JP2017054073A - Image forming apparatus, control method of the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify a user of incompatibility between an attached fixing unit and a sheet on a paper feeding stage before a print instruction.SOLUTION: When sheet information is newly registered to a paper feeding stage, a CPU 201 acquires a fixing unit identification ID for a fixing unit being attached from a fixing unit identification part 302 to acquire the type of the fixing unit, and determines whether the fixing unit being attached and a sheet newly registered to the paper feeding stage are compatible with each other. When the types of a printable sheet and the sheet currently registered are incompatible with each other and a replacement request SW is turned ON, the CPU 201 executes fixing unit replacement request as notification processing and displays a notification screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a fixing device can be replaced, a control method therefor, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as printers and multi-function machines that use a fuser that is replaceable and selectively mounted for image formation are known. Particularly in the field of production printing, a large amount of printing may be performed on special paper such as an envelope. When printing on envelopes, replace the envelope with a fuser for printing to prevent wrinkles that occur when the envelope is passed through the fuser and deterioration of the print quality due to the trace of the envelope on the fuser roller. Like to do. In the envelope fixing device, the material of the pressure roller and the fixing belt and the fixing pressure are set to be lower than those of the normal fixing device used for printing on plain paper so as to be optimal for the envelope. On the other hand, when printing on paper other than envelopes, it is desirable to replace the normal fixing unit for printing in order to prevent poor fixing and poor print quality and to perform high-quality printing.

  In an environment in which a plurality of fixing devices with limited applications are managed and operated, for example, an image forming apparatus is conceivable in which an operator can set a name for a mounted fixing device and the name of the fixing device is displayed on an operation unit. The operator can confirm the name of the installed fixing device and determine whether or not the fixing device needs to be replaced before printing, so that it is assumed that a plurality of fixing devices are operated.

  Also, in such an environment, for example, when a paper feed stage with an envelope set is selected at the time of copying, if the installed fixing device is an envelope fixing device, a copy using an envelope is made. There is an image forming apparatus that is allowed (Patent Document 1). In this apparatus, whether or not copying can be executed is controlled according to the type of the fixing device mounted. In order to print on the envelope, it is necessary to replace both the first and second fixing devices with the fixing device for envelopes. When the type of the fixing device mounted is identified, and at least one of the fixing devices is not for an envelope, guidance for prompting replacement of the fixing device with an envelope fixing device is displayed on the operation unit.

JP2013-120222A

  However, if the operator forgets to confirm the name of the fixing device simply by displaying the name of the fixing device mounted, printing may be executed even if a fixing device that does not match the paper to be printed is mounted. . For example, when the normal fixing device is being mounted, the name of the fixing device is displayed on the operation unit, but the operator can execute printing on the envelope. When it is determined that the fixing device needs to be replaced after the printing instruction is executed, the operator has to interrupt printing, perform the fixing replacement work, and then perform the printing instruction again, which is troublesome.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not the mounted fixing device is a fixing device suitable for a sheet when a paper feed stage is selected during copying. In this case, since it is immediately before printing that the necessity of replacing the fixing device is found, it is necessary to change the already planned printing schedule, which is troublesome. Therefore, it is preferable for the user if it is possible to confirm the alignment / conformity between the registration sheet of the paper feed stage and the mounted fixing device sufficiently before the print instruction.

  An object of the present invention is to notify the incompatibility between the mounted fixing device and the paper in the paper feed stage before a print instruction.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus in which a fixing device can be replaced, the detecting means for detecting that the fixing device has been replaced, and the identifying means for identifying the type of the mounted fixing device. And registration means for registering paper to the paper feed stage, registration to the mounted fixing device and the paper feed stage based on the type identified by the identification means and the registration contents by the registration means Determining means for determining whether the received paper is compatible or non-conforming, and when the paper is registered by the registering means or when the replacement of the fixing device is detected by the detecting means, the determining means determines that the paper is not compatible. In the case where the determination is made, there is provided a notification means for performing notification processing to notify that effect.

  According to the present invention, incompatibility between the mounted fixing device and the paper in the paper feed stage can be notified before the print instruction.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of a controller part. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional module configuration example of a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a printing permission / prohibition paper list. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen for a fixing device replacement request. It is a flowchart of a paper registration process. It is a flowchart of a paper registration process. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen for a paper registration request. 5 is a flowchart of a fixing device replacement process (FIG. (A)) and a paper registration request process (FIG. (B)). 5 is a flowchart of a fixing device replacement process (FIG. (A)) and a paper registration request process (FIG. (B)). It is a block diagram of the printing system which consists of a printing apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. It is a flowchart of the paper registration process of a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For example, the image forming apparatus is configured as a printing apparatus 100 and has a function of forming an image on a recording medium and fixing the image. The printing apparatus 100 includes an image reading unit for reading a document and a printer unit that forms an image by an electrophotographic process. The printing apparatus 100 may be a printer, a copier, a multifunction machine, or the like.

  The printing apparatus 100 includes an exposure unit 101, an image forming unit 102, a first paper feed stage 103, a second paper feed stage 104, a paper feed unit 105, a paper transport unit 106, a transfer unit 107, a fixing unit 108, and paper discharge. Part 109 and controller part 200. The controller unit 200 is a control device that controls the entire printing apparatus 100, and its internal blocks will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The exposure unit 101 includes a laser scanner unit corresponding to four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and a photosensitive unit provided in the image forming unit 102 according to image data. A drum (not shown) is exposed to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum. The image forming unit 102 includes a drum unit including a photosensitive drum and a developing device for each color, and an intermediate transfer belt (both not shown), and develops the latent image formed on each photosensitive drum with the developing device. Thus, toner images of the respective colors are formed. Then, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum of each color to the intermediate transfer belt, and a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt.

  Each of the first paper feed stage 103 and the second paper feed stage 104 is a paper tray for storing printing paper. The paper feeding unit 105 conveys printing paper from the first paper feeding stage 103 and the second paper feeding stage 104 to the image forming unit 102. The paper transport unit 106 transports the printing paper that has been printed on one side to the image forming unit 102 during duplex printing. When the printing paper is conveyed to the transfer unit 107, the controller unit 200 controls to transfer the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt of the image forming unit 102 onto the printing paper. The printing paper is conveyed to the fixing unit 108 and heated and pressed by a fixing roller (not shown) of the fixing unit 108 to fix the color toner image on the printing paper. Thereafter, the printing paper is discharged out of the printing apparatus 100 by the paper discharge unit 109.

  The fixing unit 108 has a replaceable fixing device, and a desired one of the plurality of fixing devices can be selected and mounted on the fixing unit 108. The number of fixing devices prepared to be mountable is not limited. The fixing unit 108 includes a fixing device attachment / detachment detection sensor 111 and a fixing device identification device 112. The fixing device attachment / detachment detection sensor 111 detects whether or not the fixing device has been replaced (a new fixing device is attached) and outputs an attachment / detachment signal. The fixing device identification device 112 is a device for identifying the type of the fixing device being mounted according to the fixing device identification ID read from the mounted fixing device (hereinafter also referred to as “fixing device being mounted”). is there.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the controller unit 200. The controller unit 200 has a CPU 201. A RAM 202, a ROM 203, a storage unit 204, an input unit I / F 206, a printing unit I / F 207, and an operation unit 208 are connected to the CPU 201 via a system bus 205. The storage unit 204 is configured with an HDD or the like. The ROM 203 stores a control program. The control program may be stored in the storage unit 204. A RAM 202 is a work memory area for executing a control program, and temporarily stores processing data and the like. The CPU 201 outputs image data to the printing unit I / F 207 based on the control program read to the RAM 202.

  The input unit I / F 206 communicates with a host computer (not shown). The CPU 201 can notify various information regarding the printing apparatus 100 to the host computer through the input unit I / F 206. The operation unit 208 has a display screen and an input unit. The operation unit 208 is controlled by the CPU 201 to receive input from the operator through the input unit and display various information on the display screen. Information displayed on the display screen includes notification screens (FIGS. 5A and 5B, etc.) for requesting replacement of the fixing device and requesting sheet registration to the operator. The printer controller 209 forms an image on the printing paper according to the image data sent from the printing unit I / F 207. The finisher controller 210 performs post-processing on the printing paper in accordance with a post-processing instruction sent from the printing unit I / F 207.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional module configuration example of the printing apparatus 100. Each functional module shown in FIG. 3 is a program module realized by the CPU 201 executing the control program stored in the ROM 203 on the work memory of the RAM 202.

  The fixing device replacement detection unit 301 (detecting means) detects whether or not the fixing device has been replaced according to an attachment / detachment signal as a detection result by the fixing device attachment / detachment detection sensor 111. The fixing device identification unit 302 (identification means) identifies the type of fixing device being mounted (fixing device type) according to the fixing device identification ID read from the fixing device by the fixing device identification device 112. The ID set for each fixing device is assigned a unique ID for each type of fixing device, and each fixing device is uniquely specified by the fixing device identification ID.

  The display screen management unit 303 is registered in the first paper feed stage 103 and the second paper feed stage 104 that are respectively managed by the fixing device type identified by the fuser identification unit 302 and the registered paper management unit 306. The screen to be displayed is managed according to the paper information. The display unit 304 is controlled by the CPU 201 and causes the operation unit 208 to display a screen managed by the display screen management unit 303. A paper registration unit 305 (registration unit) performs paper registration processing for the paper feed stage in accordance with a paper registration request input from the operation unit 208. Note that the number of paper feed stages may be three or more. When there are a plurality of paper feed stages, paper registration is performed for each paper feed stage. A registered paper management unit 306 manages paper information (paper size and paper type) registered for each paper feed stage of the printing apparatus 100.

  The fixing device type printability paper list 307 (hereinafter abbreviated as printability paper list 307) is a list of data defining printable paper types for each fixing device type identified by a unique ID. The display screen management unit 303 compares the type identified by the fixing device identification unit 302 with the printable / unusable paper list 307, acquires the paper type that can be printed by the mounted fixing device, and notifies the CPU 201 of it.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printability sheet list 307. In the printable / non-printable sheet list 307, the fixing device identification ID and the printable sheet type information are associated with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 4, there are two fixing devices, a normal fixing device and an envelope fixing device. The fixing device identification ID of the normal fixing device is 1, and the fixing device identification ID of the envelope fixing device is 1. 2. The printable paper type corresponding to the envelope fixing device is an envelope. The printable paper type corresponding to the normal fixing device is paper other than the envelope (non-envelope paper), and specifically, plain paper, cardboard, coated paper, and the like.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating examples of a notification screen for a fuser replacement request. These screens are displayed in step S605 of FIG. A notification screen 500 shown in FIG. 5A is a screen for urging the user to replace the mounted fixing device with an envelope fixing device. A notification screen 510 shown in FIG. 5B is a screen for prompting the user to replace the currently installed fixing device with a normal fixing device. The notification screens 500 and 510 include an exchange button 501, a later exchange button 502, and a check box 503. The replacement button 501 is a button for making a transition to a fixing device replacement work screen so that the fixing device replacement can be performed immediately. A replacement button 502 is a button for omitting the fixing device replacement operation when the fixing device replacement is not performed immediately. The check box 503 is a display item for designating whether or not the notification screens 500 and 510 can be displayed. When the check box 503 is checked (turned on), the notification screen for the fuser replacement request is not displayed. It is assumed that the initial value of the check box 503 is set to off (display a notification screen).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the paper registration process. This process is started, for example, when a paper registration process start instruction is input from the operation unit 208. The CPU 201 starts paper registration processing, and passes the paper information registered through the paper registration unit 305 to the registered paper management unit 306. The CPU 201 controls the registered paper management unit 306 to store the paper information in the RAM 202 in association with the paper feed stage. Note that registration of paper information for each paper feed stage is held in the storage unit 204 or the like even when the power of the printing apparatus 100 is turned off.

  Here, in order to compare and explain a specific example, a “first situation” and a “second situation” are considered. In the first situation, the fixing unit 108 is equipped with a normal fixing device (fixing device identification ID = 1), and both the first paper feed stage 103 and the second paper feed stage 104 have an A4 size. It is assumed that the processing of FIG. 6 is started in a state where plain paper (other than the envelope) is registered and set. Further, in the first situation, in order to print a job using the square No. 2 envelope, the square No. 2 envelope is registered as the paper information in the first paper feed stage 103 in step S601 described later. And The second situation is that the fixing unit 108 is equipped with an envelope fixing device (fixing device identification ID = 2), the first paper feed stage 103 has a rectangular No. 2 envelope, and the second paper feed stage 104 has Assume that the process of FIG. 6 is started in a state in which the envelope of No. 3 is registered and set. In the second situation, it is assumed that A4 plain paper (other than envelopes) is registered in the first paper feed stage 103 in step S601 in order to print a job using A4 plain paper.

  First, according to the paper registration request input from the operation unit 208, the CPU 201 newly registers paper information for either the first paper feed stage 103 or the second paper feed stage 104 by the paper registration unit 305. (Step S601). When paper information is newly registered for one of the paper feed stages 103 and 104, the paper information managed by the registered paper management unit 306 has been changed. Therefore, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S602.

  In step S <b> 602, the CPU 201 obtains the fixing device identification ID of the fixing device being installed (currently installed fixing device) from the fixing device identification unit 302, thereby fixing the type of fixing device (envelope fixing device or normal fixing device). ). Then, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the mounted fixing device and the paper newly registered in the paper feed stage at this time in step S601 (paper indicated by the paper information) are compatible (aligned) (step S603). That is, the CPU 201 refers to the printable / unusable paper list 307, acquires a printable paper type corresponding to the acquired fixing device type, and determines whether or not the acquired printable paper type matches the current registered paper. Is determined. The CPU 201 corresponds to determination means in the present invention. As a result of the determination, if the printable paper type and the current registered paper match, the CPU 201 ends the processing of FIG. 6, while the printable paper type and the current registered paper do not match. Advances the process to step S604.

  As a specific example, in the first situation, since the fixing device being mounted is a normal fixing device, the printable paper type is “other than envelope”. However, since the square No. 2 envelope is registered in the first paper feed stage 103 this time, the registered sheet is “envelope”. Therefore, in this case, the sheets do not match, and the CPU 201 determines that the sheets are not compatible, and the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, in the second situation, since the fixing device being mounted is an envelope fixing device, the printable paper type is “envelope”. However, since A4 plain paper is registered in the first paper feed stage 103 this time, the registered paper is “other than envelope”. Therefore, also in this case, the sheets do not match, and the CPU 201 determines that the sheets are not suitable, and the process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S604, it is determined whether or not the exchange request SW is ON. Here, although not shown, the exchange request SW can be set by the operation unit 208, and the setting state is managed by the display screen management unit 303. The exchange request SW is an on / off value for designating whether to display the notification screen (FIGS. 5A and 5B), and the initial value of the exchange request SW is set to ON. And

  As a result of the determination in step S604, if the replacement request SW is not ON, the CPU 201 ends the process of FIG. On the other hand, when the replacement request SW is ON, the CPU 201 performs control to execute a fixing device replacement request and display the notification screen shown in FIG. 5A or 5B as notification processing. (Step S605). As a specific example, in the first situation, although the registration sheet for the first paper feed stage 103 is an “envelope”, the fixing device being mounted is a normal fixing device, so It is necessary to replace the fuser. Therefore, the CPU 201 controls the display screen management unit 303 and causes the display unit 304 to display the notification screen 500 (FIG. 5A) on the operation unit 208. As a result, the operator can be informed that the envelope fixing device should be replaced. The CPU 201 corresponds to notification means in the present invention. On the other hand, in the second situation, although the registered sheet for the first paper feed stage 103 is “other than the envelope”, the fixing device being mounted is an envelope fixing device, so that the normal fixing device is used. It needs to be replaced. Therefore, the CPU 201 controls the display screen management unit 303 and causes the display unit 304 to display the notification screen 510 (FIG. 5B) on the operation unit 208. As a result, the operator can be notified that the normal fixing device should be replaced.

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not exchange is selected on the notification screen (the notification screen 500 in the first situation and the notification screen 510 in the second situation) depending on whether or not the exchange button 501 is pressed ( Step S606). If the replacement is selected as a result of the determination, the CPU 201 controls the display screen management unit 303 and causes the display unit 304 to display a work screen (not shown) for replacing the fixing device on the operation unit 208 ( Step S607). At that time, the notification screen is deleted. This work screen is, for example, a screen for notifying the operator of the replacement procedure. Accordingly, it is possible to guide the replacement operation to an appropriate fixing device at a stage prior to instructing printing. The operator can replace the fixing device by seeing this. On the other hand, if the replacement button 502 is pressed later and the replacement is not selected on the notification screen, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S609. Note that the notification screen may be deleted when the process proceeds from step S606 to step S609.

  Next, in step S608, as in step S603, the matching determination is performed again. First, the CPU 201 obtains the fixing device type by acquiring the fixing device identification ID of the currently installed fixing device (the currently installed fixing device) from the fixing device identification unit 302 again. Then, the CPU 201 determines again whether or not the acquired printable paper type matches the current registered paper. As a result of the determination, if the printable paper type and the current registered paper are incompatible, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S607, whereas if the printable paper type and the current registered paper match. Then, the process proceeds to step S609. Accordingly, when the operator replaces the fixing device with an appropriate one, it is determined as suitable in step S608. For example, in the first situation, the notification screen 500 (FIG. 5A) is displayed and then replaced with an envelope fixing device, or in the second situation, the notification screen 510 (FIG. 5B). ) Is displayed, and if it is replaced with a normal fixing device, it is determined as conforming. However, if the operator does not replace the fixing device or replaces the fixing device with an inappropriate fixing device, it is determined again as non-conforming in step S608.

  In step S <b> 609, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the check box 503 is checked, thereby determining whether or not the setting screen is set so as not to display the fuser replacement request notification screen in the future. As a result of the determination, if the setting screen for not displaying the fuser replacement request notification screen is set in the future, the replacement request SW of the display screen management unit 303 is changed to OFF (step S610). Thereafter, the process of FIG. 6 ends. On the other hand, if it is not set to not display the fuser replacement request notification screen in the future, the CPU 201 ends the process of FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, when paper information is newly registered for a paper feed tray, the type of the fixing device acquired from the fixing device identification ID of the currently installed fixing device, and this time, newly registered in the paper feed tray. If the received paper does not match, a replacement request for the fixing device is made. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the incompatibility between the mounted fixing device and the paper in the paper feed stage before the printing instruction. In addition, since the fixing device to be replaced is notified, it is easy to perform an appropriate replacement operation.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, only the registered paper of the paper feed stage registered this time is the target to be compared with the printable paper type corresponding to the acquired fixing device type. However, in a configuration with a plurality of paper feed stages, the paper that can be printed by the fixing device being mounted is not limited to the paper feed stage registered this time, but is registered in another paper feed stage depending on the usage environment. However, there are cases where printing can be executed without any problem. Accordingly, there is a concept that the fixing device replacement request should be notified only when there is no paper feed stage in which a sheet that can be printed by the fixing device is installed. Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, if any of the sheets registered for the plurality of paper feed stages is not compatible with the fixing device being mounted, it is determined as non-conforming. Therefore, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7 instead of FIG. 6 with respect to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the paper registration process. The start timing of this process and a series of processes at the start are the same as those in the first embodiment (FIG. 6).

  Here, in order to explain by comparing specific examples, a “third situation” and a “fourth situation” are considered. In the third situation, the fixing unit 108 is equipped with a normal fixing device (fixing device identification ID = 1), the A4 plain paper (other than the envelope) is added to the first paper supply stage 103, and the second paper supply stage. It is assumed that the process of FIG. 7 is started in a state where the long No. 3 envelope is registered and set in 104. Further, in the third situation, in order to print a job using the square No. 2 envelope, the square No. 2 envelope is registered as the paper information in the first paper feed stage 103 in step S701 described later. And In the fourth situation, an envelope fixing device (fixing device identification ID = 2) is attached to the fixing unit 108, the rectangular paper No. 2 envelope is used for the first paper feed stage 103, and the second paper feed stage 104 is used. Assume that the processing of FIG. 7 is started in a state where A4 plain paper (other than envelope) is registered and set. In the fourth situation, it is assumed that A4 plain paper (other than envelopes) is registered in the first paper feed stage 103 in step S701 in order to print a job using A4 plain paper.

  First, in steps S701 and S702, the CPU 201 executes processing similar to that in steps S601 and S602 in the figure. In step S <b> 703, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a registered sheet suitable for the fixing device being mounted, that is, whether there is any sheet feed stage in which a printable sheet is registered. As a result of the determination, if there is at least one paper feed stage in which printable paper is registered, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is suitable and ends the processing in FIG. On the other hand, if any of the sheets registered for the plurality of paper feed stages is not compatible with the mounted fixing device, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is not compatible, and advances the processing to step S704.

  As a specific example, in the third situation, since the fixing device being mounted is a normal fixing device, the printable paper type is “other than envelope”. However, since the square No. 2 “envelope” is registered in the first paper feed stage 103, the registration paper is “envelope”, and the registration paper in the second paper feed stage 104 is “No. 3“ "Envelope". Therefore, in this case, since the sheet that can be printed by the fixing device being mounted is not registered in any paper feed stage, the CPU 201 determines that the sheet is not suitable, and the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, in the fourth situation, since the fixing device being mounted is an envelope fixing device, the printable paper type is “envelope”. However, since A4 plain paper is registered in the first paper feed stage 103, the registered paper is “other than the envelope”, and the registered paper in the second paper feed stage 104 is “other than the envelope”. Accordingly, in this case as well, since no paper that can be printed by the fixing device being mounted is registered in any paper feed stage, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is not suitable, and the process proceeds to step S704.

  In the third situation, if the registered paper in the second paper feed stage 104 is “other than an envelope” such as A4 plain paper, there is a registered paper suitable for the fixing device being mounted, so that notification is made. The processing in FIG. 7 ends without performing the processing. Also, in the fourth situation, if the registered paper in the second paper feed stage 104 is “envelope”, there is a registered paper suitable for the fixing device being mounted, so that the notification process is performed. Instead, the process of FIG. 7 ends.

  In steps S704 to S707, the CPU 201 executes processing similar to that in steps S604 to S607 in FIG. In step S <b> 708, the CPU 201 performs the matching determination again in the same manner as in step S <b> 703. First, the CPU 201 obtains the fixing device type by acquiring the fixing device identification ID of the currently installed fixing device (the currently installed fixing device) from the fixing device identification unit 302 again. Then, the CPU 201 determines again whether or not there is even one paper feed stage in which printable paper is registered. As a result of the determination, if there is no paper feed stage in which printable paper is registered, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is not suitable and returns the process to step S707. On the other hand, if there is at least one paper feed stage in which printable paper is registered, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is suitable and advances the process to step S709.

  Here, if the operator replaces the fixing device with an appropriate one, in step S708, it is determined as conforming. For example, in the third situation, the notification screen 500 (FIG. 5A) is displayed and then replaced with an envelope fixing device, or in the fourth situation, the notification screen 510 (FIG. 5B). ) Is displayed, and if it is replaced with a normal fixing device, it is determined as conforming. However, if the operator does not replace the fixing device or replaces it with an inappropriate fixing device, it is determined again as non-conforming in step S708. In steps S709 and S710, the CPU 201 executes processing similar to that in steps S609 and S610 in FIG.

  According to this embodiment, when paper information is newly registered for a paper feed tray, it is registered for the fixing device type acquired from the fixing device identification ID of the fixing device being mounted and a plurality of paper feed trays. If none of the papers that are being used match, a fuser replacement request is made. Accordingly, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained with respect to informing the incompatibility between the mounted fixing device and the paper in the paper feed stage before the print instruction.

(Third embodiment)
In the first and second embodiments, the suitability / nonconformity between the mounted fixing device and the paper in the paper feed stage is determined when a new paper is registered for the paper feed stage. However, depending on the usage environment, there are cases where it is desired to know whether printing can be performed with the replaced fixing device immediately after the fixing device replacement operation. Therefore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the replacement of the fixing device is detected, the compatibility between the newly mounted fixing device and the registered sheet of the paper feed stage is determined. Therefore, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 instead of FIGS. 5 and 6 in contrast to the first embodiment.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating an example of a notification screen for a paper registration request. These screens are displayed in step S911 in FIG. A notification screen 800 shown in FIG. 8A is a screen for prompting the user to change the registration of the paper to a paper suitable for the envelope fixing device. A notification screen 810 shown in FIG. 8B is a screen for prompting the user to change the paper registration to a paper suitable for the normal fixing device. The notification screens 800 and 810 include a registration button 801, a registration button 802 later, and a check box 803. A registration button 801 is a button for making a transition to a paper registration work screen in order to immediately change the paper registration. A registration button 802 later is a button for omitting the paper registration work when the paper registration is not changed immediately. The check box 803 is an element for designating whether or not the notification screens 800 and 810 can be displayed. When the check box 803 is checked (turned on), the notification screen for the paper registration request is set not to be displayed in the future. It is assumed that the initial value of the check box 803 is set to off (display a notification screen).

  FIG. 9A is a flowchart of the fixing device replacement process. This process is started when, for example, an instruction to start the fixing device replacement process is input from the operation unit 208.

  Here, in order to compare and explain a specific example, a “fifth situation” and a “sixth situation” are considered. The fifth situation is that the fixing unit 108 is equipped with a normal fixing device (fixing device identification ID = 1), and both the first paper feed stage 103 and the second paper feed stage 104 are A4 size. It is assumed that the processing of FIG. 9A is started in a state where plain paper (other than the envelope) is registered and set. In the fifth situation, in order to print a job using the square No. 2 envelope, in step S901 described later, the fixing device mounted on the fixing unit 108 is changed from the normal fixing device to the envelope fixing device. Suppose that The sixth situation is that an envelope fixing device (fixing device identification ID = 2) is attached to the fixing unit 108, the rectangular paper No. 2 envelope is provided in the first paper feed stage 103, and the second paper feed stage 104 is provided. It is assumed that the process of FIG. 9A is started in a state where the long No. 3 envelope is registered and set. In the sixth situation, in order to print a job using A4 plain paper, it is assumed that the fixing device mounted on the fixing unit 108 is changed from the envelope fixing device to the normal fixing device in step S901. .

  First, in step S901, the CPU 201 waits for the fixing device to be replaced. When the fixing device attachment / detachment detection sensor 111 is turned off, the fixing device replacement detection unit 301 detects that the fixing device has been removed. Therefore, when the fixing device attachment / detachment detection sensor 111 is switched from OFF to ON, the fixing device replacement detection unit 301 detects that a new fixing device is installed, and the CPU 201 determines that the fixing device has been replaced. When the fixing device is replaced, the CPU 201 acquires the fixing device type by acquiring the fixing device identification ID of the fixing device being installed (the fixing device currently installed) from the fixing device identification unit 302 (step S902). ).

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a registered sheet that matches the fixing device being mounted, that is, whether or not there is even one sheet feed tray in which a printable sheet is registered (step S903). . As a result of the determination, if there is at least one paper feed stage in which printable paper is registered, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is suitable and ends the processing in FIG. On the other hand, if any of the sheets registered for the plurality of paper feed stages is not compatible with the mounted fixing device, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is not compatible, and advances the processing to step S904.

  As a specific example, in the fifth situation, since the mounted fixing device is an envelope fixing device, the printable paper type is “envelope”. However, the registered sheets of the first paper feed stage 103 and the second paper feed stage 104 are both “other than envelopes”. Therefore, in this case, since the sheet that can be printed by the fixing device being mounted is not registered in any paper feed stage, the CPU 201 determines that the sheet is not suitable, and the process proceeds to step S904. On the other hand, in the sixth situation, since the fixing device being mounted is a normal fixing device, the printable paper type is “other than envelope”. However, the registration paper of the first paper feed stage 103 is a square No. 2 “envelope”, and the registration paper of the second paper feed stage 104 is a long No. 3 “envelope”. Accordingly, in this case as well, since no paper that can be printed by the fixing device being mounted is registered in any paper feed stage, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is not suitable, and the process proceeds to step S904.

  In step S904, it is determined whether or not the paper registration request SW is ON. Here, although not shown, the sheet registration request SW can be set by the operation unit 208, and the setting state is managed by the display screen management unit 303. The paper registration request SW is an on / off value for designating whether to display the notification screen (FIGS. 8A and 8B). The initial value of the paper registration request SW is set to ON. It shall be. If the result of determination in step S904 is that the paper registration request SW is not ON, the CPU 201 ends the processing in FIG. On the other hand, if the paper registration request SW is ON, the CPU 201 executes paper registration request processing (FIG. 9B) in step S905.

  FIG. 9B is a flowchart of the paper registration request process. First, in step S911, the CPU 201 controls the display screen management unit 303 and the display unit 304 to display the notification screen illustrated in FIG. 8A or 8B on the operation unit 208 as notification processing. As a specific example, in the fifth situation, the registered sheets in the first paper feed stage 103 and the second paper feed stage 104 are not registered in the fifth situation, even though the fixing machine is an envelope fixing device. Both are “other than envelopes”. Therefore, the CPU 201 displays a notification screen 800 (FIG. 8A) on the operation unit 208. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the operator that the registration of at least one of the paper feed stages 103 and 104 should be changed to “other than envelope”. On the other hand, in the sixth situation, the registered sheets in the first paper feed stage 103 and the second paper feed stage 104 are both “envelopes” even though the fixing machine in use is a normal fixing device. Is. Therefore, the CPU 201 displays a notification screen 810 (FIG. 8B) on the operation unit 208. Accordingly, it is possible to notify the operator that the registration of at least one of the paper feed stages 103 and 104 should be changed to “other than envelope”.

  Next, in step S912, whether or not registration is selected on the notification screen (the notification screen 800 in the fifth situation and the notification screen 810 in the sixth situation) is determined based on whether or not the registration button 801 is pressed. . If registration is selected as a result of the determination, the CPU 201 controls the display screen management unit 303 and the display unit 304 to display a work screen (not shown) for paper registration on the operation unit 208 (step). S913). At that time, the notification screen is deleted. This work screen is, for example, a screen for notifying the operator of the procedure for changing paper registration. Accordingly, it is possible to guide the registration change operation to an appropriate sheet at a stage prior to issuing a print instruction.

  The operator can exchange the registered contents by seeing this. On the other hand, if the registration button 802 is pressed later and registration is not selected on the notification screen, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S915. Note that the notification screen may be deleted when transitioning from step S912 to step S915.

  In step S <b> 914, the CPU 201 performs matching determination again as in step S <b> 903. First, the CPU 201 obtains the fixing device type by acquiring the fixing device identification ID of the currently installed fixing device from the fixing device identification unit 302 again. Then, the CPU 201 determines again whether or not there is even one paper feed stage in which printable paper is registered. As a result of the determination, if there is no paper feed stage in which printable paper is registered, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is not suitable, and returns the process to step S913. On the other hand, if there is at least one paper feed tray in which printable paper is registered, the CPU 201 determines that the paper is suitable and advances the process to step S915.

  Here, if the operator appropriately changes the registration of the sheet, it is determined as conforming in step S914. For example, in the fifth situation, if the registration of at least one of the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is changed to “envelope” after the notification screen 800 (FIG. 8A) is displayed, it is determined as conforming. Determined. In the sixth situation, if the registration of at least one of the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is changed to “other than envelope” after the notification screen 810 (FIG. 8B) is displayed, it conforms. Is determined. However, if the operator does not change the registration of the paper or if an inappropriate paper is registered, it is determined again as non-conforming in step S914.

  In step S <b> 915, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the check box 803 is checked, thereby determining whether or not the setting is made so as not to display a paper registration request notification screen in the future. As a result of the determination, if it is set not to display the paper registration request notification screen in the future, the paper registration request SW of the display screen management unit 303 is changed to OFF (step S916). Thereafter, the process of FIG. 9B ends. On the other hand, when it is not set to not display the paper registration request notification screen in the future, the CPU 201 ends the process of FIG.

  According to this embodiment, when the replacement of the fixing device is detected, the fixing device type acquired from the fixing device identification ID of the mounted fixing device and the paper feed stages 103 and 104 are registered. If none of the papers match, a request to change paper registration is made. Accordingly, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained with respect to informing the incompatibility between the mounted fixing device and the paper in the paper feed stage before the print instruction. In addition, since it is informed which paper the registration should be changed, it is easy to perform an appropriate registration change operation.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the third embodiment, when the fixing device is replaced, it is determined that the fixing device is not compatible when the mounted fixing device is not compatible with any registered sheet of the plurality of paper feed stages. On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the fixing device is replaced, it is determined that the fixing device is not compatible when the fixing device is not compatible with at least one registered sheet of a plurality of paper feed stages. Like that. Accordingly, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B instead of FIGS. 9A and 9B with respect to the third embodiment.

  FIG. 10A is a flowchart of the fixing device replacement process. The start timing of this process and a series of processes at the start are the same as those in the third embodiment (FIG. 9A).

  First, in steps S1001 and S1002, the CPU 201 executes processing similar to that in steps S901 and S902 in FIG. Next, in step S1003, it is determined whether or not the mounted fixing device matches the registered sheets of all paper feed stages. As a result of the determination, if printable paper is registered in all paper feed stages, the CPU 201 determines that the mounted fixing device matches the registered paper in all paper feed stages, as shown in FIG. The process of a) is terminated. On the other hand, if a non-printable sheet is registered in at least one paper feed stage, the CPU 201 does not correspond to the case where the mounted fixing device and the registered paper of all paper feed stages are compatible, and therefore, the CPU 201 does not match. Determination is made, and the process proceeds to step S1004.

  As a specific example, in the fifth situation, the printable paper type is “envelope”, but the registered paper in the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is “other than envelope”. To do. In the sixth situation, the printable paper type is “other than envelope”, but the registered paper in the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is “envelope”, so the CPU 201 determines that the paper is not suitable. In the fifth situation, even if only one of the registered sheets in the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is an “envelope”, it is not suitable, but if both are “envelopes”, it is relevant. In addition, in the sixth situation, even if only one of the registered sheets in the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is “non-envelope”, it is non-conforming, but if both are “non-envelope”, it is relevant. .

  In step S1004, the CPU 201 executes a process similar to that in step S904 in FIG. As a result of the determination in step S1004, if the paper registration request SW is not turned on, the CPU 201 ends the process of FIG. 10A. If the paper registration request SW is turned on, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S1005. The paper registration request process (FIG. 10B) is executed.

  FIG. 10B is a flowchart of the paper registration request process. In steps S1011 to S1013, the CPU 201 executes processing similar to that in steps S911 to S913 in FIG. In step S <b> 1014, the CPU 201 performs matching determination again as in step S <b> 1003. That is, the CPU 201 determines again whether or not the fixing device being mounted matches the registered sheets of all paper feed stages. As a result of the determination, if printable paper is registered in all paper feed stages, the CPU 201 determines that the mounted fixing device matches the registered paper in all paper feed stages, and performs the processing step. Proceed to S1015. On the other hand, if a non-printable sheet is registered in at least one paper feed stage, the CPU 201 determines that the sheet is not suitable, and returns the process to step S1013.

  Here, if the operator appropriately changes the registration of the sheet, it is determined as conforming in step S1014. For example, in the fifth situation, after the notification screen 800 (FIG. 8A) is displayed, if the registration of both sheets in the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is changed to “envelope”, it is determined as conforming. The Also, in the sixth situation, when the notification screen 810 (FIG. 8B) is displayed and the registration of the paper in both the paper feed stages 103 and 104 is changed to “other than envelope”, it is determined as conforming. Is done. However, if the operator does not change the registration of the paper or if an inappropriate paper is registered, it is determined again as non-conforming in step S1014. In steps S1015 and S1016, the CPU 201 executes processing similar to that in steps S915 and S916 in FIG.

  According to this embodiment, when the replacement of the fixing device is detected, the fixing device type acquired from the fixing device identification ID of the mounted fixing device and the paper feed stages 103 and 104 are registered. If at least one of the sheets does not fit, a request to change the sheet registration is made. Thus, the same effect as that of the third embodiment can be achieved with respect to notifying the incompatibility between the mounted fixing device and the paper in the paper feed stage before the print instruction.

  By the way, depending on the configuration of the printing apparatus, a paper feeding apparatus (for example, an inserter) may be mounted downstream from the fixing unit. Since a paper feed stage that is not fed to the fixing device does not cause a problem of deterioration in print quality due to fixing, it may be excluded from the comparison target of the compatibility determination between the fixing device being mounted and the paper registration. An example of such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a printing system including the printing apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus. In this printing system, a finisher 1103 that is a post-processing device is connected to a printing apparatus 100. The printing apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 1101 and an image fixing apparatus 1102. The image forming apparatus main body 1101 and the image fixing apparatus 1102 cooperate to form an image on a sheet. The image fixing device 1102 performs a fixing process on the paper conveyed from the paper supply unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body 1101 using the fixing device 1105, and then prints the printing paper to the finisher 1103 through the paper conveyance path 1106. Transport.

  The finisher 1103 includes an inserter 1104. The finisher 1103 is operable to insert the insertion sheet set in the inserter 1104 into a predetermined page through the insertion sheet conveyance path 1107 when the insertion sheet is designated by the user. Since the insertion sheet conveyance path 1107 is on the rear stage side as a conveyance path with respect to the fixing device 1105, the insertion sheet is not conveyed to the fixing device 1105 of the image fixing apparatus 1102. That is, the insertion sheet fed from the inserter 1104 does not pass through the fixing device 1105. Therefore, when the inserter 1104 is regarded as one of the paper feed stages, even if a sheet that cannot be printed by the fixing device being mounted is registered in the inserter 1104, the notification screen (FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 8) is displayed. It is not necessary to display (a) and (b)).

  A process corresponding to this case will be described by taking the first embodiment as an example. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of sheet registration processing according to a modification of the first embodiment. Illustration of steps corresponding to step S603 and subsequent steps in FIG. 6 is omitted. The flowchart in FIG. 12 corresponds to a process in which step S1201 is inserted between step S601 and step S602 in FIG. In step S <b> 1201, the CPU 201 determines whether the paper feed stage registered by the registered paper management unit 306 is an inserter (a paper feed stage that conveys paper that does not pass through the fixing device). The CPU 201 obtains the paper feed stage registered in the registered paper management unit 306 through the paper registration unit 305, and when it is an inserter, the CPU 201 ends the processing in FIG. On the other hand, if the registered paper feed stage is not an inserter, the CPU 201 advances the process to step S602. As a result, the paper feed stage that is the target for determining the compatibility between the fixing device being mounted and the registered paper is limited to the paper feed stage that feeds the fixing device, and unnecessary notification processing is avoided.

  This modification can also be applied to the second embodiment. In this case, step S1201 may be inserted between steps S701 and S702 in FIG. Also in the third and fourth embodiments, fixing during mounting in the determinations in steps S903, S914, S1003, and S1014 of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B. The inserter may be excluded from the target for determining the compatibility between the container and the registration sheet.

  Note that the first or second embodiment and the third or fourth embodiment are more useful when combined. For example, when a start instruction for paper registration processing is input, the processing of FIG. 6 (or FIG. 7) is started, and when a start instruction for fixing device replacement processing is input, FIG. 9A (or FIG. 10A). ) Process may be started.

  In each of the above embodiments, the display of the notification screen (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 8A, and 8B) is exemplified as the notification process. Notification may be used.

  In each of the above embodiments, the paper type is divided into an envelope and other than the envelope. However, other distinctions may be used, and the classification may be three or more. This also applies to the type of fixing device.

(Other examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail based on preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and various forms within the scope of the present invention are also included in the present invention. included. You may combine suitably a part of above-mentioned embodiment and modification.

103 1st paper feed stage 104 2nd paper feed stage 201 CPU
301 Fixing Device Replacement Detection Unit 302 Fixing Device Identification Unit 305 Paper Registration Unit

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus in which a fixing device can be replaced,
Detection means for detecting that the fixing device has been replaced;
Identification means for identifying the type of the fixing device installed;
Registration means for registering paper to the paper feed tray;
Determining whether the mounted fixing device and the paper registered for the paper feed stage are compatible or non-compliant based on the type identified by the identifying means and the registration content by the registration means Means,
A notifying unit for performing a notifying process for notifying that if the determining unit determines that the sheet is registered by the registering unit or when the detecting unit detects replacement of the fixing device when the fixing unit is determined to be incompatible; And an image forming apparatus.   2. The fuser replacement request according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the sheet is not suitable when the sheet is registered by the registration unit, the notification unit issues a fixing device replacement request as the notification process. Image forming apparatus.   3. The determination unit according to claim 2, wherein when the registration unit registers a sheet, the determination unit determines that the registered sheet does not conform to the mounted fixing device when the sheet is not matched. Image forming apparatus. There are a plurality of paper feed trays, and the registration unit registers paper for each paper feed tray,
The determination unit is configured such that when a sheet is registered with respect to any of the paper feed stages by the registration unit, any of the paper registered with respect to the plurality of paper feed stages is mounted on the fixing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined to be non-conforming when it does not conform.   The notification means requests the registration change of the sheet to the paper feed stage as the notification processing when the determination means determines that the fixing device is not suitable when replacement is detected by the detection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. There are a plurality of paper feed trays, and the registration unit registers paper for each paper feed tray,
The determination means is incompatible when none of the sheets registered for the plurality of paper feed stages is compatible with the mounted fixing apparatus when the detection means detects the replacement of the fixing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: There are a plurality of paper feed trays, and the registration unit registers paper for each paper feed tray,
When the detection unit detects the replacement of the fixing device, when the at least one of the sheets registered for the plurality of paper feed stages is not compatible with the mounted fixing device, The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined to be incompatible.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit does not perform the notification process when the determination unit does not determine non-conformity.   A paper feed stage for which the determination unit determines whether the mounted fixing device and the registered paper are compatible is limited to a paper feeding stage that feeds the mounted fixing device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The types identified by the identification means include an envelope fixing device and a non-envelope fixing device, and the paper registered by the registration means includes envelope paper and non-envelope paper. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. A control method of an image forming apparatus in which a fixing device can be replaced,
A detection step for detecting that the fixing device has been replaced;
An identification step for identifying the type of the installed fixing device;
A registration step for registering paper to the paper source;
Determining whether the mounted fixing device and the paper registered for the paper feed stage are compatible or non-conforming based on the type identified in the identifying step and the registered content in the registering step Steps,
A notification step for performing a notification process for notifying that if the determination step determines that the paper is registered by the registration step or if the fixing step is detected by the detection step and the replacement is determined to be incompatible And a method of controlling an image forming apparatus. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method for an image forming apparatus according to claim 11.

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