Image forming apparatus and method for operating image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can operate a plurality of fusers while clearly distinguishing them from each other.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a control section, a display section, and a fixing unit. The fixing unit is removably mounted in the image forming apparatus. In replacement of the fixing unit with another fixing unit, the control section displays, on the display section, a fixing unit designation request for requesting input for designating the other fixing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a dry electrophotographic method (laser printer method) has been used as a printing method for image forming devices such as printers and multifunction devices. In the laser printer method, after toner is transferred to form an image on paper, the image on the paper is heated and pressurized to fix the image on the paper. For this reason, image forming devices that print using the laser printer method are equipped with a fixing device for heating and pressurizing the image on the paper.

[0003] The fixing unit has a fixing member that comes into contact with the paper on which the image to be fixed is formed. The fixing member is, for example, a fixing belt. The fixing belt is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the paper transport direction. In this application, the width of the paper in the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction is called the paper width. For example, in a general MFP (Multi Function Printer) having a scanner function, the sub-scanning direction of the scanner coincides with the paper transport direction, and the main scanning direction of the scanner is perpendicular to the paper transport direction. Therefore, in a general MFP, the paper width refers to the width of the paper in the main scanning direction.

[0004] 29A is a diagram for explaining scratches that occur on the fixing belt when A5 paper passes repeatedly. When A5 paper 301 passes repeatedly through fixing belt 303, scratches 305 and 307 occur on fixing belt 303 at positions corresponding to the paper width of A5 paper 301. After these scratches occur, consider that A3 paper 309, which is larger than A5 paper, passes repeatedly over the same fixing belt 303.

[0005] 29(b), scratches 311 and 313 also occur on fixing belt 303 at positions corresponding to the paper width of A3 paper 309, but scratches 311 and 313 are almost outside A3 paper 309 and therefore do not affect the print quality of A3 paper 309. However, scratches 305 and 307 caused by A5 paper 301 are within the paper width of A3 paper 309 and therefore adversely affect the print quality of A3 paper 309. Specifically, stains 315 and 317 occur on A3 paper 309 at positions corresponding to scratches 305 and 307 caused by A5 paper 301.

[0006] To avoid this problem, it has been considered to use the fixing belt only for printing a specific paper width. That is, as shown in Fig. 30(a), fixing belt 303 is used when printing A5 paper 301, while another fixing belt 321 is used when printing A3 paper 309, as shown in Fig. 30(b). Although scratches 305 and 307 occur on fixing belt 303 and scratches 311 and 313 occur on fixing belt 321 due to repeated printing, since a fixing belt is prepared for each paper width, it is possible to prevent scratches occurring when printing other paper widths from adversely affecting print quality.

[0007] As described above, another operating method for replacing the fixing belt or fixing unit is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The types of media that can be passed through are becoming more diverse, and detailed adjustments of the fixing conditions that determine the final image quality are required depending on the thickness and surface properties of the media, the density and gloss of the desired image product, etc. As a countermeasure against these issues, Patent Document 1 proposes that a dedicated fixing unit be prepared according to the paper size and type of media that can be passed through, and that the user can obtain optimal image quality by replacing the fixing unit as necessary.

[0008] Generally, since a fixing unit becomes hot after operation, when replacing the fixing unit, it is necessary to take this high temperature into consideration. In this regard, Patent Document 1 proposes notifying the user whether or not the temperature of the installed fixing unit has dropped below a predetermined temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-003725 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Such a method of replacing the fixing unit of an image forming apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. When multiple fixing units of the same model are used depending on the paper width, these multiple fixing units have exactly the same appearance and cannot be distinguished at a glance. Even when dedicated fixing units are prepared according to the paper size or type of media to be passed, as described in Patent Document 1, the appearances of the fixing units are very similar and it is difficult to distinguish them.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made in light of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of clearly distinguishing between and operating a plurality of fixing units. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides an image forming apparatus comprising a control unit, a display unit and a fixing unit, wherein the fixing unit is removable from the image forming apparatus, and the control unit displays a fixing unit designation request on the display unit, which requests input to designate the other fixing unit when replacing the fixing unit with another fixing unit.

[0013] The present disclosure also provides an operating method of an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus being equipped with a control unit, a display unit and a fixing unit, the fixing unit being removable, the method including a step of removing a first fixing unit currently installed from the image forming apparatus, a step of installing a second fixing unit different from the first fixing unit to the image forming apparatus, and a step of the control unit displaying a fixing unit designation request on the display unit, the fixing unit designation requesting input for designating the second fixing unit. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus capable of clearly distinguishing and operating a plurality of fixing units. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 5 is a flowchart for explaining a replacement operation of a fixing unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart for explaining a replacement operation of a fixing unit in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a machine adjustment screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image quality adjustment screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an other function screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a fixing unit type display screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing the fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a precautions confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a precautions confirmation screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement preparation start screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a fixing unit type designation request screen (before designation) displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing the fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a fixing unit type designation request screen (after designation) displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing the fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling time display screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a restart screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when the replacement work of the fixing unit is stopped in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a preparation completion screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a restart screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when a fixing unit replacement operation is stopped in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a power-off screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fixing unit used in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a replacement operation of a fixing unit in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a replacement operation of a fixing unit in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a replacement operation of a fixing unit in an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a fixing unit type confirmation request screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fixing unit used in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a replacement operation of a fixing unit in an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an identification number input screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus when replacing a fixing unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29(a) is a diagram to explain the scratches that occur on the fixing belt when A5 paper passes through, and Figure 29(b) is a diagram to explain the stains that occur on A3 paper when it passes through a fixing belt with scratches. [Diagram 30] Figure 30(a) is a diagram for explaining scratches that occur on a fixing belt for A5 paper when A5 paper passes through, and Figure 30(b) is a diagram for explaining scratches that occur on a fixing belt for A3 paper when A3 paper passes through. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] 1. Embodiment 1 1.1 Functional configuration of image forming device 1 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) or a multifunction machine, and typically includes a copy function, an image scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The image forming apparatus 1 may further include other functions, such as an email transmission / reception function, a file server function, etc.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a display unit 3, an operation unit 5, an image input unit 9, a paper feed unit 11, an image forming unit 13, a communication unit 19, a connection unit 21, a memory unit 23, and a control unit 29. The operation unit 5 includes a main power switch 7. The image forming unit 13 includes a fixing unit 15 and a temperature sensor 17. The memory unit 23 includes an attachment unit type memory unit 25 and a unit type setting information memory unit 27. The control unit 29 includes a cooling time estimation unit 31 and a temperature monitoring unit 33.

[0018] The display unit 3 is a functional unit for displaying images and characters. For example, it is configured with a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The display unit 3 may be a standalone display device, or may further include an externally connected display device.

[0019] The operation unit 5 accepts operation input from a user. For example, the operation unit 5 is configured with hardware keys and software keys. The operation unit 5 also includes task keys for executing tasks such as fax transmission and image scanning, and a stop key for canceling an operation. The operation unit may also include physical operation keys such as task keys, a stop key, a power key, and a power save key. The main power SW7 is a switch for turning on and off the main power of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0020] The display unit 3 and the operation unit 5 may be integrated together. For example, a touch panel display may be used as the display unit 3 and the operation unit 5.

[0021] The image input unit 9 reads an image (original) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 9 is configured with a general scanner (image input device). The image input unit 9 may input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may receive an image via a network. The sub-scanning direction of the image input unit 9 coincides with the direction in which the paper is transported by the paper feed unit 11.

[0022] The paper feed unit 11 has a paper feed tray that stores media such as paper, and a transport mechanism that transports the media from the paper feed tray to the image forming unit 11. The paper feed unit 11 may also have a sorter mechanism that sorts media (paper) on which an image has been formed, a paper output tray for discharging the media on which an image has been formed, and a transport mechanism that transports the media on which an image has been formed to the sorter mechanism or the paper output tray. The paper feed unit 11 may also have a transport mechanism that transports the media on which an image has been formed to the image input unit 9, and a transport mechanism that transports the media on which an image has been read by the image input unit 9 to the paper output tray, the sorter mechanism, etc.

[0023] The paper feed unit 11 transports the medium along the sub-scanning direction of the image input unit 9. In this application, as described above, the width of the paper in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium (paper) is called the paper width. Therefore, in this embodiment, the paper width can also be called the width of the paper in the main scanning direction of the image input unit 9. The paper feed unit 11 transports the medium such that the longitudinal direction of a fixing belt (not shown) of the fixing unit 15 and the transport direction of the medium are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] The image forming unit 13 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on image data. The printing method of the image forming unit 13 is a laser printer. The image forming unit 13 may be a monochrome laser printer or a color laser printer. The image forming unit 13 may include a paper feed mechanism for supplying the medium, a transport mechanism for transporting the medium, a sorter mechanism for sorting the medium after the image is formed, and the like. The fixing unit 15 is a fixing device that heats and pressurizes the toner image transferred onto the paper, thereby fusing the toner image to the paper. The temperature sensor 17 is a sensor that measures the temperature of the fixing unit 15. The temperature sensor 17 converts the temperature of the fixing unit 15 into physical quantities such as voltage and resistance value and outputs it.

[0025] The communication unit 19 is a functional unit for connecting to a network. The communication unit 19 is configured with an interface that can connect to, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. When the communication unit 19 is connected to a network, it is connected to other devices and an external network.

[0026] The connection unit 21 connects the image forming apparatus 1 to other devices. For example, the connection unit 21 is a USB interface, and a USB memory or the like is connected to the connection unit 21. The connection unit 21 may also be configured to include a device (e.g., an antenna or the like) for short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0027] Furthermore, the communication unit 19 and the connection unit 21 may be integrated into one unit. For example, they may be provided as a single wireless communication interface, and may be capable of using wireless LAN or Bluetooth.

[0028] The storage unit 23 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit 23 includes a recording device capable of temporary storage, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and a non-temporary recording device, such as a solid state drive (SSD) composed of a semiconductor memory and a hard disk drive (HDD) composed of a magnetic disk. Although the storage unit 23 is configured as one unit for convenience of explanation, it may be configured as separate devices for each purpose, such as an area used for executing programs (main storage area), an area for saving programs and data (auxiliary storage area), an area used for caching, etc.

[0029] The attachment unit type storage section 25 stores the type (unit type) of the fixing unit 15 currently attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The unit type corresponds to the type of paper on which an image is fixed using the fixing unit. The paper type is, for example, one of the paper width, the paper material, the thickness, the shape (envelope), and the like, or a combination of these. The paper type based on the paper width is, for example, the long side of the A3 size (420 mm), the short side of the A3 size and the long side of the A4 size (297 mm), the short side of the A4 size and the long side of the A5 size (210 mm), and the like. Similarly, the long side of the B3 size (515 mm), the short side of the B3 size and the long side of the B4 size (364 mm), the short side of the B4 size and the long side of the B5 size (257 mm), and the like.

[0030] The unit type setting information storage unit 27 stores setting information of the image forming apparatus 1 determined for each unit type. The unit type setting information includes, for example, basis weight setting, paper type, paper attribute, fixing temperature setting, fixing pressure setting, primary transfer current value setting, secondary transfer current value setting, and PTC (Pre Transfer Charger) current value setting. The basis weight setting is a setting of the weight per square meter of one sheet of paper. The paper type is a setting of the type of paper, for example, uncoated paper, gloss coated paper, matte course paper, embossed paper, etc. The paper attribute is a setting of the paper attribute, for example, setting whether the paper has a front and back side, whether double-sided printing is not possible, etc. The fixing temperature setting is a setting of the temperature generated by the fixing unit 15 when fixing a toner image. The fixing pressure setting is a setting of the strength of pressure applied by the fixing unit 15 to the paper when fixing a toner image. The primary transfer current value setting is a setting of the magnitude of the current for adhering the toner to the intermediate transfer belt of the fixing unit 15, and is set for each of the colors black (Bk), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). The secondary transfer current value setting is a setting of the magnitude of the current for adhering the toner formed on the intermediate transfer belt to the paper, and is set for each of the front and back sides of the paper. The PTC current value setting is a setting of the magnitude of the current that imparts an electric charge to the toner to be transferred.

[0031] The control unit 29 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 29 is composed of one or more control devices and control circuits, and is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a SoC (System on a Chip), etc.

[0032] Moreover, the control unit 29 can realize each function by reading out the programs stored in the storage unit 23 and executing the processes.

[0033] The cooling time estimation unit 31 estimates the time required for the temperature of the fixing unit 15 to drop to a level where the fixing unit 15 can be removed from the image forming unit 13, based on the current temperature of the fixing unit 15 measured by the temperature sensor 17.

[0034] The temperature monitoring unit 33 monitors the current temperature of the fixing unit 15 measured by the temperature sensor 17 in real time.

[0035] 1.2 Operation of the Image Forming Apparatus 1 in the First Embodiment 2 and 3 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15. Note that the replacement described here is for changing the unit type of the fixing unit.

[0036] The control unit 29 displays a home screen on the display unit 3 (step S1). Next, the control unit 29 displays a machine adjustment screen on the display unit 3 (step S3). Next, the control unit 29 displays an image quality adjustment screen on the display unit 3 (step S5). Next, the control unit 29 displays an other function screen on the display unit 3 (step S7). Next, the control unit 29 displays a display screen of the fuser type before replacement on the display unit 3 (step S9). Next, the control unit 29 displays a precautions confirmation screen on the display unit 3 (step S10). Next, the control unit 29 displays a replacement preparation start screen on the display unit 3 (step S11). Next, the control unit 29 displays a fuser type designation request screen on the display unit 3 (step S13). Next, the control unit 29 displays a message indicating the time required for cooling the fuser unit 15 on the display unit 3 (step S15). Next, the control unit 29 displays a message indicating that the temperature of the currently installed fuser unit 15 is waiting to drop to a predetermined value on the display unit 3 (step S17).

[0037] Here, the control unit 29 compares the current temperature of the fixing unit 15 measured by the temperature sensor 17 with a predetermined threshold temperature previously stored in the memory unit 23 (step S18). If the temperature of the fixing unit 15 is higher than the threshold temperature (step S18, No) and there is no input to cancel the replacement work (step S19, No), the control unit 29 returns to step S18.

[0038] If the temperature of fixing unit 15 is higher than the threshold temperature (step S18, No) and there is an input to the effect that the replacement work is to be stopped (step S19, Yes), control unit 29 displays a message to the effect that image forming apparatus 1 will be restarted on display unit 3 (step S21), and restarts image forming apparatus 1 (step S23). After the restart, control unit 29 displays the home screen on display unit 3 (step S25).

[0039] If the temperature of the fixing unit 15 is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature (step S18, Yes), the control unit 29 displays a preparation completion screen on the display unit 3 (step S29).

[0040] If the replacement of fixing unit 15 is not to be performed after the preparation completion screen is displayed (step S31, No), control unit 29 displays a message to the effect that image forming apparatus 1 will be restarted on display unit 3 (step S33), and restarts image forming apparatus 1 (step S35). After the restart, control unit 29 displays the home screen on display unit 3 (step S37).

[0041] If replacement of the fixing unit 15 is to be performed after the preparation completion screen is displayed (step S31, Yes), the control unit 29 displays a message indicating that the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is being turned off on the display unit 3 (step S39), and the control unit 29 transitions the image forming apparatus 1 to a standby state (step S41). In the standby state, the display unit 3 is turned off. The user cannot use functions related to printing such as the copy function and the printer function. However, it may be possible to only accept jobs from the fax function and the printer function and to hold data related to the jobs.

[0042] After the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the standby state, the control unit 29 turns off the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 (power-off state) based on the user's operation of the main power switch 7 of the image forming apparatus 1 (step S43). In the power-off state, the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1 stops. At this time, the user cannot use all the functions of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0043] After the power is turned off, the user replaces the fixing unit 15 (step S45). More specifically, the user opens the housing (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1 and replaces the fixing unit 15 currently installed in the image forming section 11 with another fixing unit 15. After replacing the fixing unit 15, the user closes the housing (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1, and the replacement operation is completed.

[0044] After the replacement work is completed, the control unit 29 turns on the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 (power-on state) based on the fact that the user has operated the main power switch 7 again (step S47). After transitioning to the power-on state, the control unit 29 transitions to a normal operating state autonomously or in response to a predetermined operation performed by the user via the operation unit 5, and causes the display unit 3 to display the home screen (step S49).

[0045] 1.3 Example of a screen of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment A description will be given of an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 3 when replacing the fixing unit 15. Here, it is assumed that the display unit 3 and the operation unit 5 are integrally configured as a touch panel display.

[0046] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The home screen 51 is a screen that the control unit 29 displays on the display unit 3 after the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on from a main power off state. The home screen 51 includes a machine adjustment button 53. The control unit 29 displays the home screen 51 on the display unit 3, for example, in step S1. When the user touches the machine adjustment button 53, the control unit 29 displays a machine adjustment screen 55, which will be described next.

[0047] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a machine adjustment screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S1, when the home screen 51 is displayed on the display unit 3 and the user touches the machine adjustment button 53, the control unit 29 proceeds to step S3 and displays the machine adjustment screen 55 on the display unit 3. The machine adjustment screen 55 is a menu screen related to various adjustment operations of the image forming apparatus 1. The machine adjustment screen 55 includes an image quality adjustment button 57. The image quality adjustment button 57 is an area that is touched when proceeding to the image quality adjustment screen, which will be described next.

[0048] 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image quality adjustment screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S3, when the machine adjustment screen 55 is displayed on the display unit 3, if the user touches the image quality adjustment button 57, the control unit 29 proceeds to step S5 and displays the image quality adjustment screen 61 on the display unit 3. The image quality adjustment screen 61 is a menu screen related to adjusting the image quality of the image formed on the paper by the image forming unit 13. The image quality adjustment screen 61 includes an other function button 63. The other function button 63 is an area that is touched when proceeding to the other function screen 67 described next.

[0049] 7 is a diagram showing an example of an other function screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S5, when the image quality adjustment screen 61 is displayed on the display unit 3, if the user touches the other function button 63, the control unit 29 proceeds to step S7 and displays the other function screen 67 on the display unit 3. The other function screen 67 is a menu screen related to image quality adjustment of the image formed on the paper by the image forming unit 13. The other function screen 67 includes a fixing unit replacement button 69. The fixing unit replacement button 69 is an area that is touched when proceeding to the fixing unit type display screen 73 described next.

[0050] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a fuser type display screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fuser unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S7, when the other function screen 67 is displayed on the display unit 3, if the user touches the fuser unit replacement button 69, the control unit 29 proceeds to step S9 and displays the fuser type display screen 73 on the display unit 3.

[0051] The fuser type display screen 73 is a screen that displays the unit type of the fuser unit 15 currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1. The fuser type display screen 73 includes a unit type list 75. The unit type list 75 displays unit types A 75a, B 75b, and C 75c.

[0052] Of these unit types, the control unit 29 displays (for example, inverts or highlights) the unit type of the currently attached fixing unit 15 in a selected state on the display unit 3 based on the unit type stored in the attachment unit type storage unit 25. The fixing unit type display screen 73 is an example of a display when the fixing unit 15 currently attached to the image forming apparatus 1 is unit type A. The unit type stored in the attachment unit type storage unit 25 is registered via the operation unit 5, for example, when the user performs initial settings of the image forming apparatus 1. Thereafter, the unit type stored in the attachment unit type storage unit 25 is updated by the unit type designated on the fixing unit type designation request screen in step S13, which will be described later.

[0053] In this way, by displaying the unit type of the currently installed fixing unit 15, the user can easily recognize the unit type of the currently installed fixing unit 15. This also makes it possible to prevent the user from accidentally replacing the fixing unit 15 with a fixing unit of a different unit type.

[0054] If it is determined at this time that there is no need to change the unit type of the fixing unit 15, the user can cancel the replacement of the fixing unit by touching the back button 79. If the user still wants to replace the fixing unit after this confirmation, the user touches the next button 77. When the next button 77 is touched, the control unit 29 proceeds to step S11.

[0055] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a precaution confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S9, when the fixing unit type display screen 73 is displayed on the display unit 3, if the user touches the next button 77, the control unit 29 proceeds to step S10 and displays a precaution confirmation screen 80 on the display unit 3.

[0056] The precaution confirmation screen 80 is a screen for informing a user who is to replace the fixing unit 15 of various precautions regarding the replacement work before the replacement work and for requesting the user to confirm that the precautions have been conveyed to the user. The precaution confirmation screen 80 includes a precaution display field 80a, a declaration display field 80b, a check field 80c, a back button 80d, a next button 80e, and a scroll bar 80f.

[0057] The caution display field 80a displays a message addressed to the user who will perform the replacement work. The message in the caution display field 80a may be a list of cautions regarding the replacement work. In addition to or instead of such a message, the message in the caution display field 80a may inform the user who will perform the replacement work that there is a risk of injury or burns in the replacement work. Note that the caution display field 80a does not need to display the entire message at once. The message displayed in the caution display field 80a is scrolled up and down in response to the operation of the scroll bar 80f via the operation unit 5. In the caution display field 80a, the entire message can be viewed by scrolling.

[0058] The declaration display field 80b contains a message for the user performing the replacement work to declare that, prior to the replacement work, they have received sufficient training on the appropriate handling method for the fixing unit, and that they understand the risks associated with the replacement work. If the user agrees with the message in the declaration display field 80b, he or she checks the check field 80c via the operation unit 5. On the precautions confirmation screen 80, the check field 80c is not checked. When the check field 80c is not checked, the Next button 80e is displayed in gray. The grayed-out display indicates that the Next button 80e is currently not selectable.

[0059] The scroll bar 80f includes an up arrow button 80g, a down arrow button 80h, and a knob 80i. The scroll bar 80f is operated by the user via the operation unit 5 to scroll the messages displayed in the notice display field 80a. When the up arrow button 80g is touched via the operation unit 5, the messages displayed in the notice display field 80a are scrolled upward. Similarly, when the down arrow button 80h is touched, the messages are scrolled downward. Instead of touching the up arrow button 80g or the down arrow button 80h, the messages displayed in the notice display field 80a may be scrolled upward and downward by touching and moving the knob 80i up and down via the operation unit 5.

[0060] When an operation to check the check box 80c is performed via the operation unit 5 on the precaution confirmation screen 80, the control unit 29 shifts the screen displayed on the display unit 3 from the precaution confirmation screen 80 to a precaution confirmation screen 80-2 illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is another example of a precaution confirmation screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The check box 80c, which was blank on the precaution confirmation screen 80, is checked, and the check box 80c-2 on the precaution confirmation screen 80-2 is changed to a checked check box 80c-2. In response to the checked check box 80c-2, the Next button 80e, which was grayed out on the precaution confirmation screen 80, shifts to a normal display state like the Next button 80e-2 on the precaution confirmation screen 80-2, indicating that it is selectable.

[0061] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement preparation start screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S11, the control unit 29 displays a replacement preparation start screen 81 on the display unit 3. The replacement preparation start screen 81 includes messages 83, 85, 87, a back button 89, a two-dimensional barcode 91, and a next button 93.

[0062] A message 83 is a message for notifying the user that preparation is required prior to replacing the fixing unit.

[0063] Message 85 is a message for informing the user that the fixing unit may be at a high temperature. In particular, immediately after image forming apparatus 1 outputs a medium on which an image is formed, the fixing member of fixing unit 15 is at a high temperature (for example, 160 to 180 degrees). Message 85 alerts the user not to directly touch fixing unit 15 at such a high temperature.

[0064] Message 87 notifies the user of information for accessing the procedure manual for replacement work. Message 87 describes address information for data of the procedure manual that can be downloaded by a device other than image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, a device other than image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as a user terminal) of a user who replaces the fixing unit. By performing the work while reading the procedure manual on the user terminal, even a user who has no knowledge of fixing units or replacement procedures can safely perform the replacement work.

[0065] Usually, the display unit 3 of the image forming device 1 displays the current status of the image forming device 1, commands that can currently be instructed or set for the image forming device 1, various numerical values, etc. Since the display size of the display unit 3 is limited, it is difficult to simultaneously display these items and the instruction manual. It is possible to switch between these displays and the instruction manual as necessary, but in this case, the operation is likely to become complicated. By displaying the instruction manual on the user terminal, such problems can be avoided.

[0066] As described later, the work of replacing the fixing unit includes the process of turning on and off the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, if the instruction manual is displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1, there will be a period during the work when the instruction manual cannot be checked. However, a user who reads the message 87 can download the instruction manual to the user terminal, and therefore can check the instruction manual regardless of whether the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is on or off.

[0067] In the message 87, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the Internet is described as address information, but the address information described here is not limited to address information of a resource on the Internet, and may be address information of a resource that can be accessed from a user terminal and from which data of a procedure manual can be downloaded. For example, when both the user terminal and the image forming apparatus 1 can be connected to the same LAN (Local Area Network), the procedure manual may be stored in the storage unit 23 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the control unit 29 may operate as a file server to provide data of the procedure manual to the user terminal via the LAN. In addition, a Bluetooth communication function may be provided in the communication unit 19 and / or the connection unit 21, and a file may be shared with a user terminal that also has a Bluetooth communication function, so that the user terminal may download the procedure manual data from the image forming apparatus 1 via the Bluetooth communication function.

[0068] Instead of displaying the instruction manual on the user terminal, the instruction manual may be displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1. In this case, as described above, although the instruction manual cannot be checked while the main power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 is being turned on and off, there is no need to prepare a separate user terminal.

[0069] The two-dimensional barcode 91 is a two-dimensional barcode that displays the address information of the instruction manual data. The address information indicated by the two-dimensional barcode 91 may be the same address as the address information written in the message 87 or a different address.

[0070] When the user touches the back button 89, the control unit 29 displays the fixing unit type display screen 73 on the display unit 3. When the user touches the next button 93, the control unit 29 proceeds to the next step S13.

[0071] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a fuser type designation request screen (before designation) displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus when replacing the fuser unit in the first embodiment of the present invention. The fuser type designation request screen 95 is in a state displayed immediately after the Next button 93 on the replacement preparation start screen 81 is pressed in step S11. In step S13, the control unit 29 displays the fuser type designation request screen 95 on the display unit 3. The fuser type designation request screen 95 includes a unit type list 97. The unit type list 97 displays unit types A 97a, B 97b, and C 97c. The fuser type designation request screen 95 includes a Back button 99 and a Next button 101.

[0072] If there is no input from the user after the display of the fixing unit type designation request screen 95, the fixing unit type designation request screen 95 remains displayed. At this time, the unit type A of the fixing unit 15 that is currently installed is reflected, and the unit type A 97a is displayed in a selected state.

[0073] Also, the NEXT button 101 is displayed in a grayed-out state, indicating that it cannot be selected. As described above, the unit type A 97a corresponding to the currently installed fixing unit 15 is selected in the fixing unit type designation request screen 95. At this time, the control unit 29 makes the NEXT button 101 in a state in which it cannot be selected (grayed-out display). This prevents the user from mistakenly replacing the fixing unit with one of the same unit type as the currently installed fixing unit.

[0074] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a fuser type designation request screen (after designation) displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fuser unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. After the user touches unit type B 97b on the fuser type designation request screen 95, a fuser type designation request screen 103 is displayed. On the fuser type designation request screen 95, unit type A (unit type A 97a) is in a selected state, whereas on the fuser type designation request screen 103, unit type B (unit type B 107b) is in a selected state.

[0075] When the selected unit type is changed from the original value (unit type A) as in the fixing unit type designation request screen 103, the control unit 29 displays the Next button 101, which was displayed in gray out on the fixing unit type designation request screen 95, in a selectable state (Next button 111) on the display unit 3.

[0076] When the user touches the selectable Next button 111, the control unit 29 proceeds to the next step S15 assuming that the currently selected unit type has been selected, and displays the cooling time, which will be described below. At this time, the control unit 29 also updates the unit type stored in the attachment unit type storage unit 25 with the selected unit type. When the Next button 111 is touched on the fixing unit type designation request screen 103, the control unit 29 updates the unit type stored in the attachment unit type storage unit 25 to unit type B.

[0077] By requesting the user to input the unit type of the replaced fixing unit, as in the fixing unit type designation request screen 103, it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the fixing unit with a different unit type by mistake.

[0078] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling time display screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The cooling time display screen 113 has a message area 115. In the message area 115, a message 115a is displayed to confirm with the user that preparations for replacing the fixing unit 15 are about to begin, and a message 115b is displayed to inform the user of the estimated time required for the preparations.

[0079] Message 115b displays the maximum expected time as "about 80 minutes." This maximum expected time is calculated by cooling time estimation unit 31 of control unit 29 based on the current temperature of fixing unit 15 measured by temperature sensor 17. This allows the user to know when the replacement work of fixing unit 15 can be started.

[0080] Alternatively, the image forming apparatus 1 may be operated continuously, and the fixing unit 15 may be left at the designed upper limit temperature, and the time required for the fixing unit 15 to return to room temperature may be actually measured several times, and an expected time may be calculated based on the statistics of the actual time required, and displayed in the message 115b. In this case, the temperature sensor 17 and the cooling time estimation unit 31 may be omitted.

[0081] 15 is a diagram showing an example of a cooling screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The cooling screen 121 includes a message area 123. In the message area 123, a message is displayed informing the user that the printer is currently waiting for the temperature of the fixing unit 15 to drop, and a stop button 125 is also displayed.

[0082] The control unit 29 starts displaying the cooling screen 121 (step S17), and also measures the temperature of the fixing unit 15 with the temperature sensor 17 by the temperature monitoring unit 33, and periodically compares it with a predetermined threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be set to, for example, about 30 to 40 degrees, based on a standard that does not cause burns when a person touches it. Alternatively, it may be set to about 20 to 30 degrees, based on room temperature. If the temperature of the fixing unit 15 reaches or exceeds the threshold temperature without the stop button 125 being touched (step S18, Yes), the control unit 29 proceeds to step S29.

[0083] If the stop button 125 is touched while the cooling screen 121 is displayed (step S19, Yes), the control unit 29 stops the replacement work and proceeds to step S21.

[0084] 16 is a diagram showing an example of a restart screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when canceling the replacement work of the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S21, the control unit 29 displays a restart screen 133 on the display unit 3. The restart screen 133 includes a message area 135. The message area 135 includes a message informing the user that the image forming apparatus 1 will be restarted, a cancel button 137, and an OK button 139.

[0085] When the cancel button 137 is touched, the control unit 29 displays the cooling screen 121 again on the display unit 3. When the OK button 139 is touched, the control unit 29 restarts the image forming apparatus 1 (step S23), and then displays the home screen 51 on the display unit 3 (step S25).

[0086] 17 is a diagram showing an example of a preparation completion screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 29 displays the preparation completion screen 145 in step S29. The preparation completion screen 145 includes messages 147, 85, 87, a cancel button 151, a two-dimensional barcode 91, and a replacement start button 153.

[0087] Message 147 includes a message notifying the user that the temperature of fixing unit 15 has dropped enough to be touched and that replacement work can be performed. Message 147 also includes a message notifying the user that touching replacement start button 153 will turn off the power to the operation panel (display unit 3 and operation unit 5) and transition image forming apparatus 1 to a standby state. Message 147 also includes a message instructing the user to turn off main power switch 7 to power off image forming apparatus 1 after image forming apparatus 1 transitions to the standby state.

[0088] The cancel button 151 is a button for instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to cancel the replacement of the fixing unit 15. When the cancel button 151 is touched (step S31, No), the control unit 29 proceeds to step S33.

[0089] The replacement start button 153 is a button for finally instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to replace the fixing unit 15. The messages 85, 87 and the two-dimensional barcode 91 have already been described with reference to FIG.

[0090] 18 is a diagram showing an example of a restart screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when canceling the replacement work of the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The restart screen 155 is a screen displayed in step S33, and is a screen in which a message area 135 is displayed superimposed on the preparation completion screen 145 displayed in steps S29 and S31. The message area 135 has been described in relation to FIG. 16, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0091] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a power-off screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 when replacing the fixing unit 15 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In step S39, the control unit 29 displays a power-off screen 156 on the display unit 3. The power-off screen 156 is displayed by superimposing a message area 157 on the preparation completion screen 145. The message area 157 displays a message informing the user that the power of the operation panel (display unit 3 and operation unit 5) has been turned off and that the image forming apparatus 1 is transitioning to a standby state. The message area 157 may further display a message instructing the user to turn off the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 by operating the main power SW7 after the display unit 3 is turned off, perform the replacement work of replacing the fixing unit with a fixing unit of the unit type specified in step S13, and then turn on the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 by operating the main power SW7.

[0092] In addition, based on the unit type of the replaced fixing unit 15 specified by the user in step S13, the control unit 29 reads out the setting information of the image forming device 1 defined for that unit type from the unit type-specific setting information storage unit 27, and updates the corresponding setting information.

[0093] After displaying the power off screen 156, the image forming apparatus 1 transitions to a standby state, and the control unit 29 turns off the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 based on the user operating the main power SW7 (step S43). Next, the user replaces the currently installed fixing unit 15 with a fixing unit of the unit type specified in step S7 (step S45). After replacing the fixing unit, the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on based on the user operating the main power SW7 (step S47). When the main power is turned on, the control unit 29 displays the home screen 51 on the display unit 3 (step S49).

[0094] 1.4 Effects of the First Embodiment According to the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

[0095] In step S9, the fixing unit type display screen 73 is displayed, so that the user can check the unit type of the fixing unit 15 currently installed before replacing it.

[0096] In step S13, the fixing unit type designation request screen 103 is displayed to request the user to input the unit type, so that the user can be urged to reliably recognize the unit type after replacement, and this can prevent the fixing unit 15 from being replaced with an incorrect unit type.

[0097] In step S13, the unit type of the currently installed fixing unit 15 is compared with the unit type after replacement, and if the two match, the Next button 101 is grayed out and made unselectable, thereby preventing the unit type from remaining the same before and after replacement.

[0098] In step S11, the user is notified of information for accessing the replacement procedure manual as a message 87 on the replacement preparation start screen 81, so that the user can replace the fixing unit 15 while looking at the user terminal. Therefore, even a user who lacks knowledge about the structure of the image forming apparatus 1 or the details of the replacement procedure of the fixing unit 15 can safely perform the replacement procedure. In addition, since the procedure manual can be viewed on the user terminal, the user can view the procedure manual regardless of whether the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is on or off.

[0099] In step S15, the maximum expected time required for cooling the fixing unit 15 may be displayed. In this way, even if the user leaves the image forming apparatus 1, the user can replace the fixing unit 15 without losing time by returning to the image forming apparatus 1 after the maximum expected time has elapsed.

[0100] 1.5 Modification of the first embodiment 1.5.1 Transformation 1 In step S11, a replacement preparation start screen is displayed to enable the replacement work procedure manual to be displayed on the user terminal, but instead of executing step S11, or while executing step S11, the control unit 29 may display the procedure manual on the display unit 3 as follows. That is, after the replacement preparation is completed and just before the user performs the replacement work, specifically, after selecting "Yes" (to execute replacement) in step S31, and before transitioning to a standby state in step S41, the control unit 29 may display the procedure manual on the display unit 3.

[0101] In this case, the user cannot check the procedure manual during the replacement work in step S45, but can check the work content immediately before the replacement work.

[0102] 1.5.2 Transformation 2 In step S11, the replacement preparation start screen is displayed to enable the replacement work procedure manual to be displayed on the user terminal, but instead of or while performing step S11, the control unit 29 may print the procedure manual or a part of the procedure manual in the image forming unit 13. In this case, data of the procedure manual or a part of the procedure manual is stored in advance in the storage unit 23. The procedure manual may be printed at any timing before the transition to the standby state in step S41. For example, the procedure manual may be printed when the replacement preparation start screen is displayed in step S11.

[0103] 2. Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, an image forming apparatus 1 having the same functional configuration as that of the first embodiment is used. However, a fixing unit 161 in Fig. 20 is used instead of the fixing unit 15. Also, the operation is performed according to the flowcharts in Figs. 21 and 22 instead of the flowcharts in Figs. 2 and 3.

[0104] Compared with the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3, the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 and 22 differ in the following respects. 21 and 22, there is no step S9 for displaying the fixing unit type display screen 73. The step of executing the fixing unit type designation request screens 95 and 103 is step S13 in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, whereas it is step S61 in FIG. 22 in the second embodiment. There is no step S10 for displaying a notice confirmation screen.

[0105] In the following, the differences relating to steps S9 and S61 will be mainly described, and a description of the same things as in embodiment 1 will be omitted. Step S10 is merely an omission of the function.

[0106] 2.1 Fuser Unit 161 The fixing unit 161 has a unit type display 163. The unit type display 163 is an indication of the unit type of the fixing unit 161. The unit type display 163 is provided in an area (non-paper passing area) of the fixing unit 161 other than an area (paper passing area) through which a medium conveyed to fix an image passes when the fixing unit 161 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The form of the display is not particularly limited. For example, the display may be directly written with ink or the like on the surface of the housing of the fixing unit 161 in the non-paper passing area. Alternatively, a sticker with the unit type written thereon may be affixed to the non-paper passing area of ​​the housing surface to serve as the unit type display 163. The unit type written on the unit type display 163 may be arbitrarily determined by the user.

[0107] 2.2 Operation of the Second Embodiment When the fixing unit replacement 69 is touched on the other function screen 67 displayed in step S7, the control unit 29 displays a replacement preparation start screen 81 on the display unit 3 (step S11).

[0108] In step S29, when preparation complete screen 145 is displayed and replacement start 153 is touched (step S31, Yes), control unit 29 displays fixing unit type designation request screen 95 (step S61).

[0109] The fixing unit type designation request screen 95 is in a state immediately after transition from step S31, and reflects the unit type A of the currently installed fixing unit 15, with the unit type A 97a displayed in a selected state. Therefore, the Next button 101 is displayed in an unselectable state, such as grayed out.

[0110] When the user selects unit type B as the unit type after replacement, a fuser type designation request screen 103 is displayed. Here, the Next button 111 is displayed in a selectable state. Note that, when the fuser type designation request screen 103 is displayed, it is preferable for the user to confirm the unit type of the fuser unit 161 by visually checking the unit type display 163 of the fuser unit 161.

[0111] When the next button 111 is touched, the control unit 29 proceeds to step S39, and displays the power off screen 156 on the display unit 3 (step S61).

[0112] According to the second embodiment, step S9 of the first embodiment is omitted, and therefore the fuser type screen 73 is not displayed. However, in step S61, when the fuser type designation request screen 95 is displayed, the unit type A of the currently installed fuser unit 15 is reflected and the unit type A 97a is displayed in a selected state. Therefore, the user can check the unit type of the currently installed fuser unit 15 by looking at the display of the fuser type designation request screen 95.

[0113] Also, in the first embodiment, a minimum of nine steps are required from step S13, where the fuser type is specified, to step S45, where the replacement work is actually performed. This means that there is a risk that the user will forget the fuser type that he or she specified and replace the fuser unit 15 with the wrong unit type. In contrast, in the second embodiment, only four steps are required from step S61, where the fuser type is specified, to step S45, where the replacement work is actually performed. Thus, in the second embodiment, the time required from specifying the fuser type to performing the replacement work is short. Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is less likely that a user will replace the fuser unit with a unit type different from the one that he or she specified, resulting in erroneous installation.

[0114] When the fixing unit type designation request screen 103 is displayed, the user can visually check the unit type display 163 of the fixing unit 161 to confirm the unit type. Therefore, the user can perform the replacement work while visually checking the unit type of the fixing unit 161, and therefore it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously installing a fixing unit different from the unit type designated on the fixing unit type designation request screen 103.

[0115] 3. Embodiment 3 In this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, in the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, a fixing unit 161 of FIG. 20 is used instead of the fixing unit 15. The operation follows the flowchart of FIG. 21 of the second embodiment and the flowchart of FIG. 23. More specifically, the flowchart of FIG. 23 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 22 of the second embodiment in that it includes step S71. The following mainly describes the differences from the second embodiment with reference to FIG. 23.

[0116] In step S61, when the user selects B as the unit type of the replaced fixing unit while the fixing unit type designation request 95 is displayed, a fixing unit type designation request 103 is displayed and the unit type B 107b is selected. In this state, when the next button 111 is touched, the control unit 29 displays a fixing unit type confirmation request screen 171 on the display unit 3 (step S71).

[0117] Fig. 24 shows an example of a fuser type confirmation request screen 171. The fuser type confirmation request screen 171 is displayed by superimposing a message area 173 on the fuser type designation request screen 103 of Fig. 13. The message area 173 displays a message 175 that prompts the user to confirm the unit type displayed in the unit type display 163 of the fuser unit 161 to be used after replacement. The message area 173 also includes a cancel button 177 and an OK button 179.

[0118] The unit type displayed in message 175 is determined according to the unit type designated in step S61. Control unit 29 displays the unit type designated in step S61 as the unit type to be confirmed in message 175. In fuser type confirmation request screen 171 illustrated in Fig. 24, "B" is written as the unit type in message 175 because it is assumed that the user has selected unit type B in step S61.

[0119] The message 175 can prompt the user performing the replacement work to confirm whether the unit type of the fixing unit 161 to be used after replacement is the one intended by the user.

[0120] This makes it possible to prevent the user from mistakenly installing a fuser unit that is different from the setting of the type of the fuser unit to be replaced. Also, by displaying the fuser type confirmation request screen 171, it is possible to urge the user to have the fuser unit to be replaced close at hand before the replacement work. This allows the user to start the replacement work promptly after turning off the main power. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from installing a fuser unit of the wrong unit type, compared to the case where the user is not urged to have the fuser unit to be replaced close at hand before the replacement work.

[0121] 4. Embodiment 4 25 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 200 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition to the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 described above, the image forming apparatus 200 includes an identification number-fuser type correspondence table 201. Also, instead of the fixing unit 15, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a fixing unit 203. The identification number-fuser type correspondence table 201 is a table that stores the correspondence between the identification number (identification information) of the fixing unit 15 and the unit type of the fixing unit.

[0122] 26 is a perspective view of the fixing unit 203 used in the image forming apparatus 200. The fixing unit 203 has an identification number display 205. The identification number display 205 corresponds to the unit type display 163 in the second and third embodiments.

[0123] The unit type display 163 displays the unit type of the fixing unit 161, while the identification number display 205 displays the identification number of the fixing unit 203. The identification number may be assigned to the fixing unit 203 when it is shipped from the factory and displayed as the identification number display 205 at the time of shipment from the factory. Alternatively, the identification number may be arbitrarily determined by the user, similar to the unit type display 163. Similar to the unit type display 163, the identification number table 205 is provided in a non-paper passing area of ​​the fixing unit 203.

[0124] Fig. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the replacement work of the fixing unit 203 in the image forming apparatus 200. The image forming apparatus 200 operates according to the flowcharts in Fig. 21 and Fig. 27. Therefore, each step in Fig. 21 is the same as that in the second embodiment. On the other hand, compared with the flowchart in Fig. 22 of the second embodiment, the flowchart in Fig. 27 of the fourth embodiment differs in that it does not have step S61, but has steps S81, S83, S85, and S87 instead.

[0125] When the exchange start button 153 is touched in step S31 on the preparation completion screen 145 displayed in step S29 (step S31, Yes), the control unit 29 displays an identification number input screen on the display unit 3.

[0126] 28 is a diagram showing an identification number input screen 211, which is an example of an identification number input screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 200 when replacing the fixing unit 203 in the fourth embodiment. The identification number input screen 211 has a message 213 and an input field 215. The message 213 is a message that prompts the user to input the identification number of the fixing unit to be used after replacement. The input field 215 is an input field for inputting the identification number of the fixing unit to be used after replacement.

[0127] When the identification number of the fixing unit 203 to be used after replacement is input via the operation unit 5, the control unit 29 obtains the unit type of the fixing unit 203 having the input identification number based on the identification number-fuser type correspondence table 201, and displays it on the display unit 3 (step S83).

[0128] The user looks at the displayed unit type and judges whether it is the desired unit type. If the fixing unit 203 having that identification number is not the desired unit type, the user inputs that fact via the operation unit 5 (step S85, No), and the control unit 29 displays a message on the display unit 3 prompting the user to replace the fixing unit 203 with another one (step S87).

[0129] On the other hand, if the fixing unit 203 having that identification number is the desired unit type, when the user inputs that fact via the operation unit 5 (step S85, Yes), the process proceeds to step S39, where the power off screen 156 is displayed.

[0130] According to the fourth embodiment, the user is prompted to input the identification number of the fixing unit 203 to be replaced. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous installation of a fixing unit that is different from the setting of the type of fixing unit to be replaced. Furthermore, by prompting the user to input the identification number, the user is prompted to prepare the fixing unit to be replaced, which makes the user have the fixing unit to be replaced ready before turning off the power, and as a result, it is possible to prevent erroneous installation of a fixing unit of a different unit type.

[0131] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible. In other words, the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0132] The programs that run on each device in the embodiments are programs that control the CPU and the like (programs that make a computer function) so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. Information handled by these devices is temporarily stored in a temporary storage device (e.g., RAM) during processing, and is then stored in various storage devices such as ROMs (Read Only Memories) and HDDs, and is read, modified, and written by the CPU as necessary.

[0133] Here, the recording medium for storing the program may be any of semiconductor media (e.g., ROM, non-volatile memory cards, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto Optical Disc), MD (Mini Disc), CD (Compact Disc), BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), etc.), magnetic recording media (e.g., magnetic tape, flexible disk, etc.), etc. Furthermore, not only are the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments realized by executing the loaded program, but the functions of the present disclosure may also be realized by processing in cooperation with an operating system or other application programs, etc., based on instructions from the program.

[0134] In addition, when distributing the program on the market, the program can be stored in a portable recording medium and distributed, or transferred to a server computer connected via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the storage device of the server computer is of course included in the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Image forming device 3 Display section 5 Control section 7 Main power switch (SW) 9. Image Input Section 13 Image forming section 15, 161, 203 Fuser unit (fuser) 17 Temperature Sensor 19 Communications Department 21 Connection 23 Memory section 25 Attachment unit type memory section 27 Unit type setting information storage section 29 Control Unit 31 Cooling time estimation part 33 Temperature monitoring section 51 Home Screen 53 Machine adjustment button 55 Machine adjustment screen 57 Picture quality adjustment button 59, 65, 71, 79, 80d, 89, 99, 109, 117, 127, 141 Back button 61 Image quality adjustment screen 63 Other function buttons 67 Other function screen 69 Fuser unit replacement button 73 Fuser type display screen 75, 97, 105 Unit Type List 75a, 97a, 105a Unit Type A 75b, 97b, 105b Unit Type B 75c, 97c, 105c Unit Type C 77, 80e, 80e-2, 93, 101, 111, 119, 131, 143 Next button 80, 80-2 Notes confirmation screen 80a Notes display field 80b Oath display field 80c, 80c-2 Check box 80f Scroll bar 80g Upper Arrow Button 80h Down Arrow Button 80i knob 81 Exchange preparation start screen 83, 85, 87, 115a, 115b, 147, 175 Messages 91 2D Barcode 95, 103 Fixing unit type selection screen 113 Cooling time display screen 115, 123, 135, 157, 173 Message Area 121 Cooling screen 125 Stop button 133 Restart screen 137, 151, 177 Cancel button 139, 179 OK button 145 Ready screen 153 Exchange start button 155 Restart screen 156 Power off screen 163 Unit type display 171 Fixing unit type confirmation request screen 201 Identification Number - Fixing Unit Type Correspondence Table 205 Identification Number Display 301 A5 Paper 303, 321 Fixing belt 305, 307, 311, 313 Scratches 309 A3 Paper 315, 317 Dirt

Claims

1. In an image forming apparatus, A control unit, a display unit, and a fixing unit are provided. the fixing unit is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus; The control unit displays, on the display unit, a fixing unit designation request for requesting an input for designating the other fixing unit when the fixing unit is replaced with another fixing unit.

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. The control unit displays a fixing unit display on the display unit, the fixing unit display displaying a fixing unit currently installed.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises:

3. The control unit displays the fixing unit designation request on the display unit before the temperature of the installed fixing unit drops to a predetermined temperature.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises:

4. The control unit displays the fixing unit designation request on the display unit after the temperature of the installed fixing unit drops to a predetermined temperature.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises:

5. The fixing unit designation request requests an input for designating the type of the fixing unit to be replaced.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises:

6. The type includes a type determined by a user based on a paper width perpendicular to a conveying direction of a paper on which an image is fixed using the fixing unit.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5,

7. the type includes a type determined based on a difference in a configuration of the fixing unit; 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises a first fixing member.

8. The fixing unit display indicates the type of the fixing unit currently installed.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus further comprises:

9. the fixing unit has a type indication indicative of the fixing unit; The control unit displays, on the display unit, a fixing unit type confirmation request for requesting confirmation of a description of the type display.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises:

10. the fixing unit has an identification information display that indicates identification information of the fixing unit, The control unit determines a type of the replaced fixing unit based on the identification information input in accordance with the identification information display.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises:

11. 1. A method for operating an image forming apparatus, comprising: the image forming apparatus includes a control unit, a display unit, and a fixing unit, the fixing unit being detachable; removing a first fixing unit from the image forming apparatus; a second fixing unit different from the first fixing unit being mounted on the image forming apparatus; a step of displaying a fixing unit designation request on the display unit by the control unit, the fixing unit designation request requesting an input for designating the second fixing unit; 13. A method for operating an image forming apparatus, comprising:

Images