Image forming apparatus

Abstract

In an image forming apparatus capable of mounting both a fixing unit that uses power from an AC power source for fixing operations and a fixing unit that uses power from a DC power source for fixing operations, the supply of unusable power to the fixing unit is suppressed. [Solution] The image forming apparatus includes a mounting section to which a first fixing unit that performs fixing operations related to fixing an image to a recording material using power from an AC power source and a second fixing unit that performs fixing operations using power from a DC power source are attached, an AC power supply section that receives power from an AC power source and a DC power supply section that receives power from a DC power source, wherein the attachment of the first fixing unit to the mounting section and the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply section cannot be performed simultaneously, and the attachment of the second fixing unit to the mounting section and the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply section cannot be performed simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that receives power supply from a commercial power source and includes a capacitor unit that functions as a storage battery. This image forming apparatus supplies AC power to the main power source while there is an AC input from the commercial power source. On the other hand, when a power outage occurs, the power stored in the capacitor unit is converted into AC by an inverter and supplied to the main power source.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There exists an image forming apparatus to which a fixing unit that performs a fixing operation using power from an AC power source and a fixing unit that performs a fixing operation using power from a DC power source can be attached. In such an image forming apparatus, if power that cannot be used for each fixing unit is supplied, there is a risk that a problem may occur in the fixing unit. For example, if power from a DC power source is supplied to a fixing unit that performs a fixing operation using power from an AC power source, there is a risk that a problem may occur in the fixing unit. An object of the present invention is to suppress the supply of power that cannot be used for a fixing unit in an image forming apparatus to which a fixing unit that performs a fixing operation using power from an AC power source and a fixing unit that performs a fixing operation using power from a DC power source can be attached.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus comprising: a mounting section to which a first fixing unit that performs a fixing operation relating to the fixing of an image on a recording material using power from an AC power source and a second fixing unit that performs the fixing operation using power from a DC power source are attached; an AC power supply section that receives power from the AC power source; and a DC power supply section that receives power from the DC power source, wherein the attachment of the first fixing unit to the mounting section and the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply section cannot be performed simultaneously, and the attachment of the second fixing unit to the mounting section and the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply section cannot be performed simultaneously. The invention described in claim 2 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a shutter member that obstructs the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply section by blocking the AC power supply section, or obstructs the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply section by blocking the DC power supply section. The invention described in claim 3 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the shutter member closes the DC power supply section when the first fixing unit is attached to the mounting section. The invention described in claim 4 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the shutter member closes the AC power supply unit when the second fixing unit is attached to the mounting portion. The invention described in claim 5 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a switching unit that operates in conjunction with the shutter member and switches the mounting portion between a first state in which the first fixing unit can be mounted and the second fixing unit cannot be mounted, and a second state in which the first fixing unit cannot be mounted and the second fixing unit can be mounted. The invention described in claim 6 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switching unit switches the mounting unit to the first state when the DC power supply unit is blocked by the shutter member. The invention described in claim 7 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switching unit switches the mounting unit to the second state when the AC power supply unit is blocked by the shutter member. The invention described in claim 8 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the mounting portion includes an insertion portion into which a projection provided on the first fixing unit or the second fixing unit is inserted, and the switching portion, in the first state, allows the insertion of the projection of the first fixing unit into the insertion portion while preventing the insertion of the projection of the second fixing unit into the insertion portion, and in the second state, prevents the insertion of the projection of the first fixing unit into the insertion portion while allowing the insertion of the second fixing unit into the insertion portion. The invention described in claim 9 is an image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the shutter member moves between a first position that closes the DC power supply section and a second position that closes the AC power supply section, and the switching section moves the position of the insertion section in conjunction with the movement of the shutter member to switch between the first state and the second state. The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit have different positions for the protrusions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, in an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a fixing unit that performs fixing operations using power from an AC power source and a fixing unit that performs fixing operations using power from a DC power source, it is possible to suppress the supply of power that cannot be used to the fixing unit. According to the invention of claim 2, the insertion of a power cable that supplies power that cannot be used by the fixing unit into the AC power supply unit or DC power supply unit is suppressed. According to the invention of claim 3, the supply of power from a DC power supply to the first fixing unit is suppressed. According to the invention of claim 4, the supply of power from the AC power source to the second fixing unit is suppressed. According to the invention of claim 5, the state of the mounting portion can be switched by moving the shutter member. According to the invention of claim 6, the supply of power from a DC power source to the first fixing unit is suppressed. According to the invention of claim 7, the supply of power from the AC power source to the second fixing unit is suppressed. According to the invention of claim 8, the attachment of the second fixing unit to the mounting portion is suppressed when the supply of power from the AC power source is not obstructed, and the attachment of the first fixing unit to the mounting portion is suppressed when the supply of power from the DC power source is not obstructed. According to the inventions of claims 9 and 10, the position of the insertion portion can be switched by moving the shutter member. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is an overall view of the image forming apparatus to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is a rear view of an image forming apparatus to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a power supply unit to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a state where the fixing unit has been detached from the main body. [Figure 5] This diagram shows an example of a connector configuration. [Figure 6] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a fixing unit. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a switching mechanism to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a switching mechanism to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the switching mechanism for the first state. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the switching mechanism for the second state. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the switching mechanism for the third state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Embodiment 1] (Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1) FIG. 1 is an overall view of an image forming apparatus 1 to which the present embodiment is applied. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is shown such that the front side of the paper surface is the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. Also, in FIG. 1, the right direction of the paper surface is the +x direction, the front side of the paper surface is the +y direction, and the upward direction of the paper surface is the +z direction, and the opposite directions are the -x, -y, and -z directions, respectively. FIG. 2 is a view of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the present embodiment is applied as seen from the rear side.

[0009] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 10 that forms an image on a sheet. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 30 that controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a power supply device 50 that supplies power to each part of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit 10, the control unit 30, and the power supply device 50 are housed inside the housing 80 of the image forming apparatus 1. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading unit 2 that reads an image. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation display unit 3 that displays information to the user and receives an operation input from the user. Also, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding unit 4 that supplies paper to the image forming unit 10 and a paper discharging unit 5 that discharges the paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 10.

[0010] The image forming unit 10 includes four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K that are arranged in parallel at regular intervals. Hereinafter, when the four image forming units 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are not distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the image forming unit 11. Each image forming unit 11 is equipped with a photoreceptor drum 12 that forms an electrostatic latent image and holds a toner image. Each image forming unit 11 is also equipped with a charger 13 that charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum 12 to a predetermined potential. Each image forming unit 11 is also equipped with an exposure unit 14 that exposes the photoreceptor drum 12, which has been charged by the charger 13, based on the image data for each color. Each image forming unit 11 is also equipped with a developer 15 that develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 12. Each image forming unit 11 is also equipped with a drum cleaner 16 that cleans the surface of the photoreceptor drum 12 after transfer. Each image forming unit 11 is similarly configured except for the toner stored in the developer 15, and each forms a yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner image.

[0011] The image forming unit 10 also includes an intermediate transfer belt 20 to which the toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor drum 1 of each image forming unit 11 are transferred in multiple layers. The image forming unit 10 also includes a primary transfer roll 21 that sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on each image forming unit 11 to the intermediate transfer belt 20. The image forming unit 10 also includes a secondary transfer roll 22 that transfers the toner images of each color superimposed and transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 20 to the paper all at once. The image forming unit 10 also includes a belt cleaner 25 that cleans the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 20 after the secondary transfer.

[0012] Furthermore, the image forming unit 10 includes a fixing unit 60 that performs a fixing operation to fix the toner images of each color that have been secondarily transferred onto the paper. The fixing unit 60 is configured to be detachable from the main body 81 of the housing 80 of the image forming apparatus 1, which will be described later. The fixing unit 60 in this embodiment includes an AC fixing unit 60A (see Figure 6(a) described later) that performs fixing operations using power from an AC power source, and a DC fixing unit 60B (see Figure 6(b) described later) that performs fixing operations using power from a DC power source. The AC fixing unit 60A is an example of a first fixing unit, and the DC fixing unit 60B is an example of a second fixing unit. The image forming apparatus 1 then selects and attaches either the AC fixing unit 60A or the DC fixing unit 60B to the mounting section 100 (see Figure 7 described later). In the following, when AC fixing unit 60A and DC fixing unit 60B are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as fixing unit 60. Furthermore, components common to both AC fixing unit 60A and DC fixing unit 60B will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0013] The fixing unit 60 is equipped with a heater 61, which is a heat source. The fixing unit 60 also includes a heating roll 62 that incorporates the heater 61, and a pressure roll 63 that is positioned to be pressed against the outer surface of the heating roll 62. The fixing unit 60 then heats and pressurizes the paper by sandwiching it between the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 63. The fixing unit 60 has a unit frame 65, and the heater 61, heating roll 62, and pressure roll 63 are housed within the unit frame 65. As will be described in detail later, the shape of the unit frame 65 of the fixing unit 60 differs between the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B.

[0014] Furthermore, the type of heater 61 differs between the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B. The heater 61 in the AC fixing unit 60A is an AC power heater, and it heats the heating roll 62 using power supplied from the AC power source. The heater in the DC fixing unit 60B is a DC power heater, and it heats the heating roll 62 using power supplied from the DC power source. In addition, the AC fixing unit 60A cannot use power supplied from a DC power source. Similarly, the DC fixing unit 60B cannot use power supplied from an AC power source.

[0015] The housing 80 has a main body 81 and a cover 83 connected to the main body 81 via a hinge 85. The cover 83 is provided so as to be able to open and close relative to the main body 81 by rotating around the hinge 85. When the cover 83 opens relative to the main body 81, the fixing unit 60 provided inside the housing 80 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0016] The power supply unit 50 receives power from outside the image forming apparatus 1 and supplies power to various parts of the image forming apparatus 1, including the fixing unit 60. The power supply unit 50 has a power supply unit 51 that receives power from a power source located outside the image forming apparatus 1. The power supply unit 50 also has a connector 55 (see Figure 5, described later) that electrically connects to the fixing unit 60 when the fixing unit 60 is attached to the main body 81.

[0017] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply unit 51 to which this embodiment is applied. The power supply unit 51 is located on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1. In this example, the power supply unit 51 is located opposite an opening 88 on the rear side of the housing 80. The power supply unit 51 has an AC power outlet 52 into which an AC power cable (not shown) connected to an AC power source is inserted, and into which power is supplied from the AC power source. The AC power outlet 52 is an example of an AC power supply unit. A commercial power source can be an example of an AC power source. Furthermore, the power supply unit 51 has a DC power supply port 53 into which a DC power cable (not shown) connected to a DC power source is inserted, and into which power is supplied from the DC power source. The DC power supply port 53 is an example of a DC power supply unit. A storage battery can be an example of a DC power source.

[0018] In the power supply unit 51 of this embodiment, the AC power supply port 52 and the DC power supply port 53 are arranged side by side in the +z direction. Furthermore, in this example, the AC power supply port 52 is located below the DC power supply port 53. Also, in this example, the AC power supply port 52 and the DC power supply port 53 have a rectangular shape when viewed in the +y direction.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 51 is configured such that at least one of the AC power supply port 52 and the DC power supply port 53 is blocked by a shutter member 200 provided inside the housing 80. In addition, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 51 can be switched between a state in which the AC power supply port 52 is blocked and a state in which the DC power supply port 53 is blocked by the movement of the shutter member 200 in the ±z direction. Here, when we say that the shutter member 200 blocks the AC power port 52, we mean that the shutter member 200 shields at least a portion of the AC power port 52, making it impossible to insert an AC power cable into the AC power port 52. In other words, the shutter member 200 does not need to shield the entire AC power port 52. The same applies to the DC power port 53.

[0020] In Figure 3, the area where the shutter member 200 is provided is indicated by a diagonal line. As shown in Figure 3, the power supply unit 51 has a portion of the AC power supply port 52 blocked by the shutter member 200. In addition, the DC power supply port 53 of the power supply unit 51 is exposed to the outside through a DC opening 220 provided in the shutter member 200. As a result, the power supply unit 51 is in a state where an AC power cable cannot be inserted into the AC power supply port 52, but a DC power cable can be inserted into the DC power supply port 53. The operation of the shutter member 200 and the relationship between the shutter member 200 and the power supply unit 51 will be explained in detail later.

[0021] Returning to Figure 1, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the image forming process is performed by the following process under the operation control of the control unit 30. In other words, image data acquired from the PC (not shown) or the image reading unit 2 is processed by the image processing unit (not shown) to become image data for each color and sent to each image forming unit 11. In each image forming unit 11, charging is performed by the charger 13, exposure by the exposure unit 14, and development by the developer unit, forming toner images of each color on the photoreceptor drum 12.

[0022] The toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor drum 12 of each image forming unit 11 are sequentially electrostatically transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 20 by the primary transfer roll 21. This creates a superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20, in which the toner images of each color are superimposed. As the intermediate transfer belt 20 moves, the superimposed toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 20 is transported to the secondary transfer section where the secondary transfer roll 22 is located. Paper is supplied to the secondary transfer section from the paper feed section 4 at the same time that the superimposed toner image is transported to the secondary transfer section. The superimposed toner image is then transferred onto the paper all at once by the secondary transfer roll 22 in the secondary transfer section.

[0023] Subsequently, the paper on which the superimposed toner image has been transferred is transported to the fuser unit 60. The toner image on the paper transported to the fuser unit 60 is subjected to heat and pressure by the fuser unit 60 and fixed onto the paper. Then, the paper on which the fixed image has been formed is transported to the paper discharge section 5 of the image forming apparatus 1. On the other hand, toner adhering to the photoreceptor drum 12 after primary transfer (primary transfer residue toner) and toner adhering to the intermediate transfer belt 20 after secondary transfer (secondary transfer residue toner) are removed by the drum cleaner 16 and belt cleaner 25, respectively. In this way, the image forming process in the image forming apparatus 1 is repeated for the number of cycles corresponding to the number of prints.

[0024] (Configuration of the switching mechanism 90) As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 is configured such that the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B can be detachably attached to the main body portion 81 of the housing 80. In the image forming apparatus 1, if a type of power that cannot be used is supplied to the fixing unit 60, malfunctions of the fixing unit 60, such as failure of the heater 61, may occur. For example, if the AC fixing unit 60A is supplied with power from a DC power supply, malfunctions of the AC fixing unit 60A may occur. Similarly, if the DC fixing unit 60B is supplied with power from an AC power supply, malfunctions of the DC fixing unit 60B may occur.

[0025] In contrast, the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a mounting section 100 (see Figure 7, described later) to which the fixing unit 60 is attached, and a switching mechanism 90 (see Figure 7) that switches the state of the shutter member 200 that closes the power supply section 51. By switching the state of the mounting section 100 and the shutter member 200 using the switching mechanism 90, the supply of unusable types of power to the fixing unit 60 is suppressed. The attachment and detachment of the fixing unit 60 to the main body 81 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the configuration of the switching mechanism 90 will be described in detail below.

[0026] Figure 4 shows an example of the fuser unit 60 being detached from the main body 81. In Figure 4, the fuser unit 60 is shown as the AC fuser unit 60B. Also, in Figure 4, the image reading unit 2, the paper output unit 5, the cover part 83 of the housing 80, etc. are omitted for ease of understanding. Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of connector 55. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show an example of the configuration of the fixing unit 60. Figure 6(a) is a view of the AC fixing unit 60A in the +y direction. Figure 6(b) is a view of the DC fixing unit 60B in the +y direction. Figures 7 and 8 show an example of the configuration of the switching mechanism 90 to which this embodiment is applied. Figure 7 shows the switching mechanism 90 in the first state, which will be described later, and Figure 8 shows the switching mechanism 90 in the second state, which will be described later.

[0027] First, let's describe the configuration of the main body 81 of the housing 80. The main body 81 has two side plates 811, each extending along the x and z directions and facing each other in the y direction with a space in which the fixing unit 60 is mounted. The main body 81 also has a guide plate 812 that extends along the x and y directions between the two side plates 811 and guides the fixing unit 60 inserted into the main body 81. Furthermore, the main body 81 has a facing plate 813 that extends along the y and z directions between the two side plates 811 and faces the fixing unit 60 mounted on the main body 81.

[0028] The side plate 811 has a first groove 815 and a second groove 816 cut out along the x-direction. The first groove 815 guides the first shaft portion 654 of the unit frame 65 (described later) in the x-direction when the fixing unit 60 is attached to or detached from the main body portion 81. Similarly, the second groove 816 guides the second shaft portion 655 of the unit frame 65 (described later) in the x-direction when the fixing unit 60 is attached to or detached from the main body portion 81.

[0029] Furthermore, the mounting plate 110 of the mounting portion 100 of the switching mechanism 90 is exposed between the guide plate 812 and the opposing plate 813 of the main body portion 81. In addition, the mounting plate 110 is provided at one end on the -y direction side in the space provided between the guide plate 812 and the opposing plate 813. The mounting plate 110 is a plate-shaped member that extends along the y and z directions. The mounting portion 100 is where the fixing unit 60 is attached when the fixing unit 60 is inserted into the main body portion 81. The mounting portion 100 will be explained in detail later.

[0030] Furthermore, the main body 81 is provided with a connector 55 for the power supply unit 50 described above. The connector 55 is attached, for example, to one end of the opposing plate 813 on the +y direction side. A so-called drawer connector can be exemplified as connector 55. When the fixing unit 60 is inserted into the main body 81 and attached to the mounting plate 110, terminals (not shown) provided on the fixing unit 60 are inserted into connector 55. The connector 55 then supplies power supplied via the power supply unit 51 to the fixing unit 60.

[0031] The connector 55 of this embodiment has a configuration that allows connection to either an AC fixing unit 60A or a DC fixing unit 60B. More specifically, the connector 55 has an AC connection part 551 to which the AC fixing unit 60A is connected, and a DC connection part 552 to which the DC fixing unit 60B is connected. In this example, the connector 55 has an AC connection section 551 and a DC connection section 552 arranged side by side in the +z direction.

[0032] When the AC fixing unit 60A is attached to the mounting plate 110 of the mounting section 100, the AC fixing unit 60A is connected to the AC connection section 551 of the connector 55. Power from the AC power supply provided from the AC power port 52 of the power supply section 51 is then supplied to the AC fixing unit 60A via the AC connection section 551. Furthermore, when the DC fixing unit 60B is attached to the mounting plate 110 of the mounting section 100, the DC fixing unit 60B is connected to the DC connection section 552 of the connector 55. Power from the DC power supply provided from the DC power supply port 53 of the power supply section 51 is then supplied to the DC fixing unit 60B via the DC connection section 552.

[0033] Next, we will explain the configuration of the unit frame 65 of the fixing unit 60. Each unit frame 65 is composed of planes extending along the x and z directions and has two side walls 651 facing each other in the y direction. The unit frame 65 is also composed of planes extending along the y and z directions and has an opposing wall 652 that faces the opposing plate 813 when the fixing unit 60 is inserted into the main body 81. The unit frame 65 is also composed of planes extending along the x and y directions and has a lower wall 653 that guides the fixing unit 60 along the guide plate 812 when the fixing unit 60 is inserted into the main body 81.

[0034] Furthermore, the unit frame 65 has a first shaft portion 654 and a second shaft portion 655 that protrude from each side wall 651 in the +y direction or the -y direction. The first shaft portion 654 is inserted into the first groove portion 815 of the main body portion 81 when the fixing unit 60 is inserted into the main body portion 81. The second shaft portion 655 is inserted into the second groove portion 816 of the main body portion 81 when the fixing unit 60 is inserted into the main body portion 81. In this way, the insertion of the first shaft portion 654 into the first groove portion 815 and the insertion of the second shaft portion 655 into the second groove portion 816 positions the unit 60 in the z direction relative to the main body portion 81.

[0035] Furthermore, the unit frame 65 has a pin 656 that protrudes in the +x direction from the opposing wall 652. The pin 656 is provided at one end of the opposing wall 652 on the -y side. The pin 656 has a cylindrical shape with the x direction as its axis. When the fixing unit 60 is inserted into the main body 81, the pin 656 is inserted into an insertion opening 111 formed in the mounting plate 110. In addition, the fixing unit 60 is attached to the main body 81 by being inserted into the main body 81 and the pin 656 being inserted into the insertion opening 111 of the mounting plate 110. Pin 656 is an example of a protrusion.

[0036] In this embodiment, the position of the pin 656 in the z-direction on the unit frame 65 is different between the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(a), in the AC fixing unit 60A, the pin 656 is positioned at a height H1 in the +z direction from the lower wall 653. Also, as shown in Figure 6(b), in the DC fixing unit 60B, the pin 656 is positioned at a height H2 in the +z direction from the lower wall 653, which is lower than height H1. Note that the y-direction position of pin 656 is the same for both the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B.

[0037] Next, we will explain the configuration of the switching mechanism 90. The switching mechanism 90 has a mounting portion 100 to which the fixing unit 60 inserted into the main body portion 81 is attached. The switching mechanism 90 also has a shutter member 200 that closes the AC power supply port 52 or DC power supply port 53 of the power supply portion 51. The switching mechanism 90 also has a transmission portion 300 that transmits power between the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200.

[0038] The mounting portion 100 is provided to be movable in the z direction and has a mounting plate 110 to which an AC fixing unit 60A or a DC fixing unit 60B is attached. The mounting plate 110 is an example of an insertion portion. As described above, the mounting plate 110 has a plate-like shape that extends along the y-direction and the z-direction. The mounting plate 110 receives power from the shutter member 200 via the transmission unit 300 and moves in the +z-direction or -z-direction in conjunction with the operation of the shutter member 200. The mounting plate 110 has an insertion opening 111 that penetrates the mounting plate 110 in the x direction, into which a pin 656 provided on the unit frame 65 of the fixing unit 60 is inserted. In this example, the insertion opening 111 is circular in shape, slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pin 656.

[0039] Furthermore, the mounting plate 110 has a first recess 112 and a second recess 113 on its +x-direction side, where a portion of the mounting plate 110 is removed in the thickness direction. The first recess 112 and the second recess 113 are arranged side by side in the +z direction. In addition, in this example, the first recess 112 is located below the second recess 113. Also, the first recess 112 and the second recess 113 have the same shape as each other. Furthermore, the mounting plate 110 has a cylindrical slide pin 114 at its -z-direction end that protrudes in the -y-direction. The slide pin 114 is inserted into a first slide hole 311 formed in the rotating member 310 of the transmission unit 300, which will be described later. The slide pin 114 then slides longitudinally within the first slide hole 311 in conjunction with the operation of the rotating member 310.

[0040] Furthermore, the mounting portion 100 has a latch member 120 that fixes the position of the mounting plate 110, which moves in the z direction in conjunction with the shutter member 200. The latch member 120 is attached to the main body 81 so as to face the -x-direction side of the mounting plate 110. Unlike the mounting plate 110, the latch member 120 is fixed to the main body 81 and does not move in the z-direction. The latch member 120 has a projection 121 that protrudes in the +x direction toward the mounting plate 110. The latch member 120 fixes the z-direction position of the mounting plate 110 when the projection 121 fits into the first recess 112 or the second recess 113. Specifically, the latch member 120 fixes the mounting plate 110 to a first position where the AC fixing unit 60A can be mounted when the projection 121 fits into the first recess 112. The latch member 120 also fixes the mounting plate 110 to a second position where the DC fixing unit 60B can be mounted when the projection 121 fits into the second recess 113.

[0041] The shutter member 200 has a plate-like shape that extends along the x and y directions and closes the AC power supply port 52 and DC power supply port 53 of the power supply unit 51. The shutter member 200 has an AC opening 210 that exposes the AC power supply port 52 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 when it is moved to the first position, which will be described later. The shutter member 200 also has a DC opening 220 that exposes the DC power supply port 53 to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 when it is moved to the second position, which will be described later.

[0042] The AC opening 210 has a shape that corresponds to the AC power supply port 52 when viewed in the +y direction. In this example, the size of the AC opening 210 when viewed in the +y direction is slightly larger than that of the AC power supply port 52. Similarly, the DC opening 220 has a shape that corresponds to the DC power supply port 53 when viewed in the +y direction. In this example, the size of the DC opening 220 when viewed in the +y direction is slightly larger than that of the DC power supply port 53.

[0043] In the shutter member 200 of this embodiment, the AC opening 210 and the DC opening 220 are arranged side by side in the +z direction. In addition, in this example, the AC opening 210 is located below the DC opening 220. The distance in the z-direction between the AC opening 210 and the DC opening 220 in the shutter member 200 is shorter than the distance between the AC power supply port 52 and the DC power supply port 53 in the power supply unit 51.

[0044] Furthermore, the shutter member 200 has a cylindrical slide pin 230 at its +z-direction end that protrudes in the -y-direction. The slide pin 230 is inserted into a second slide hole 312 formed in the rotating member 310 of the transmission unit 300. The slide pin 230 then slides longitudinally within the second slide hole 312 in conjunction with the operation of the rotating member 310.

[0045] The transmission unit 300 transmits power between the mounting plate 110 of the mounting unit 100 and the shutter member 200, moving either the mounting plate 110 or the shutter member 200. The transmission unit 300 is an example of a switching unit that switches the mounting plate 110 and the shutter member 200 of the mounting unit 100 between a first state and a second state. The transmission unit 300 has a rotating member 310 that can rotate about a rotation axis 320 with the y-direction as its axial direction. The rotating member 310 has a long, plate-like shape extending in the x-direction and z-direction, and connects the mounting plate 110 and the shutter member 200.

[0046] The rotating member 310 has a first slide hole 311 formed at its end on the mounting plate 110 side, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 310. A slide pin 114 provided on the mounting plate 110 is inserted into the first slide hole 311 so as to be able to slide along its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the rotating member 310 has a second slide hole 312 formed at its end on the shutter member 200 side, extending along the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 310. The slide pin 230 provided on the shutter member 200 is inserted into the second slide hole 312 so as to be able to slide along its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the rotating member 310 is rotationally biased by the spring member 330 so that it rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 320.

[0047] (Operation of switching mechanism 90) Next, the operation of the switching mechanism 90 will be described. The switching mechanism 90 in this embodiment switches the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 between a first state and a second state. Here, the first state is a state in which the mounting portion 100 can be used to mount the AC fixing unit 60A but cannot be used to mount the DC fixing unit 60B. In addition to this, the first state is a state in which the DC power supply port 53 is blocked by the shutter member 200, and the supply of power from the DC power supply to the DC power supply port 53 is obstructed. Furthermore, the second state is a state in which the mounting portion 100 allows for the installation of the DC fixing unit 60B but does not allow for the installation of the AC fixing unit 60A. In addition to this, the second state is a state in which the AC power supply port 52 is blocked by the shutter member 200, thereby preventing the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply port 52.

[0048] First, we will explain the case in which the switching mechanism 90 switches the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 to the first state. As mentioned above, Figure 7 shows the switching mechanism 90 in the first state. In the first state, the shutter member 200 is moved to a first position that closes the DC power supply port 53 of the power supply unit 51. In the first position, the AC opening 210 of the shutter member 200 and the AC power supply port 52 of the power supply unit 51 overlap in the y direction. In addition, the AC power supply port 52 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the AC opening 210 of the shutter member 200. As a result, when the shutter member 200 is in the first position, it becomes possible to insert the AC power cable into the AC power supply port 52. The image forming apparatus 1 can then receive power from an AC power source via the AC power supply port 52.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when the shutter member 200 is in the first position, the DC opening 220 of the shutter member 200 is offset in the -z direction from the DC power supply port 53 of the power supply unit 51. In this case, the DC power supply port 53 is blocked by the shutter member 200. As a result, when the shutter member 200 is in the first position, the DC power cable cannot be inserted into the DC power supply port 53. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot receive power from a DC power supply via the DC power supply port 53.

[0050] When the shutter member 200 is moved from the second position (described later) to the first position, the rotating member 310 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 320 as the shutter member 200 moves in the -z direction. More specifically, as the shutter member 200 moves in the -z direction, the slide pin 230 slides through the second slide hole 312 and moves in the -z direction. This causes the rotating member 310 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0051] Furthermore, as the rotating member 310 rotates counterclockwise, the mounting plate 110 of the mounting portion 100 moves in the +z direction. More specifically, as the rotating member 310 rotates counterclockwise, the slide pin 114 slides longitudinally through the first slide hole 311 and moves in the +z direction. This causes the mounting plate 110 to move in the +z direction. When the z-direction position of the first recess 112 of the mounting plate 110 coincides with the z-direction position of the protrusion 121 of the latch member 120, the protrusion 121 fits into the first recess 112. This fixes the z-direction position of the mounting plate 110. More specifically, the mounting plate 110 is fixed in a first position to which the AC fixing unit 60A can be mounted. Furthermore, the convex portion 121 fits into the second recess 113, fixing the position of the mounting plate 110 in the z-direction, thereby fixing the positions of the rotating member 310 and the shutter member 200.

[0052] In this first position, the distance in the z-direction from the guide plate 812 of the main body 81 to the insertion opening 111 of the mounting plate 110 is equal to the height H1 of the pin 656 in the AC fixing unit 60A. As a result, when the AC fixing unit 60A is inserted into the main body 81 so that the lower wall 653 is aligned with the guide plate 812, the pin 656 is inserted into the insertion opening 111. Then, the AC fixing unit 60A is attached to the mounting part 100.

[0053] On the other hand, in the first position, the distance in the z-direction from the guide plate 812 of the main body 81 to the insertion opening 111 of the mounting plate 110 is different from the height H2 of the pin 656 in the DC fixing unit 60B. As a result, even if the DC fixing unit 60B is inserted into the main body 81 so that the lower wall 653 is aligned with the guide plate 812, the pin 656 cannot be inserted into the insertion opening 111. In this case, the DC fixing unit 60B cannot be attached to the mounting part 100.

[0054] In this way, by setting the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 to the first state using the switching mechanism 90, the supply of power from the DC power supply to the AC fixing unit 60A in the image forming apparatus 1 is suppressed. Also, the supply of power from the AC power supply to the DC fixing unit 60B is suppressed. For example, when the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 are in the first state, if an AC power cable is inserted into the AC power supply port 52, the DC fixing unit 60B cannot be attached to the mounting plate 110 of the mounting portion 100. This suppresses the supply of power from the AC power supply provided via the AC power supply port 52 to the DC fixing unit 60B. Furthermore, when the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 are in the first state, the DC power supply port 53 is blocked by the shutter member 200. When the AC fixing unit 60A is attached to the mounting portion 100, it is not possible to insert a DC power cable into the DC power supply port 53. This prevents power from being supplied to the AC fixing unit 60A from the DC power supply provided through the DC power supply port 53.

[0055] Next, we will explain the case in which the switching mechanism 90 switches the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 to the second state. As mentioned above, Figure 8 shows the switching mechanism 90 in the second state. In the second state, the shutter member 200 is moved to a second position that blocks the AC power supply port 52 of the power supply unit 51. In the second position, the DC opening 220 of the shutter member 200 and the DC power supply port 53 of the power supply unit 51 overlap in the y direction. In addition, the DC power supply port 53 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the DC opening 220 of the shutter member 200. This allows a DC power cable to be inserted into the DC power supply port 53 when the shutter member 200 is in the second position. The image forming apparatus 1 can then receive power from a DC power supply via the DC power supply port 53.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, when the shutter member 200 is in the second position, the AC opening 210 of the shutter member 200 is offset in the +z direction from the AC power supply port 52 of the power supply unit 51. In this case, a portion of the AC power supply port 52 on the -z direction side is blocked by the shutter member 200. As a result, when the shutter member 200 is in the second position, the AC power cable cannot be inserted into the AC power port 52. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 cannot receive power from an AC power source via the AC power port 52.

[0057] When the shutter member 200 is moved from the first position to the second position, the rotating member 310 rotates clockwise around the rotation axis 320 as the shutter member 200 moves in the +z direction. More specifically, as the shutter member 200 moves in the +z direction, the slide pin 230 slides through the second slide hole 312 and moves in the -z direction. This causes the rotating member 310 to rotate clockwise.

[0058] Furthermore, as the rotating member 310 rotates clockwise, the mounting plate 110 of the mounting portion 100 moves in the -z direction. More specifically, as the rotating member 310 rotates clockwise, the slide pin 114 slides longitudinally through the first slide hole 311 and moves in the -z direction. This causes the mounting plate 110 to move in the -z direction. When the z-direction position of the second recess 113 of the mounting portion 100 coincides with the z-direction position of the protrusion 121 of the latch member 120, the protrusion 121 fits into the second recess 113. This fixes the z-direction position of the mounting plate 110. More specifically, the mounting plate 110 is fixed in a second position to which the DC fixing unit 60B can be attached. Furthermore, the convex portion 121 fits into the second recess 113, fixing the position of the mounting plate 110 in the z-direction, thereby fixing the positions of the rotating member 310 and the shutter member 200.

[0059] In this second position, the distance in the z-direction from the guide plate 812 of the main body 81 to the insertion opening 111 of the mounting plate 110 is equal to the height H2 of the pin 656 in the DC fixing unit 60B. As a result, when the DC fixing unit 60B is inserted into the main body 81 such that the lower wall 653 is aligned with the guide plate 812, the pin 656 is inserted into the insertion opening 111. Then, the DC fixing unit 60B is attached to the mounting part 100.

[0060] On the other hand, in the second position, the distance in the z-direction from the guide plate 812 of the main body 81 to the insertion opening 111 of the mounting plate 110 is different from the height H1 of the pin 656 in the AC fixing unit 60A. As a result, even if the AC fixing unit 60A is inserted into the main body 81 so that the lower wall 653 is aligned with the guide plate 812, the pin 656 cannot be inserted into the insertion opening 111.

[0061] In this way, by using the switching mechanism 90 to set the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 to the second state, the image forming apparatus 1 suppresses the supply of power from the AC power source to the DC fixing unit 60B. Furthermore, it suppresses the supply of power from the DC power source to the AC fixing unit 60A. For example, when the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 are in the second state, if a DC power cable is inserted into the DC power supply port 53, the AC fixing unit 60A cannot be attached to the mounting plate 110 of the mounting portion 100. This suppresses the supply of power from the DC power supply provided via the DC power supply port 53 to the AC fixing unit 60A. Furthermore, when the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 are in the second state, the AC power supply port 52 is blocked by the shutter member 200. And when the DC fixing unit 60B is attached to the mounting portion 100, it is not possible to insert the AC power cable into the AC power supply port 52. This suppresses the supply of power from the AC power supply via the AC power supply port 52 to the DC fixing unit 60B.

[0062] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the installation of the AC fixing unit 60A to the mounting section 100 and the insertion of the DC power cable into the DC power supply port 53 cannot be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the operation of the switching mechanism 90 prevents the installation of the DC fixing unit 60B to the mounting section 100 and the insertion of the AC power cable into the AC power supply port 52 from being performed simultaneously. This prevents the supply of unusable power to the AC fixing unit 60A or the DC fixing unit 60B.

[0063] [Embodiment 2] The switching mechanism 90 of Embodiment 1 switches between a first state and a second state by linking the z-direction movement of the mounting plate 110 of the mounting portion 100 and the z-direction movement of the shutter member 200 using a rotating member 310. However, the manner in which the switching mechanism 90 switches the mounting portion 100 and the shutter member 200 between the first state and the second state is not limited to this.

[0064] Figures 9 to 11 show examples of the configuration of the switching mechanism 90 to which Embodiment 2 is applied. Figure 9 shows the switching mechanism 90 in the first state, with the AC fixing unit 60A attached to the mounting part 100. Figure 10 shows the switching mechanism 90 in the second state, with the DC fixing unit 60B attached to the mounting part 100. Figure 11 shows the switching mechanism 90 in the third state, with no fixing unit 60 attached to the mounting part 100. In this embodiment, the first state is a state in which the DC power supply port 53 is blocked by the shutter member 200, and the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply port 53 is obstructed. The second state is a state in which the AC power supply port 52 is blocked by the shutter member 200, and the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply port 52 is obstructed. The third state is a state in which both the AC power supply port 52 and the DC power supply port 53 are blocked by the shutter member 200.

[0065] The fixing unit 60 of Embodiment 2 has a unit frame 65 with a projection 66 that protrudes in the +x direction from the opposing wall 652. The projection 66 is provided, for example, at one end of the opposing wall 652 on the -y direction side. In this embodiment, the position of the projection 66 on the unit frame 65 in the z direction differs between the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B. Specifically, in the AC fixing unit 60A, the projection 66 is located on the -z direction side compared to the DC fixing unit 60B. The shape of the projection 66 is the same for both the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B.

[0066] The switching mechanism 90 includes a mounting portion 100, a shutter member 200, and a transmission portion 300. The mounting section 100 has a frame 140 to which an AC fixing unit 60A or a DC fixing unit 60B is attached. The frame 140 is fixed to the main body section 81 (see Figure 4), and the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B are mounted in the same position. The frame 140 is provided with an opening 141 so that when the AC fixing unit 60A and the DC fixing unit 60B are attached, the projection 66 can protrude from the frame 140 in the +x direction.

[0067] The transmission unit 300 has a rotating member 310 that can rotate about a rotation axis 320 with the y-direction as its axial direction. The rotating member 310 is rotationally biased by a spring member 330 so as to rotate clockwise about the rotation axis 320. Furthermore, the transmission section 300 has an opposing member 340 that faces the frame 140 of the mounting section 100 from the +x direction side. The opposing member 340 is connected to the shutter member 200 via a rotating member 310.

[0068] The opposing member 340 has a plate-like shape that extends along the y-direction and z-direction when the fixing unit 60 is not attached to the frame 140. The opposing member 340 has a cylindrical slide pin 350 at its -z-direction end that protrudes in the -y-direction. The slide pin 350 is inserted into a first slide hole 311 formed in the rotating member 310. The slide pin 350 then slides longitudinally within the first slide hole 311 in conjunction with the movement of the rotating member 310. Furthermore, the opposing member 340 is provided so as to be rotatable in the y direction axially around a rotation axis 360 which is located on the +z direction side of the slide pin 350.

[0069] The shutter member 200 has a plate-like shape extending along the x and y directions and includes a shutter body portion 201 with an AC opening 210 and a DC opening 220 formed therein. The shutter member 200 also has a cylindrical shape with the y direction as its axis and includes a slide pin 202 that is slidably inserted into the second slide hole 312 of the rotating member 310. The shutter member 200 also has a connecting portion 203 that connects the shutter body portion 201 and the slide pin 202, with one end fixed to the shutter body portion 201 and the other end fixed to the slide pin 202.

[0070] Next, the operation of the switching mechanism 90 will be described. In this embodiment, the switching mechanism 90 switches the shutter member 200 to a first state, a second state, or a third state depending on the mounting of the fixing unit 60 to the mounting portion 100.

[0071] In this embodiment, the switching mechanism 90 switches the shutter member 200 to a third state when the fixing unit 60 is not attached to the mounting portion 100. To explain in more detail, when the fixing unit 60 is not attached to the mounting part 100, the opposing member 340 faces the frame 140 in a state aligned with the y-direction and z-direction. The shutter body 201 of the shutter member 200 is in a third position that blocks both the AC power supply port 52 and the DC power supply port 53 of the power supply unit 51. Therefore, when the shutter member 200 is in the third state, neither the AC power cable nor the DC power cable can be inserted into the power supply unit 51.

[0072] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 90 of this embodiment switches the shutter member 200 to the first state when the AC fixing unit 60A is attached to the mounting portion 100. To explain in more detail, when the AC fixing unit 60A is attached to the frame 140, a projection 66 of the AC fixing unit 60A protrudes from the opening 141 in the +x direction. The protruding projection 66 then pushes the opposing member 340 in the +x direction. In addition, the projection 66 pushes the portion of the opposing member 340 that is on the +z direction side of the rotation axis 360 in the +x direction. As a result, the opposing member 340 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 360.

[0073] Furthermore, as the opposing member 340 rotates counterclockwise, the slide pin 350 provided on the opposing member 340 moves in the +z direction. More specifically, as the opposing member 340 rotates counterclockwise, the slide pin 350 slides longitudinally through the first slide hole 311 while moving in the +z direction. As the slide pin 350 moves in the +z direction, the rotating member 310 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 320.

[0074] Furthermore, as the rotating member 310 rotates counterclockwise, the slide pin 202 of the shutter member 200 moves in the -z direction while sliding longitudinally through the second slide hole 312. Then, the shutter body 201, which is connected to the slide pin 202 via the connection part 203, moves in the -z direction.

[0075] As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the shutter body portion 201 of the shutter member 200 is moved to a first position that closes the DC power supply port 53 of the power supply unit 51. In the first position, the AC power supply port 52 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the AC opening 210 of the shutter body portion 201. As a result, when the shutter body portion 201 of the shutter member 200 is in the first position, it becomes possible to insert the AC power cable into the AC power supply port 52. The image forming apparatus 1 can then receive power from an AC power source via the AC power supply port 52.

[0076] Furthermore, the switching mechanism 90 of this embodiment switches the shutter member 200 to a second state when the DC fixing unit 60B is attached to the mounting portion 100. To explain in more detail, when the DC fixing unit 60B is attached to the frame 140, a projection of the DC fixing unit 60B protrudes from the opening 141 in the +x direction. Then, the protruding projection 66 pushes the opposing member 340 in the +x direction. In addition, the projection 66 pushes the portion of the opposing member 340 that is on the +z direction side of the rotation axis 360 in the +x direction. As a result, the opposing member 340 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 360.

[0077] Furthermore, similar to the first state described above, as the opposing member 340 rotates counterclockwise, the rotating member 310 rotates counterclockwise around the rotation axis 320. Furthermore, as the rotating member 310 rotates counterclockwise, the shutter body 201 moves in the -z direction.

[0078] In the DC fixing unit 60B, the projection 66 is positioned on the +z side compared to the AC fixing unit 60A. Therefore, when the DC fixing unit 60B is installed, the amount of counterclockwise rotation of the opposing member 340, which is pushed in the +x direction by the projection 66, is less than when the AC fixing unit 60A is installed. Therefore, in the second state, the amount of movement of the shutter member 200, which moves in the -z direction due to the transmission of the rotation of the opposing member 340, becomes smaller compared to the first state.

[0079] As a result, in the second state, as shown in Figure 10, the shutter body portion 201 of the shutter member 200 is moved to a second position that blocks the AC power supply port 52 of the power supply unit 51. In the second position, the DC power supply port 53 is exposed to the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 through the DC opening 220 of the shutter body portion 201. As a result, when the shutter body portion 201 of the shutter member 200 is in the second position, a DC power cable can be inserted into the DC power supply port 53. The image forming apparatus 1 can then receive power from a DC power supply via the DC power supply port 53.

[0080] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is clear from the claims that various modifications or improvements to the embodiments described above are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0081] <Note> (((1))) A mounting section to which a first fixing unit that performs fixing operations related to fixing images onto recording material using power from an AC power source and a second fixing unit that performs the same fixing operation using power from a DC power source are attached, An AC power supply unit that receives power from the aforementioned AC power source, It comprises a DC power supply unit that receives power from the DC power supply, An image forming apparatus in which the mounting of the first fixing unit to the mounting portion and the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply portion cannot be performed simultaneously, and the mounting of the second fixing unit to the mounting portion and the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply portion cannot be performed simultaneously. (((2))) The image forming apparatus according to (((1))), further comprising a shutter member that obstructs the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply section by blocking the AC power supply section, or obstructs the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply section by blocking the DC power supply section. (((3))) The image forming apparatus according to (((2))), wherein the shutter member closes the DC power supply section when the first fixing unit is attached to the mounting section. (((4))) The image forming apparatus according to (((2))), wherein the shutter member closes the AC power supply section when the second fixing unit is attached to the mounting section. (((5))) The image forming apparatus according to any one of (((2))) to (((4))), further comprising a switching unit that operates in conjunction with the shutter member and switches the mounting portion between a first state in which the first fixing unit can be mounted and the second fixing unit cannot be mounted, and a second state in which the first fixing unit cannot be mounted and the second fixing unit can be mounted. (((6))) The image forming apparatus according to (((5))), wherein the switching unit switches the mounting unit to the first state when the DC power supply unit is blocked by the shutter member. (((7))) The image forming apparatus according to (((5))) or (((6))), wherein the switching unit switches the mounting unit to the second state when the AC power supply unit is blocked by the shutter member. (((8))) The mounting portion includes an insertion portion into which a projection provided on the first fixing unit or the second fixing unit is inserted. In the first state, the switching unit allows the insertion of the projection of the first fixing unit into the insertion portion while preventing the insertion of the projection of the second fixing unit into the insertion portion; and in the second state, it prevents the insertion of the projection of the first fixing unit into the insertion portion while allowing the insertion of the second fixing unit into the insertion portion. An image forming apparatus as described in any of (((5))) to (((7))). (((9))) The shutter member moves between a first position that closes the DC power supply section and a second position that closes the AC power supply section. The switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by moving the position of the insertion part in conjunction with the movement of the shutter member. The image forming apparatus described in (((8))). (((10))) The image forming apparatus according to (((9))), wherein the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit have different positions for the protrusions.

[0082] According to the image forming apparatus described in (((1))), in an image forming apparatus that can be fitted with a fixing unit that performs fixing operations using power from an AC power source and a fixing unit that performs fixing operations using power from a DC power source, it is possible to suppress the supply of power that cannot be used to the fixing unit. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((2))), the insertion of a power cable that supplies power that cannot be used by the fixing unit into the AC power supply unit or DC power supply unit is suppressed. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((3))), the supply of power from the DC power supply to the first fixing unit is suppressed. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((4))), the supply of power from the AC power source to the second fixing unit is suppressed. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((5))), the state of the mounting part can be switched by moving the shutter member. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((6))), the supply of power from the DC power supply to the first fixing unit is suppressed. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((7))), the supply of power from the AC power source to the second fixing unit is suppressed. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((8))), the attachment of the second fixing unit to the mounting portion is suppressed when the power supply from the AC power source is not obstructed, and the attachment of the first fixing unit to the mounting portion is suppressed when the power supply from the DC power source is not obstructed. According to the image forming apparatus described in (((9))) and (((10))), the position of the insertion part can be switched by moving the shutter member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1…Image forming apparatus, 50…Power supply unit, 51…Power supply unit, 52…AC power supply port, 53…DC power supply port, 60…Fusing unit, 60A…AC fixing unit, 60B…DC fixing unit, 90…Switching mechanism, 100…Mounting part, 110…Mounting plate, 111…Insertion port, 200…Shutter member, 210…AC opening, 220…DC opening, 300…Transmission part, 310…Rotating member

Claims

1. A mounting section to which a first fixing unit that performs fixing operations related to fixing images onto recording material using power from an AC power source and a second fixing unit that performs the same fixing operation using power from a DC power source are attached, An AC power supply unit that receives power from the aforementioned AC power source, It comprises a DC power supply unit that receives power from the DC power supply, An image forming apparatus in which the mounting of the first fixing unit to the mounting portion and the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply portion cannot be performed simultaneously, and the mounting of the second fixing unit to the mounting portion and the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply portion cannot be performed simultaneously.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a shutter member that obstructs the supply of power from the AC power source to the AC power supply section by blocking the AC power supply section, or obstructs the supply of power from the DC power source to the DC power supply section by blocking the DC power supply section.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the shutter member closes the DC power supply section when the first fixing unit is attached to the mounting section.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the shutter member closes the AC power supply unit when the second fixing unit is attached to the mounting portion.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a switching unit that operates in conjunction with the shutter member and switches the mounting portion between a first state in which the first fixing unit can be mounted and the second fixing unit cannot be mounted, and a second state in which the first fixing unit cannot be mounted and the second fixing unit can be mounted.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switching unit switches the mounting unit to the first state when the DC power supply unit is blocked by the shutter member.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switching unit switches the mounting unit to the second state when the AC power supply unit is blocked by the shutter member.

8. The mounting portion includes an insertion portion into which a projection provided on the first fixing unit or the second fixing unit is inserted. In the first state, the switching unit allows the insertion of the projection of the first fixing unit into the insertion portion while preventing the insertion of the projection of the second fixing unit into the insertion portion; and in the second state, it prevents the insertion of the projection of the first fixing unit into the insertion portion while allowing the insertion of the second fixing unit into the insertion portion. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5.

9. The shutter member moves between a first position that closes the DC power supply section and a second position that closes the AC power supply section. The switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by moving the position of the insertion part in conjunction with the movement of the shutter member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the positions of the protrusions of the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit are different from each other.

Images