Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming device which allows a user to select a cooling completion condition for a fixing unit.SOLUTION: An image forming device is provided, comprising a detachably configured fixing unit, and a cooling control unit configured to start a cooling mode for cooling the fixing unit and stop the cooling mode when a cooling completion condition selected by a user is met.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device that is capable of forming an image by replacing a fixing unit that thermally fixes a toner image to a recording material with another fixing unit, and that notifies an operator of information corresponding to whether or not the temperature of the fixing unit installed therein has dropped below a predetermined temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-216577 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether the temperature of the fixing unit installed therein has dropped to a predetermined temperature or lower. However, when an operator replaces the fixing unit, the temperature at which the operator can safely replace the fixing unit may differ depending on the operator's skill. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to select a cooling completion condition for the fixing unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fixing unit that is configured to be detachable and a cooling control unit that starts a cooling mode to cool the fixing unit and stops the cooling mode when a cooling completion condition selected by a user is satisfied. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a structure of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of condition management information according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of notification management information. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange start screen. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling start screen. [Figure 6C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a standby screen. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a completion notification screen 801 showing a message X1 associated with the setting mode, which is mode A1. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a completion notification screen 802 showing a message X2 associated with the setting mode, which is mode A2. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a setting screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of condition management information according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a user table. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting mode table according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting mode table according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] First embodiment The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

[0009] The image forming apparatus 100 forms multi-color and monochrome images on a predetermined sheet (recording paper) in accordance with image data transmitted from the outside, and is composed of an apparatus main body 110 and an automatic document processing device 120. The apparatus main body 110 is composed of an exposure unit 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, an intermediate transfer belt unit 6, a fixing section 7, a paper feed cassette 81, a paper discharge tray 91, etc.

[0010] An original placement stage 92 made of transparent glass on which an original is placed is provided on the upper portion of the device main body 110, and an automatic original processing device 120 is attached above the original placement stage 92. The automatic original processing device 120 automatically transports an original onto the original placement stage 92. The automatic original processing device 120 is also configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and by opening up the top of the original placement stage 92, an original can be placed manually on it.

[0011] Image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a color image using the colors black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Therefore, four of each of the developing devices 2, photoconductor drums 3, chargers 5, and cleaner units 4 are provided to form four types of latent images corresponding to each color, and are set to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, forming four image stations.

[0012] The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to a charger type as shown in FIG. 1, a contact type roller type or brush type charger may also be used.

[0013] The exposure unit 1 is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) equipped with a laser emission section, a reflecting mirror, etc. The exposure unit 1 is provided with optical elements such as a polygon mirror that scans a laser beam, and lenses and mirrors that guide the laser light reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3. The configuration of the optical scanning device that constitutes the exposure unit 1 will be specifically described later. As the exposure unit 1, a method using, for example, an EL or LED writing head in which light-emitting elements are arranged in an array can also be adopted.

[0014] The exposure unit 1 has a function of exposing the charged photoconductor drum 3 in accordance with input image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 3 in accordance with the image data. The development unit 2 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor drum 3 with four color (KCMY) toners. The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor drum 3 after development and image transfer.

[0015] The intermediate transfer belt unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided, one for each of the YMCK colors.

[0016] The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 tension and rotate the intermediate transfer belt 61. In addition, each intermediate transfer roller 64 applies a transfer bias for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

[0017] The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided so as to come into contact with each photosensitive drum 3, and has a function of forming a color toner image (multi-color toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially transferring and overlapping the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using a film having a thickness of, for example, about 100 μm to 150 μm.

[0018] The toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by an intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller based on a metal (e.g., stainless steel) shaft with a diameter of 8 to 10 mm, the surface of which is covered with a conductive elastic material (e.g., EPDM, urethane foam, etc.). This conductive elastic material allows a high voltage to be applied uniformly to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this disclosure, a roller shape is used as the transfer electrode, but a brush or the like can also be used.

[0019] As described above, the electrostatic latent images visualized on the photoconductor drums 3 according to each hue are layered on the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this manner, the toner images are transferred onto the paper by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 61, via the transfer roller 10 disposed at the contact position between the paper and the intermediate transfer belt 61, which will be described later.

[0020] At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are pressed against each other at a specified nip, and a voltage is applied to the transfer roller 10 to transfer the toner to the paper (a high voltage of the opposite polarity (+) to the toner's charged polarity (-)). Furthermore, in order for the transfer roller 10 to constantly obtain the above nip, either the transfer roller 10 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 is made of a hard material (metal, etc.), and the other is made of a soft material such as an elastic roller (an elastic rubber roller, a foamed resin roller, etc.).

[0021] As described above, toner that has adhered to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by contacting the photosensitive drum 3, or toner that has not been transferred to paper by the transfer roller 10 and remains on the intermediate transfer belt 61, can cause toner color mixing in the next process, so they are set to be removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 is provided with a cleaning blade, for example, as a cleaning member that comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61, and the intermediate transfer belt 61 that the cleaning blade comes into contact with is supported from the back side by an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63.

[0022] The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for accumulating sheets (recording paper) used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 1 of the apparatus main body 110. Sheets used for image formation can also be placed in the manual feed paper feed cassette 82. The paper discharge tray 91 provided above the apparatus main body 110 is a tray for accumulating printed sheets face down.

[0023] The device body 110 is also provided with a substantially vertical paper transport path S for sending sheets from the paper feed cassette 81 and the manual feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 7. Near the paper transport path S from the paper feed cassette 81 or the manual feed cassette 82 to the paper discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of transport rollers 12a to 12d, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, the fixing unit 7, etc. are arranged.

[0024] Conveyor rollers 12a-12d are small rollers for facilitating and assisting sheet transport, and a plurality of them are provided along paper transport path S. Pickup roller 11a is provided near the end of paper feed cassette 81 and picks up sheets one by one from paper feed cassette 81 and supplies them to paper transport path S. Similarly, pickup roller 11b is provided near the end of manual paper feed cassette 82 and picks up sheets one by one from manual paper feed cassette 82 and supplies them to paper transport path S.

[0025] The registration rollers 13 temporarily hold the sheet being transported along the paper transport path S. The registration rollers 13 transport the sheet to the transfer rollers 10 at a timing when the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 and the leading edge of the sheet are aligned.

[0026] The fixing unit 7 includes a heat roller 71 and a pressure roller 72, and is detachably attached. The fixing unit 7 is locked to the device body 110 by a lock mechanism (not shown) for locking the fixing unit 7 to the device body 110. The heat roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 rotate with a sheet sandwiched between them. The heat roller 71 is set to a predetermined fixing temperature by a control unit based on a signal from a temperature detector (not shown), and has a function of melting, mixing and pressing the multi-color toner image transferred to the sheet by thermally pressing the toner onto the sheet together with the pressure roller 72, thereby thermally fixing the multi-color toner image onto the sheet. An external heating belt 73 is provided for externally heating the heat roller 71.

[0027] Next, the sheet transport path will be described in detail. As described above, the image forming apparatus is provided with the sheet feed cassette 81, which stores sheets in advance, and the manual feed cassette 82. In order to feed sheets from these sheet feed cassettes 81 and 82, pickup rollers 11a and 11b are provided, respectively, to guide the sheets one by one to the transport path S.

[0028] A sheet conveyed from each of the paper feed cassettes 81, 82 is conveyed to the registration rollers 13 by the conveying rollers 12a of the paper conveying path S, and is conveyed to the transfer rollers 10 at a timing when the leading edge of the sheet is aligned with the leading edge of the image information on the intermediate transfer belt 61, and the image information is written onto the sheet. The sheet then passes through the fixing unit 7, where unfixed toner on the sheet is melted and fixed by heat, and is discharged onto the paper output tray 91 via the conveying rollers 12b arranged behind it.

[0029] The above sheet transport path is for when single-sided printing is requested, but when double-sided printing is requested, when single-sided printing is completed as described above and the rear end of the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 7 is gripped by the final transport roller 12b, the transport roller 12b rotates in the reverse direction to guide the sheet to the transport rollers 12c and 12d. After that, the sheet passes through the registration rollers 13, where printing is performed on the rear side, and the sheet is then discharged to the discharge tray 91.

[0030] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image processing unit 201, a display unit 202, an operation unit 203, a timer 204, a cooling processing unit 205, a storage unit 206, and a control unit 207.

[0031] The image processing unit 201 executes an image forming function and includes an image input unit 211, an image forming unit 212, a fixing unit 7, and an image output unit 213.

[0032] Image data is input to the image input unit 211. The image input unit 211 is realized by the document placement table 92, the automatic document processor 120, and the like illustrated in FIG.

[0033] The image forming unit 212 forms a printable electrostatic latent image from the input image data. The image forming unit 212 is realized by the developing unit 2, the photoconductor drum 3, the charger 5, the cleaner unit 4, the exposure unit 1, the intermediate transfer belt 61, etc., illustrated in FIG.

[0034] The image output unit 213 outputs the sheet on which the electrostatic latent image is formed.

[0035] The display unit 202 displays information to be presented to a user. For example, the display unit 202 is configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, or the like.

[0036] The operation unit 203 receives operations from a user. For example, the operation unit 203 is configured with a touch panel or the like.

[0037] The timer 204 measures time according to an instruction from the control unit 207 .

[0038] The cooling processing unit 205 cools the fixing unit 7. For example, the cooling processing unit 205 is configured to include a cooling fan (not shown). In this case, the cooling processing unit 205 rotates the cooling fan to blow air to the fixing unit 7 and cool the fixing unit 7.

[0039] The storage unit 206 is a recording medium capable of recording various data, programs, etc. Specifically, the storage unit 206 stores condition management information 214 (see FIG. 3) and notification management information 215 (see FIG. 4). For example, the storage unit 206 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a semiconductor memory, etc. In the condition management information 214, a time is associated with a setting mode and registered. In the notification management information 215, a completion notification message is associated with a setting mode and registered.

[0040] The control unit 207 executes various processes according to the programs and data stored in the storage unit 206. For example, the control unit 207 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 207 includes a setting unit 216, a cooling control unit 217, and a notification unit 218.

[0041] The setting unit 216 sets the cooling completion condition selected by the user. In the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the cooling completion condition indicates a predetermined time from when cooling of the fixing unit 7 starts to when cooling is stopped. Specifically, the setting unit 216 sets a setting mode selected by the user from among a plurality of setting modes registered in the condition management information 214. Then, the setting unit 216 sets the cooling completion condition indicating a predetermined time associated with the set setting mode.

[0042] The cooling control unit 217 starts a cooling mode for cooling the fixing unit 7, and stops the cooling mode when the set cooling completion condition is satisfied. That is, the cooling control unit 217 starts the cooling mode, and stops the cooling mode when the cooling completion condition selected by the user is satisfied. Specifically, the cooling control unit 217 stops the cooling mode after a predetermined time indicated by the cooling completion condition selected by the user has elapsed since starting the cooling mode. Furthermore, the cooling control unit 217 makes the fixing unit 7 unremovable from the start of the cooling mode until the cooling mode is stopped, and makes the fixing unit 7 removable after the cooling mode is stopped.

[0043] When the cooling control unit 217 stops the cooling mode, the notification unit 218 outputs a cooling completion notification indicating a message corresponding to a predetermined time indicated by the set cooling completion condition. Specifically, the notification unit 218 outputs a cooling completion notification indicating a completion notification message linked to the set mode in the notification management information 215. For example, the notification unit 218 outputs the cooling completion notification by text, voice, or the like.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the condition management information 214. For example, in the condition management information 214 shown in Fig. 3, the set modes of mode A1, mode A2, and mode A3 are associated with predetermined times of 75 minutes, 60 minutes, and 45 minutes, respectively. For example, when the set mode of mode A1 is selected by a user operation, the setting unit 216 sets a cooling completion condition indicating the predetermined time of 75 minutes.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the notification management information 215. For example, in the notification management information 215 shown in Fig. 4, the setting modes of mode A1, mode A2, and mode A3 are linked to completion notification messages of message X1, message X2, and message X3, respectively. For example, when the setting mode of mode A1 is set, the notification unit 218 outputs a cooling completion notification indicating the completion notification message of message X1 when the cooling control unit 217 stops the cooling mode.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0047] In step S501, the control unit 207 accepts a cooling start instruction. For example, the control unit 207 causes the display unit 202 to display a replacement start screen 601 (see FIG. 6A) for accepting a replacement start operation. Then, when the operation unit 203 accepts a replacement start operation on the replacement start screen 601, the control unit 207 causes the display unit 202 to display a cooling start screen 603 (see FIG. 6B) for accepting a cooling start instruction operation. Then, when the operation unit 203 accepts a cooling start instruction operation on the cooling start screen 603, the control unit 207 determines that a cooling start instruction has been accepted.

[0048] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of an exchange start screen 601.

[0049] The replacement start screen 601 indicates the types of fixing units 7 that can be installed in the image forming apparatus 100 and the types of fixing units 7 that are installed in the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the replacement start screen 601 indicates that the image forming apparatus 100 can install the A5R type, the A3 type, and the A3W type of fixing unit 7, and that the A3 type of fixing unit 7 is installed.

[0050] When the operation unit 203 receives an operation to select the button 602, the control unit 207 determines that a replacement start operation has been received. Then, the control unit 207 causes the display unit 202 to display a cooling start screen 603.

[0051] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of the cooling start screen 603.

[0052] The cooling start screen 603 displays a message notifying the user that the fixing unit 7 is to be prepared for replacement. For example, the cooling start screen 603 displays a message saying "Preparing to replace the fixing unit". Furthermore, the cooling start screen 603 displays a message to alert the user not to touch the fixing unit 7. For example, the cooling start screen 603 displays a message saying "Please be careful as the fixing unit is very dangerous due to heat". When the operation unit 203 receives an operation to select the button 604 indicating a cooling start instruction operation, the control unit 207 determines that the cooling start instruction has been received. Note that the control unit 207 may display a confirmation screen 605 on the display unit 202 as exemplified in FIG. 6C in order to prevent the user from determining that the cooling start instruction has been received by mistakenly selecting the button 604.

[0053] In the next step S502, the setting unit 216 sets the setting mode. For example, when the operation unit 203 accepts an operation to select a setting mode, the setting unit 216 sets the selected setting mode.

[0054] In step S503, the setting unit 216 sets a cooling completion condition according to the set mode. Specifically, the setting unit 216 sets a cooling completion condition indicating a time associated with the set mode in the condition management information 214. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment to execute the cooling mode for a time desired by the user according to the user's skill, work schedule, or the like.

[0055] In step S504, the cooling control unit 217 starts the cooling mode. For example, when the cooling mode is started, the cooling control unit 217 rotates the cooling fan constituting the cooling processing unit 205. Furthermore, when the cooling mode is started, the cooling control unit 217 operates the timer 204 to cause the timer 204 to measure the elapsed time since the cooling mode was started. Note that the cooling control unit 217 may cause the display unit 202 to display a standby screen 701 (see FIG. 7) while the cooling mode is being executed.

[0056] In step S505, the cooling control unit 217 disables the attachment and detachment of the fixing unit 7. Specifically, when the cooling mode is being executed, the cooling control unit 217 operates a locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the fixing unit 7 and the apparatus main body 110, thereby disabling the attachment and detachment of the fixing unit 7.

[0057] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen 701. The standby screen 701 displays a message saying "Preparing to replace the fixing unit." The control unit 207 causes the display unit 202 to display the standby screen 701, thereby urging the user to wait until the cooling mode is stopped. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 to prevent the user from touching the fixing unit 7 when the cooling mode is being executed.

[0058] In the next step S506, the cooling control unit 217 determines whether or not a predetermined time indicated by the cooling completion condition set in step S503 has elapsed since the start of the cooling mode. If the predetermined time indicated by the cooling completion condition has not elapsed in step S506, the control unit 207 returns the process to step S506.

[0059] On the other hand, if the predetermined time indicated by the cooling completion condition has elapsed in step S506, the cooling control unit 217 stops the cooling mode in step S507. When the cooling mode is stopped, the cooling control unit 217 stops the rotation of the cooling fan constituting the cooling processing unit 205.

[0060] In step S508, the cooling control unit 217 makes the fixing unit 7 detachable. Specifically, the cooling control unit 217 makes the fixing unit 7 detachable by operating a locking mechanism (not shown) to release the lock between the fixing unit 7 and the apparatus body 110.

[0061] For example, it is assumed that the condition management information 214 illustrated in FIG. 3 is stored in the storage unit 206. Then, it is assumed that the setting mode, which is mode A1, is selected by the user's operation. In that case, the setting unit 216 sets the cooling completion condition indicating the predetermined time of 75 minutes. In that case, the fixing unit 7 cannot be detached until 75 minutes have elapsed since the cooling mode was started. On the other hand, when the setting mode, which is mode A2, is selected by the user's operation, the setting unit 216 sets the cooling completion condition indicating the predetermined time of 60 minutes. In that case, the fixing unit 7 cannot be detached until 60 minutes have elapsed since the cooling mode was started. In other words, when the setting mode, which is mode A2, is selected by the user's operation, the fixing unit 7 becomes detachable earlier than when the setting mode, which is mode A1, is selected.

[0062] For example, if the user is an experienced worker, the user knows which parts are relatively hot when replacing the fixing unit 7. Therefore, if the user is an experienced worker, the user can safely perform the work even when the fixing unit 7 is not sufficiently cooled by wearing gloves or the like. On the other hand, if the user is not an experienced worker, the user may feel hot when replacing the fixing unit 7. Therefore, if the user is not an experienced worker, it is preferable for the user to replace the fixing unit 7 after the fixing unit 7 has been sufficiently cooled.

[0063] Therefore, by selecting the setting mode, mode A2, a user who is an experienced worker can perform the work of replacing the fixing unit 7 more quickly, even if the fixing unit 7 is not sufficiently cooled, than if the setting mode, mode A1, was selected.

[0064] Alternatively, when a user replaces the fixing unit 7, the time available for the replacement may be limited. In this case, the user may wish to replace the fixing unit 7 even if the fixing unit 7 has not been sufficiently cooled. Even in this case, the user may select the setting mode of mode A2 to replace the fixing unit 7 earlier than when the setting mode of mode A1 is selected. This allows the user to replace the fixing unit 7 within the limited time available for the replacement.

[0065] In step S509, the notification unit 218 outputs a cooling completion notification corresponding to the set mode. For example, the notification unit 218 causes the display unit 202 to display a screen showing a completion notification message associated with the set mode in the notification management information 215.

[0066] Fig. 8A is a diagram showing an example of a completion notification screen 801 showing a message X1 associated with the setting mode, which is mode A1. Fig. 8B is a diagram showing an example of a completion notification screen 802 showing a message X2 associated with the setting mode, which is mode A2.

[0067] For example, message X1 displayed on completion notification screen 801 is "Cooling is complete. Please turn off the main power and perform the replacement work." On the other hand, message X2 displayed on completion notification screen 802 is "Cooling is complete. Please be careful as the fixing unit is hot and very dangerous. Please turn off the main power and perform the replacement work."

[0068] For example, when the setting mode is set to mode A2, the time required for the fixing unit 7 to cool is shorter than when the setting mode is set to mode A1. Therefore, when the setting mode is set to mode A2, the fixing unit 7 is at a higher temperature than when the setting mode is set to mode A1. Therefore, when the setting mode is set to mode A2, the notification unit 218 causes the display unit 202 to display a message to alert the user, thereby making the user aware that the fixing unit 7 has not been sufficiently cooled.

[0069] Furthermore, the completion notification screen 801 and the completion notification screen 802 each include a button 803 indicating the start of replacement. When the operation unit 203 accepts an operation to select the button 803, the control unit 207 causes the display unit 202 to display a setting screen 901 (see FIG. 9) for setting the type of the fixing unit 7 after replacement.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen 901. As shown in FIG.

[0071] The setting screen 901 shows information indicating the type of the fixing unit 7 that can be attached to the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the setting screen 901 shown in Fig. 9 shows that a fixing unit 7 of the A5R type, a fixing unit 7 of the A3 type, and a fixing unit 7 of the A3W type can be attached to the image forming apparatus 100. The user performs an operation to select the type of the fixing unit 7 after replacement from the types shown by the information included in the setting screen 901. For example, the setting screen 901 shown in Fig. 9 shows that the A3W type has been selected as the type of the fixing unit 7 after replacement.

[0072] Note that the control unit 207 may cause the display unit 202 to display characters, images, and the like indicating the procedure for a series of operations in which the user removes the fixing unit 7 installed in the image forming apparatus 100 and installs a new fixing unit 7 in the image forming apparatus 100. Note that, if the operation unit 203 does not accept an operation to select a type of fixing unit 7 different from the type of the fixing unit 7 before replacement, the operation unit 203 may not accept an operation to select the type of the fixing unit 7 after replacement.

[0073] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment allows the user to select the cooling completion condition for the fixing unit 7. This allows the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment to cool the fixing unit 7 for the time desired by the user, depending on the user's skill, work schedule, etc. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment allows the user to safely replace the fixing unit 7 after cooling the fixing unit 7 for the time desired by the user.

[0074] Second Embodiment The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as the other embodiments will be referred to by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted, and differences from the other embodiments will be described.

[0075] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 10 is different from the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 2 in that the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 10 includes a temperature sensor 1001 instead of the timer 204, and stores condition management information 1002 instead of the condition management information 214 in the storage unit 206.

[0076] The temperature sensor 1001 measures the temperature in the area along the fixing unit 7 .

[0077] In the condition management information 1002, a set mode is associated with a predetermined temperature and registered.

[0078] The setting unit 216 according to the present embodiment sets a cooling completion condition indicating a predetermined temperature associated with the set mode. That is, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the cooling completion condition indicates a predetermined temperature to be reached after the start of cooling the fixing unit 7.

[0079] The cooling control unit 217 according to this embodiment stops the cooling mode after the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1001 reaches or falls below a predetermined temperature indicated by the cooling completion condition selected by the user after starting the cooling mode. In other words, the cooling control unit 217 stops the cooling mode after the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1001 reaches or falls below a predetermined temperature indicated by the set cooling completion condition after starting the cooling mode.

[0080] When the cooling control unit 217 stops the cooling mode, the notification unit 218 according to this embodiment outputs a cooling completion notification showing a message according to the predetermined temperature indicated by the set cooling completion condition.

[0081] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the condition management information 1002. For example, in the condition management information 214 shown in Fig. 11, the set modes of mode B1, mode B2, and mode B3 are associated with temperatures of 26°C, 45°C, and 60°C, respectively. For example, when the set mode of mode B1 is selected by a user operation, the setting unit 216 sets a cooling completion condition indicating 26°C.

[0082] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The processes in steps S1201 to S1205 are similar to the processes in steps S501 to S505 shown in Fig. 5, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] In step S1206, cooling control unit 217 determines whether or not the temperature measured by temperature sensor 1001 has reached or reached a predetermined temperature or lower indicated by the cooling completion condition set in step S1203 after the cooling mode has started. In other words, cooling control unit 217 determines whether or not the temperature of fixing unit 7 has reached or reached a predetermined temperature or lower indicated by the cooling completion condition after the cooling mode has started.

[0084] If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1001 in step S1206 has not reached or exceeded the predetermined temperature indicated by the cooling completion condition, the control unit 207 returns the process to step S1206. On the other hand, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1001 in step S1206 has reached or exceeded the predetermined temperature indicated by the cooling completion condition, the control unit 207 transitions the process to step S1207. The process from step S1207 onwards is similar to the process from step S507 onwards illustrated in FIG. 5, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0085] For example, it is assumed that the condition management information 1002 illustrated in FIG. 11 is stored in the storage unit 206. It is also assumed that the user selects the setting mode, which is mode B1. In this case, the setting unit 216 sets the cooling completion condition indicating the predetermined temperature, which is 26° C. In this case, the fixing unit 7 cannot be detached from the start of the cooling mode until the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1001 falls to 26° C. or lower. In other words, the fixing unit 7 cannot be detached from the start of the cooling mode until the temperature of the fixing unit 7 falls to 26° C. or lower.

[0086] On the other hand, when the user selects the setting mode, which is mode B2, the setting unit 216 sets the cooling completion condition indicating the predetermined temperature, which is 45° C. In this case, the fixing unit 7 cannot be detached from the start of the cooling mode until the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 1001 falls to 45° C. or lower. In other words, the fixing unit 7 cannot be detached from the start of the cooling mode until the temperature of the fixing unit 7 falls to 45° C. or lower. Therefore, when the setting mode, which is mode B2, is selected by the user's operation, the fixing unit 7 becomes detachable earlier than when the setting mode, which is mode B1, is selected.

[0087] Also, for example, when the setting mode, which is mode B1, is selected, in step S1209, the notification unit 218 displays a completion notification screen 801, which is exemplified in FIG. 8A, on the display unit 202. Also, for example, when the setting mode, which is mode B2, is selected, the notification unit 218 displays a completion notification screen 802, which is exemplified in FIG. 8B, on the display unit 202. The difference between the message X1 included in the completion notification screen 801 and the message X2 included in the completion notification screen 802 is that the message X2 includes a message saying, "The fixing unit is hot and very dangerous, so please be careful." In other words, when the mode B2 is selected, the notification unit 218 displays a message to alert the user on the display unit 202. This allows the notification unit 218 to make the user aware that the fixing unit 7 is not sufficiently cooled.

[0088] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can cool the fixing unit 7 until it reaches a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature desired by the user, depending on the user's skill, work schedule, etc. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can allow the user to safely replace the fixing unit 7 after cooling the fixing unit 7 until it reaches a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature desired by the user.

[0089] Third embodiment The third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as the other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions will be omitted, and differences from the other embodiments will be described.

[0090] Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 13 is different from the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 2 in that the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 13 includes an authentication unit 1301 and a setting unit 1302.

[0091] The authentication unit 1301 authenticates the user.

[0092] The setting unit 1302 can set a setting mode selected by a user authenticated by the authentication unit 1301. That is, the cooling completion condition to be set is selected by the user authenticated by the authentication unit 1301.

[0093] Alternatively, when a user is granted administrator authority, the setting unit 1302 may allow the cooling completion condition to be selected by an operation of the user who is granted administrator authority. In other words, the cooling completion condition to be set may be selected by the user who is granted administrator authority.

[0094] If all users were able to select the setting mode, there would be a risk that the time for cooling the fixing unit 7 would be set so that the fixing unit 7 could be detached before the fixing unit 7 was sufficiently cooled. However, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment limits the users who are able to perform the operation for selecting the cooling completion condition, thereby making it possible to cool the fixing unit 7 for a time period that corresponds to the experience and skill of the worker replacing the fixing unit 7.

[0095] (Modification) As a modified example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the setting modes that can be set may be determined according to the change authority given to the user.

[0096] Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this modification. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 14 differs from the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 13 in that a user table 1401 (see Fig. 15) and a setting mode table 1402 (see Fig. 16) are stored in the storage unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 14.

[0097] The setting unit 1302 according to this modification can set a setting mode associated with the change authority given to the user in the setting mode table 1402 .

[0098] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a user table 1401. In the user table 1401, users are registered with change authority associated with them. For example, in the user table 1401, a user who is User_A is associated with change authority with the administrator. Also, for example, in the user table 1401, a user who is User_B is associated with change authority with a technician. Also, for example, in the user table 1401, each of users who are User_C, User_D, and User_E is associated with change authority with normal users.

[0099] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the setting mode table 1402. In the setting mode table 1402, a settable setting mode is associated with a change authority and registered. In the setting mode table 1402 shown in Fig. 16, at least one setting mode out of the setting modes, which are mode A1, mode A2, and mode A3 shown in Fig. 3, is associated with the change authority of the administrator, technician, and normal shown in Fig. 15 and registered.

[0100] For example, mode A1, mode A2, and mode A3 are associated with the change authority with the administrator and registered in the setting mode table 1402. Therefore, the setting unit 1302 can set one of the setting modes, which are mode A1, mode A2, and mode A3, by an operation of User_A who has been granted the change authority with the administrator.

[0101] For example, mode A1 and mode A2 are associated with the change authority of the technician and registered in the setting mode table 1402. Therefore, the setting unit 1302 can set the setting mode to mode A1 or mode A2 by the operation of User_B who has been granted the change authority of the administrator.

[0102] For example, mode A1 is associated with the authority to change from normal and registered in the setting mode table 1403. Therefore, for example, the setting unit 1302 can set the setting mode to mode A1 by the operation of User_C who has been granted the authority to change from normal.

[0103] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this modification restricts the setting modes that can be set for each user, so that the image forming apparatus 100 according to this modification can cool the fixing unit 7 for a period of time that corresponds to the experience and skill of the user and corresponds to the setting mode selected by the user.

[0104] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as the other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted, and differences from the other embodiments will be described.

[0105] Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 17 is different from the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 10 in that the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 17 includes an authentication unit 1301 and a setting unit 1302.

[0106] As with the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, if all users were able to select the setting mode, there is a risk that the predetermined temperature could be set so that the fixing unit 7 could be detached before the fixing unit 7 was sufficiently cooled. However, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment limits the users who can perform the operation to select the cooling completion condition, thereby allowing the fixing unit 7 to be cooled down until it reaches a temperature that corresponds to the experience and skill of the worker replacing the fixing unit 7.

[0107] (Modification) As a modified example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, similar to the modified example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment, the setting mode that can be set may be determined according to the change authority granted to the user.

[0108] Fig. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this modification. The image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 18 differs from the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 17 in that a user table 1401 and a setting mode table 1801 (see Fig. 19) are stored in the storage unit 206 of the image forming apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 18.

[0109] The setting unit 1302 according to this modification can set a setting mode associated with the user's change authority in the setting mode table 1801 .

[0110] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a setting mode table 1801. The difference between the setting mode table 1801 shown in Fig. 19 and the setting mode table 1402 shown in Fig. 16 is that in the setting mode table 1801 shown in Fig. 19, at least one setting mode out of the setting modes, which are mode B1, mode B2, and mode B3 shown in Fig. 11, is associated with the change authority and registered.

[0111] As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 according to this modified example can cool the fixing section 7 until it reaches a temperature that is below a temperature that corresponds to the user's experience and skill, and that is below a temperature that corresponds to the setting mode selected by the user.

[0112] Fifth embodiment The fifth embodiment will be described. In the drawings, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Configurations and processes having substantially the same functions as those of the other embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations will be omitted. Differences from the other embodiments will be described.

[0113] The configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is as shown in FIG.

[0114] The storage unit 206 according to the present embodiment stores the number of times the cooling mode has been executed in association with each user. That is, the storage unit 206 stores the number of times the fixing unit 7 has been replaced in association with each user.

[0115] The setting unit 1302 according to the present embodiment can set the cooling completion condition selected by the user associated with the number of times equal to or greater than the threshold. That is, the cooling completion condition to be set is selected by the user associated with the number of times equal to or greater than the threshold. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a user who has performed the work of replacing the fixing unit 7 less than the threshold cannot perform an operation to select the setting mode. On the other hand, in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, a user who has performed the work of replacing the fixing unit 7 less than the threshold can perform an operation to select the setting mode. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can allow an inexperienced worker to change the time for cooling the fixing unit 7 and allows an experienced worker to change the time for cooling the fixing unit 7.

[0116] (Modification) As a modified example of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 may include condition management information 1002 and a temperature sensor 1001 instead of the timer 204 and the condition management information 214. The setting unit 1302 enables setting of a cooling completion condition selected by a user associated with a count equal to or greater than a threshold value, so that the image forming apparatus 100 according to this modified example does not permit an inexperienced worker to change the temperature reached by cooling the fixing unit 7, but permits an experienced worker to change the temperature reached by cooling the fixing unit 7.

[0117] The processes executed in the above-described embodiments are not limited to the process modes exemplified in the above-described embodiments. The above-described functional blocks may be realized using either a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit or the like, or software using a CPU. The processes executed in the above-described embodiments may be executed by multiple computers. For example, the processes executed by the control unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 100 may be partially executed by another computer, or all of the processes may be shared and executed by multiple computers.

[0118] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be replaced with a configuration substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-mentioned embodiment, a configuration having the same action and effect, or a configuration capable of achieving the same purpose. The present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Furthermore, by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment, a new technical feature can be formed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1 exposure unit, 2 developing device, 3 photosensitive drum, 4 cleaner unit, 5 charging device, 6 intermediate transfer belt unit, 7 fixing unit, 10 transfer roller, 11a to 11b pickup roller, 11b pickup roller, 12a to 12d transport roller, 13 registration roller, 61 intermediate transfer belt, 62 intermediate transfer belt drive roller, 63 intermediate transfer belt driven roller, 64 intermediate transfer roller, 65 intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit, 71 heat roller, 72 pressure roller, 73 external heating belt, 81 paper feed cassette, 82 paper feed cassette, 91 paper discharge tray, 92 document placement table, 100 image forming apparatus, 110 apparatus main body, 120 automatic document processing apparatus, 201 image processing unit, 202 display unit, 203 operation unit, 204 timer, 205 cooling processing unit, 206 memory unit, 207 Control unit, 211 image input unit, 212 image forming unit, 213 image output unit, 214 condition management information, 215 notification management information, 216 setting unit, 217 cooling control unit, 218 notification unit, 601 replacement start screen, 602 button, 603 cooling start screen, 604 button, 605 confirmation screen, 701 standby screen, 801 completion notification screen, 802 completion notification screen, 803 button, 901 setting screen, 1001 temperature sensor, 1002 condition management information, 1301 authentication unit, 1302 setting unit

Claims

1. A fixing unit configured to be detachable; a cooling control unit that starts a cooling mode for cooling the fixing unit, and stops the cooling mode when a cooling completion condition selected by a user is satisfied; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The cooling control unit prevents the fixing unit from being detached from when the cooling mode is started until when the cooling mode is stopped, and enables the fixing unit to be detached after the cooling mode is stopped. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the cooling completion condition indicates a predetermined time, The cooling control unit stops the cooling mode after the predetermined time has elapsed since starting the cooling mode.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of an area along the fuser. Further equipped with the cooling completion condition indicates a predetermined temperature, The cooling control unit stops the cooling mode after the temperature reaches or exceeds the predetermined temperature after starting the cooling mode.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a notification section that outputs a cooling completion notification indicating a message corresponding to the predetermined time when the cooling control section stops the cooling mode. Further equipped The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

6. a notification section that outputs a cooling completion notification indicating a message corresponding to the predetermined temperature when the cooling control section stops the cooling mode. Further equipped The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

7. The cooling completion condition is selected by a user who has been granted administrator authority.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. An authentication section that authenticates users Further equipped with The cooling completion condition is selected by a user authenticated by the authentication unit.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A storage unit that stores the number of times the cooling mode has been executed for each user. Further equipped with The cooling completion condition is selected by a user associated with the number of times the threshold value is exceeded.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

Images