating it. However, it does not disclose an image forming apparatus in which each fixing unit performs a different operation.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that performs different operations on each fixing unit.

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an image forming device, which includes a control unit and an image forming unit having a detachable fixing unit, wherein the control unit obtains fixing unit information related to the fixing unit installed in the image forming unit and performs prescribed processing based on the obtained fixing unit information.

[0012] In addition, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an operation method of an image forming device, in which, in the operation method of an image forming device including an image forming unit having a detachable fixing unit, fixing unit information related to the fixing unit installed in the image forming unit is obtained, and prescribed processing is performed based on the obtained fixing unit information.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that performs different operations for each fixing unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is an example of a power-off screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is an example of a device status screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 (A) to (D) are examples of icons displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is an example of a copy screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is an example of a job management screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is an example of a job management screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 15 (a) is a diagram for explaining damage to the fixing belt when an A5 paper passes through. Figure 15 (b) is a diagram for explaining stains generated on an A3 paper when the paper passes through a damaged fixing belt. Figure 16 (a) is a diagram for explaining damage generated on a fixing belt for A5 paper when A5 paper passes through. Figure 16 (b) is a diagram for explaining damage generated on the fixing belt for A3 paper when A3 paper passes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] [1. First embodiment]

[0016] [1.1 Functional Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of an image forming device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Image forming device 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Printer / Peripheral) or a multifunction peripheral. Typically, it has copying, image scanning, fax, and printer functions. Image forming device 1 may also have other functions, such as email sending and receiving functions and file server functions.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a display unit 3, an operation unit 5, an image input unit 7, a paper feed unit 9, an image forming unit 11, a communication unit 13, a connection unit 15, a storage unit 17, and a control unit 19. The operation unit 5 includes a main power switch (SW) 5a. The image forming unit 11 includes a fixing unit 11a and a fixing unit information acquisition unit 11b. The fixing unit 11a includes a fixing unit information storage unit 11a1. The storage unit 17 includes an installation unit information storage unit 17a, a fixing unit usage history storage unit 17b, and a paper feed tray information storage unit 17c.

[0018] Display unit 3 is a functional unit for displaying images and text. For example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel. Display unit 3 can be a standalone display device or can include an externally connected display device.

[0019] The operating unit 5 receives user input. For example, the operating unit 5 is composed of hardware keys and software keys. Furthermore, the operating unit 5 includes, for example, a task key for instructing the execution of tasks such as fax transmission and image reading, and a stop key for instructing the termination of an operation. Alternatively, the operating unit may include physical keys such as a task key, a stop key, a power key, and a power-saving key. The main power SW5a is a switch for turning the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 on and off.

[0020] The display unit 3 and the operating unit 5 may be integrally formed. For example, a touch panel display may be used as the display unit 3 and the operating unit 5. In this case, the main power supply SW5a is preferably provided separately from the touch panel display.

[0021] The image input unit 7 reads an image (original) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 7 is comprised of a conventional scanner (image input device). Alternatively, the image input unit 7 can input image data from an external storage medium, such as a USB memory stick, or receive images via a network. The main scanning direction of the image input unit 7 is orthogonal to the paper feed direction of the paper feed unit 9, and the sub-scanning direction of the image input unit 7 is aligned with the paper feed direction of the paper feed unit 9.

[0022] The paper supply unit 9 has a paper supply tray for storing media such as paper and a conveying mechanism for conveying the media from the paper supply tray to the image forming unit 11. The paper supply unit 9 has a plurality of paper supply trays. Each paper supply tray stores paper of the same paper type. There may be a plurality of paper supply trays for storing the same paper type, or each paper supply tray may store paper of different paper types. In addition, the paper supply unit 9 may also have a classification mechanism for classifying media (paper) with images formed thereon, a paper discharge tray for discharging media with images formed thereon, and a conveying mechanism for conveying media with images formed thereon to the classification mechanism and the paper discharge tray. Furthermore, the paper supply unit 9 may also have a conveying mechanism for conveying media with images formed thereon to the image input unit 7, and a conveying mechanism for conveying media whose images are read by the image input unit 7 to the paper discharge tray, the classification mechanism, and the like.

[0023] The paper feed unit 9 conveys the medium in the secondary scanning direction of the image input unit 7. As described above, in this application, the width of the medium (paper) in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction is referred to as the paper width. Therefore, in this embodiment, the paper width may also be referred to as the width of the paper in the primary scanning direction of the image input unit 7. The paper feed unit 9 conveys the medium so that the longitudinal direction of the fixing belt (not shown) of the fixing unit 11a and the medium conveyance direction are mutually perpendicular.

[0024] The image forming unit 11 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on image data. The printing method used by the image forming unit 11 is laser printing. The image forming unit 11 can be a monochrome laser printer or a color laser printer. The image forming unit 11 may also include a paper feed mechanism for supplying media, a conveying mechanism for transporting media, and a sorting mechanism for sorting media after image formation.

[0025] The fixing unit 11a is a fixing device and is attachable to and detachable from the image forming section 11. The fixing unit 11a heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred onto the paper, thereby fusing the toner image onto the paper.

[0026] The fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 is capable of being mechanically read, such as an IC (Integrated Cricuit) chip or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 stores the fixing unit information of the fixing unit 11a. The fixing unit information includes identification information for uniquely identifying the fixing unit 11a (hereinafter referred to as identification information) and the type of the unit of the fixing unit 11a (hereinafter referred to as the fixing unit type). The fixing unit type is determined by the user based on the paper specifications, which include the paper size (such as the length of the long side and the short side, A-size, B-size, etc.) that can use the fixing unit during image formation. Paper specifications other than paper size refer to, for example: paper thickness, paper type (such as uncoated paper, glossy coated paper, matte coated paper, embossed paper, etc.). When the fixing unit 11a is installed in the image forming unit 11, the control unit 19 newly writes or updates the fixing unit type according to the operation of the operating unit 5.

[0027] As reference Figure 15 and Figure 16The present disclosure relates to two damages generated on a fixing belt along the side of a sheet of paper that is approximately parallel to the paper conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) when an image is formed on a rectangular sheet of paper. The position where the damage is generated on the fixing belt basically differs depending on the paper size of the paper that contacts the fixing unit during image formation. However, when there is a specific relationship between two different paper sizes, the two damages are generated at the same position on the fixing belt even when image formation is performed on two different paper sizes. That is, when two paper sizes satisfy the conditions of (1) the lengths (reference lengths) of the sides in the direction approximately orthogonal to the paper conveying direction (main scanning direction) are equal to each other, and (2) the lengths of the sides approximately parallel to the paper conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) are different, damage is generated at the same position on the fixing belt due to contact with the two paper sizes. Generally, A-size paper has sizes ranging from A0 to A10, and the length of the short side of a certain size of A-size paper is equal to the length of the long side of an A-size paper that is one size smaller than the A-size paper. For example, the short side of A3 paper and the long side of A4 paper are both 297mm long. Therefore, a fixing unit type that uses the short side of A3 paper as its reference length can be used for printing on A3 paper conveyed with its short side in the main scanning direction, and can also be used for printing on A4 paper conveyed with its long side in the main scanning direction. B-size paper also has sizes from B0 to B10, and the same relationship applies. For example, the short side of B3 paper and the long side of B4 paper are both 364mm long. Therefore, a fixing unit type that uses the short side of B3 paper as its reference length can be used for printing on B3 paper conveyed with its short side in the main scanning direction, and can also be used for printing on B4 paper conveyed with its long side in the main scanning direction. The fixing unit information acquisition unit 11b is a reader / writer for reading and writing to the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1. For example, when the fixing unit information storage portion 11a1 is an IC chip, the fixing unit information acquisition portion 11b is an IC chip reader / writer, and when the fixing unit information storage portion 11a1 is an RFID tag, the fixing unit information acquisition portion 11b is an RFID reader / writer.

[0028] The communication unit 13 is connected to a network. For example, the communication unit 13 comprises an interface capable of connecting to a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. By connecting the communication unit 13 to the network, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to other devices and an external network. Alternatively, the communication unit 13 may be an interface for short-range wireless communication, such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0029] The connection unit 15 connects the image forming apparatus 1 and other devices. For example, the connection unit 15 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. In addition to the USB interface, the connection unit 15 may also be an interface such as HDMI (registered trademark).

[0030] The storage unit 17 is a functional unit that stores various programs and data required for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit 17 includes one or more temporary storage recording devices such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and non-temporary recording devices such as SSDs (Solid State Drives) composed of semiconductor memory and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) composed of magnetic disks. For ease of explanation, the storage unit 17 is shown as a single device, but it can also be configured as a separate device for each purpose, such as an area for executing programs (primary storage area), an area for storing programs and data (auxiliary storage area), and an area for caching.

[0031] The installation unit information storage unit 17a stores the fixing unit information of the fixing unit 11a currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The fixing unit usage history storage unit 17b stores the usage history for each fixing unit. For example, the control unit 19 associates the number of sheets of paper on which images have been formed with the identification information of the fixing unit 11a for each paper type and stores the information as the usage history. Each time an image is formed on a sheet of paper in the image forming unit 11, the control unit 19 updates the usage history of the fixing unit 11a being installed. The paper feed tray information storage unit 17c stores paper information related to the paper in the paper feed tray, including the paper types of the paper stored in the plurality of paper feed trays of the paper feed unit 9.

[0032] The control unit 19 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1. It is composed of one or more control devices and control circuits, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a System on a Chip (SoC). The control unit 19 implements various functions by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 17.

[0033] [1.2 Operation of Image Forming Apparatus 1 in First Embodiment] Figure 2This is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. When the fixing unit 11a is installed in the image forming unit 11, the control unit 19 obtains fixing unit information from the fixing unit information storage unit 11a via the fixing unit information acquisition unit 11b (step S1). The control unit 19 then stores the obtained fixing unit information in the installed unit information storage unit 17a (step S3). The control unit 19 then displays the fixing unit information on the display unit 3 (step S5).

[0034] Next, the control unit 19 performs a determination based on the fixing unit information stored in the mounting unit information storage unit 17a and the paper information for each paper feed tray stored in the paper feed tray information storage unit 17c (step S7). This determination determines whether image formation is being performed using the currently mounted fixing unit for each paper feed tray. More specifically, it determines whether the paper size of the paper stored in the paper feed tray is a paper size permitted for use by the fixing unit type specified in the fixing unit information stored in the mounting unit information storage unit 17a.

[0035] Next, the control unit 19 displays on the display unit 3 whether the paper size or paper feed tray can be used based on the determination result of step S7 (step S9). In addition, before and after step S9, the control unit 19 controls whether image formation can be performed for each paper size or paper feed tray based on the determination result of step S7 (step S11). That is, in the case where an instruction indicating that image formation is performed using an allowed paper size or paper feed tray in step S7 is input via the operation unit 5, etc., the control unit 19 performs image formation based on the instruction. On the other hand, in step S7, in the case where an instruction indicating that image formation is performed using an unallowed paper size or paper feed tray is input via the operation unit 5, etc., the control unit 19 does not perform image formation based on the instruction.

[0036] Next, the control unit 19 updates the usage history of the currently mounted fixing unit based on whether image formation was executed in step S11 (step S13). If image formation was executed in step S11, the control unit 19 updates the usage history of the currently mounted fixing unit in the usage history stored in the fixing unit usage history storage unit 17b based on the number of times image formation was executed (the number of sheets output after image formation).

[0037] [1.3 screen example] Figure 3This is an example of a power-off screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Before step S1, when the main power SW5a is operated and the main power is turned off, the control unit 19 displays a power-off screen 31 on the display unit 3. The power-off screen 31 includes a message bar 33 that contains a message to the user that the main power is being turned off. After the power-off screen 31 is displayed, the control unit 19 turns on the main power again after the main power is turned off. Figure 2 Flowchart to perform actions.

[0038] Figure 4 This is an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The home screen 41 is the first screen displayed after the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, as a screen for accepting user operations, and is displayed before and after step S1. The home screen 41 includes a machine status button 43, a copy button 45, and a machine adjustment button 47.

[0039] The machine status button 43 is a screen element for switching the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a machine status screen 51 (described later) in response to an operation on the operating unit 5. The copy button 45 is a screen element for switching the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a copy screen 71 (described later) in response to an operation on the operating unit 5. The machine adjustment button 47 is a screen element (icon) for switching the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a machine adjustment screen (not shown).

[0040] Figure 5 This is an example of a machine status screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The machine status screen 51 is displayed in step S5. The machine status screen 51 includes a fusing unit type display 53. The fusing unit type display 53 is displayed based on the fusing unit information read from the fusing unit information storage unit 11a1 of the fusing unit 11a currently mounted on the image forming unit 11 in step S1. In this example, the paper size "A3" is displayed as the fusing unit type display 53.

[0041] Figure 6 (A) to (D) are examples of icons displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Icons 61, 63, 65, and 67 are each used in place of the device adjustment button 47 on the home screen 41. Displaying the home screen 41 using any one of the icons 61, 63, 65, and 67 in place of the device adjustment button 47 corresponds to step S5.

[0042] Icons 61, 63, 65, and 67 have fixing unit type displays 61a, 63a, 65a, and 67a, respectively. The fixing unit type displays 61a, 63a, 65a, and 67a are displayed based on the fixing unit information read from the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 of the fixing unit 11a currently mounted on the image forming unit 11 in step S1.

[0043] Fusing unit type display 61a indicates the fusing unit type is "A," and fusing unit type display 63a indicates the fusing unit type is "B." "A" and "B" in fusing unit type displays 61a and 63a are simply names. Fusing unit type displays 65a and 67a display specific fusing unit types for A and B sizes. Fusing unit type display 65a indicates the fusing unit type is "A3." Fusing unit type display 67a indicates the fusing unit type is "A5."

[0044] Figure 7 This is an example of a copy screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The copy screen 71 includes a machine status button 73 and a paper selection button 75. The machine status button 73 is a screen element for switching the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to the machine status screen 51 in response to an operation on the operating unit 5. The paper selection button 75 is a screen element for switching the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to the paper selection screen 81 described later in response to an operation on the operating unit 5.

[0045] Figure 8 This is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The display of the paper selection screen 81 corresponds to step S9. The paper selection screen 81 has main paper feed tray displays 83a to 83d, large-capacity paper feed tray displays 85a to 85d, manual tray displays 87, 87a, 87b, and machine schematic displays 89, 89a to 89h. Hereinafter, the main paper feed tray displays 83a to 83d, large-capacity paper feed tray displays 85a to 85d, and manual tray displays 87, 87a, 87b are collectively referred to as tray displays. The tray display is a screen element that can be selected by operating the operation unit 5. The control unit 19 uses the paper stored in the selected tray to perform image formation through the image forming unit 11.

[0046] Image forming apparatus 1 includes eight paper feed trays, including four paper feed trays provided on the main body of image forming apparatus 1 and four large-capacity paper feed trays external to image forming apparatus 1. These eight paper feed trays are assigned consecutive tray numbers 1 through 8. The control unit 19 reads paper information related to the paper stored in paper feed trays 1 through 8 from the paper feed tray information storage unit 17c and displays the information as main body paper feed tray displays 83a through 83d and large-capacity paper feed tray displays 85a through 85d.

[0047] Main body paper feed tray displays 83a through 83d are screen elements that display the types of paper stored in the four paper feed trays provided on the main body of image forming apparatus 1. These display elements correspond to paper feed trays 1 through 4. Large-capacity paper feed tray displays 85a through 85d are screen elements that display the types of paper stored in a large-capacity paper feed tray that is added externally to image forming apparatus 1. These display elements correspond to paper feed trays 5 through 8.

[0048] exist Figure 8 In the paper selection screen 81, the main paper feed tray displays 83a and 83b display A4 as the paper size, and the paper type (paper type) displays Plain Paper 1. The main paper feed tray display 83c displays B4 as the paper size, and the paper type displays Plain Paper 1. The main paper feed tray display 83d displays A3 as the paper size, and the paper type displays Plain Paper 1. The large-capacity paper feed tray displays 85a to 85d display A3 as the paper size, and the paper type displays Plain Paper 1.

[0049] exist Figure 8 On the paper selection screen 81, only the main paper feed tray display 83c, of the main paper feed tray displays 83a to 83d and the large-capacity paper feed tray displays 85a to 85d, is marked with a diagonal line. This diagonal line indicates that the main paper feed tray display 83c cannot be selected (e.g., grayed out). The display that the main paper feed tray display 83c cannot be selected corresponds to step S9.

[0050] That is, the control unit 19 performs the determination in step S7 (in this case, the determination is based on the fixing unit information of the fixing unit 11a currently installed in the image forming unit 11, stored in the installation unit information storage unit 17a, and the paper information of the main paper feed tray No. 3, stored in the paper feed tray information storage unit 17c). Based on the result of this determination, the control unit 19 makes the main paper feed tray display 83c unselectable (e.g., grayed out). Thus, if an operation is performed on a tray display that is unselectable (grayed out), the control unit 19 ignores the operation and does not accept it. Thus, the control of whether or not to form an image is performed in step S11 is performed.

[0051] Furthermore, the display format of device diagrams 89a through 89h changes depending on whether paper feed trays 1 through 8 can be selected. Specifically, device diagrams 89a, 89b, and 89d through 89h, corresponding to paper feed trays 1, 2, 4, and 8, respectively, are highlighted to indicate that they can be selected (eight radial lines drawn around the tray numbers indicate the highlighted display). On the other hand, device diagram 89c corresponding to paper feed tray 3 is not highlighted.

[0052] Manual tray display 87 is a tray display related to the manual tray of image forming apparatus 1. Manual tray display 87a displays the paper size and paper type of paper inserted into the manual tray, as set by the user via operation unit 5. Manual tray display 87b is a screen element used to switch to paper selection screen 101 or paper selection screen 110, described later.

[0053] Figure 9 This is another example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. When the control unit 19 displays the paper selection screen 81 on the display unit 3, if the main paper feed tray display 83c is operated via the operation unit 5, a screen transition is performed to display a paper selection screen 91 on the display unit 3. The paper selection screen 91 is a screen in which a message bar 91a is displayed superimposed on the paper selection screen 81. The message bar 91a displays a message conveying the following contents: the paper stored in the paper feed tray No. 3 (Tray 3) corresponding to the main paper feed tray display 83c cannot be used in the currently installed fixing unit 11a; and when image formation is performed using the paper in the paper feed tray No. 3, it is necessary to replace the currently installed fixing unit 11a with another fixing unit.

[0054] Figure 10 This is another example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Paper selection screen 101 is an example of a screen transition destination from paper selection screen 81 when manual tray display 87b is operated via operation unit 5 while paper selection screen 81 is displayed on display unit 3. Paper selection screen 101 is an example of a screen for selecting the type and size of paper, in which selectable candidates for the currently installed fixing unit are highlighted.

[0055] The paper selection screen 101 is a screen for selecting the type and size of manual paper. The paper selection screen 101 has tabs 103 and 105. Tab 103 is a tab for selecting the type of paper, and tab 105 is a tab for selecting the size of paper. Figure 10This is the state after selecting tab 103. Tab 103 displays 15 buttons in 5 rows and 3 columns. Each of these 15 buttons corresponds to a candidate for a paper type.

[0056] The paper selection screen 101 is an example of the display of step S9, and emphasizes the types of paper that can be used. For example, the button 107 displays the plain paper 1 (60-89 g / m ^ 2), but to indicate that it can be selected, the frame line 107a of button 107 is highlighted. In the figure, to indicate that the frame line 107a is highlighted, a rectangle drawn with a dotted line is shown inside the rectangle drawn with a solid line. The rectangle drawn with a dotted line indicates highlighting. On the other hand, the button 108 displays Thick Paper 3 (221-256g / m ^ 2), however, the frame 108a is drawn only as a solid rectangle, not as a dashed rectangle. Thus, in the paper selection screen 101, only selectable buttons are highlighted, thereby informing the user whether or not a button can be selected. Furthermore, if a button that is not highlighted is operated via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 ignores the operation and does not accept the operation, thereby proceeding to step S11.

[0057] Figure 11 This is another example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The paper selection screen 110 is another example of a screen transition destination from the paper selection screen 81 when the manual tray display 87b is operated via the operation unit 5 while the paper selection screen 81 is displayed on the display unit 3. The paper selection screen 110 is an example of a screen for selecting the type and size of paper in which a candidate that cannot be selected for the currently installed fixing unit is displayed as unselectable (e.g., grayed out).

[0058] The paper selection screen 110 is a screen for selecting the type and size of paper set on the manual tray, similar to the paper selection screen 101, and has tabs 113 and 115. Tab 113 is a tab for selecting the type of paper, and tab 115 is a tab for selecting the size of paper. Figure 11 In the figure, tab 113 is selected. Tab 113 displays 15 buttons in 5 rows and 3 columns. Each of these 15 buttons corresponds to a candidate for a paper type.

[0059] In the paper selection screen 110, the 15 buttons corresponding to the paper types in the tab 113 are the same as the 15 buttons corresponding to the paper types in the tab 103 in the paper selection screen 101. However, only the display format indicating whether the buttons are enabled or disabled is different.

[0060] For example, button 117 is the same as button 107 and displays the plain paper 1 (60-89 g / m ^ 2), but the frame line 117a is composed of a rectangle drawn with a solid line, and unlike the button 107, it is not highlighted. On the other hand, the button 118 is displayed as the button 108, thick paper 3 (221-256 g / m ^ 2), but the interior of the frame line 118a is filled with diagonal lines. This filling indicates a non-selectable display (e.g., gray display). This non-selectable display (e.g., gray display) indicates that the user cannot select the button.

[0061] [1.4 Effect] According to the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved: The type of the fixing unit 11a currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 can be displayed (step S5, Figure 5 、 Figure 6 Thus, the user can know the type of the fixing unit 11 a currently mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 without removing the fixing unit 11 a from the image forming apparatus 1 .

[0062] The paper feed tray containing paper that can be used in the currently installed fixing unit 11a can be displayed (step S9, Figures 8-11 ). Thus, the user can know the paper feed tray that accommodates paper that can be used in the currently mounted fixing unit 11a.

[0063] On the one hand, image formation using paper that can be used in the currently installed fixing unit 11a is allowed, and on the other hand, image formation using unusable paper can be restricted (step S11). Thus, the user does not need to perform image formation using paper that is not suitable for use in the currently installed fixing unit 11a.

[0064] [2. Second embodiment] Here, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has a function of executing a plurality of pre-registered printing jobs at the same time. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as a batch printing function. As functions associated with the batch printing function, there are, for example, a print publishing function and a document archiving function. The print publishing function is a function in which, on the basis of setting any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses interconnected via a network as a master machine and the others as slave machines, the slave machine receives the print data (data related to the image formed on the paper) pre-registered in the master machine via the network and performs printing (image formation) in the slave machine. The document archiving function is a function in which print data of documents etc. that are frequently printed are pre-registered in the storage unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 1, and when printing the documents etc., the registered print data is used for printing.

[0066] In the second embodiment, job management control is performed to manage print jobs executable in the batch print function according to the type of the currently mounted fixing unit. Figure 12 This is an example of a job management screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The job management screen 121 includes a registered job list 123, a batch print button 125, and a scroll bar 127. The registered job list 123 is a screen element that displays a list of print jobs registered in the image forming apparatus 1. The batch print button 125 is a screen element for instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute batch printing. The scroll bar 127 is a screen element for scrolling the registered job list 123 up and down.

[0067] exist Figure 12In the example shown, five print jobs registered in the image forming device 1 are displayed in the registered job list 123. Other print jobs (not shown) are also registered in the image forming device 1. However, at the current display position indicated by the scroll bar 127, five files with the file names "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf," "Scan_20220630_102911.pdf," "Scan_20220630_102416.pdf," "Cop_20220418_133245.pdf," and "Cop_20220128_090700.pdf" are displayed as print jobs among all registered print jobs. Furthermore, due to display space constraints, the "pdf" extension for each file is omitted from the registered job list 123. In response to operation of the scroll bar 127 via the operating unit 5, the control unit 19 can scroll down the registered job list 123 to display other registered print jobs. A paper size (not shown) is set for each print job. A print job is associated with the file name of the document to be printed, the paper size used for printing, the user name, and the registration date, and is stored in the storage unit 17 as registered job data (not shown).

[0068] Here, it is assumed that in the print job currently registered in the image forming apparatus 1, the paper size is set to A3 in the files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf", and the paper size is set to A5 in other print jobs. In addition, the files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf" are both files of registered print jobs, but when the scroll bar 127 is at Figure 12 , the file “Scan_20220630_102942.pdf” is displayed in the registered job list 123, but “Scan_20220630_102941.pdf” is not displayed in the registered job list 123. In addition, it is assumed that the fixing unit type of the fixing unit 11a currently mounted on the image forming apparatus 1 is the paper size A3.

[0069] At this time, when the batch print button 125 is operated via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 extracts print jobs for paper sizes that can be printed by the currently installed fixing unit 11a from the registered job data in the storage unit 17. As described above, the fixing unit type of the currently installed fixing unit 11a is A3 paper size, and the only print jobs using this paper size are jobs for printing the files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf."

[0070] At this time, if Figure 13 As shown, the control unit 19 displays a message bar 131 superimposed on the job management screen 121. Message bar 131 confirms that the currently installed fixing unit 11a can print the extracted files. When the OK button 133 is pressed via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 executes a job to print the files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf" extracted by the image forming unit 11. At this time, other print jobs using A5 paper size are not executed.

[0071] According to the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is instructed to perform batch printing of multiple registered print jobs, it is possible to extract only those print jobs that can be printed using the fixing unit type of the fixing unit 11a from among the multiple print jobs, display them to the user, and accept an instruction to perform batch printing of only these extracted print jobs. Therefore, when performing batch printing, it is possible to avoid printing using paper that does not match the fixing unit type of the fixing unit.

[0072] According to the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 1 is instructed to execute batch printing of a plurality of registered print jobs, it can extract only print jobs that can be printed using the fixing unit type of the fixing unit 11 a from among the plurality of print jobs.

[0073] For example, consider executing print jobs in the order of the registration date of the registered job data. In this case, the print jobs in the registered job data are not sorted by the paper size used. Therefore, the execution order may be such that a print job using A3 paper is executed, followed by a print job using A5 paper, and then a print job using A3 paper is executed again. Because the image forming apparatus 1 uses a different fixing unit depending on the paper, adopting this execution order would require multiple replacements of the fixing unit.

[0074] However, according to the second embodiment, print jobs using the same paper size are batch-executed. Therefore, even when print jobs using different paper sizes are registered in the registered job data, the second embodiment can minimize the number of times the fixing unit 11a needs to be replaced.

[0075] [3. Third embodiment] Here, the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0076] If you have already referred to Figure 16As described above, the fixing belt 321 of the fixing unit used for printing A3 paper 309 has scratches 311 and 313 at locations corresponding to the length of the short side of the A3 paper. Therefore, even in the fixing unit 11a whose fixing unit type is set for A3 paper, repeated printing of A3 paper will cause scratches equivalent to scratches 311 and 313. However, since the fixing unit 11a whose fixing unit type is set for A3 paper does not print other paper sizes, similar scratches will not occur inside the scratches 311 and 313. With this in mind, the third embodiment enables the reuse of fixing units that have scratches on their fixing belts caused by repeated printing of the same paper size.

[0077] In step S13, the control unit 19 updates the usage history stored in the fixing unit usage history storage unit 17b each time an image is formed on a sheet of paper of a certain size and type using the installed fixing unit 11a. The usage history includes, for example, the number of times the fixing unit 11a has been used for printing on the sheet of paper of that size and type.

[0078] The control unit 19 compares the updated number of prints with a predetermined threshold number. The threshold number is determined, for example, by the number of prints when the fixing belt is damaged, using the same type of fixing unit as the currently installed fixing unit 11a and actually printing paper of the same size and type.

[0079] As a result of the comparison, if the updated number of prints is greater than the threshold number, the control unit 19 displays a message bar on the display unit 3 to inform the user of the following two messages: (Message 1) The currently installed fixing unit cannot be used for printing paper of the currently used paper size. (Message 2) It is recommended that the currently installed fixing unit be used for printing paper of a smaller size than the current paper size in the future.

[0080] Figure 14 This is an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 In the example, a message bar 141 is displayed in an overlapping manner on the home screen 41. The message bar 141 includes messages 141a and 141b and an OK button 141c.

[0081] Message 141a corresponds to message 1. Message 141a indicates that printing can no longer be performed using the currently mounted fixing unit 11a (fixing unit type is A3 size).

[0082] Message 141b corresponds to message 2. Message 141b prompts the user to use the currently installed fixing unit 11a for future printing of A4R (A4 landscape) paper. If the user agrees to this message, the user preferably updates the fixing unit information of the currently installed fixing unit 11a via the operation unit 5 and changes the fixing unit type to A4 landscape. In response to this operation, the control unit 19 updates the fixing unit information stored in the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 of the currently installed fixing unit 11a and in the installed unit information storage unit 17a.

[0083] The OK button 141c is a screen element to be operated via the operation unit 5. In response to the operation of the OK button 141c, the control unit 19 causes the display unit 3 to transition to the original home screen 41 without the message field 141.

[0084] After displaying the message bar 141 on the display unit 3, the control unit 19 restricts the printing of A3 size paper by the currently installed fixing unit 11a. The restriction may also prohibit only the printing of A3 size paper. In this case, for example, Figure 8 In the paper selection screen 81, the main paper feed tray display 83d and the large-capacity paper feed tray displays 85a-85d corresponding to the tray storing A3 paper are not displayed for selection (for example, in gray). In addition, in this figure, the emphasis display of the machine mode diagram displays 89d-89h corresponding to these tray displays is stopped. Alternatively, when a print instruction using A3-sized paper is input via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 may display a message on the display unit 3 stating that the print quality cannot be guaranteed due to damage to the fixing belt, and provide the user with an opportunity to cancel the instruction. If the user requests to continue the instruction, the control unit 19 may execute the print instruction.

[0085] In addition, in the above description, the control unit 19 determines whether the fixing belt surface is damaged by comparing the number of prints using the installed fixing unit in printing of a certain paper size and a certain paper type with a predetermined threshold number. However, other determination methods may also be used.

[0086] For example, if printing is performed when the surface of the fixing belt of the fixing unit is damaged, stains (black streaks) caused by the damage to the fixing belt will adhere to the printed paper. Consider detecting the black streaks to determine whether the surface of the fixing belt is damaged. More specifically, when the image forming unit 11 is used to print on a sheet of paper, the control unit 19 uses the image input unit 7 to obtain an image of the printed surface of the printed paper and determines whether the edge portion of the paper in the image has black streaks. Through this determination, when a black streak is detected once, it can be determined that the surface of the fixing belt is damaged. When a black streak is detected each time when a predetermined number of consecutive prints are performed, it can also be determined that the surface of the fixing belt is damaged.

[0087] According to the third embodiment, defective printing in which black streaks are generated on the printed surface due to scratches on the surface of the fixing belt can be prevented before they occur, or the adverse effects on printing can be minimized by detecting the scratches immediately after they occur.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the user can be prompted to re-use a fixing unit whose fixing belt surface is damaged and unsuitable for printing on a certain paper size, for printing on a smaller paper size. This allows the period during which the fixing unit can be used to maintain print quality to be extended.

[0089] [4. Other variations] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible. That is, embodiments obtained by combining appropriately modified technical means within the scope of the present disclosure are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] In the embodiments, the programs running in each device are programs that control the CPU and other devices (programs that enable the computer to function) to implement the functions of the embodiments described above. Furthermore, information processed by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) while being processed. It is then stored in various ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD, and SSD storage devices and read, modified, or written to by the CPU as needed.

[0091] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any one of a semiconductor medium (e.g., a ROM, a non-volatile memory card, etc.), an optical recording medium / magneto-optical recording medium (e.g., a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), an MO (Magneto Optical Disc), an MD (Mini Disc), a CD (Compact Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), a magnetic recording medium (e.g., a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, etc.). In addition, by executing the downloaded program, not only the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments can be realized, but also the functions of the present disclosure can be realized through joint processing by an operating system or other application programs based on the instructions of the program.

[0092] Furthermore, when distributing the program to the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is naturally also included in the present invention.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that: The device comprises a control unit and an image forming unit having a detachable fixing unit. The control section acquires fixing unit information related to a fixing unit mounted in the image forming section, and executes a predetermined process based on the acquired fixing unit information.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes a display unit, The process is a process in which the control unit causes the display unit to display at least one of the fixing unit information and information specified based on the fixing unit information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing unit information includes identification information for uniquely identifying the fixing unit, The processing is a processing of determining, based on the identification information, a size of paper on which image formation is permitted using the fixing unit, and determining, based on a result of the determination, whether image formation on the paper by the image forming section can be performed.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The paper is rectangular. The determination determines whether or not image formation on the paper by the image forming unit is executable, using a length of a side of the paper that is substantially perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the paper as a reference length.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes a display unit, The control unit causes the display unit to display, in different display formats, a paper size determined in the determination to be executable for image formation and a paper size determined to be inexecutable for image formation.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit restricts the image forming unit from performing image formation on paper of a paper size determined in the determination as being incapable of image formation.

7. A method for operating an image forming apparatus, comprising: acquiring fixing unit information related to a fixing unit installed in the image forming unit, Based on the acquired fixing unit information, prescribed processing is executed.

Images