Image forming apparatus and operation method for image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that performs a different operation for every individual fixing unit.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises a control section, and an image forming section having a removable fixing unit. The control section acquires fixing unit information on the fixing unit mounted on the image forming section, and executes predetermined processing on the basis of the acquired fixing unit information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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 unit (or 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] 15A 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] 15(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 on a specific paper width. That is, as shown in Fig. 16(a), fixing belt 303 is used when printing on A5 paper 301, while another fixing belt 321 is used when printing on A3 paper 309, as shown in Fig. 16(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 on 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 result, 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 needed.

[0008] Generally, since the 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 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] In this way, replacing and operating the fixing unit of an image forming apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. However, an image forming apparatus in which each fixing unit operates differently is not disclosed. The problem that this disclosure aims to solve is to provide an image forming apparatus in which each fixing unit operates differently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides an image forming device including a control unit and an image forming unit having a detachable fixing unit, wherein the control unit acquires fixing unit information relating to the fixing unit currently attached to the image forming unit, and the control unit executes a predetermined process based on the acquired fixing unit information.

[0012] The present disclosure also provides an operation method of an image forming apparatus equipped with an image forming section having a removable fixing unit, the operation method comprising: acquiring fixing unit information relating to a fixing unit currently attached to the image forming section; and executing a predetermined process based on the acquired fixing unit information. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which each fixing unit operates differently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 13 is an example of a power-off screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is an example of a home screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 4 is an example of a machine status screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6(A) to (D) are examples of icons displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 4 is an example of a copy screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 4 is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 4 is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 4 is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 4 is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a job management screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a job management screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 13 is an example of a home screen displayed on a display unit of an image forming apparatus in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]Figure 15(a) is a diagram to explain the scratches that occur on the fixing belt when A5 paper passes through, and Figure 15(b) is a diagram to explain the stains that occur on A3 paper when it passes through a fixing belt having scratches. [Figure 16] Figure 16(a) is a diagram for explaining scratches that occur on a fixing belt for A5 paper when A5 paper passes through, and Figure 16(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

[0015] [1. First embodiment]

[0016] [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 disclosure. The image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP (Multi-Function Printer / Peripheral) 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 7, a paper feed unit 9, an image forming unit 11, a communication unit 13, a connection unit 15, a storage unit 17, and a control unit 19. The operation unit 5 includes a main power switch (SW) 5a. The image forming unit 11 includes a fixing unit 11a and a fixing unit information acquisition unit 11b. The fixing unit 11a includes a fixing unit information storage unit 11a1. The storage unit 17 includes an attachment unit information storage unit 17a, a fixing unit usage history storage unit 17b, and a paper feed tray information storage unit 17c.

[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 instructing the execution of a task such as sending a fax or scanning an image, and a stop key for instructing the cancellation of an operation. The operation unit may also include physical operation keys such as a task key, a stop key, a power key, and a power saving key. The main power SW5a 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. For example, a touch panel display may be used as the display unit 3 and the operation unit 5. In this case, it is preferable to provide the main power supply SW5a separately from the touch panel display.

[0021] The image input unit 7 reads an image (original) and outputs it as image data. The image input unit 7 is configured with a general scanner (image input device). The image input unit 7 may input image data from an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may receive an image via a network. The main scanning direction of the image input unit 7 is perpendicular to the direction in which the paper is transported by the paper feed unit 9, and the sub-scanning direction of the image input unit 7 coincides with the direction in which the paper is transported by the paper feed unit 9.

[0022] The paper feed unit 9 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 9 has multiple paper feed trays. Each paper feed tray stores paper of the same paper type. There may be multiple paper feed trays that store the same paper type, or each paper feed tray may store paper of a different paper type. The paper feed unit 9 may also have a sorter mechanism that sorts media (paper) on which an image is formed, a paper discharge tray for discharging the media on which an image is formed, and a transport mechanism that transports the media on which an image is formed to the sorter mechanism or the paper discharge tray. The paper feed unit 9 may also have a transport mechanism that transports the media on which an image is formed to the image input unit 7, and a transport mechanism that transports the media on which an image is read by the image input unit 7 to the paper discharge tray, the sorter mechanism, etc.

[0023] The paper feed unit 9 transports the medium along the sub-scanning direction of the image input unit 7. 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 7. The paper feed unit 9 transports the medium such that the longitudinal direction of a fixing belt (not shown) of the fixing unit 11a and the transport direction of the medium are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] The image forming unit 11 forms (prints) an image on a medium such as copy paper based on image data. The printing method of the image forming unit 11 is a laser printer. The image forming unit 11 may be a monochrome laser printer or a color laser printer. The image forming unit 11 may include a paper feed mechanism that supplies the medium, a transport mechanism that transports the medium, a sorter mechanism that sorts the medium after the image is formed, and the like.

[0025] The fixing unit 11a is a fixing device, and is detachable from the image forming section 11. The fixing unit 11a applies heat and pressure to the toner image transferred onto the paper, thereby fusing the toner image to the paper.

[0026] The fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 is machine-readable, and is, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) chip or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 stores fixing unit information of the fixing unit 11a. The fixing unit information includes identification information (hereinafter, simply referred to as identification information) for uniquely identifying the fixing unit 11a, and the unit type of the fixing unit 11a (hereinafter, referred to as fixing unit type). The fixing unit type is determined by the user based on paper specifications including the paper size (e.g., the length of the long side and short side, A size, B size, etc.) for which the fixing unit may be used during image formation. The paper specifications other than the paper size include, for example, the thickness of the paper and the paper type (e.g., uncoated paper, gloss coated paper, matte course paper, embossed paper, etc.). With the fixing unit 11a attached to the image forming unit 11, the control unit 19 writes a new fixing unit type or updates it according to the operation of the operation unit 5.

[0027] As already described with reference to Figs. 15 and 16, the present disclosure relates to two scratches that occur on a fixing belt along the sides of a sheet of paper that are approximately parallel to the conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of the sheet when an image is formed on a rectangular sheet of paper. The position of the scratches that occur on the fixing belt basically varies depending on the size of the sheet of paper that comes into contact with the fixing unit during image formation, but if there is a specific relationship between two different sheet sizes, these two scratches will occur at the same position on the fixing belt even when images are formed on sheets of two different sizes. That is, if two sheet sizes satisfy the conditions (1) and (2) that (1) the lengths (reference lengths) of the sides in the direction (main scanning direction) that is approximately perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet of paper are equal to each other, and (2) the lengths of the sides that are approximately parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet of paper (sub-scanning direction) are different, scratches will occur at the same position on the fixing belt due to contact with sheets of these two sizes of paper. Generally, A size comes in sizes from A0 to A10, and the length of the short side of a certain size of A size paper is equal to the length of the long side of an A size paper that is one size smaller than that A size paper. For example, the short side of A3 paper and the long side of A4 paper are both 297 mm long. Therefore, a fixing unit that is a fixing unit type that uses the short side of A3 paper as the reference length may be used to print A3 paper that is transported with its short side in the main scanning direction, as well as A4 paper that is transported with its long side in the main scanning direction. The same relationship applies to B size, which also has sizes B0 to B10. For example, the short side of B3 paper and the long side of B4 paper are both 364 mm long, so if a fixing unit type uses the short side of B3 paper as the reference length, it may be used to print B3 paper that is transported with its short side in the main scanning direction, as well as B4 paper that is transported with its long side in the main scanning direction. The fixing unit information acquisition unit 11b is a reader / writer for reading and writing from and to the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1. For example, if the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 is an IC chip, the fixing unit information acquisition unit 11b is an IC chip reader / writer, and if the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 is an RFID tag, the fixing unit information acquisition unit 11b is an RFID reader / writer.

[0028] The communication unit 13 is connected to a network. For example, the communication unit 13 is configured with an interface that can be connected to a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. When the communication unit 13 is connected to a network, the image forming apparatus 1 is connected to other devices or an external network. In addition, the communication unit 13 may be an interface that performs short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near field communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0029] The connection unit 15 connects the image forming apparatus 1 to other devices. For example, the connection unit 15 is a USB interface to which a USB memory or the like is connected. The connection unit 15 may also be an interface such as HDMI (registered trademark) other than the USB interface.

[0030] The storage unit 17 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The storage unit 17 includes one or more recording devices capable of temporary storage, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and non-temporary recording devices, such as a solid state drive (SSD) made of semiconductor memory and a hard disk drive (HDD) made of a magnetic disk. Although the storage unit 17 is shown as a single configuration 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.

[0031] The attached unit information storage section 17a stores the fixing unit information of the fixing unit 11a currently attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The fixing unit usage history storage section 17b stores the usage history for each individual fixing unit. For example, the control section 19 stores the number of sheets of paper on which an image has been formed for each paper type as the usage history in association with the identification information of the fixing unit 11a. The control section 19 updates the usage history of the attached fixing unit 11a every time the image forming section 11 forms an image on a paper. The paper feed tray information storage section 17c stores paper information on the paper in each of the multiple paper feed trays of the paper feed section 9, including the paper type of the paper accommodated in each of the paper feed trays.

[0032] The control unit 19 is a functional unit for controlling the entire image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 19 is composed of one or more control devices and control circuits, and is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a SoC (System on a Chip). The control unit 19 can realize each function by reading out a program stored in the storage unit 17 and executing the process.

[0033] [1.2 Operation of image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment] 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the image forming apparatus 1. When the fixing unit 11a is attached to the image forming section 11, the control section 19 acquires fixing unit information from the fixing unit information storage section 11a by the fixing unit information acquisition section 11b (step S1). Next, the control section 19 stores the acquired fixing unit information in the attached unit information storage section 17a (step S3). Next, the control section 19 displays the fixing unit information on the display section 3 (step S5).

[0034] Next, the control unit 19 performs a determination based on the fixing unit information stored in the attachment unit information storage unit 17a and the paper information of each paper feed tray stored in the paper feed tray information storage unit 17c (step S7). In this determination, whether or not image formation using the fixing unit being attached is possible is determined for each paper feed tray. More specifically, it is determined whether or not the paper size of the paper stored in that paper feed tray is a paper size permitted for use by the fixing unit type of the fixing unit information stored in the attachment unit information storage unit 17a.

[0035] Next, the control unit 19 displays on the display unit 3 whether or not each paper size or paper feed tray can be used based on the determination result of step S7 (step S9). Also, before or after step S9, the control unit 19 controls whether or not image formation can be performed for each paper size or paper feed tray based on the determination result of step S7 (step S11). That is, when an instruction to perform image formation using a paper size or paper feed tray permitted in step S7 is input via the operation unit 5 or the like, the control unit 19 performs image formation based on this instruction. On the other hand, when an instruction to perform image formation using a paper size or paper feed tray not permitted in step S7 is input via the operation unit 5 or the like, the control unit 19 does not perform image formation based on this instruction.

[0036] Next, the control unit 19 updates the usage history of the currently installed fixing unit based on whether or not image formation has been performed in step S11 (step S13). If image formation has been performed in step S11, the control unit 19 updates the usage history of the currently installed fixing unit among the usage histories stored in the fixing unit usage history storage unit 17b according to the number of times image formation has been performed (the number of sheets of paper on which images have been formed and output).

[0037] [1.3 Screen example] 3 is an example of a power-off screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Before step S1, when the main power switch 5a is operated to turn off the main power, the control unit 19 displays a power-off screen 31 on the display unit 3. The power-off screen 31 includes a message field 33 in which a message is displayed informing the user that the main power is being turned off. After the power-off screen 31 is displayed and the main power is turned off and then turned on again, the control unit 19 operates according to the flowchart in FIG.

[0038] 4 is an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The home screen 41 is a screen that is displayed first as a screen for accepting operations from a user after the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on, and is displayed around the time of step S1. The home screen 41 includes a machine status button 43, a copy button 45, and a machine adjustment button 47.

[0039] The machine status button 43 is a screen element for transitioning the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a machine status screen 51, which will be described later, in response to an operation on the operation unit 5. The copy button 45 is a screen element for transitioning the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a copy screen 71, which will be described later, in response to an operation on the operation unit 5. The machine adjustment button 47 is a screen element (icon) for transitioning the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a machine adjustment screen (not shown).

[0040] 5 is an example of a machine status screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The machine status screen 51 is a screen displayed in step S5. The machine status screen 51 has a fixing unit type display 53. The fixing unit type display 53 is displayed based on the fixing unit information read in step S1 from the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 of the fixing unit 11a currently installed in the image forming section 11. In this example, the paper size "A3" is displayed as the fixing unit type display 53.

[0041] 6(A) to (D) are examples of icons displayed on the display unit of image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Icons 61, 63, 65, and 67 are each used in place of machine adjustment button 47 on home screen 41. Displaying home screen 41 using any of icons 61, 63, 65, and 67 in place of machine adjustment button 47 corresponds to step S5.

[0042] The icons 61, 63, 65, and 67 respectively have fixing unit type indicators 61a, 63a, 65a, and 67a. The fixing unit type indicators 61a, 63a, 65a, and 67a are displayed based on the fixing unit information read in step S1 from the fixing unit information storage section 11a1 of the fixing unit 11a currently installed in the image forming section 11.

[0043] The fixing unit type display 61a indicates that the fixing unit type is "A", and the fixing unit type display 63a indicates that the fixing unit type is "B". The "A" and "B" in the fixing unit type displays 61a and 63a are simply names. The fixing unit type displays 65a and 67a indicate specific A and B sizes as the fixing unit type. The fixing unit type display 65a indicates that the fixing unit type is "A3". The fixing unit type display 67a indicates that the fixing unit type is "A5".

[0044] 7 is an example of a copy screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The copy screen 71 has a machine status button 73 and a paper selection button 75. The machine status button 73 is a screen element for transitioning the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a machine status screen 51 in response to an operation on the operation unit 5. The paper selection button 75 is a screen element for transitioning the screen displayed on the display unit 3 to a paper selection screen 81, which will be described later, in response to an operation on the operation unit 5.

[0045] FIG. 8 is an example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The display of the paper selection screen 81 corresponds to step S9. The paper selection screen 81 has main body paper feed tray displays 83a-83d, large capacity paper feed tray displays 85a-85d, manual feed tray displays 87, 87a, 87b, and machine schematic displays 89, 89a-89h. Hereinafter, the main body paper feed tray displays 83a-83d, large capacity paper feed tray displays 85a-85d, and manual feed tray displays 87, 87a, 87b are also collectively referred to as tray displays. The tray displays are screen elements that can be selected by an operation via the operation unit 5. The control unit 19 performs image formation in the image forming unit 11 using the paper stored in the selected tray.

[0046] Image forming apparatus 1 has a total of eight paper feed trays, including four paper feed trays provided in the main body of image forming apparatus 1 and four large-capacity paper feed trays added externally to image forming apparatus 1, and these eight paper feed trays are given consecutive tray numbers from 1 to 8. Control unit 19 reads out paper information on the paper stored in each of paper feed trays 1 to 8 from paper feed tray information storage unit 17c, and displays it as main body paper feed tray indicators 83a-83d and large-capacity paper feed tray indicators 85a-85d.

[0047] The main body paper feed tray displays 83a-83d are screen elements that display the paper type stored in four paper feed trays provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus 1. The main body paper feed tray displays 83a-83d correspond to paper feed trays 1 to 4. The large capacity paper feed tray displays 85a-85d are screen elements that display the paper type stored in a large capacity paper feed tray that has been externally added to the image forming apparatus 1. The large capacity paper feed tray displays 85a-85d correspond to paper feed trays 5 to 8.

[0048] 8, the main paper feed tray indicators 83a and 83b display A4 as the paper size and plain paper 1 as the paper type. The main paper feed tray indicator 83c displays B4 as the paper size and plain paper 1 as the paper type. The main paper feed tray indicator 83d displays A3 as the paper size and plain paper 1 as the paper type. The large-capacity paper feed tray indicators 85a-85d display A3 as the paper size and plain paper 1 as the paper type.

[0049] 8, among the main body paper feed tray indicators 83a-83d and the large-capacity paper feed tray indicators 85a-85d, only the main body paper feed tray indicator 83c is shaded. This shaded area indicates that the main body paper feed tray indicator 83c cannot be selected (is grayed out, etc.). This display of the main body paper feed tray indicator 83c as being unselectable corresponds to step S9.

[0050] That is, the control unit 19 performs the judgment of step S7 (in this case, the judgment is based on the fixing unit information of the fixing unit 11a currently attached to the image forming unit 11 stored in the attachment unit information storage unit 17a and the paper information of the main body paper feed tray No. 3 stored in the paper feed tray information storage unit 17c). Based on the result of this judgment, the control unit 19 displays the main body paper feed tray display 83c as unavailable for selection (for example, grayed out). In this way, when an operation is performed on a tray display that is displayed as unavailable for selection (grayed out), the control unit 19 ignores the operation and does not accept it. In this way, the control unit 19 controls whether or not to form an image in step S11.

[0051] The machine schematic diagram displays 89a-89h change display form depending on whether or not paper feed trays 1 to 8 can be selected. That is, the machine schematic diagram displays 89a, 89b, 89d-89h, which correspond to paper feed trays 1, 2, 4 to 8, respectively, are highlighted to indicate that they can be selected (eight radial lines drawn around the tray numbers indicate the highlighting). On the other hand, the machine schematic diagram display 89c, which corresponds to paper feed tray 3, is not highlighted.

[0052] Manual feed tray display 87 is a tray display related to the manual feed tray of image forming apparatus 1. Manual feed tray display 87a displays the paper size and paper type of paper to be inserted into the manual feed tray, which are set by the user via operation unit 5. Manual feed tray display 87b is a screen element for transitioning to paper selection screen 101 or paper selection screen 110, which will be described later.

[0053] 9 is another example of the paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. When the paper selection screen 81 is displayed on the display unit 3, if the main body paper feed tray display 83c is operated via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 performs a screen transition to display a paper selection screen 91 on the display unit 3. The paper selection screen 91 is displayed by superimposing a message field 91a on the paper selection screen 81. The message field 91a displays a message that the paper stored in the paper feed tray No. 3 (tray 3) corresponding to the main body paper feed tray display 83c cannot be used with the currently installed fixing unit 11a, and that if image formation is to be performed using the paper in the paper feed tray No. 3, the currently installed fixing unit 11a needs to be replaced with another fixing unit.

[0054] 10 is another example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Paper selection screen 101 is an example of a screen destination to which the paper selection screen 81 transitions when the manual feed tray display 87b is operated via the operation unit 5 while the paper selection screen 81 is displayed on the display unit 3. The paper selection screen 101 is an example of a screen for selecting the type and size of paper, in which selectable candidates for the currently installed fixing unit are highlighted.

[0055] Paper selection screen 101 is a screen for selecting the type and size of paper to be manually fed. Paper selection screen 101 has tabs 103 and 105. Tab 103 is a tab for selecting the type of paper, and tab 105 is a tab for selecting the size of paper. FIG. 10 shows the state when tab 103 is selected. Tab 103 displays a total of 15 buttons in 5 rows and 3 columns. Each of these 15 buttons corresponds to one candidate paper type.

[0056] The paper selection screen 101 is an example of the display in step S9, and the usable types of paper are highlighted. For example, the button 107 displays plain paper 1 (60-89 g / m^2), but the frame 107a of the button 107 is highlighted to indicate that it is selectable. In the figure, the frame 107a is illustrated as a rectangle drawn in dashed lines inside a rectangle drawn in solid lines to indicate that it is highlighted. The rectangle drawn in dashed lines indicates the highlighting. On the other hand, the button 108 displays thick paper 3 (221-256 g / m^2), but the frame 108a is only a rectangle drawn in solid lines, and the rectangle drawn in dashed lines is not illustrated. In this way, the paper selection screen 101 informs the user whether the button is selectable or not by highlighting only the selectable buttons. Also, if an operation is performed on a button that is not highlighted via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 performs control in step S11 by ignoring the operation, for example, so as not to accept it.

[0057] 11 is another example of a paper selection screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Paper selection screen 110 is another example of a screen destination to which the paper selection screen 81 transitions when the manual feed tray display 87b is operated via the operation unit 5 while the paper selection screen 81 is displayed on the display unit 3. The paper selection screen 110 is an example of a screen for selecting the type and size of paper, in which candidates that cannot be selected with the currently installed fixing unit are displayed as unavailable for selection (for example, grayed out).

[0058] Like paper selection screen 101, paper selection screen 110 is a screen for selecting the type and size of paper to be loaded in the manual feed tray, and has tabs 113 and 115. Tab 113 is a tab for selecting the type of paper, and tab 115 is a tab for selecting the size of paper. In FIG. 11, tab 113 is selected. Tab 113 displays a total of 15 buttons in 5 rows and 3 columns. Each of these 15 buttons corresponds to one candidate paper type.

[0059] On the paper selection screen 110, the 15 types of buttons corresponding to the paper types in the tab 113 are the same as the 15 types of buttons corresponding to the paper types in the tab 103 on the paper selection screen 101. However, only the display form indicating the availability of the buttons is different.

[0060] For example, button 117, like button 107, displays Plain Paper 1 (60-89 g / m^2), but frame 117a consists only of a solid-line rectangle, and is not highlighted, unlike button 107. On the other hand, button 118, like button 108, displays Thick Paper 3 (221-256 g / m^2), but the inside of frame 118a is filled with diagonal lines. This filling indicates that the button is not selectable (for example, grayed out). This non-selectable display (for example, grayed out) indicates to the user that the button cannot be selected.

[0061] [1.4] Effect The first embodiment has the following advantages. The type of the fixing unit 11a currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 can be displayed (step S5, FIGS. 5 and 6). This allows the user to know the type of the fixing unit 11a currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 without removing the fixing unit 11a from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0062] It is possible to display the paper feed tray that contains paper that can be used with the currently installed fixing unit 11a (step S9, Fig. 8-11). This allows the user to know the paper feed tray that contains paper that can be used with the currently installed fixing unit 11a.

[0063] While image formation using paper that can be used with the currently installed fixing unit 11a is permitted, image formation using paper that cannot be used can be restricted (step S11). This allows the user to avoid image formation using paper that is not suitable for use with the currently installed fixing unit 11a.

[0064] [2. Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described below. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of similarities will be omitted.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 has a function of collectively executing a plurality of print jobs that are registered in advance. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as a batch printing function. Functions related to the batch printing function include, for example, a print release function and a document filing function. The print release function is a function in which one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to each other via a network is set as a parent machine and the others are set as child machines, and the child machine receives print data (data related to an image to be formed on paper) that is registered in advance in the parent machine via the network and prints (forms an image) on the child machine. The document filing function is a function in which print data of documents that are frequently printed, etc., is registered in advance in the storage unit 17 of the image forming apparatus 1, and when the documents, etc. are printed, the registered print data is used to print the documents, etc.

[0066] In the second embodiment, job management control is performed to manage print jobs that can be executed in the batch printing function according to the type of the fixing unit that is currently installed. 12 is an example of a job management screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The job management screen 121 has a registered job list 123, a batch print button 125, and a scroll bar 127. The registered job list 123 is a screen element that shows a list of print jobs registered in the image forming apparatus 1. The batch print button 125 is a screen element for instructing the image forming apparatus 1 to execute batch printing. The scroll bar 127 is a screen element for scrolling the registered job list 123 up and down.

[0067] In the example of FIG. 12, five print jobs registered in the image forming device 1 are displayed in the registered job list 123. Although other print jobs (not shown) are also registered in the image forming device 1, at the current display position indicated by the scroll bar 127, five files with file names "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf", "Scan_20220630_102911.pdf", "Scan_20220630_102416.pdf", "Copy_20220418_133245.pdf", and "Copy_20220128_090700.pdf" are displayed as print jobs among all the registered print jobs. In addition, in the registered job list 123, the display of the extension "pdf" of each file is omitted due to display space. In response to an operation on scroll bar 127 via operation unit 5, control unit 19 can scroll registered job list 123 downward to display other registered print jobs. A paper size (not shown) is set for each print job. The print job is associated with the file name of the file to be printed, the paper size used for printing, the user name, and the registration date, and is stored in storage unit 17 as registered job data (not shown).

[0068] Here, it is assumed that, among the print jobs currently registered in the image forming apparatus 1, the files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf" have a paper size of A3 set, and the other print jobs have a paper size of A5 set. Note that the files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf" are both files of registered print jobs, but when the scroll bar 127 is in the position shown in FIG. 12, the file "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" is displayed in the registered job list 123, but "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf" is not displayed in the registered job list 123. Also, it is assumed that the fixing unit type of the fixing unit 121a currently installed in the image forming apparatus 1 is for a paper size of A3.

[0069] At this time, when the batch print button 125 is operated via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 extracts print jobs of paper sizes that can be printed by the currently installed fixing unit 121a from the registered job data in the storage unit 17. As described above, the fixing unit type of the currently installed fixing unit 121a is the paper size A3, and the only print jobs that use this paper size are jobs to print the files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf".

[0070] At this time, the control unit 19 displays a message field 131 superimposed on the job management screen 121 as shown in FIG. 13. The message field 131 displays a confirmation that the currently installed fixing unit 121a can print the extracted file. When the OK button 133 is operated via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 executes a job to print the extracted files "Scan_20220630_102942.pdf" and "Scan_20220630_102941.pdf" by the image forming unit 11. At this time, other print jobs using the A5 paper size are not executed.

[0071] According to the second embodiment, when an instruction to execute batch printing for multiple registered print jobs is given, the image forming device 1 extracts only print jobs that can be printed with the fixing unit type of the fixing unit 11a from among the multiple print jobs, displays them to the user, and can accept an instruction to batch print only the extracted print jobs. Therefore, when performing batch printing, it is possible to avoid printing using paper that is not suitable for the fixing unit type of the fixing unit.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when image forming device 1 is instructed to perform batch printing of multiple registered print jobs, it can extract from the multiple print jobs only those print jobs that can be printed using the fixing unit type of fixing unit 11a.

[0073] For example, consider a case where print jobs are executed in the order of the registration dates of the registered job data. In this case, the print jobs of the registered job data are not sorted by the paper size used. For this reason, there is a risk that the execution order will be such that a print job using A3 paper is executed, a print job using A5 paper is executed, and then a print job using A3 paper is executed again. Since the image forming device 1 uses different fixing units depending on the paper, adopting such an execution order would require frequent replacement of the fixing units.

[0074] However, according to the second embodiment, print jobs that use the same paper size are executed together. Therefore, even if print jobs with different paper sizes are registered in the registered job data, according to the second embodiment, the number of times the fixing unit 11a needs to be replaced can be minimized.

[0075] [3. Third embodiment] A third embodiment will be described below. Here, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of similarities will be omitted.

[0076] As already described with reference to FIG. 16, scratches 311, 313 are generated on the fixing belt 321 of the fixing unit used for printing A3 paper 309 at positions corresponding to the length of the A3 short side. For this reason, even with fixing unit 11a whose fixing unit type is set to A3 paper, scratches equivalent to scratches 311, 313 are generated when A3 paper is repeatedly printed. However, since fixing unit 11a whose fixing unit type is set to A3 paper does not print on other paper sizes, similar scratches are not generated inside scratches 311, 313. Focusing on this point, in the third embodiment, a fixing unit in which scratches have been generated on the fixing belt by repeatedly printing on the same paper size is reused.

[0077] In step S13, the control unit 19 updates the usage history stored in the fixing unit usage history storage unit 17b every time image formation is performed on one sheet of paper of a certain paper size and paper type using the installed fixing unit 11a. The usage history is, for example, the number of times the fixing unit 11a has been used for printing on that paper size and paper type.

[0078] The control unit 19 compares the updated number of prints with a predetermined threshold number of prints. The threshold number of prints is determined based on the number of prints when a scratch occurs on the fixing belt when, for example, a fixing unit of the same type as the currently installed fixing unit 11a is used to actually print on paper of the same size and type.

[0079] If the comparison shows that the updated print count is greater than the threshold count, the control unit 19 displays a message field on the display unit 3 to inform the user of the following two messages: (Message 1) The currently installed fixing unit can no longer be used to print on paper of the currently used paper size. (Message 2) Recommend that in the future the currently installed fixing unit be used to print on paper of a size smaller than the current paper size.

[0080] Fig. 14 is an example of a home screen displayed on the display unit 3 of the image forming apparatus 1 in the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 14, a message field 141 is displayed superimposed on the home screen 41. The message field 141 has messages 141a and 141b and an OK button 141c.

[0081] Message 141a corresponds to message 1. Message 141a indicates that printing using the currently installed fixing unit 11a (fixing unit type is A3 size) is no longer possible.

[0082] Message 141b corresponds to message 2. Message 141b urges the user to use the currently installed fixing unit 11a when printing A4R (A4 landscape) paper from now on. If the user agrees to this message, it is preferable for the user to update the fixing unit information of the currently installed fixing unit 11a via the operation unit 5 to change the fixing unit type to A4 landscape. In response to this operation, the control unit 19 updates the fixing unit information stored in the fixing unit information storage unit 11a1 of the currently installed fixing unit 11a and the installed unit information storage unit 17a.

[0083] The OK button 141c is a screen element that is the target of an operation via the operation unit 5. In response to an operation on the OK button 141c, the control unit 19 causes the display unit 3 to transition to the original home screen 41 without the message field 141.

[0084] After displaying the message field 141 on the display unit 3, the control unit 19 restricts printing of A3 size paper by the currently installed fixing unit 11a. The restriction may simply prohibit printing of A3 size paper. In this case, for example, in the paper selection screen 81 of FIG. 8, the main body paper feed tray display 83d and the large capacity paper feed tray display 85a-85d corresponding to the tray in which A3 paper is stored are displayed as unavailable for selection (for example, grayed out). Also, the highlighting of the machine schematic display 89d-89h corresponding to these tray displays in the same figure is stopped. Alternatively, when an instruction to print using A3 size paper is input via the operation unit 5, the control unit 19 may display a message on the display unit 3 informing the user that the print quality cannot be guaranteed because the fixing belt is scratched, and give the user an opportunity to cancel the instruction, and then execute the print instruction if the user still requests to continue the instruction.

[0085] In the above description, the control unit 19 determines whether or not there are scratches on the surface of the fixing belt by comparing the number of times printing has been performed using the installed fixing unit for printing on a certain paper size and paper type with a predetermined threshold number of times, but other determination methods may also be used.

[0086] For example, when printing is performed with the surface of the fixing belt of the fixing unit scratched, stains (black streaks) caused by the scratches on the fixing belt will adhere to the printed paper. It is conceivable to determine the presence or absence of scratches on the surface of the fixing belt by detecting these black streaks. More specifically, when the control unit 19 prints on a sheet of paper using the image forming unit 11, the control unit 19 acquires an image of the printed surface of the printed paper using the image input unit 7 and determines whether or not there are black streaks on the edge of the paper in the image. If a black streak is detected even once by this determination, it may be determined that there is a scratch on the surface of the fixing belt, or if a black streak is detected every time a predetermined number of consecutive prints are performed, it may be determined that there is a scratch on the surface of the fixing belt.

[0087] According to the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent defective printing in which scratches on the surface of the fixing belt cause black streaks to appear on the printed surface, or to detect them immediately after they occur, thereby minimizing the adverse effects on printing.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, when the surface of the fixing belt of a fixing unit is damaged and the fixing unit is no longer suitable for printing on a certain size of paper, the user can be prompted to repurpose the fixing unit for printing on a smaller size of paper, thereby extending the period during which the fixing unit can be used while maintaining print quality.

[0089] [4. Other Variations] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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]

[0093] 1. Image forming device 3 Display section 5 Control section 5a Main power switch (SW) 7 Image input section 9 Paper feed section 11 Image forming section 11a Fuser unit 11b Fuser unit information acquisition unit 11a1 Fixing unit information storage section 13. Communications Department 15 Connection 17 Memory section 17a Mounting unit information storage section 17b Fixing unit usage history memory section 17c Paper tray information storage section 19 Control section 31 Power off screen 33, 91a, 131, 141 Message section 41 Home Screen 43 Machine Status Button 45 Copy button 47 Machine Adjustment Button 51 Machine Status Screen 53 Fuser unit type display 61, 63, 65, 67 Icons 61a, 63a, 65a, 67a Fuser unit type indication 71 Copy screen 73 Machine Status Button 75 Paper selection button 81, 91, 101, 110 Paper selection screen 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d Main unit paper feed tray display 85a, 85b, 85c, 85d Large capacity paper tray display 87, 87a, 87b Manual feed tray display 89, 89a, 89b, 89c, 89d, 89e, 89f, 89g, 89h Machine schematic diagram Tabs 103, 105, 113, 115 107, 108, 117, 118 buttons 107a, 108a, 117a, 118a Border 121 Job Management Screen 123 Registered Job List 125 Batch print button 127 Scroll Bar 133, 141c OK button 141a, 141b Messages 301 A5 Paper 303, 321 Fixing belt 305, 307, 311, 313 Scratches 309 A3 Paper 315, 317 Dirt

Claims

1. The image forming unit includes a control unit and a detachable fixing unit. The control unit is acquiring fixing unit information relating to a fixing unit currently attached to the image forming unit; Executing a predetermined process based on the acquired fixing unit information. Image forming device.

2. Further, a display unit is provided, the processing is processing in which the control unit displays at least one of the fixing unit information and information determined based on the fixing unit information on the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the fixing unit information includes identification information for uniquely identifying the fixing unit, the process is a process of determining a size of paper for which image formation using the fixing unit is permitted based on the identification information, and determining whether or not image formation on the paper by the image forming unit is permitted based on a result of the determination. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. The paper is rectangular; the determination is made as to whether or not the image forming unit can form an image on the paper, using a length of a side of the paper that is substantially perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the paper as a reference length; The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. Further, a display unit is provided, the control unit displays, on the display unit, in different display forms, a paper size for which it has been determined that image formation is executable and a paper size for which it has been determined that image formation is not executable. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 .

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit restricts image formation by the image forming unit on paper of a paper size for which image formation is determined to be impossible in the determination.

7. 1. A method for operating an image forming apparatus including an image forming section having a detachable fixing unit, comprising: acquiring fixing unit information relating to a fixing unit currently attached to the image forming unit; Executing a predetermined process based on the acquired fixing unit information. A method of operating an image forming apparatus.

Images