Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus main body including a control unit, and a wiring member electrically connected to the control unit, the wiring member having a first connector provided at an end thereof; and a unit including a second connector, the second connector being insertable into and removable from the first connector. The wiring member includes a fuse that is burnt out according to a command from the control unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording material. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-131864 describes a method in which a fuse attached to a charger is blown when a charger connector is connected to a connector of an image forming apparatus main body, causing the CPU of the apparatus main body to detect that a new charger has been attached. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-101276 describes a method for determining the amount of connector degradation based on the number of times a fixing unit connector and an apparatus main body connector are inserted / removed and the conditions during insertion / removal (such as insertion / removal speed). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a new type of image forming apparatus having a configuration capable of detecting the state of a connector.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming device includes: a device body, the device body including a control unit, and a wiring member electrically connected to the control unit, the wiring member having a first connector provided at the end of the wiring member; and a unit including a second connector, the second connector being capable of being inserted into and removed from the first connector, wherein the wiring member includes a fuse that is blown according to a command from the control unit.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, an image forming device includes: a device body, the device body including a control unit, and a first connector electrically connected to the control unit; and a unit that can be attached to and detached from the device body, the unit including a second connector that can be inserted into and removed from the first connector, and a storage unit configured to store information related to deterioration of the second connector, the storage unit being electrically connected to the control unit via the first connector and the second connector.

[0006] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3Ais an explanatory diagram of the cutting element according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3B is an explanatory diagram of the cutting element according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of a fuse circuit according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7A is a perspective view illustrating a terminal of the drawer connector according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7B is a perspective view illustrating a terminal of the drawer connector according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a terminal of the drawer connector according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a terminal of the drawer connector according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view illustrating a terminal of the drawer connector according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 is a graph showing changes in resistance of an AC contact relative to the number of times a connector is inserted / removed.

[0020] Figure 10 is a circuit diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14A is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14Bis an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0026] Figure 14C is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] First embodiment

[0029] As a first embodiment, an embodiment in which a fuse is disposed on a wiring member (main body cable) on the apparatus main body side of the image forming apparatus will be described. Figure 1 An overview of the image forming apparatus is described.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a recording material S based on image data received from the outside, for example. As the recording material S (recording medium), various sheet materials of varying sizes and materials can be used, such as paper (such as plain paper and thick paper), surface-treated sheet materials (such as coated paper), sheet materials having special shapes (such as envelopes and index paper), plastic film, and cloth.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 1A, a process cartridge 20, a scanner unit 22, a transfer roller 21, a fixing device 27, a motor 33, a power supply device 34, and a control unit 35. In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a cassette 11, a feed roller 12, a conveying roller pair 13, a registration roller pair 15, a conveying roller pair 29, a sheet discharge roller pair 31, and a sheet discharge tray 32.

[0032] In this embodiment, the apparatus body 1A includes a frame member constituting the main frame of the image forming apparatus 1 and a cover member constituting the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the apparatus body 1A includes a housing formed by the frame member and the cover member. The aforementioned components (20, 21, 22, 27, 33, 34, 35, 13, 15, 29, 31) are attached to the apparatus body 1A and housed within the apparatus body 1A during image formation. At least the process cartridge 20 and the fixing device 27 are detachable from the apparatus body 1A.

[0033] The process cartridge 20 is an example of an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording material S. The process cartridge 20 is a unit in which a photosensitive drum 19 serving as an image bearing member and at least one process member acting on the photosensitive drum 19 are integrated. The process member participates in any of charging, exposure, development, transfer, and cleaning in the electrophotographic process. The process cartridge 20 of this embodiment includes a charging roller 16 serving as a charging member, a developing roller 17 serving as a developing member, and a cleaning blade 18 serving as a cleaning member. In addition, a toner serving as a developer is accommodated in the process cartridge 20. Note that, instead of the process cartridge 20, a process unit having a function similar to that of the process cartridge 20 and fixed to the apparatus body 1A in a mode that does not assume attachment and detachment by a user may be used.

[0034] The scanner unit 22 is an example of an exposure unit that exposes the photosensitive drum 19. The scanner unit 22 includes a laser diode 23 as a light source, and a polygon mirror 24 and a reflection mirror 25 that constitute an optical system for scanning the surface of the photosensitive drum 19 with laser light. The exposure unit may be an LED exposure unit that uses LEDs arranged side by side in the main scanning direction of the photosensitive drum 19 as a light source.

[0035] The transfer roller 21 is a transfer member for transferring the toner image onto the recording material S. A transfer nip serving as a transfer portion where the toner image is transferred is formed between the transfer roller 21 and the photosensitive drum 19 .

[0036] The fixing device 27 includes a heating member 27a (fixing member), a pressing member 27b adjacent to the heating member 27a, and a heat source 27c for heating the heating member 27a. The fixing device 27 is an image heating device that heats and pressurizes the toner image on the recording material while conveying the recording material S clamped at the clamping portion (fixing clamping portion) between the heating member 27a and the pressing member 27b. The fixing device 27 is, for example, a film heating type fixing device. The film heating type fixing device 27 includes a tubular film having flexibility as the heating member 27a, a heater disposed in the internal space of the film as the heat source 27c, and a pressing roller disposed so as to clamp the film between the pressing roller and the heater as the pressing member 27b. As the heater, for example, a heating element RH1 ( Figure 2 ) patterned ceramic heater, the heating element RH1 generates Joule heat when current is supplied thereto. For example, a cylindrical fixing roller can be used as the heating member 27a. As the heat source 27c, for example, a halogen lamp that emits radiant heat when current is supplied thereto can be used.

[0037] The fixing device 27 includes a fixing side connector 107, a relay board PCB1, and thermistors TH1 and TH2 ( Figure 2 ). These will be described below.

[0038] The motor 33 is a driving source that supplies a driving force for rotationally driving the rotating members in the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the motor 33 can supply driving force to, for example, the pressure roller of the fixing device 27, the photosensitive drum 19, and the rollers (12, 13, 15, 29, 31) that convey the recording material S.

[0039] The power supply device 34 receives power from an AC power source 10 (e.g., a commercial power source) outside the image forming apparatus 1, and supplies the power to units inside the image forming apparatus 1, including the heater of the fixing device 27, the control unit 35, and the motor 33. In addition, the power supply device 34 generates various high voltages (charging voltage, developing voltage, and transfer voltage) necessary for performing an electrophotographic process, and applies the generated high voltages to the charging roller 16, the developing roller 17, and the transfer roller 21.

[0040] The control unit 35 is a control circuit that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 35 includes a CPU 111 and a memory MM1 ( Figure 2 ). The memory MM1 includes volatile and non-volatile storage units. The memory MM1 stores programs for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 and holds various types of data for controlling the image forming apparatus 1. The CPU 111 reads the programs from the memory MM1 and executes them, and controls the motor 33, the power supply device 34, and the like, thereby realizing various operations such as the image forming operation.

[0041] The cassette 11 is a storage portion in which the recording material S is loaded and stored. Each of the feed roller 12 (pickup roller), the transport roller pair 13, the registration roller pair 15, the transport roller pair 29, and the sheet discharge roller pair 31 is a transport member that transports the recording material S. The sheet discharge tray 32 is a stacking portion on which the recording material S on which the image is formed is stacked.

[0042] Note that in the apparatus body 1A, sensors for recording materials are arranged along the conveyance path of the recording material S. A top sensor 14 is disposed between the conveyance roller pair 13 and the registration roller pair 15. A loop sensor 26 is disposed between the transfer nip and the fixing nip. A post-fixing sensor 28 is disposed between the fixing nip and the conveyance roller pair 29. A control unit 35 is connected to these sensors (14, 26, 28) to monitor the state of the recording material S based on detection signals from the sensors and to manage the progress of the image forming operation.

[0043] Image forming operation

[0044] A series of operations (image forming operation and printing operation) in which the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a recording material S while conveying the recording material S one sheet at a time will be described.

[0045] In the image forming operation, the recording material S loaded on the cartridge 11 is fed one sheet at a time by the feed roller 12, conveyed by the conveying roller pair 13, passes the top sensor 14, and is conveyed to the registration roller pair 15. The registration roller pair 15 conveys the recording material S to the transfer nip at a timing synchronized with the formation of the toner image in the process cartridge 20.

[0046] In the process cartridge 20, the photosensitive drum 19 is rotationally driven, and the charging roller 16 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 19. The scanner unit 22 is driven by an image signal (video signal) generated based on image data and irradiates the photosensitive drum 19 with laser light. As a result, the photosensitive drum 19 is exposed, and an electrostatic latent image is written on the surface of the photosensitive drum 19. The developing roller 17 carries toner and supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 19 to develop the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 19 is transferred by the transfer roller 21 to the recording material S conveyed to the transfer nip.

[0047] The recording material S that has passed through the transfer nip is conveyed to the fixing device 27. The fixing device 27 heats and pressurizes the toner image on the recording material S while conveying the recording material S, which is held between the heating member 27a and the pressure member 27b. This fixes the toner image to the recording material S. The speed at which the fixing device 27 conveys the recording material S is adjusted based on the detection signal from the loop sensor 26 so that the recording material S is not pulled between the transfer nip and the fixing nip. The recording material S discharged from the fixing device 27 passes through the post-fixing sensor 28, is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 29, and is discharged to the outside of the apparatus body 1A by the sheet discharge roller pair 31, where it is stacked on a sheet discharge tray 32.

[0048] Main cable

[0049] Figure 2 1 is a diagram illustrating a circuit including a main body cable 100 (wiring member) according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the fixing device 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 35 and the power supply device 34 via the main body cable 100. The main body cable 100 is part of the apparatus body 1A. Note that the main body cable 100 is not limited to being physically and electrically connected to the control unit 35 and the power supply device 34, and may be electrically connected to the control unit 35 and the power supply device 34 via another wiring member or a relay board.

[0050] The main body cable 100 includes a main body side connector 102, an AC connector 105, a DC connector 101, AC lines HACL and HACN, a DC harness 103, and a disconnecting element 104 (fuse). The disconnecting element 104 is a circuit breaker capable of disconnecting some of the wires of the main body cable 100.

[0051] The main body side connector 102 can be inserted into and removed from the fixing side connector 107 provided in the fixing device 27. The main body cable 100 is an example of a wiring member in which a first connector (main body side connector 102) is provided at an end, and the fixing side connector 107 is an example of a second connector that can be inserted into and removed from the first connector. The main body side connector 102 of this embodiment is a connector in which an AC connector portion 102A for AC voltage and a DC connector portion 102D for DC voltage or DC signal transmission are integrated.

[0052] One of the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107 is a socket type (female) connector, and the other of the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107 is a plug type (male) connector. In the present embodiment, the connector unit including the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107 is a drawer connector Cn1. The drawer connector is a connector unit that includes, for example, a guide resin shell provided on the outside of the contact member (terminal) and a floating mechanism that absorbs misalignment between the connectors, so that a stable connection can be made even when the connector is frequently inserted / removed. The floating mechanism supports at least a portion of the connector (including a portion of the contact member) so that it can be moved relative to the frame body of the device body 1A or the frame body of the fixing device 27. When the drawer connectors are connected to each other, first, the guide shapes of the resin shells engage with each other, so that the contact members are aligned with each other by the floating mechanism. Then, the contact members are brought into contact with each other to electrically connect the device body 1A and the fixing device 27.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted (connected) at least when the fixing device 27 is mounted (attached) to the apparatus main body 1A, and is removed at least when the fixing device 27 is separated (detached) from the apparatus main body 1A. Furthermore, as in a fourth embodiment to be described below, the drawer connector Cn1 can be inserted (connected) when the fixing device 27 is moved from the use position to the retracted position, and can be removed when the fixing device 27 is moved from the retracted position to the use position.

[0054] AC connector 105 is a connector for alternating current. DC connector 101 is a connector for transmitting DC voltage, ground potential, and DC signals. AC connector 105 is connected to AC connector 106 of power supply device 34. DC connector 101 is connected to DC connector 108 of control unit 35.

[0055] AC line HACL and AC line HACN are electrical wires for alternating current. One end of AC line HACL and AC line HACN is connected to AC connector portion 102A of main unit connector 102. The other end of AC line HACL and AC line HACN is connected to AC connector 105. AC line HACL is electrically connected to one end of heating element RH1 of fixing device 27 via main unit connector 102 and fixing unit connector 107. AC line HACN is electrically connected to the other end of heating element RH1 of fixing device 27 via main unit connector 102 and fixing unit connector 107. AC line HACL and AC line HACN are electrical wires for supplying power to heating element RH1 of fixing device 27.

[0056] DC harness 103 is an electrical wire for direct current. One end of DC harness 103 is connected to DC connector portion 102D of main body connector 102. The other end of DC harness 103 is connected to DC connector 101. DC harness 103 includes multiple wires. In this embodiment, DC harness 103 includes signal wires STH1, STH2, SIG, SIGR, LP, and LPR, as well as a ground wire SGND.

[0057] The signal lines STH1 and STH2 and the ground line SGND are electrically connected to the connector of the relay board PCB1 via the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107. The thermistor TH1 and the thermistor TH2 are connected to the connector of the relay board PCB1. In the relay board PCB1, the grounding parts of the thermistor TH1 and the thermistor TH2 are combined into one. One combined grounding part is connected to the ground line SGND of the DC harness 103. The thermistors TH1 and TH2 are temperature detection elements for detecting the temperature of the heating element RH1. The signals output from the thermistors TH1 and TH2 vary depending on the temperature of the heating element RH1. Based on the signals of the thermistors TH1 and TH2, the control unit 35 controls the power supply from the power supply device 34 to the heating element RH1 to maintain the fixing nip at a predetermined target temperature (fixing temperature) suitable for fixing the image.

[0058] The signal line LP is electrically connected to the signal line LPR via the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107. Among the plurality of terminals of the fixing side connector 107, terminals corresponding to the signal lines LP and LPR are short-circuited to each other by a short-circuit line 107S.

[0059] A signal line SIG is connected to one end of the cutoff element 104, and a signal line SIGR is connected to the other end of the cutoff element 104. The signal line SIGR is electrically connected to the connector of the relay board PCB1 via the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107, and is also electrically connected to the ground line SGND of the DC harness 103 through the relay board PCB1. The configuration of the cutoff element 104 will be described below.

[0060] The control unit 35 is a control board on which the CPU 111, the memory MM1, the fuse circuit 110, the insertion / removal detection circuit 120, and the like are mounted. The memory MM1 stores information related to the degradation of the main body side connector 102 (first connector) (connector degradation information). In this embodiment, a count value of the number of insertions / removals of the drawer connector Cn1 is stored in the memory MM1 as the connector degradation information. Since the number of insertions / removals is reset when the main body cable 100 is replaced ( Figure 5 Therefore, the connector degradation information of this embodiment is the number of times the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted / removed after the disconnecting element 104 (fuse) of the main cable 100 is blown. The fusing circuit 110 and the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 will be described below.

[0061] Note that the number of insertions and removals of the drawer connector Cn1 may be based on any one of the number of times the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted, the number of times the drawer connector Cn1 is removed, and the number of times a set of insertions and removals of the drawer connector Cn1 is performed. In the embodiment of the present embodiment, the number of times the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted is regarded as the number of insertions / removals (see Figure 5 S102 in ).

[0062] In this embodiment, when the fixing device 27 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A, the fixing-side connector 107 of the fixing device 27 and the main body-side connector 102 of the apparatus main body 1A are inserted / removed. That is, when the fixing device 27 is attached to the apparatus main body 1A, the fixing-side connector 107 and the main body-side connector 102 are inserted (connected). In addition, when the fixing device 27 is separated (detached) from the apparatus main body 1A, the fixing-side connector 107 and the main body-side connector 102 are removed (disconnected).

[0063] Each of the fixing-side connector 107 and the main-body-side connector 102 has an AC contact through which an alternating current supplied from the power supply device 34 flows to the heating element RH1 , and a DC contact through which a DC voltage or signal passes.

[0064] AC contact

[0065] Examples of AC contacts are Figure 7A and Figure 7B . The fixing side connector 107 has a plug contact 107-AC as an AC contact. The main body side connector 102 has a socket contact 102-AC (socket contact) as an AC contact. The plug contact 107-AC and the socket contact 102-AC are components obtained by plating a copper alloy with nickel or tin. The nickel plating can be used as a base plating, and a gold plating can be applied thereon. In addition, the plug contact 107-AC and the socket contact 102-AC have a shape for crimping and holding the AC line in addition to a contact shape for engaging each other.

[0066] The blade contact 107-AC includes a contact portion c2 formed in a flat plate shape, and a connection portion d2 that is connected to the end of the electric wire in the fixing device 27 by a crimping method. The contact portion c2 may have a rod shape, for example. The socket contact 102-AC includes a contact portion c1 that contacts the flat plate-shaped contact portion c2 of the blade contact 107-AC, and a connection portion d1 that is connected to the end of the AC line HACL and the AC line HACN by a crimping method (see FIG. Figure 8B ).

[0067] Figure 8A The internal structure of the socket contact 102 -AC is shown. Figure 8B The diagram shows a state in which the contact portion c2 of the blade contact 107-AC is inserted into the socket contact 102-AC. Figure 8C 1 is a cross-sectional view of the blade contact 107-AC and the socket contact 102-AC at a position where the contact portions c1 and c2 contact each other. Figure 8B and Figure 8C As shown in FIG, the contact portion c1 has a shape having elasticity (spring property) and is configured to be in pressure contact with the contact portion c2 at a plurality of locations to sandwich and hold the flat-plate-shaped contact portion c2. As a result, stable conduction is achieved.

[0068] Figure 9 The diagram shows the results of an example of confirming changes in resistance at the AC contacts when repeatedly inserting and removing the fuser-side connector 107 and the main body-side connector 102. The blade contact 107-AC and the socket contact 102-AC used in the experiment had contact portions c1 and c2 in which a nickel base plating layer was applied to a copper alloy and a gold plating layer was applied thereon. In other words, the blade contact 107-AC and the socket contact 102-AC used in the experiment had relatively high durability against insertion and removal.

[0069] like Figure 9As shown in , no particular change in resistance was observed until about 5,000 insertions / removals, but an increase in resistance was observed when the number of insertions / removals exceeded 5,000. The reason for the increase in resistance is that the contact portions c1 and c2 were scratched or the plating was worn or peeled off due to insertion / removal.

[0070] The AC contacts, consisting of blade contact 107-AC and socket contact 102-AC, are the path for supplying power to heating element RH1 of fixing device 27, and a relatively large current flows through the AC contacts. As the resistance of the AC contacts increases, energy loss occurs at contact portions c1 and c2, and the temperature of the wiring increases due to Joule heating. Furthermore, scratches on contact portions c1 and c2, or wear or flaking of the plating, increase the friction coefficient between contact portions c1 and c2, requiring greater force to insert and remove the connector, which can reduce workability.

[0071] Without limiting the above example, in a configuration in which the device body side connector and the unit side connector attached to the device body are connected and disconnected, a new configuration capable of detecting the status of the connector (replacement with a new connector or degree of deterioration) is required.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, by arranging a disconnecting element 104 (to be described below) in the main body cable 100, the number of insertions / removals of the drawer connector Cn1 is counted, thereby enabling replacement of the components when insertions and removals are performed an appropriate number of times. In particular, in this embodiment, in a configuration where the main body side connector 102 may deteriorate due to repeated attachment and detachment of the fixing device 27, the main body side connector 102 and the main body cable 100 can be replaced an appropriate number of times.

[0073] Cut-off element

[0074] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a disconnecting element 104 according to an example of this embodiment. Disconnecting element 104 in this example is formed by a lead-type fuse FU1. One end of lead-type fuse FU1 is connected to signal line SIG via a crimping terminal CNT1, and the other end of lead-type fuse FU1 is connected to signal line SIGR via a crimping terminal CNT2. Disconnecting element 104 disconnects the electrical connection between signal line SIG and signal line SIGR when current flows through it, blowing lead-type fuse FU1.

[0075] Figure 3BFIG1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a disconnection element 104 according to another example of this embodiment. Disconnection element 104 includes a chip fuse FU2. Signal lines SIG and SIGR are connected to a connector of chip fuse FU2. Disconnection element 104 disconnects the electrical connection between signal lines SIG and SIGR when current flows through it, blowing the fusible link on the chip of chip fuse FU2.

[0076] The lead type fuse FU1 and the chip type fuse FU2 may be fuse resistors that generally function as a normal resistance element (allowing a current less than a rated current to flow) and are blown when a current equal to or greater than the rated current flows.

[0077] As described above, in the main body cable 100 , the disconnecting element 104 of this embodiment is disposed in the middle of the wiring (SIG, SIGR) connecting the terminals of the main body side connector 102 (first connector) and the terminals of the DC connector 101 (third connector) on the control unit 35 side.

[0078] Fuse circuit

[0079] Figure 4 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of fuse circuit 110. A signal line (MELT signal) from CPU 111 is connected to one end of resistor R4. The other end of resistor R4 is connected to the base terminal of transistor Tr2. Resistor R3 is connected between the base terminal and emitter terminal of transistor Tr2. The emitter terminal of transistor Tr2 and resistor R3 are connected to ground GND.

[0080] One end of resistor R2 is connected to the collector terminal of transistor Tr2, and the other end of resistor R2 is connected to the base terminal of transistor Tr1. Resistor R1 is connected between the base and emitter terminals of transistor Tr1. One end of resistor R1 and the emitter terminal of transistor Tr1 are connected to power supply V1. Power supply V1 is a DC power supply and supplies 24V in this embodiment. The collector terminal of transistor Tr1 is connected to the cathode terminal of diode D1 and one end of resistor R5. The other end of resistor R5 is connected to signal line HSIG.

[0081] The anode terminal of diode D1 is connected to one end of resistor R6, one end of resistor R7, and one end of signal line SIGD. The other end of resistor R6 is connected to power supply V2. Power supply V2 is a DC power supply and, in this embodiment, supplies 3.3V. The other end of resistor R7 is connected to ground GND. The voltage of power supply V2 is divided by resistors R6 and R7, and the divided voltage is input to CPU 111 via signal line SIGD. The other end of signal line HSIG is connected to DC connector 108 and electrically connected to signal line SIG of DC connector 101. Ground line SGND is electrically connected to ground GND in control unit 35 via DC connector 101 and DC connector 108.

[0082] Next, the operation of the fuse circuit 110 will be described. When the CPU 111 outputs a high-level MELT signal, transistors Tr2 and Tr1 are turned on, and current flows through the signal line HSIG. Furthermore, current flows through a circuit including the signal lines SIG and SIGR of the main cable 100, the disconnect element 104, the relay board PCB1 of the fixing device 27, and the ground line SGND of the main cable 100. The value of the current flowing through the signal line SIG and the like in response to the high-level MELT signal is greater than the rated current of the disconnect element 104. Thus, the disconnect element 104 is disconnected (the fuse is blown). That is, the disconnect element 104 (fuse) is configured to be disconnected in response to a command from the control unit 35.

[0083] Next, the detection of a blown fuse by the CPU 111 will be described. The CPU 111 reads the input signal (SIGD signal) from the signal line SIGD when the MELT signal is at a low level. When the cutoff element 104 is not blown, the low-level SIGD signal is input to the CPU 111. The low-level SIGD signal is a voltage value obtained by dividing the voltage of the power supply V2 by the resistor R6 and the combined resistor of the resistor R5 and the resistor R7. The resistance values ​​of the resistors R5, R6, and R7 are set so that the low-level SIGD signal is, for example, 0.5V or less. The low-level signal should be designed to match the input low voltage (Vil) of the CPU 111, and is not limited thereto.

[0084] On the other hand, when the cutoff element 104 is not blown, a high-level SIGD signal is input to the CPU 111. The high-level SIGD signal is a voltage value obtained by dividing the voltage of the power supply V2 by resistors R6 and R7. The resistance values ​​of resistors R6 and R7 are set so that the high-level signal is, for example, 2.4V or greater. The high-level SIGD signal should be designed to match the input high voltage (Vih) of the CPU 111, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] As described above, the fuse circuit 110 functions as a detection circuit that relies on whether the disconnecting element 104 (fuse) is in a fused state (i.e., blown). The CPU 111 can detect whether the disconnecting element 104 is in a fused state (i.e., blown) based on an input signal (SIGD signal) from the fuse circuit 110. Furthermore, the CPU 111 can cause the disconnecting element 104 to be fused or blown via the fuse circuit 110.

[0086] Insertion / removal detection circuit

[0087] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The insertion / removal detection circuit 120 is described. The insertion / removal detection circuit 120 of the present embodiment is an insertion / removal detection unit for detecting insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 including the main body-side connector 102 and the fixing-side connector 107 .

[0088] The insertion / removal detection circuit 120 includes an input terminal LPIN of the CPU 111, a resistor R10 (pull-up resistor), a resistor R20, and a ground GND. The input terminal LPIN of the CPU 111 is connected to one end of the resistor R10 and one end of the resistor R20. The other end of the resistor R10 is connected to a 3.3V DC power supply. The other end of the resistor R20 is electrically connected to the signal line LP of the main cable 100 via DC connectors 101 and 108. The ground GND is electrically connected to the signal line LPR of the main cable 100 via DC connectors 101 and 108.

[0089] Furthermore, a short-circuit line 107S is provided in the fixing device 27 to short-circuit the signal line LP and the signal line LPR. The short-circuit line 107S functions as a switch for turning the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 on and off. Specifically, when the main body-side connector 102 and the fixing-side connector 107 are connected, the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 is turned off and a low-level voltage is input to the input terminal LPIN of the CPU 111. When the main body-side connector 102 and the fixing-side connector 107 are disconnected, the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 is turned on and a high-level voltage is input to the input terminal LPIN of the CPU 111.

[0090] As described above, the CPU 111 can detect whether the drawer connector Cn1 is in an inserted state (connected state) or a removed state (disconnected state) based on the input signal from the insertion / removal detection circuit 120. In addition, the CPU 111 can detect an insertion event and a removal event of the drawer connector Cn1 based on a change in the input signal from the insertion / removal detection circuit 120.

[0091] In this embodiment, the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 serving as an insertion / removal detection unit for detecting insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 is arranged in the apparatus body 1A, but a circuit having a function similar to that of the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 may be arranged in the fixing device 27.

[0092] Control methods

[0093] Next, a control method of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 5 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the present embodiment. Each step of the flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading a program from the memory MM1 and executing the program.

[0094] The CPU 111 starts executing this flow when the control unit 35 is activated by supplying power from the power supply device 34. That is, this flow is continuously processed while the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0095] In S100, the CPU 111 reads the input signal (SIGD signal) from the fuse circuit 110 as a low-level MELT signal and detects whether the main body cable 100 is new. When the input signal from the fuse circuit 110 indicates that the disconnecting element 104 is not blown (when the SIGD signal is at a low level), the CPU 111 determines that the main body cable 100 is new and proceeds to S101. In S101, the CPU 111 outputs a high-level MELT signal to blow the disconnecting element 104. After blowing the disconnecting element 104, the CPU 111 determines that the main body cable 100 is not new (used) and proceeds to S102. On the other hand, when the input signal from the fuse circuit 110 in S100 indicates that the disconnecting element 104 is blown (when the SIGD signal is at a high level), the CPU 111 determines that the main body cable 100 is not new and proceeds to S102.

[0096] Note that, in the present embodiment, the cutting element 104 is fused immediately after determining that the main body cable 100 is new, but the cutting element 104 may be fused when the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107 are inserted / removed a predetermined number of times after determining that the main body cable 100 is new. This makes it possible to operate the device without fusing the cutting element, for example, as a temporary operation in a stage of assembling the main body cable 100 during manufacturing or in a stage of replacing the main body cable 100 after being installed in a user environment.

[0097] In S102, the CPU 111 monitors the insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 based on the input signal (LPIN signal) from the insertion / removal detection circuit 120. When the LPIN signal changes from a low level to a high level, the CPU 111 determines that the drawer connector Cn1 has been inserted / removed, and proceeds to S103. When the LPIN signal changes from a high level to a low level, the CPU 111 can determine that the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted / removed.

[0098] In S103, the CPU 111 updates the connector degradation information. That is, the CPU 111 adds 1 to the count value of the number of insertions / removals of the drawer connector Cn1 stored in the memory MM1, stores the added number of insertions / removals in the memory MM1, and proceeds to S104.

[0099] In S104, CPU 111 determines whether the main body side connector 102 has reached the end of its life. Specifically, CPU 111 determines whether the count value of the number of insertions / removals of the drawer connector Cn1 stored in MM1 exceeds a predetermined number of times A. The predetermined number of times A is pre-set as the upper limit of the number of insertions / removals of the main body side connector 102. In the first embodiment, the predetermined number of times A is set to, for example, 5000 times. The predetermined number of times A may be different from 5000 times. When the number of insertions / removals is less than the predetermined number of times A, the process returns to S102, and when the number of insertions / removals is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times A, the process proceeds to S105.

[0100] In S105, CPU 111 notifies the user or the like of information (replacement warning) urging the user or the like to replace main body cable 100. The content of the notification may be, for example, "Because the connector has deteriorated, there is a possibility of contact failure, so it is necessary to replace main body cable 100." The notification method may be a message displayed on an operation panel (liquid crystal panel) serving as an operation unit included in image forming apparatus 1, a voice notification, or a pop-up screen displayed on an external computer connected to image forming apparatus 1. The notification target may be the user or a service person responsible for maintaining image forming apparatus 1.

[0101] In S106, the CPU 111 reads the input signal (SIGD signal) from the fuse circuit 110 while the MELT signal is at a low level, and determines whether the main cable 100 has been replaced. When the SIGD signal is at a low level, the CPU 111 determines that the main cable 100 has been replaced with a new one, and proceeds to S107. On the other hand, when the SIGD signal is at a high level in S106, the CPU 111 determines that the main cable 100 has not been replaced and stands by. Note that when it is not detected in S106 that the main cable 100 has been replaced, the process may return to S102, thereby allowing the drawer connector Cn1 to be inserted / removed even if a replacement warning is provided.

[0102] In S107 , the CPU 111 resets the number of insertions / removals of the drawer connector Cn1 stored in the memory MM1 , and returns to S101 .

[0103] Summary of the First Embodiment

[0104] As described above, in the first embodiment, the main body cable 100 of the device main body 1A is provided with the disconnecting element 104 (fuse). As a result, it is possible to detect whether the main body cable 100 is new, depending on whether the disconnecting element 104 is fused. In addition, it is possible to detect the degree of deterioration of the main body-side connector 102 based on the number of times the connector is inserted and removed after the disconnecting element 104 is fused, and to provide a replacement warning notification, for example, by determining that the main body cable 100 has reached the end of its life.

[0105] That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a new type of image forming apparatus having a configuration capable of detecting the state of a connector.

[0106] Second embodiment

[0107] A second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the details of the disconnection element (fuse) in the wiring member. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, elements denoted by reference numerals common to those of the first embodiment are assumed to have substantially the same configuration and operation as those described in the first embodiment, and the differences from the first embodiment will be primarily described.

[0108] Figure 6 2 is a diagram illustrating a circuit including a main body cable 200 (wiring member) according to the second embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the fixing device 27 is electrically connected to the control unit 35 and the power supply device 34 via the main body cable 200. The main body cable 200 is part of the apparatus body 1A.

[0109] The main body cable 200 includes a main body side connector 102, an AC connector 105, a DC connector 101, AC lines HACL and HACN, a DC harness 203, and a disconnecting element 104 (fuse). The DC harness 203 includes signal lines STH1, STH2, SIG, SIGR, LP, and LPR, and a ground line SGND.

[0110] In the present embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the signal line SIGR connected to the other end (the terminal opposite to the terminal connected to the signal line SIG) of the cut-off element 104 is connected to the DC connector 101 instead of the main body side connector 102. The signal line SIGR is electrically connected to the ground GND in the control unit 35 via the DC connector 101 and the DC connector 108 of the control unit 35.

[0111] In some cases, the number of terminals in the AC connector portion 102A and the DC connector portion 102D of the main body side connector 102 may be determined. Therefore, when the number of terminals of the AC connector portion 102A or the DC connector portion 102D is increased to add a wiring structure including the disconnecting element 104, the outer shape of the main body side connector 102 increases, and the size of the fixing device 27 also increases.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the disconnecting element 104 is disposed in the ring wiring or ring-shaped wiring structure (SIG, SIGR) that connects the terminals of the DC connector 101 (third connector) to each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to increase the number of terminals of the AC connector portion 102A or the DC connector portion 102D to dispose the disconnecting element 104. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the main body side connector 102 and contribute to a reduction in the size of the fixing device 27.

[0113] The content of the control performed by the control unit 35 on the cut-off element 104 is the same as that of the control in the first embodiment. That is, the CPU 111 of the control unit 35 can detect whether the cut-off element 104 is in the fused state (whether the fuse is blown) based on the input signal (SIGD signal) from the fuse circuit 110. In addition, the CPU 111 can use the fuse circuit 110 to cause the cut-off element 104 to be fused or blown. Then, for example, according to the reference Figure 5 The described flow can detect whether the main body cable 200 is new based on whether the disconnecting element 104 is fused, and urge replacement of the main body cable 200 at an appropriate time.

[0114] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a new type of image forming apparatus having a configuration capable of detecting the state of a connector.

[0115] Third embodiment

[0116] As a third embodiment, a configuration in which a storage unit storing information related to degradation of a unit-side connector (degradation information) is arranged in a unit attached to the device body will be described. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, elements denoted by reference numerals common to those of the first embodiment are assumed to have substantially the same configuration and operation as those described in the first embodiment, and portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0117] Figure 10 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit including a main body cable 300 according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the fixing device 37 is electrically connected to the control unit 35 and the power supply device 34 via the main body cable 300. The main body cable 300 is a part of the apparatus body 1A.

[0118] The fixing device 37 includes a fixing side connector 107, a relay board PCB2, thermistors TH1 and TH2, and a heating element RH1. A memory MM2 is mounted on the relay board PCB2 (memory board). The memory MM2 is a storage unit that stores information related to the deterioration of the fixing side connector 107, which is a unit side connector (second connector) (connector degradation information). When the fixing device 37 is attached to the device body 1A, the memory MM2 is electrically connected to the control unit 35 via the fixing side connector 107 and the main body side connector 102. In addition to the connector degradation information, information related to the fixing device 37, such as the serial number of the fixing device 37, can also be stored in the memory MM2.

[0119] On the other hand, the memory MM1 in the control unit 35 stores information (connector degradation information) related to degradation of the main body side connector 102 as the first connector. When the memory MM2 in the fixing device 37 is the first storage unit, the memory MM1 in the apparatus body 1A is the second storage unit.

[0120] In this embodiment, the number of times the connector is inserted / removed is used as connector degradation information to be stored in the memories MM1 and MM2. The connector degradation information (the number of times the main body side connector 102 is inserted / removed) stored in the memory MM1 of the apparatus body 1A does not necessarily match the connector degradation information (the number of times the fixing side connector 107 is inserted / removed) stored in the memory MM2 of the fixing device 37. This is because when the fixing device 37 is replaced or the main body cable 300 is replaced, only one of the number of times the main body side connector 102 is inserted / removed and the number of times the fixing side connector 107 is inserted / removed is reset.

[0121] The main cable 300 includes a main connector 102, a DC connector 101, a DC harness 303, an AC connector 105, and AC lines HACL and HACN. The DC harness 303 includes signal lines STH1, STH2, SDA, SCL, WP, and CON, a power line POW, and a ground line SGND. Compared to the first embodiment, the power line POW and the signal lines SDA, SCL, WP, and CON have been added.

[0122] The power supply line POW, signal lines SDA, SCL, WP, and CON, and ground line SGND are electrically connected to the connector of the relay board PCB2 of the fixing device 37 via the main body side connector 102 and the fixing side connector 107. The power supply line POW and ground line SGND are used to supply power to the memory MM2. In the relay board PCB2, the ground portions of thermistors TH1 and TH2 are combined with the ground portion of the memory MM2 into one. The combined ground portion is electrically connected to the ground line SGND of the DC harness 303.

[0123] In this embodiment, an EEPROM compatible with inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication is used as an example of memory MM2. Signal line SDA is used for the serial data signal of I2C communication. Signal line SCL is used for the serial clock signal of I2C communication. Signal line WP is used as a write protection signal for memory MM2 and for write commands. Signal line CON is used to detect the insertion / removal of drawer connector Cn1.

[0124] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 301 as a user interface (operation display unit). The operation panel 301 is communicably connected to the control unit 35. The operation panel 301 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel (display unit) and operation switches. The operation panel 301 displays a message on the liquid crystal panel based on a signal from the control unit 35, receives input (such as operation of an operation switch) from a user who has viewed the message, and transmits the input to the control unit 35.

[0125] In this embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, a disconnecting element is not provided in the main body cable 300 of the device body 1A. Furthermore, the control unit 35 does not have a fuse circuit for the disconnecting element. However, in this embodiment, the configuration related to the disconnecting element 104 described in the first or second embodiment can be used in combination.

[0126] In this embodiment, when the main body cable 300 has been replaced, the user or service personnel operates the operation panel 301 to input the completion of the replacement, rather than using a disconnect element and a fuse circuit to detect a new main body cable 300 or to provide a notification of the time to replace the main body cable 300. The control unit 35 detects that the main body cable 300 has been replaced based on the input information obtained from the operation panel 301. In this embodiment, since the disconnect element and the fuse circuit can be omitted, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 can be simplified.

[0127] Control methods

[0128] Figure 11 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the present embodiment. Each step of the flowchart is realized by the CPU 111 reading a program from the memory MM1 and executing the program.

[0129] The CPU 111 starts executing this flow when the control unit 35 is activated by supplying power from the power supply device 34. That is, this flow is continuously processed while the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

[0130] In S301, the CPU 111 detects whether the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted. Insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 is detected using the signal line CON as follows. The 3.3V power supply in the control unit 35 is connected to the relay board PCB2 of the fixing device 37 via the power line POW, and is also connected to the signal line CON via the circuit in the relay board PCB2. The signal line CON is electrically connected to the port of the CPU 111 through the DC connectors 101 and 108 and the circuit in the control unit 35.

[0131] Therefore, when the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted, a high-level signal (CON signal) is input to the port of the CPU 111 via the signal line CON. When the drawer connector Cn1 is removed, the CON signal changes to a low level. The CPU 111 detects that the drawer connector Cn1 is inserted based on the change of the CON signal from a low level to a high level.

[0132] In S302, the CPU 111 reads the connector degradation information of the main body side connector 102 stored in the memory MM1 of the apparatus main body 1A and the connector degradation information of the fixing side connector 107 stored in the memory MM2 of the fixing device 37. In the present embodiment, a count value of the number of insertions / removals of the fixing side connector 107 or the main body side connector 102 is used as the connector degradation information.

[0133] In S303, the CPU 111 determines whether the read connector degradation information has reached a predetermined value (a value indicating the life of the connector, hereinafter referred to as the life value). In this embodiment, a count value of 5000 times, which is the number of insertions / removals, is set as the life value. The life value of the connector degradation information of the main body side connector 102 and the life value of the connector degradation information of the fixing side connector 107 are not necessarily the same value, but in this embodiment, both are set to 5000 times.

[0134] When the connector degradation information is equal to or greater than the life value in S303, the CPU 111 determines that the main body side connector 102 or the fixing side connector 107 needs to be replaced, and the processing proceeds to S310. In S310, the CPU 111 notifies the user or the like of information urging the user or the like to replace the main body cable 100 or information urging the user or the like to replace the fixing device 37 (hereinafter collectively referred to as replacement warnings). When the connector degradation information of the main body side connector 102 reaches the life value, a notification of a warning to replace the main body cable 100 (wiring component) is provided. When the connector degradation information of the fixing side connector 107 reaches the life value, a notification of a warning to replace the fixing device 37 is provided. In other words, the control unit 35 provides a notification of information urging replacement of the unit (fixing device 37) that can be removed from the device body 1A based on information related to the degree of deterioration of the second connector (fixing side connector 107).

[0135] As an example of a method for providing a replacement warning notification, in this embodiment, a message urging replacement of the main body cable 300 or the fixing device 37 is displayed on the operation panel 301. The notification method is not limited to this and may be a voice notification via a speaker included in the image forming apparatus 1 or a pop-up screen displayed on an external computer connected to the image forming apparatus 1. The content of the notification may be, for example, "Because the connector has deteriorated, there is a possibility of contact failure. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the main body cable 100 or the fixing device 37." The notification target may be the user or a service person responsible for maintaining the image forming apparatus 1.

[0136] Upon receiving the replacement warning, the user or service personnel replaces the main body cable 300 or the fixing device 37. When the replacement work is completed and the replacement completion is input on the operation panel 301, the CPU 111 resets the connector degradation information in S312. That is, when the main body cable 100 is replaced, the connector degradation information of the main body side connector 102 stored in the memory MM1 is reset (the number of insertions / removals is set to 0). When the fixing device 37 is replaced, the connector degradation information of the fixing side connector 107 stored in the memory MM2 is reset (the number of insertions / removals is set to 0).

[0137] On the other hand, when the connector degradation information is less than the life value in S303, the CPU 111 determines that the main body side connector 102 or the fixing side connector 107 does not need to be replaced, and the process proceeds to S304. In S304, the CPU 111 stands by until the insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 is detected. The CPU 111 detects the insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 based on the change of the CON signal from low level to high level.

[0138] When the insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 is detected in S304, the CPU 111 updates the connector degradation information of the main body connector 102 and the fixing-side connector 107 in S305. That is, the CPU 111 stores the value obtained by adding 1 to the connector degradation information (number of insertions / removals) of the main body connector 102 stored in the memory MM1 of the apparatus body 1A as new connector degradation information in the memory MM1. In addition, the CPU 111 stores the value obtained by adding 1 to the connector degradation information (number of insertions / removals) of the fixing-side connector 107 stored in the memory MM2 of the fixing device 37 as new connector degradation information in the memory MM2. After updating the connector degradation information, the CPU 111 returns to S301.

[0139] Summary of the Third Embodiment

[0140] In the third embodiment, the memory MM2 that stores the connector deterioration information of the fixing-side connector 107 is provided in the fixing device 37 as a unit detachable from the apparatus main body 1A. As a result, for example, even when the fixing device 37 detached from one apparatus main body 1A is attached to another apparatus main body 1A, the control unit 35 of the image forming apparatus 1 can correctly grasp the degree of deterioration of the fixing-side connector 107.

[0141] That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a new type of image forming apparatus having a configuration capable of detecting the state of a connector.

[0142] Revise

[0143] In this embodiment, the count value of the number of insertions / removals of the drawer connector Cn1 is used as connector degradation information as is. However, for example, a count value obtained by multiplying the number of insertions / removals by a coefficient can be used as connector degradation information. For example, when the number of insertions / removals is still low, degradation (scratches, plating peeling, etc.) in the contact portions c1 and c2 is minimal, and therefore the degree of degradation in the contact portions with each insertion / removal is relatively small. On the other hand, when the number of insertions / removals is already high, degradation in the contact portions c1 and c2 is high, and therefore the degree of degradation in the contact portions with each insertion / removal is relatively high. Therefore, for example, when the number of insertions / removals is low, the increment of the count value for each insertion / removal can be set to "1," and when the number of insertions / removals is high, the increment of the count value for each insertion / removal can be set to a value greater than 1 (e.g., "2").

[0144] By switching the increment of the count value to a discontinuous (step-wise) increment of the count value, the increment of the count value for each insertion / removal can be continuously increased according to the number of insertions / removals.

[0145] The connector degradation information is not limited to the amount based on the number of insertions / removals of the drawer connector Cn1. For example, a method for monitoring the change in resistance of the AC contact in the drawer connector Cn1 (see Figure 9 ) circuit, and the current resistance value of the AC contact can be used as connector degradation information.

[0146] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which a life value corresponding to each of the connector degradation information of the main body side connector 102 and the connector degradation information of the fixing side connector 107 is set. Alternatively, a life value may be set for the total value of the connector degradation information of the main body side connector 102 and the connector degradation information of the fixing side connector 107, and when the total value becomes equal to or greater than the life value, a notification of a warning to replace the fixing device 37 and the main body cable 300 may be provided.

[0147] Furthermore, instead of the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 described in this embodiment, the insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1 can be detected, for example, by the control unit 35 being able to read information (serial number, etc.) stored in the memory MM2. In this case, the signal line CON is unnecessary, and the number of pins of the drawer connector Cn1 (the number of pins of the DC connector portion 102D) can be reduced compared to this embodiment. Furthermore, the insertion / removal detection circuit 120 described in the first embodiment can be used as an insertion / removal detection unit for detecting the insertion / removal of the drawer connector Cn1.

[0148] Fourth embodiment

[0149] As a fourth embodiment, a configuration in which a fixing device is movable relative to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus and a connector is inserted / removed when the fixing device moves will be described. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, elements denoted by reference numerals common to those of the first embodiment are assumed to have substantially the same configuration and operation as those described in the first embodiment, and portions different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0150] In the following description and drawings, the vertical direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface will be referred to as the up-down direction and illustrated by up-down arrows V. The horizontal direction when the image forming apparatus 1 is installed on a horizontal surface (which is a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61 included in the image forming apparatus 1) will be referred to as the horizontal direction and illustrated by left-right arrows H. One side in the horizontal direction (the side where the door 1D is disposed, Figure 1 The right side in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the “front” or “front side”, and the other side in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the “rear” or “rear side”.

[0151] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 1A, a scanner 2 serving as an exposure unit, a door 1D serving as an opening / closing member, a sheet feeding unit 130 , a transfer unit 40 , a cartridge tray unit 50 , a fixing device 80 , and a control unit 35 .

[0152] In this embodiment, the apparatus body 1A refers to a portion excluding the door 1D, the scanner 2, the sheet feeding unit 130, the transfer unit 40, the cartridge tray unit 50, the fixing device 80, and the control unit 35 from the image forming apparatus 1. The door 1D is an opening / closing member provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the apparatus body 1A. The door 1D is movable between a closed position in which the door 1D closes an opening 1A1 (opening portion) of the apparatus body 1A and an open position in which the door 1D opens the opening 1A1.

[0153] A door sensor 91 is disposed in the apparatus body 1A to detect whether the door 1D is open or closed. The door sensor 91 is configured so that an output signal thereof differs between a state in which the door 1D is in a closed position and a state in which the door 1D is in an open position. The sheet feeding unit 130 includes a stacking tray 131 (sheet storage unit, cassette) on which recording materials S are stacked, a feed roller 132 serving as a feeding member, and a separation roller forming a separation nip with the separation roller and the feed roller 132.

[0154] The cartridge tray unit 50 includes a tray 51 and cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The tray 51 is a support member that supports the cartridges PY to PK. The tray 51 is a drawer unit that is inserted into the apparatus body 1A in a removable manner.

[0155] The cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK contain yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners (developers), respectively. Except for the different colors of the toners contained, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration. Therefore, the configuration and operation of one of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK will be described, and the description of the other cartridges may be omitted. Furthermore, when it is unnecessary to distinguish between the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, any one of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK may be referred to simply as cartridge P.

[0156] The cartridge tray unit 50 includes four photosensitive drums 61 serving as image bearing members, four charging rollers 62 serving as charging members, and four developing rollers 71 serving as developer bearing members or developing members. The cartridge tray unit 50 includes four cleaning blades serving as cleaning members. The rotational axes of the photosensitive drums 61, the developing rollers 71, and the charging rollers 62 are parallel to each other.

[0157] The photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62, the developing roller 71, and the cleaning member may be provided in the cartridge P or the tray 51. That is, the cartridge P including at least one member selected from the group consisting of the photosensitive drum 61, the charging roller 62 (charging member), the developing roller 71 (developing member), and the cleaning member is an example of a "unit" in the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, each of the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK includes one photosensitive drum 61, one charging roller 62, one developing roller 71, and one cleaning member.

[0158] The transfer unit 40 includes a transfer belt 41 serving as an intermediate transfer member, four primary transfer rollers 42, a cleaning unit 43, a drive roller 46 that drives the transfer belt 41, and a tension roller (driven roller) 47. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes an optical sensor 44 that detects the toner image transferred to the transfer belt 41. In this embodiment, the transfer belt 41 is disposed below the four photosensitive drums 61 and is in contact with the photosensitive drums 61 so that a primary transfer portion is formed between the transfer belt 41 and the photosensitive drums 61.

[0159] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a secondary transfer roller 45 that is adjacent to the transfer belt 41 to form a secondary transfer portion. The rotation axis direction of the primary transfer roller 42, the rotation axis direction of the drive roller 46, the rotation axis direction of the tension roller 47, and the rotation axis direction of the secondary transfer roller 45 are parallel to each other. A registration roller pair 4 is disposed before the secondary transfer portion (upstream in the sheet conveying direction).

[0160] The fixing device 80 includes a fixing unit 81 and a reversing unit 5. The fixing unit 81 includes a pair of rotating members that clamp and convey the recording material S, and a heating unit that heats the toner image on the recording material S. In the present embodiment, the pair of rotating members is a roller pair including a heating roller (fixing roller) and a pressure roller, and the heating unit is a halogen lamp that heats the heating roller. As the rotating member constituting the pair of rotating members, a cylindrical film or an endless belt stretched around a plurality of rollers can be used. In addition, the heating unit can be a heater substrate having a pattern of heating elements printed on a ceramic substrate, or a coil unit for heating the conductive layer in the heating roller or film by induction heating. The reversing unit 5 includes a pair of reversing conveying rollers that reversely convey the recording material S to perform duplex printing, and a guide unit that guides the recording material S that has passed through the fixing unit 81 to a sheet discharge roller pair or a pair of reversing conveying rollers.

[0161] Relationship between the cartridge tray unit and the fixing device

[0162] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 The movement of the box tray unit 50 in the present embodiment is described. The box tray unit 50 can be moved from the inside to the outside of the device body 1A. The device body 1A has a first end 1b1 (front edge) providing an opening 1A1 and a second end 1b2 (rear edge) opposite to the first end 1b1. The box tray unit 50 can move between an inner position where the box tray unit 50 is accommodated inside the device body 1A and an outer position where the box tray unit 50 protrudes to the outside of the device body 1A through the opening 1A1. The inner position is the position of the box tray unit 50 when the image forming device 1 performs an image forming operation. The outer position is the position of the box tray unit 50 where the box P is allowed to be attached to or detached from the tray 51. The box tray unit 50 of the present embodiment can be detached toward the front side of the image forming device 1 and attached toward the rear side of the image forming device 1 in the horizontal direction (H).

[0163] The direction in which the cartridge tray unit 50 moves from the inner position to the outer position will be referred to as the tray removal direction Dd1, and the direction opposite to the tray removal direction Dd1 will be referred to as the tray attachment direction Da1. The tray removal direction Dd1 can be referred to as a direction from the second end 1b2 toward the first end 1b1. The fixing device 80 is disposed on one end side of the apparatus body 1A (the side on which the first end 1b1 is disposed) in the horizontal direction.

[0164] The transfer unit 40 is movable from the inside to the outside of the apparatus body 1A. The transfer unit 40 can be moved through the opening 1A1 between an inner position, where the transfer unit 40 is housed within the apparatus body 1A, and an outer position, where the transfer unit 40 protrudes from the apparatus body 1A. The inner position is the position of the transfer unit 40 when the image forming apparatus 1 is performing an image forming operation. The direction in which the transfer unit 40 moves from the inner position to the outer position will be referred to as a transfer removal direction Dd2, and the direction opposite to the transfer removal direction Dd2 will be referred to as a transfer attachment direction Da2. The transfer removal direction Dd2 can be referred to as a direction from the second end 1b2 toward the first end 1b1.

[0165] Image forming operation

[0166] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 The image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment will be described. The image forming operation is a series of operations in which the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on recording material S while conveying the recording material S one sheet at a time. During the image forming operation, the photosensitive drums 61 and the transfer belt 41 are rotationally driven. The charging rollers 62 receive a charging voltage and uniformly charge the surfaces of the corresponding photosensitive drums 61. The scanner 2 irradiates each photosensitive drum 61 with laser light corresponding to image information to expose the surface of each photosensitive drum 61. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 61.

[0167] The developing roller 71 carries toner and supplies it to the corresponding photosensitive drum 61. A development voltage is applied to the developing roller 71, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the corresponding photosensitive drum 61 is developed by the toner supplied from the developing roller 71. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 61. In this embodiment, a contact development method is used in which development is performed while the developing roller 71 is in contact with the corresponding photosensitive drum 61. However, a skipping development method may also be used in which development is performed while a gap exists between the developing roller 71 and the corresponding photosensitive drum 61.

[0168] When forming a full-color image, a toner image of each color is formed on each of the photosensitive drums 61. The toner image of each color formed on each of the photosensitive drums 61 is transferred to the transfer belt 41 by the corresponding primary transfer roller 42 and conveyed toward the secondary transfer portion formed between the transfer belt 41 and the secondary transfer roller 45. Toner that has not been transferred to the transfer belt 41 is removed from the photosensitive drum 61 by a cleaning member.

[0169] On the other hand, in the sheet feeding unit 130, a sheet of recording material S is fed from a stack of recording materials S stacked on the stacking tray 131 by a feed roller 132 and a separation roller, and is conveyed toward the secondary transfer portion. In the secondary transfer portion, the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 41 to the recording material S (secondary transfer). The toner that has not been transferred to the recording material S is removed from the transfer belt 41 by a cleaning blade 43A as a cleaning member provided in the cleaning unit 43.

[0170] The recording material S to which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer portion is conveyed to the fixing device 80. The fixing unit 81 fixes the toner image to the recording material S by heating and pressurizing the toner image on the recording material S while conveying the recording material S clamped at the clamping portion (fixing nip) of the pair of rotating members. The recording material S that has passed through the fixing nip is discharged to a sheet discharge tray 133 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1A by the sheet discharge roller pair of the reversing unit 5.

[0171] In the case of duplex printing, in which images are formed on both sides of the recording material S, the recording material S, having passed through the fixing nip with an image formed on the first surface, is guided to the reversing conveyor roller pair of the reversing unit 5. The recording material S is then switched back by the reversing conveyor roller pair and conveyed back toward the secondary transfer section via a duplex conveying path formed inside the door 1D. After an image is formed on the second surface of the recording material S during its second passage through the secondary transfer section and the transfer nip, the recording material S is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 133 by the sheet discharge roller pair.

[0172] Relationship between the cartridge tray unit and the fixing device

[0173] Next, we will refer to Figure 13 The positional relationship between the cartridge tray unit 50 and the fixing device 80 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 13 The image forming apparatus 1 is illustrated in a state where the door 1D is in the open position, and the movement spaces of the cartridge tray unit 50 and the transfer unit 40 and the movement trajectory of the fixing device 80 are also illustrated.

[0174] The cartridge tray unit 50 passes through a predetermined space when moving from the inner position to the outer position. This predetermined space will be referred to as the moving space or moving trajectory of the cartridge tray unit 50. In addition, the space that the transfer unit 40 passes through when moving from the inner position to the outer position will be referred to as the moving space or moving trajectory of the transfer unit 40.

[0175] Furthermore, the fixing device 80 is movable relative to the apparatus body 1A between a use position (first position) and a retracted position (second position). The use position is the position of the fixing device 80 when the image forming apparatus 1 is performing an image forming operation (i.e., when the fixing device 80 is performing a fixing operation to fix an image on a recording material). The retracted position is the position in which the fixing device 80 is retracted upward from the use position.

[0176] The use position of the fixing device 80 overlaps with the movement space of the cartridge tray unit 50. That is, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, at least a portion of the fixing device 80 is within the movement space of the cartridge tray unit 50. Therefore, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, the cartridge tray unit 50 is prevented from moving from the inner position to the outer position. In other words, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, the cartridge P cannot be attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 1A.

[0177] When the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position, the entire fixing device 80 is outside the movement space of the cartridge tray unit 50. Therefore, when the fixing device 80 is in the use position, the cartridge tray unit 50 is allowed to move from the inside position to the outside position. That is, when the door 1D is in the open position and the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position (second position), the cartridge P (unit) is allowed to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1A.

[0178] The fixing device 80 includes a fixing frame member 80a that supports the fixing unit 81. When the fixing device 80 moves from the use position to the retracted position, the fixing frame member 80a is displaced relative to the apparatus body 1A while supporting the fixing unit 81. Furthermore, the fixing frame member 80a forms the outer surface of the fixing device 80, and the movement space of the fixing device 80 when moving between the use position and the retracted position is substantially the same as the movement trajectory of the fixing frame member 80a.

[0179] Retraction mechanism of fixing device

[0180] Next, we will refer to Figure 13 The retraction mechanism of the fixing device 80 in this embodiment will be described. To pull the cartridge tray unit 50 out of the apparatus body 1A, first, the door 1D is moved to the open position. Next, the fixing device 80 is moved to the retracted position outside the movement space of the cartridge tray unit 50.

[0181] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a coupling member 85 (a fixing coupling member or a fixing link) that is movably coupled to the apparatus main body 1A. The fixing device 80 is coupled to the apparatus main body 1A via the coupling member 85. The coupling member 85 is rotatable about a rotation center 85A. When the cartridge tray unit 50 is pulled out of the apparatus main body 1A, the coupling member 85 is moved outside the movement space of the cartridge tray unit 50. While the fixing device 80 is supported by the coupling member 85, the fixing device 80 can be moved from the use position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the use position in accordance with the movement of the cartridge tray unit 50.

[0182] In this embodiment, movement of the fixing device 80 to the retracted position is initiated by a user operating an operating lever 92 serving as an operating unit. Upon receiving a user instruction by operating the operating lever 92, the control unit 35 rotates the coupling member 85 to move the fixing device 80 from the use position to the retracted position or vice versa. The operating lever 92 is disposed on the apparatus body 1A. For example, the control unit 35 drives a motor connected to the coupling member 85 to rotate the coupling member 85, thereby moving the fixing device 80. This motor serves as an actuator (drive unit) for moving the fixing device 80.

[0183] Note that the trigger for the retracting mechanism to move the fixing device 80 is not limited to the user's operation of the operating lever 92. For example, the retracting mechanism may move the fixing device 80 in response to the user's operation of a button on the operating panel. In addition, when the control unit 35 receives a user operation on an operation screen (driver screen) in an external host device communicably connected to the control unit 35 from the host device, the retracting mechanism may move the fixing device 80.

[0184] Furthermore, the mechanical configuration of the retracting mechanism of the fixing device 80 is not limited to that described above. For example, the fixing device 80 may be attached to a vertically slidable sliding member, and a retracting mechanism may be used in which a motor drives a pinion gear that meshes with the rack portion of the sliding member to rotate. Alternatively, the fixing device 80 may be supported so as to be slidable in a predetermined direction along a rail of the apparatus body 1A, and the user may manually move the fixing device 80 in the predetermined direction.

[0185] The position of the fixing device 80 in this embodiment is detected by a retraction sensor 90 provided in the apparatus main body 1A. The retraction sensor 90 is configured so that the output signal differs between a state in which the fixing device 80 is in the use position and a state in which the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position. That is, the retraction sensor 90 is a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the position of the fixing device 80.

[0186] As described above, in the present embodiment, in a state where the fixing device 80 is retracted from the use position to the retracted position, the cartridge tray unit 50 is detached and the cartridge P is replaced.

[0187] In this embodiment, the movement trajectory of the transfer unit 40 does not overlap with the fixing device 80 in the use position. However, in a state where the fixing device 80 is retracted from the use position to the retracted position, the transfer unit 40 can be removed and the transfer unit 40 can be replaced or maintained. In addition, the movement trajectory of the transfer unit 40 can be configured to overlap with the fixing device 80 in the use position.

[0188] In addition, instead of replacing the box P, etc. when the fixing device 80 is in the retracted position (i.e., when the fixing device 80 is attached to the device body 1A), the box P, etc. can be replaced when the fixing device 80 is removed from the device body 1A.

[0189] Cartridge replacement process

[0190] Next, we will refer to Figures 14A to 14C The cartridge replacement process in this embodiment is described. Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the door 1D is open. Figure 14B Is in the fixing device 80 from Figure 14A FIG1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is retracted from the use position to the retracted position. Figure 14C Is in the box tray unit from Figure 14B A cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state in which the image forming apparatus 1 is pulled out.

[0191] To replace the cartridge P, first, the user moves the door 1D from the closed position to the open position, as shown in FIG. Figure 14A As shown in . The control unit 35 detects, based on the signal of the door sensor 91, that the door 1D has moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0192] Next, when the user operates the operation lever 92, the control unit 35 moves the fixing device 80 from the use position to the retracted position. Figure 14B The control unit 35 detects, based on the signal of the retraction sensor 90, that the fixing device 80 has moved from the use position to the retracted position.

[0193] Next, if Figure 14C As shown in FIG, the user pulls the cartridge tray unit 50 from the inner position of the apparatus body 1A to the outer position. The user replaces a certain cartridge P of the cartridge tray unit 50. When the replacement of the cartridge P is completed, the user pushes the cartridge tray unit 50 back from the outer position to the inner position ( Figure 14B ).

[0194] After pushing back the cartridge tray unit 50, the user operates the operation lever 92. The control unit 35 moves the fixing device 80 from the retracted position to the use position ( Figure 14A ). The control unit 35 detects, based on the signal of the retraction sensor 90, that the fixing device 80 has moved from the retracted position to the use position.

[0195] Finally, the user moves the door 1D from the open position to the closed position. The control unit 35 detects that the door 1D has moved from the open position to the closed position based on the signal of the door sensor 91. Thus, the replacement operation of the cartridge P is completed.

[0196] Control methods

[0197] The image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a drawer connector Cn1 similar to any one of the first to third embodiments and any one of the main body cables 100 to 300. That is, the apparatus main body 1A includes any one of the main body cables 100 to 300 described in the first to third embodiments. The fixing device 80 includes a fixing side connector 107 connected to the main body side connector 102 of the main body cable included in the apparatus main body 1A (see, for example, FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 The drawer connector Cn1 includes a main body side connector 102 and a fixing side connector 107 .

[0198] In this embodiment, when the fixing device 80 is moved from the use position to the retracted position, the fixing side connector 107 (second connector) is removed from the main body side connector 102 (first connector). In addition, when the fixing device 80 is moved from the retracted position to the use position, the fixing side connector 107 (second connector) is inserted into the main body side connector 102 (first connector). The drawer connector Cn1 can be inserted or removed by moving the fixing side connector 107 or the main body side connector 102 in coordination with the movement of the fixing device 80. In addition, the drawer connector Cn1 can be inserted or removed by a connecting rod member that operates in coordination with the opening / closing member of the device main body 1A that is opened or closed when accessing the fixing device 27, or can be manually inserted or removed by the user.

[0199] The cutoff element 104 (fuse) described in the first or second embodiment may be provided in the main body cable of the device main body 1A. In this case, the control unit 35 can perform control similar to that of the first or second embodiment, and can obtain advantages similar to those of the first or second embodiment.

[0200] Furthermore, the memory MM2 described in the third embodiment may be arranged in the fixing device 80. In this case, the control unit 35 can perform control similar to that of the third embodiment, and can obtain advantages similar to those of the third embodiment.

[0201] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a new form of image forming apparatus having a configuration capable of detecting the state of a connector.

[0202] Other changes

[0203] In the above description, the fixing device has been mainly described as an example of a unit including a connector (second connector) that can be inserted into and removed from the connector (first connector) of the device main body. The present invention is not limited to this, and the "unit" having the second connector may be any unit (for example, the cartridge P in the embodiment) that is used in the image forming apparatus in a state where the unit is electrically connected to the device main body.

[0204] Other embodiments

[0205] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by reading and executing computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which can also be more fully referred to as a 'non-transitory computer-readable storage medium') to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments and / or a computer of a system or device including one or more circuits (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments, and by a method performed by a computer of the system or device by, for example, reading and executing computer-executable instructions from a storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above-described embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU)), and may include a network of separate computers or separate processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or a storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a storage device of a distributed computing system, an optical disk (such as a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or a Blu-ray disk (BD)). TM ), one or more of a flash memory device, a memory card, etc.

[0206] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, software (including computer program products of computer programs / instructions) that perform the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is provided to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and a computer (central processing unit (CPU), microprocessing unit (MPU)) of the system or device reads and executes the computer program / instructions.

[0207] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an apparatus main body including a control unit, and a wiring member electrically connected to the control unit, the wiring member having a first connector provided at an end portion of the wiring member; and a unit comprising a second connector that is insertable into and removable from the first connector, The wiring member includes a fuse that is blown according to a command from the control unit.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a storage unit configured to store information related to degradation of the first connector, The control unit is configured to provide notification of information urging replacement of the wiring member based on the information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The information related to the degradation of the first connector is the number of times the first connector and the second connector are inserted / removed after the fuse is blown.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit includes a detection circuit configured to output a signal corresponding to whether the fuse has been blown, and is configured to detect that the wiring member is new based on the signal of the detection circuit.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein In a case where the control unit detects that the wiring member is new, the control unit is configured to cause the fuse to be blown before the first connector and the second connector are inserted / removed.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein In a case where the control unit detects that the wiring member is new, the control unit is configured to cause the fuse to be blown after the first connector and the second connector are inserted / removed a predetermined number of times.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The wiring member includes a third connector electrically connected to the control unit, and wiring connecting a terminal of the first connector and a terminal of the third connector, and The fuse is disposed in the middle of the wiring.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The wiring member includes a third connector electrically connected to the control unit, and a ring-shaped wiring connecting terminals of the third connector to each other, and The fuse is disposed in the middle of the ring wiring.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: a device body including a control unit and a first connector electrically connected to the control unit; as well as a unit that can be attached to and detached from the device body, the unit including a second connector that can be inserted into and removed from the first connector, and a storage unit configured to store information related to deterioration of the second connector, the storage unit being electrically connected to the control unit via the first connector and the second connector.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The information related to the degradation of the second connector is the number of times the second connector is inserted / removed.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The control unit is configured to provide notification of information urging replacement of the unit based on the information related to deterioration of the second connector.

12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The device main body includes a second storage unit configured to store information related to degradation of the first connector.

13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The device body includes a wiring member, the first connector is provided at an end portion of the wiring member, and The control unit is configured to provide notification of information urging replacement of the wiring member based on the information related to deterioration of the first connector.

14. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The first connector and the second connector are drawer connectors.

15. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The first connector and the second connector are configured to be inserted and removed in a case where the unit is attached to and detached from the device main body.

16. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The first connector and the second connector are configured to be inserted / removed if the unit is moved relative to the device body.

17. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The unit is a fixing device configured to fix an image formed on a recording material to the recording material.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein The fixing device includes a heating member, a pressing member, and a heat source, the heating member being configured to contact the image on the recording material, the pressing member being adjacent to the heating member to form a clamping portion between the heating member and the pressing member, the heat source being configured to heat the heating member, and the fixing device being configured to heat and pressurize the image while clamping and conveying the recording material at the clamping portion.

19. The image forming apparatus according to claim 18, wherein The heat source includes a heating element configured to be supplied with electric current via the first connector and the second connector to generate Joule heat.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising: a cartridge that is attachable to and detachable from the device main body, wherein the fixing device is movable between a first position where the fixing device fixes the image on the recording material and a second position retracted from the first position, In a state where the fixing device is in the second position, the cartridge is allowed to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, In a case where the fixing device is moved from the first position to the second position, the second connector is removed from the first connector, and The second connector is inserted into the first connector in a case where the fixing device is moved from the second position to the first position.

Images