Image-forming device

Abstract

To prevent a user who cannot perform exchange work of a fixing device from getting confused.SOLUTION: An image-forming device includes: a device body capable of attaching or detaching a fixing device for thermally fixing a toner image on a paper sheet; a control section for authenticating a user who utilizes the image-forming device and controlling the image-forming device; and a storage section for storing user information showing propriety of exchange work of the fixing device by the user. The control section determines propriety of exchange work of the fixing device by the user on the basis of the user information when utilizing the authenticated user, and inquires the user regarding whether the fixing device is exchanged according to a determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] There is known a technique for notifying an operator of information corresponding to whether the temperature of a fixing device has dropped below a predetermined temperature when the fixing device is replaced with another fixing device in an image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-3725 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If paper of the same width continues to pass through the fixing belt, scratches will occur at the fixing belt where the edge of the paper comes into contact, and when paper of a wider width is passed through, streaks will appear due to the scratches. To avoid this, it is possible to replace the fixing device including the fixing belt and use different fixing belts according to the paper width.

[0005] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, even a general user who does not know how to replace the fixing device can proceed to the replacement work, which may confuse general users.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to prevent confusion for users who are unable to replace a fixing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image forming device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an image forming device comprising: a device main body to which a fixing device that thermally fixes a toner image to paper can be detached; a control unit that authenticates a user who uses the image forming device and controls the image forming device; and a memory unit that stores user information indicating whether the user is able to replace the fixing device, wherein when the authenticated user uses the image forming device, the control unit determines whether the user is able to replace the fixing device based on the user information, and asks the user whether or not to replace the fixing device depending on the determination result. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus; FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of a user account table. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart of a fixing device replacement inquiry process at login. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a login screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a machine adjustment screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message screen. [Figure 10A] 10 is a flowchart of a process of inquiring about replacement of the fixing device when the paper size of the paper feed tray is changed. [Figure 10B] 10 is a flowchart of a process of inquiring about replacement of the fixing device when the paper size of the paper feed tray is changed. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a machine adjustment screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a multifunction machine having a copying function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like.

[0011] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a printing device 10, an image reading device 20, a document transport device 30, an operation panel 40 (see FIG. 3), and a speaker 50 (see FIG. 3). The image forming apparatus 1 transmits image data read by the image reading device 20 to an external device, and forms an image on the document in single color or multiple colors based on the image data of the read document or image data received from an external device.

[0012] The printing device 10 includes a paper feed section 110, a pair of transport rollers 120, a pair of registration rollers 130, an image forming section 140, a pair of discharge rollers 150, and a discharge tray 160. Inside the printing device 10, a transport path R1 is formed for sending paper fed from the paper feed section 110 to the discharge tray 160 via the pair of transport rollers 120, the pair of registration rollers 130, the image forming section 140, and the pair of discharge rollers 150.

[0013] The paper feed unit 110 is disposed below the image forming unit 140, and includes a paper feed tray 111 that stores paper, an internal tray 112 on which the paper is stacked, a pickup roller 113 provided above one end of the internal tray 112, a paper feed roller 114 that is disposed downstream of the pickup roller 113 in the paper transport direction, and a separation roller 115 that is pressed against the paper feed roller 114. Also, there may be multiple paper feed units 110.

[0014] In the paper feed section 110, a pickup roller 113 picks up paper from a paper feed tray 112 and guides it to a paper feed roller 114. The paper passes between the paper feed roller 114 and a separation roller 115 to separate the paper one by one, and the paper is transported to a transport path R1 by a pair of transport rollers 120.

[0015] The pair of registration rollers 130 feeds the paper in accordance with the timing of the toner image formation. The pair of registration rollers 130 temporarily stops the paper, aligns the leading edge of the paper, and then conveys the paper in accordance with the timing of the transfer of the toner image in a nip area between an intermediate transfer belt 146a (fixing belt) and a transfer roller 147, which will be described later.

[0016] The image forming section 140 includes a photoconductor drum 141, a charger 142, an exposure unit 143, a developing unit 144, a cleaner unit 145, an intermediate transfer belt unit 146, a transfer roller 147, a fixing device (fixing unit) 60, and the like.

[0017] The image data handled by the image forming unit 140 corresponds to color images of four colors: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). For this reason, four photoconductor drums 141, chargers 142, developing units 144, and cleaner units 145 are provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, and these constitute four image forming stations. Four toner cartridges are provided so as to supply toner corresponding to each image forming station.

[0018] The photoconductor drum 141 is an electrostatic latent image carrier in which a photosensitive layer is formed on the surface of a cylindrical base body having electrical conductivity. The charger 142 charges the surface of the photoconductor drum 141 to a predetermined potential. The exposure unit 143 is a laser scanning unit equipped with a laser emission unit, a reflecting mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 143 exposes the charged surface of the photoconductor drum 141 to light, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 141 according to image data. The development unit 144 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 141 with four color toners. The cleaner unit 145 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 141 after development and image transfer.

[0019] The intermediate transfer belt unit 146 includes an intermediate transfer belt 146a, a driving roller 146b, a driven roller 146c, and four intermediate transfer rollers 146d. The intermediate transfer belt unit 146 is disposed above the photosensitive drums 141. The intermediate transfer belt 146a is provided so as to contact each of the photosensitive drums 141, and a toner image of each color formed on the corresponding photosensitive drum 141 is sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 146a in a superimposed manner using each of the intermediate transfer rollers 146d, thereby forming a toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 146a.

[0020] The transfer roller 147 is disposed in the vicinity of the drive roller 146b on the conveying path R1. When a sheet of paper passes through a nip area between the transfer roller 147 and the intermediate transfer belt 146a, the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 146a is transferred to the sheet of paper.

[0021] The fixing device 60 thermally fixes the toner image to the paper. The fixing device 60 is detachably provided in the printing device 10 (apparatus main body). The fixing device 60 is disposed above the transfer roller 147 on the conveying path R1, in other words, downstream in the conveying direction of the paper. The toner image is thermally fixed to the paper as the paper passes through the fixing device 60. The paper with the fixed toner image is conveyed to the discharge tray 160 by the discharge roller pair 150. The specific configuration of the fixing device 60 will be described later.

[0022] When an image is to be formed on the back side of the paper in addition to the front side, the paper is conveyed in the opposite direction from the discharge roller pair 150 to the reversal path R2. In the reversal path R2, the paper is turned over by the reversal roller pair 170 and guided again to the registration roller pair 130. After that, the paper, on whose back side an image has been formed in the same manner as on the front side, is conveyed to the discharge tray 160.

[0023] The image reading device 20 reads an image formed on a sheet and generates image data. A transparent plate-shaped contact glass 21 for feeding and reading is provided on the left side of the upper surface of the image reading device 20. A transparent plate-shaped contact glass 22 for placement and reading is provided on the upper surface of the image reading device 20 and on the right side of the contact glass 21 for feeding and reading. A document transport device 30 is attached above the image reading device 20 so as to be freely opened and closed via a hinge or the like. When the document transport device 30 is opened via a hinge or the like, the upper surface of the image reading device 20 is opened, and a document can be manually placed on the contact glass 22 for placement and reading. An operation panel 40 (see FIG. 3) is provided in front of the upper surface of the image reading device 20. The operation panel 40 displays various information and accepts input from the user. The operation panel 40 is an example of a display operation unit, and includes a display panel, a touch panel, hard keys, and the like. A speaker 50 (see FIG. 3) is provided near the operation panel 40. The speaker 50 is an example of a sound output unit.

[0024] The image reading device 20 further includes a light source, multiple mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading device 20 exposes the paper surface to the light source, and guides the light reflected from the paper surface to the imaging lens via multiple mirrors. The imaging lens then forms an image of the reflected light on the light receiving element of the line sensor. The line sensor detects the luminance and chromaticity of the reflected light imaged on the light receiving element, and generates image data based on the image of the paper surface. A CCD, CIS, or the like is used as the line sensor.

[0025] The document transport device 30 includes a paper feed tray 31, a paper feed unit 32, a pair of transport rollers 33, a pair of discharge rollers 34, and a discharge tray 35. Inside the document transport device 30, a transport path R3 is formed for sending the paper fed from the paper feed unit 32 to the discharge tray 35 via the pair of transport rollers 33, the image reading device 20, and the pair of discharge rollers 34.

[0026] The paper feed tray 31 is a tray on which multiple sheets of original documents can be placed in a stack. The paper feed tray 31 can be raised and lowered by a lifting mechanism (not shown). The discharge tray 35 is a tray on which multiple sheets of original documents can be placed in a stack. The paper feed unit 32 transports the paper on the paper feed tray 31 toward the transport path R3. The transport roller pair 33 transports the paper on the transport path R3 toward the image reading device 20. The discharge roller pair 34 transports the paper on the transport path R3 toward the discharge tray 35.

[0027] A specific configuration of the fixing device 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing device 60.

[0028] The fixing device 60 mainly includes a fixing belt (heating rotator) 61 and a pressure roller (pressure rotator) 62. In the fixing device 60, a sheet is transported to a nip area N formed by the fixing belt 61 and the pressure roller 62 in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure.

[0029] Within the fixing belt 61, there are provided a fixing pad 63, a pad heat transfer plate 64 provided on the fixing pad 63, a sliding sheet (sliding member) 65 provided between the pad heat transfer plate 64 and the fixing belt 61, and a heater lamp 66 serving as a heat source.

[0030] The fixing device 60 has a housing 60a that houses various components. Inside the housing 60a, a fixing belt 61, a pressure roller 62, a temperature sensor 67 (see FIG. 1) that detects the peripheral temperature of the fixing belt 61, and the like are provided. The temperature sensor 67 is, for example, a thermistor. The fixing belt 61 is heated by a heater lamp 66 to a predetermined fixing temperature (for example, 170° C.). The pressure roller 62 is provided so as to press the fixing belt 61 between itself and a fixing pad 63. When a sheet of paper passes through a nip area N between the pressure roller 62 and the fixing belt 61, the toner image transferred to the sheet of paper is melted, mixed, and pressed against the sheet of paper, and the toner image is thermally fixed to the sheet of paper.

[0031] A fan 70 (see FIG. 3) for cooling the fixing device 60 is provided near the fixing device 60 inside the printing device 10. The fan 70 draws in air around the fixing device 60 and expels it to the outside of the printing device 10 (apparatus main body).

[0032] It is preferable that the fan 70 be installed near the fixing device 60 of the printing device 10, but this is not limiting, and it is sufficient that the fan 70 is capable of circulating the air inside the printing device 10 and cooling the fixing device 60, and it is sufficient that the fan 70 is installed at an appropriate location inside the printing device 10.

[0033] The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0034] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 200, a storage unit 210, a communication unit 220, a printing device 10 including a fixing device 60 and a fan 70, an image reading device 20, a document transport device 30, an operation panel 40, a speaker 50, and the like.

[0035] The control unit 200 controls the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 200 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 210. The control unit 200 is configured with, for example, one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and the like.

[0036] The storage unit 210 stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit 210 is configured with a storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD), which is a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 210 stores password information used for authenticating a user. The password information stores a user ID and a password in association with each other. The storage unit 210 stores a user account table (user information) indicating whether or not a user can replace the fixing device 60. The user account table will be described in detail later.

[0037] The communication unit 220 controls wireless communication of various data with an external terminal such as a computer, for example. Note that the communication unit 220 is not limited to controlling wireless communication, and may also control wired communication.

[0038] The control unit 200 is connected to a storage unit 210, a communication unit 220, the printing device 10 including a fixing device 60 and a fan 70, the image reading device 20, the document transport device 30, the operation panel 40, a speaker 50, and the like.

[0039] The control unit 200 controls the printing device 10 to form an image on an original in single color or multiple colors based on the image data read by the image reading device 20 or the image data received via the communication unit 220. The control unit 200 also controls the image reading device 20 and the original transport device 30 to read the image data of the original.

[0040] The control unit 200 authenticates a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1. When the authenticated user uses the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 200 determines whether the user can replace the fixing device 60 based on the user information, and inquires of the user whether to replace the fixing device 60 based on the determination result.

[0041] The control unit 200 displays different messages on the operation panel 40 depending on whether it is determined that the user can replace the fixing device 60 or not.

[0042] When it is determined that the user can replace the fixing device 60, the control unit 200 displays on the operation panel 40 a message inquiring to the user whether to replace the fixing device 60. When it is determined that the user cannot replace the fixing device 60, the control unit 200 displays on the operation panel 40 a message urging the user to contact a user who can replace the fixing device 60.

[0043] The control unit 200 determines whether the width of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 111 has changed, and if it is determined that the width of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 111 has changed, it determines whether the user can replace the fixing device 60, and asks the user whether or not to replace the fixing device 60 depending on the determination result.

[0044] FIG. 4 is an example of a user account table.

[0045] In the user account table 401, a user ID is associated with whether or not replacement work can be performed. The user ID is information for identifying a user. Whether or not replacement work can be performed is information indicating whether or not the user can replace the fixing device 60. "Yes" indicates that the fixing device 60 can be replaced, and "No" indicates that the fixing device 60 cannot be replaced.

[0046] 4 indicates that a user with a user ID of user1 can replace the fixing device 60. Also, a user with a user ID of user2 cannot replace the fixing device 60. The user account table 401 is an example of user information. The user account table 401 is set by, for example, an administrator of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0047] Next, the inquiry process of the fixing device 60 at the time of login will be described.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a fixing device replacement inquiry process at login. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen. Figs. 7 and 9 are diagrams showing examples of a message screen. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a machine adjustment screen.

[0049] First, the control unit 200 authenticates a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1, and the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 1. For example, when the image forming apparatus 1 is started up or in response to pressing of an “Administrator Login” button displayed on the operation panel 40, the control unit 200 displays a login screen 601 as shown in FIG.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, a login screen 601 displays a message stating, "Please enter your user ID and password on the operation panel 40." along with an input form for the user ID and password and a login icon.

[0051] When a user inputs a user ID and password and touches the login icon, control unit 200 compares the input user ID and password with the user ID and password written in the password information stored in storage unit 201, and if they match, authenticates that the user is a legitimate user. This puts the user in a state of being logged in to image forming device 1, and the user begins using image forming device 1.

[0052] Returning to FIG. 5, the explanation will be continued.

[0053] In step S501, the control unit 200 determines whether the fixing device 60 is in a replaceable state. The control unit 200 determines whether the fixing device 60 is in a replaceable state, for example, based on the temperature of the fixing device 60. For example, when the temperature of the fixing device 60 is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the control unit 200 determines that the fixing device 60 is in a replaceable state, and when the temperature of the fixing device 60 is higher than the threshold value, the control unit 200 determines that the fixing device 60 is not in a replaceable state. When it is determined that the fixing device 60 is in a replaceable state, the control proceeds to step S502, and when it is determined that the fixing device 60 is not in a replaceable state, the replacement inquiry process at login is terminated.

[0054] In step S502, the control unit 200 determines whether the logged-in user is capable of replacing the fixing device 60 based on the user account table 401. If it is determined that the logged-in user is capable of replacing the fixing device 60, the control proceeds to step S503, and if it is determined that the logged-in user is not capable of replacing the fixing device 60 (not possible), the control proceeds to step S506. For example, when a user with a user ID of user1 is logged in, the control unit 200 determines that the logged-in user is capable of replacing the fixing device 60 based on the user account table 401 in FIG. 4. For example, when a user with a user ID of user2 is logged in, the control unit 200 determines that the logged-in user is not capable of replacing the fixing device 60 based on the user account table 401 in FIG. 4.

[0055] In step S503, the control unit 200 inquires of the user whether or not to replace the fixing device 60. Specifically, for example, the control unit 200 displays a message screen 701 as shown in FIG. 7 on the operation panel 40. The message screen 701 displays a message such as "The current fixing belt size is **. Do you want to replace the fixing unit?". Note that "**" is, for example, the size of the intermediate transfer belt 146a currently mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the message screen 701 displays a "Yes" button for transitioning to a machine adjustment screen and a "No" button for not replacing the fixing device 60.

[0056] In step S504, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the user has pressed the "Yes" button on the message screen 701. If it is determined that the "Yes" button has been pressed, control proceeds to step S505; if it is determined that the "Yes" button has not been pressed (the "No" button has been pressed), the exchange inquiry process at login is terminated.

[0057] 8 on the operation panel 40. A "Replace Fixing Unit" button for starting the replacement process of the fixing device 60 is displayed on the machine adjustment screen 801. When the "Replace Fixing Unit" button is pressed by the user, the control unit 200 starts the replacement process of the fixing device 60.

[0058] In the process of replacing the fixing device 60, the control unit 200 operates the fan 70 to cool the fixing device 60 until it reaches a predetermined temperature or lower. When the fixing device 60 reaches a predetermined temperature or lower, the control unit 200 displays the procedure for replacing the fixing device 60 on the operation panel 40. The user replaces the fixing device 60 while referring to the display on the operation panel 40. The control unit 200 has a print number counter corresponding to each fixing device 60 to manage the life span of the fixing device 60, and counts the number of prints for each fixing device 60. When the fixing device 60 is replaced, the control unit 200 switches the print number counter that counts the number of prints to the print number counter corresponding to the new fixing device 60 that has been replaced.

[0059] In step S506, control unit 200 displays message screen 901 as shown in Fig. 9 on operation panel 40. Message screen 901 displays a message urging the user to contact a user capable of replacing fixing device 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, message screen 901 displays the message "The current fixing belt size is **. If you wish to replace the fixing unit, please contact someone capable of performing the replacement work." Furthermore, message screen 901 displays an "OK" button to be pressed when the user agrees to the message.

[0060] In step S507, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the "OK" button on the message screen 901 has been pressed by the user, and if it is determined that the "OK" button has been pressed, the exchange inquiry process at login ends. The control unit 200 repeats the determination of whether or not the "OK" button has been pressed until the "OK" button is pressed.

[0061] Next, an inquiry process of the fixing device 60 when the size of the paper in the paper feed tray 111 is changed will be described.

[0062] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are flow charts of a fixing device replacement inquiry process when changing the paper size of the paper feed tray. Fig. 11, 13 and 14 are diagrams showing an example of a message screen. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a machine adjustment screen.

[0063] Here, it is assumed that there are a plurality of paper feed units 110, that is, a plurality of paper feed trays 111.

[0064] In step S1001, the control unit 200 stores the maximum width (maximum paper width) of the paper stored in the paper feed tray 111 in the storage unit 210. The size (e.g., A4, etc.) of the paper stored in each of the multiple paper feed trays 111 is input by the user from the operation panel 40, for example. The control unit 200 stores the size of the paper currently stored in each of the multiple paper feed trays 111 in the storage unit 210. The storage unit 210 also stores the width of the paper of each size, and the control unit 200 reads the width corresponding to the input paper size from the storage unit 210 and stores the maximum width of the widths corresponding to the input paper in the storage unit 210 as the maximum paper width. For example, when the paper size is A4, the width is 210 mm. Also, the position of a width adjustment plate that can be moved according to the size of the paper provided in the paper feed tray 111 may be detected by a sensor provided in the paper feed tray 111, and the size of the paper may be detected from the detected position of the width adjustment plate.

[0065] In step S1002, the control unit 200 determines whether the size (width) of the paper stored in any of the paper feed trays 111 has been changed. If it is determined that the size (width) of the paper stored in any of the paper feed trays 111 has been changed, the control proceeds to step S1003. If it is determined that the size (width) of the paper stored in all of the paper feed trays 111 has not been changed, the control unit 200 repeats the process of step S1002. For example, if the user changes the size of the paper stored in any of the paper feed trays 111 by inputting from the operation panel 40, the control unit 200 determines that the size (width) of the paper stored in any of the paper feed trays 111 has been changed. Alternatively, the position of a width shifting plate that is movable according to the size of the paper provided in the paper feed tray 111 may be detected by a sensor provided in the paper feed tray 111, and depending on whether the position of the width shifting plate has moved, it may be determined whether the size of the paper stored in any of the paper feed trays 111 has been changed.

[0066] In step S1003, control unit 200 determines whether the maximum paper width of the paper currently stored in paper feed tray 111 is less than the maximum paper width stored in memory unit 210. If it is determined that the maximum paper width of the paper currently stored in paper feed tray 111 is less than the maximum paper width stored in memory unit 210, control proceeds to step S1004. If it is determined that the maximum paper width of the paper currently stored in paper feed tray 111 is not less than the maximum paper width stored in memory unit 210, control proceeds to step S1021.

[0067] In step S1004, the control unit 200 updates the maximum paper width stored in the storage unit 210 to the maximum width of the paper currently accommodated in the paper feed tray 111, and stores the updated maximum paper width in the storage unit 210.

[0068] In step S1005, the control unit 200 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a user account environment. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is in a user account environment, the control proceeds to step S1006, and if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is not in a user account environment, the control returns to step S1002. For example, if the control unit 200 has already authenticated a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 and the user is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 200 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is in a user account environment. If the control unit 200 has not authenticated a user who uses the image forming apparatus 1 and no user is logged in to the image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 200 determines that the image forming apparatus 1 is not in a user account environment.

[0069] In step S1006, the control unit 200 determines whether the logged-in user is capable of replacing the fixing device 60 based on the user account table 401. If it is determined that the logged-in user is capable of replacing the fixing device 60, the control proceeds to step S1007, and if it is determined that the logged-in user is not capable of replacing the fixing device 60 (not possible), the control proceeds to step S1010. For example, when a user with a user ID of user1 is logged in, the control unit 200 determines that the logged-in user is capable of replacing the fixing device 60 based on the user account table 401 in FIG. 4. For example, when a user with a user ID of user2 is logged in, the control unit 200 determines that the logged-in user is not capable of replacing the fixing device 60 based on the user account table 401 in FIG. 4.

[0070] In step S1007, the control unit 200 inquires of the user whether or not to replace the fixing device 60. Specifically, for example, the control unit 200 displays a message screen 1101 as shown in FIG. 11 on the operation panel 40. The message screen 1101 displays a message such as "The current fixing belt size is **. Do you want to replace the fixing unit?". Note that "**" is, for example, the size of the intermediate transfer belt 146a currently mounted on the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the message screen 1101 displays a "Yes" button for transitioning to a machine adjustment screen and a "No" button for not replacing the fixing device 60.

[0071] In step S1008, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the user has pressed the "Yes" button on the message screen 1101. If it is determined that the "Yes" button has been pressed, control proceeds to step S1009, and if it is determined that the "Yes" button has not been pressed (the "No" button has been pressed), control returns to step S1002.

[0072] In step S1009, control unit 200 displays machine adjustment screen 1201 as shown in Fig. 12 on operation panel 40. Machine adjustment screen 1201 displays a "Replace Fixing Unit" button for starting replacement processing of fixing device 60. When the "Replace Fixing Unit" button is pressed by the user, control unit 200 starts replacement processing of fixing device 60. The replacement processing of fixing device 60 has already been described, so its description will be omitted. Then, control returns to step S1002.

[0073] In step S1010, control unit 200 displays message screen 1301 as shown in Fig. 13 on operation panel 40. Message screen 1301 displays a message urging the user to contact a user capable of replacing fixing device 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, message screen 1301 displays the message "The current fixing belt size is **. If you wish to replace the fixing unit, please contact someone capable of performing the replacement work." Furthermore, message screen 1301 displays an "OK" button to be pressed when the user agrees to the message.

[0074] In step S1011, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the "OK" button on the message screen 1301 has been pressed by the user, and if it is determined that the "OK" button has been pressed, the control returns to step S1002. The control unit 200 repeats the determination of whether or not the "OK" button has been pressed until the "OK" button is pressed.

[0075] In step S1021, control unit 200 determines whether the maximum paper width of the paper currently stored in paper feed tray 111 is greater than the maximum paper width stored in memory unit 210. If it is determined that the maximum paper width of the paper currently stored in paper feed tray 111 is greater than the maximum paper width stored in memory unit 210, control proceeds to step S1022. If it is determined that the maximum paper width of the paper currently stored in paper feed tray 111 is not greater than the maximum paper width stored in memory unit 210, control returns to step S1002.

[0076] In step S1022, control unit 200 updates the maximum paper width stored in storage unit 210 to the maximum width of the paper currently accommodated in paper feed tray 111, and stores the updated value in storage unit 210.

[0077] In step S1023, the control unit 200 determines whether the image forming apparatus 1 is in a user account environment. If it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is in a user account environment, the control proceeds to step S1024, and if it is determined that the image forming apparatus 1 is not in a user account environment, the control returns to step S1002.

[0078] In step S1024, control unit 200 determines whether or not the logged-in user is capable of replacing fixing device 60, based on user account table 401. If it is determined that the logged-in user is capable of replacing fixing device 60, control proceeds to step S1025, and if it is determined that the logged-in user is not capable (not capable of) replacing fixing device 60, control proceeds to step S1027.

[0079] In step S1025, the control unit 200 requests the user to replace the fixing device 60. Specifically, for example, the control unit 200 displays a message screen 1401 as shown in FIG. 14 on the operation panel 40. The message screen 1401 displays the message "The current fixing belt size is **. Please replace the fixing unit." Here, "**" is, for example, the size of the intermediate transfer belt 146a currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1. Furthermore, the message screen 1401 displays a "Yes" button for transitioning to a machine adjustment screen and a "No" button for not replacing the fixing device 60.

[0080] In step S1026, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the user has pressed the "Yes" button on the message screen 1401. If it is determined that the "Yes" button has been pressed, control proceeds to step S1009, and if it is determined that the "Yes" button has not been pressed (the "No" button has been pressed), control returns to step S1002.

[0081] In step S1027, control unit 200 displays message screen 1501 as shown in Fig. 15 on operation panel 40. Message screen 1501 displays a message urging the user to contact a user capable of replacing fixing device 60. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 15, message screen 1501 displays the message "The current fixing belt size is **. The fixing unit needs to be replaced. Please contact someone capable of replacing it." Furthermore, message screen 1501 displays an "OK" button to be pressed when the user agrees to the message.

[0082] In step S1028, the control unit 200 determines whether or not the "OK" button on the message screen 1501 has been pressed by the user, and if it is determined that the "OK" button has been pressed, the control returns to step S1002. The control unit 200 repeats the determination of whether or not the "OK" button has been pressed until the "OK" button is pressed.

[0083] According to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment, the user is asked whether to replace the fixing device depending on whether the user can replace the fixing device, so that it is possible to prevent confusion of a user who cannot replace the fixing device. Also, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment, it is possible to ask a user who can replace the fixing device whether to replace the fixing device. Also, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment, it is possible to display a message to a user who cannot replace the fixing device, encouraging the user to contact a user who can replace the fixing device. Also, according to the image forming apparatus of the embodiment, it is possible to ask a user who can replace the fixing device whether to replace the fixing device when changing the size of the paper in the paper feed tray.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be modified, and the above configurations may be replaced with substantially the same configurations, configurations that achieve the same effects, or configurations that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Image forming device 10 Printing device 60 Fixing device 200 Control section

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a device main body to which a fixing device for thermally fixing a toner image on a sheet of paper can be detachably attached; a control unit that authenticates a user who uses the image forming apparatus and controls the image forming apparatus; a storage unit that stores user information indicating whether or not the user is able to replace the fixing device; Equipped with The control unit, when used by an authenticated user, determines whether or not the user can replace the fixing device based on the user information, and inquires of the user as to whether or not to replace the fixing device based on the determination result.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit displays different messages when it is determined that the user can replace the fixing device and when it is determined that the user cannot replace the fixing device.

3. The control unit is if it is determined that the user can replace the fixing device, displaying a message inquiring to the user whether or not to replace the fixing device; 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when it is determined that the user is not able to replace the fixing device, a message is displayed to prompt the user to contact a user who is able to replace the fixing device.

4. The printer further includes a paper feed tray for storing the paper. The control unit is determining whether the width of the paper contained in the paper feed tray has been changed; 2. An image forming apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the width of the paper stored in the paper feed tray has been changed, it determines whether the user is able to replace the fixing device, and depending on the determination result, it queries the user as to whether or not to replace the fixing device.

Images