Image-forming device

Abstract

To provide an image-forming device capable of performing an exchange preparation of a fixing unit more appropriately than before.SOLUTION: An image-forming device includes: an image-forming section for forming an image by heat-fixing toner to a recording medium by a detachably replaceable fixing unit; a fixing unit detection section for detecting presence or absence of mounting of the fixing unit; an operation section for receiving a user's command; and a control section for controlling the image-forming device, the fixing unit detection section, and the operation section. The control section allows the fixing unit detection section to detect presence or absence of mounting of the fixing unit when the operation section receives an instruction for preparing for exchange of the fixing unit, and determines that preparation of exchange of the fixing unit is completed when the fixing unit is not mounted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that forms an image by heating and fixing toner onto a recording medium using a detachable and replaceable fixing unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are known image forming apparatuses such as multifunction peripherals in which a user replaces and installs a dedicated fixing unit determined according to the size and type of paper to form an image.

[0003] Such user-replaceable units are generally called ORUs (Operator Replaceable Units). However, in the case of the fixing unit, because the fixing unit is heated and fixed at high temperatures during image formation, replacing the fixing unit immediately after image formation is extremely dangerous due to the risk of burns.

[0004] In the past, in order to avoid such dangers when replacing the fixing unit, image forming devices have been proposed that use cooling fans to cool the developing device, transfer material transport path, or electrical boards inside the main device during operation, and that cool the entire fixing device in one go when a jam occurs and the user needs to access the fixing device to resolve the jam (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] In addition, an image forming apparatus has been proposed that has a notification unit for notifying an operator of information corresponding to whether or not the temperature of the installed fixing unit has dropped below a predetermined temperature when replacing it with another fixing unit, thereby allowing general users other than service personnel to safely replace the fixing unit in the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-316221 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-003725 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the situation in which the fixing unit is replaced is not limited to when the fixing unit is replaced while the power of the image forming apparatus is ON. For example, there may be a case where the fixing unit is removed from the apparatus after the power is turned off the previous day, and the fixing unit is replaced before the image forming apparatus is turned on the next morning.

[0008] In such a case, since the temperature of the fixing unit cannot be measured when the fixing unit is removed from the device, it is impossible to determine whether the fixing unit has dropped to a safe temperature, resulting in a situation where processing cannot proceed.

[0009] This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an image forming apparatus that allows preparation for replacement of a fixing unit to be performed more appropriately than in the past. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This disclosure provides an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit that heats and fixes toner onto a recording medium using a removable and replaceable fixing unit to form an image, a fixing unit detection unit that detects whether the fixing unit is installed, an operation unit that accepts user instructions, and a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the fixing unit detection unit, and the operation unit, wherein when the operation unit accepts a command to prepare for replacement of the fixing unit, the control unit causes the fixing unit detection unit to detect whether the fixing unit is installed, and when the fixing unit is not installed, determines that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete.

[0011] In this disclosure, an "image forming device" is a device that forms and outputs an image, such as a copier or multifunction device with a copying function, such as a printer that uses an electrophotographic method to form an image with toner, or an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) that also includes functions other than copying. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to this disclosure, if the fixing unit is not installed, it is determined that preparation for fixing unit replacement is complete, thereby realizing an image forming apparatus that can prepare for fixing unit replacement more appropriately than before.

[0013] Further, preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described.

[0014] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, when the operation unit receives a command to prepare for replacement of the fixing unit, the control unit may determine whether a predetermined replacement preparation completion condition for the fixing unit is satisfied, and if the replacement preparation completion condition is satisfied, determine that the fixing unit is ready for replacement.

[0015] In this way, when a predetermined condition for completing preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is satisfied, it is determined that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete, thereby realizing an image forming device that can prepare for replacement of the fixing unit more appropriately than before.

[0016] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, the control unit may determine that the replacement preparation completion condition is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since a predetermined temperature control stopped state of the fixing unit.

[0017] In this way, it is possible to realize an image forming device that can prepare for replacement of the fixing unit more appropriately than before, since it is determined that the replacement preparation completion condition is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since the fixing unit's temperature control was stopped.

[0018] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, the image forming apparatus may further include a fixing unit cooling section for cooling the fixing unit, and when the operation section receives a command to prepare for replacement of the fixing unit, the control section may cause the fixing unit detection section to detect whether the fixing unit is installed or not, and when the fixing unit is installed and a predetermined replacement preparation completion condition for the fixing unit is not satisfied, cause the fixing unit cooling section to start cooling the fixing unit.

[0019] In this way, when the fixing unit is installed and the condition for completing preparation for fixing unit replacement is not satisfied, the fixing unit cooling section starts cooling the fixing unit, thereby realizing an image forming device that can prepare for fixing unit replacement more appropriately than before.

[0020] In the image forming apparatus according to this disclosure, the apparatus may further include a temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the fixing unit, and the control unit may determine that the fixing unit is ready for replacement when the temperature measuring unit measures that the fixing unit has been cooled to a predetermined temperature after causing the fixing unit cooling unit to start cooling the fixing unit.

[0021] In this way, after the fixing unit cooling section starts cooling the fixing unit, if the temperature measurement section measures that the fixing unit has been cooled to a predetermined temperature, it is determined that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete, thereby realizing an image forming device that can prepare for replacement of the fixing unit more appropriately than before. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a digital multifunction peripheral according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]10 is a flowchart showing an example of a preparation process for replacing a fixing unit of the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an example of a “Fixing Unit Counter Display / Replacement” screen that is displayed on the display unit when replacing the fixing unit of the digital multi-function peripheral of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is an example of a “Replace Fixing Unit” screen displayed on a display unit when replacing a fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is an example of a message displayed on a display unit when replacing a fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 4 is an example of a message displayed on a display unit during preparation for replacement of a fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is an example of guidance displayed on a display unit when replacing a fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 4 is an example of a fixing unit selection screen displayed on a display unit after replacement of a fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a screen showing a currently installed fixing unit displayed on a display unit after replacement of the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is illustrative in all respects and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0024] [Embodiment 1] <Digital MFP 1 Configuration> A digital multifunction peripheral 1, which is an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0026] The digital multifunction machine 1 is a device such as an MFP that digitally processes image data and has a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and an email transmission function.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a control unit 10, an image data acquisition unit 11, an image forming unit 12, a memory unit 13, an image processing unit 14, a communication unit 15, a timer 16, an operation panel 17, a temperature sensor 18, and a fixing unit detection sensor 19.

[0028] Each component of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 will be described below.

[0029] The control unit 10 controls the digital multifunction peripheral 1 in an integrated manner, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), various interface circuits, and the like.

[0030] The control unit 10 monitors and controls all loads such as the detection of each sensor, motors, clutches, and operation panel 17 in order to control the overall operation of the digital multifunction printer 1.

[0031] The image data acquisition unit 11 detects and reads an original placed on a platen or an original conveyed from an original tray, and generates image data. In addition, the device may acquire image data from an external information processing device, etc. via a wired / wireless network not shown, or may acquire image data recorded on a USB, etc., or may be a combination of these.

[0032] The image forming unit 12 is a part that prints out the image data acquired by the image data acquiring unit 11 and processed by the image processing unit 14 onto a sheet of paper. The image forming section 12 includes a fixing unit that heats and fixes the toner onto the recording medium, and the fixing unit is provided within the apparatus so as to be detachable and replaceable.

[0033] The storage unit 13 is an element or storage medium that stores information and control programs necessary to realize various functions of the digital multifunction device 1. For example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a hard disk, a flash storage unit, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or other storage medium is used.

[0034] The storage unit 13 stores data necessary for executing a job, such as information about a job such as printing, and image data.

[0035] The program and the data may be stored in different devices, such as an area for storing data being configured as a hard disk drive and an area for storing programs being configured as a flash memory unit.

[0036] The image processing unit 14 is a part that converts the image data input from the image data acquisition unit 11 into an appropriate electrical signal based on a job command such as printing input from the operation unit 172, and processes the image data so that it is suitable for output such as enlargement / reduction.

[0037] The communication unit 15 is a part that communicates with external devices such as an external personal computer (PC), a portable information terminal, and an information processing device via a wired / wireless network.

[0038] The timer 16 is a part that measures and counts time, and obtains the time from, for example, a built-in clock or via a wired / wireless network. The timer 16 is used, for example, to measure the time it takes for the fixing unit to cool down to a predetermined temperature.

[0039] The operation panel 17 is composed of a display panel made up of a liquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch panel such as a capacitive touch panel arranged on top of the display panel to detect the position touched by a finger, and is equipped with a display unit 171 and an operation unit 172.

[0040] The display unit 171 is a part that displays various types of information. Display unit 171 is, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and is a display device such as a monitor or line display for displaying electronic data such as the processing state of the operating system and application software.

[0041] The control unit 10 displays the operation and status of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 through the display unit 171 .

[0042] The operation unit 172 is an interface for operating the digital multifunction peripheral 1, and is a section that receives commands from the user.

[0043] The temperature sensor 18 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1. The temperature sensor 18 is provided, for example, near the surface of a fixing belt (not shown) and measures the temperature of the fixing belt.

[0044] The fixing unit detection sensor 19 is a sensor that detects whether or not a fixing unit is installed. If it is possible to determine that the fixing unit is not installed by detecting that the temperature sensor 18 is not connected (Hi-Z), there is no need to provide a separate fixing unit detection sensor 19.

[0045] <Preparation for replacement of fixing unit of digital multifunction peripheral according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure> Next, a preparation process for replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a preparation process for replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0046] In step S1 of FIG. 3, the control unit 10 of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 determines whether or not a preparation start key for replacement of the fixing unit displayed on the display unit 171 has been pressed (step S1).

[0047] When the preparation start execution key for replacing the fixing unit displayed on the display unit 171 is pressed (when the determination in step S1 is Yes), the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the screen of Fig. 4, and when the "Replace Fixing Unit" key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether the fixing unit detection sensor 19 has detected the attachment of the fixing unit (step S2).

[0048] If the fixing unit detection sensor 19 does not detect the installation of the fixing unit (if the judgment in step S2 is No), in step S7, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the screen of Figure 8 (B) and notifies the user to install the fixing unit (step S7).

[0049] In this way, if the fixing unit is not installed when preparation for replacement of the fixing unit begins, the fixing unit is considered to already be in a cooled state, and therefore it can be immediately considered that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete.

[0050] On the other hand, if the fixing unit detection sensor 19 detects the attachment of the fixing unit (if the determination in step S2 is Yes), in step S3, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a condition for completing preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is satisfied (step S3).

[0051] Here, it is assumed that the replacement preparation completion condition of the fixing unit is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the following temperature control stop state of the fixing unit. <The temperature control of the fixing unit is stopped> The device was turned off. - Eco scan mode has been entered. A problem such as a jam or error has occurred. The device door has been opened.

[0052] When the temperature control of the fixing unit is stopped, the heating of the fixing unit is immediately stopped. The control unit 10 makes the timer 16 measure time and determines whether or not the time has elapsed until the fixing unit has cooled down to a safe temperature.

[0053] In this way, if a predetermined time has passed since the temperature control stop state of the fixing unit occurred when preparation for replacement of the fixing unit begins, the fixing unit is considered to already be in a cooled state, and therefore it can be immediately considered that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete.

[0054] If the condition for completing preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is met (if the judgment in step S3 is Yes), in step S6, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the screen of FIG. 8(A) to notify the user to remove the fixing unit (step S6).

[0055] On the other hand, if the fixing unit replacement preparation completion condition is not satisfied (if the determination in step S3 is No), the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the screen in Fig. 5. Then, when the "execute key" is pressed, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the screen in Fig. 6, and when the "OK" key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the screen of FIG. 7, and drives the cooling fan (not shown) to start cooling the fixing unit (step S4).

[0056] Next, in step S5, the control unit 10 determines whether the fixing unit has been cooled to a predetermined temperature (step S5).

[0057] When the temperature is cooled to a predetermined temperature (if the determination in step S5 is Yes), in step S6, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 171 to display the screen in FIG. 8A to notify the user to remove the fixing unit (step S6).

[0058] Thereafter, when the "Next" key is pressed, the control unit 10 proceeds to the processing of steps S7 and S8. In step S8, the control unit 10 allows the administrative user to set the replaced fixing unit according to the procedures shown on the screens of FIGS. 9 and 10, thereby completing the replacement process of the fixing unit.

[0059] Next, a procedure for replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows an example of a "Fixing Unit Counter Display / Replacement" screen displayed on the display unit 171 when replacing the fixing unit of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0060] In Figure 4, three types of fixing units are assumed to be available depending on the paper size: "A5-R", "A3, A4" and "A3W, A4W / SRA3, SRA4".

[0061] When an administrative user, who is an administrator, presses a "Fixing Unit Counter Display / Replacement" key on the setting screen displayed on the display unit 171, a screen such as that shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. On this screen, the currently installed unit is shown to be a fixing unit for "A3, A4".

[0062] The screen in FIG. 4 displays the status of each of the three types of fixing units (fixing belt, fixing roller, pressure roller, lower peeling claw, peeling plate, and web cleaning).

[0063] Each status value (%) indicates the current percentage of the maximum lifespan of each part, such as the fixing belt, assuming that it is 100%. In the example of FIG. 4, the fixing unit for "A3, A4" is displayed as follows: fixing belt 16%, fixing roller 16%, pressure roller 8%, lower peeling claw 16%, peeling plate 16% and web cleaning 24%.

[0064] Here, if the administrative user presses the "Replace Fixing Unit" key at the bottom right, the screen shown in Figure 5 will be displayed.

[0065] FIG. 5 is an example of a "Replace Fixing Unit" screen displayed on the display unit 171 when replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0066] The screen in Figure 5 displays the message "Press [Execute] to prepare for fixing unit replacement," as well as precautions to take when replacing the fixing unit.

[0067] When the administrative user presses the "Execute" key on the screen of FIG. 5, a final confirmation message to the effect that preparations for fixing unit replacement are being made is displayed as a pop-up.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows an example of a message that is displayed on the display unit 171 when replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0069] When the administrative user presses the "OK" key in the pop-up display of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 determines that the fixing unit replacement preparation start key in step S1 of FIG. 3 has been pressed.

[0070] FIG. 7 shows an example of a message displayed on the display unit 171 during preparation for replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0071] As shown in the example of FIG. 7, a message is displayed to the effect that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is in progress. The control unit 10 waits until preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete according to the flow of FIG.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows an example of guidance displayed on the display unit 171 when replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 8(A) shows an example of guidance for removing the fixing unit, and Fig. 8(B) shows an example of guidance for installing the fixing unit.

[0073] When the cooling of the fixing unit is completed, the screen in FIG. 8(A) is displayed.

[0074] The screen in Figure 8(A) displays guidance for removing the fixing unit, saying "Open the right door, remove the screws securing the fixing unit, and then remove the fixing unit," as well as a warning, saying "The fixing unit may be hot. Please wait until the temperature has sufficiently cooled." The administrative user follows this guidance to remove the fixing unit, and when removal is complete, presses the "Next" key in the bottom right of the screen to move to the screen shown in Figure 8(B).

[0075] The screen in Figure 8(B) displays guidance for installing the fixing unit: "Check the label, then install the fixing unit, tighten the screws that secure the fixing unit, and close the right door," as well as precautions (the same as in Figure 8(A)). The administrative user follows this guidance to install the fixing unit, and when installation is complete, presses the "Next" key in the bottom right of the screen to move to the screen shown in Figure 9.

[0076] FIG. 9 shows an example of a fixing unit selection screen displayed on the display unit 171 after replacing the fixing unit of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0077] Immediately after the replacement is completed, the fixing unit before replacement is selected, so when the fixing unit is replaced with a different one, the administrative user selects the type of the fixing unit that has been installed. In the example of FIG. 9, the fixing unit for "A3W, A4W / SRA3, SRA4" is selected. After selecting the fusing unit, the administrative user presses the "Finish" key.

[0078] FIG. 10 is an example of a screen showing the currently installed fixing unit displayed on the display unit 171 after replacing the fixing unit of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 of FIG.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, the currently selected fixing unit is displayed, and fixing units other than the selected fixing unit and the status values ​​are displayed in gray.

[0080] In this way, it is possible to realize a digital multifunction peripheral 1 that can prepare for replacement of a fixing unit more appropriately than ever before.

[0081] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure include any combination of the above-mentioned aspects. In addition to the above-mentioned embodiment, various modifications of this disclosure are possible. These modifications should not be interpreted as not belonging to the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure should include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meanings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1: digital multifunction device, 10: control unit, 11: image data acquisition unit, 12: image forming unit, 13: storage unit, 14: image processing unit, 15: communication unit, 16: timer, 17: operation panel, 18: temperature sensor, 19: fixing unit detection sensor, 171: display unit, 172: operation unit

Claims

1. an image forming section that forms an image by heating and fixing toner onto a recording medium using a detachable and replaceable fixing unit; a fixing unit detection section that detects whether the fixing unit is attached; An operation unit that receives commands from a user; a control unit that controls the image forming unit, the fixing unit detection unit, and the operation unit, The control unit, when receiving a command from the operation unit to prepare for replacement of the fixing unit, causes the fixing unit detection unit to detect whether the fixing unit is installed or not, and if the fixing unit is not installed, determines that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation unit receives a command to prepare for replacement of the fixing unit, the control unit determines whether a predetermined replacement preparation completion condition for the fixing unit is satisfied, and if the replacement preparation completion condition is satisfied, determines that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit determines that the replacement preparation completion condition is satisfied when a predetermined time has elapsed since a predetermined temperature control stop state of the fixing unit.

4. a fixing unit cooling section that cools the fixing unit, 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation unit receives a command to prepare for replacement of the fixing unit, the control unit causes the fixing unit detection unit to detect whether the fixing unit is installed or not, and when the fixing unit is installed and a predetermined replacement preparation completion condition for the fixing unit is not satisfied, causes the fixing unit cooling unit to start cooling the fixing unit.

5. a temperature measuring unit that measures a temperature of the fixing unit, 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit determines that preparation for replacement of the fixing unit is complete when the temperature measurement unit measures that the fixing unit has been cooled to a predetermined temperature after causing the fixing unit cooling unit to start cooling the fixing unit.

Images