Patent Publication Number: US-9429894-B2

Title: Packaged image forming apparatus and diagnostic system of apparatus to be packaged

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application relates to and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-190831, filed on Aug. 31, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a packaged image forming apparatus and a diagnostic system of an apparatus to be packaged including the packaged image forming apparatus, and particularly relates to technology of performing the verification of operations of a packaged image forming apparatus. 
     For instance, a product of an image forming apparatus such as a printer, after an inspection of an operation check satisfying the specification is completed, is packaged using a packaging member such as cardboard, and delivered in that packaged condition. Subsequently, at the place of delivery, the image forming apparatus is removed from the packaging member, and set up by a serviceman or the like. 
     Conventionally, for instance, known is a method of forming openings in the packaging material for packaging a projector in order to expose the power cable, computer connection cable, and projection part. In addition, known is a method where, in a state where the projector is packaged with the foregoing packaging material, the respective cables are inserted into the projector via the openings, and information of software or the like in the projector is rewritten from an external computer connected to the computer connection cable. Furthermore, known is a method of confirming whether the information was rewritten normally by outputting an image from the projection part via the opening formed in the packaging material. 
     Nevertheless, due to the vibration or shock during the transport, there are cases where the components connected to the connector inside the device come off or the solder connection becomes defective and the connection status of circuits inside the device becomes abnormal. Consequently, there was a possibility that the device would not operate during the setup operation. 
     In the foregoing case, it is not possible to determine whether the information was not rewritten properly or whether there is an abnormality in the connection status of the circuits inside the device. Moreover, if the packaged device is a projector, an operation check can be performed using the opening that is provided at a position corresponding to the projection part of the packaging material. However, in the case of an image forming apparatus in which the packaged device needs to be operated upon setting a document or paper thereon, it is difficult to perform an operation check by actually operating the device in a packaged state. 
     An object of the present disclosure is to perform the operation check of an image forming apparatus in a state where the image forming apparatus is still packaged. 
     SUMMARY 
     The packaged image forming apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an image forming apparatus, and a packaging member for packaging the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a power supply connection unit, a power supply voltage generation unit, a load circuit, a status determination unit and a communication interface unit. One end of a power cable, the other end of which is connected to an external power source, is detachably connected to the power supply connection unit. The power supply voltage generation unit receives a voltage supplied from the external power source via the power cable connected to the power supply connection unit and generates a power supply voltage. The load circuit operates by being supplied with the power supply voltage. The status determination unit determines whether a connection status of the load circuit is normal. The communication interface unit sends a determination result of the status determination unit to the external device provided outside the packaged image forming apparatus. The packaging member includes an access part enabling the one end of the power cable to be connected to the power supply connection unit in a state where the image forming apparatus is packaged. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic configuration diagram of a color printer according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic configuration diagram of a packaged image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the packaged image forming apparatus of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the electric configuration of a diagnostic system of an apparatus to be packaged according to an embodiment of the diagnostic system of an apparatus to be packaged of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing the operation of the status determination unit for determining whether the connection status of the load circuit is normal. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment according to the present disclosure is now explained with reference to the drawings.  FIG. 1  is a schematic configuration diagram of a color printer  1  according to an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the color printer  1  comprises a paper storage part  10 , an image forming unit  20 , a fixation unit  30 , a paper discharge part  40 , a paper conveying unit  50 , a temperature sensor (temperature detection unit)  60 , a communication interface unit  70 , and a control unit  80 . The paper discharge part  40  is provided at the apex of the apparatus main body  1 A, and each of the other parts is mounted within the apparatus main body  1 A. 
     The paper storage part  10  stores paper P, and supplies and feeds the paper P based on the control of the control unit  80 . The paper storage part  10  comprises a paper cassette  11  which is insertable to and detachable from the apparatus main body  1 A. The upstream end of the paper cassette (upper left of the paper cassette  11  in the example shown in  FIG. 1 ) is provided with a pickup roller  12  for supplying one sheet of paper P at a time from the paper bundle. The paper P supplied from the paper cassette  11  based on the drive of the pickup roller  12  is fed to the paper conveying unit  50 . 
     The image forming unit  20  performs transfer processing of an image to the paper P supplied from the paper bundle stored in the paper storage part  10  based on the image data received from an external personal computer or the like under the control of the control unit  80 . 
     The image forming unit  20  comprises image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K of the respective colors for forming a toner image, and a transfer device  27  for transferring, to the paper P, the toner image formed by the image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K. 
     The image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K are disposed substantially in the horizontal direction from the upstream side (right side in  FIG. 1 ) toward the downstream side. The uppermost stream-side is the yellow image forming unit  21 Y, and the cyan image forming unit  21 C, the magenta image forming unit  21 M, and the black image forming unit  21 K are subsequently disposed in that order toward the downstream side. The respective image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K are configured in the same manner. 
     The respective image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K each comprise a photoreceptor drum (photoreceptor)  22 , a charger  23 , an optical scanning device  24 , a developing device  25 , and a cleaning device  26 . 
     The photoreceptor drum  22  is rotatable about the drum axis extending in the front-back direction (direction that is orthogonal to the plane of paper of  FIG. 1 ). The charger  23 , the optical scanning device  24 , the developing device  25  and the cleaning device  26  are disposed, in that order, from a position that is immediately below the photoreceptor drum  22  along the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22  in a counterclockwise direction, which is the rotating direction of the photoreceptor drum  22 . 
     The photoreceptor drum  22  comprises a peripheral face on which an electrostatic latent image, and a toner image according to the electrostatic latent image, are formed. 
     The charger  23  charges the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 , which is rotating in a counterclockwise direction about the drum axis, with a uniform charge. The charger  23  includes a charge roller which applies a charge to the photoreceptor drum  22  while a peripheral face thereof is drivenly rotated in a manner of being in contact with the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 . 
     The developing device  25  supplies a toner to the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 . The toner supplied as described above adheres to the electrostatic latent image of the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 , and a toner image is consequently formed on the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 . Note that a yellow (Y) toner is housed in the developing device  25  of the yellow image forming unit  21 Y, a cyan (C) toner is housed in the developing device  25  of the cyan image forming unit  21 C, a magenta (M) toner is housed in the developing device  25  of the magenta image forming unit  21 M, and a black (K) toner is housed in the developing device  25  of the black image forming units  21 K. 
     The cleaning device  26  performs cleaning of the toner that is remaining on the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22  after the primary transfer described later. The peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22  that was cleaned by the cleaning device  26  heads once again to the charger  23  for the subsequent image forming processing. 
     The optical scanning device  24  causes the peripheral face of the rotating photoreceptor drum  22  to be irradiated with a dynamic laser beam based on image data. The irradiation position is between the charger  23  and the developing device  25 . Based on the irradiation of the laser beam, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 . 
     The respective optical scanning devices  24  in the respective image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K cause the respective photoreceptor drums  22  in the respective image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K to be irradiated with a laser beam corresponding to the respective colors of cyan, magenta and black. When the peripheral face of the uniformly charged photoreceptor drum  22  is irradiated with a laser beam, the charge of the irradiated portion is erased according to the intensity of the laser beam. An electrostatic latent image is thereby formed on the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 . 
     The transfer device  27  is a device for transferring, onto the paper P, the toner image formed on the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22 . The transfer device  27  comprises an intermediate transfer belt  271 , a primary transfer roller  272 , a drive roller  273 , a driven roller  274  and a secondary transfer roller  275 . 
     The intermediate transfer belt  271  is an endless belt, and is stretched at a position immediately above the respective image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K by the primary transfer roller  272 , the drive roller  273  and the driven roller  274 . The intermediate transfer belt  271  is rotatable in the clockwise direction based on the rotational driving force of the drive roller  273 . 
     The respective primary transfer rollers  272  are disposed to face the respective photoreceptor drums  22  of the respective image forming units  21 Y,  21 C,  21 M,  21 K. The intermediate transfer belt  271  is prevented from floating from the photoreceptor drum  22  by the respective primary transfer rollers  272  pressing the intermediate transfer belt  271 . A primary transfer bias is applied to the respective primary transfer rollers  272 . When a primary transfer bias is applied to the primary transfer roller  272 , the toner image formed on the peripheral face of the photoreceptor drum  22  is primary-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt  271 . 
     The secondary transfer roller  275  is disposed at a position facing the drive roller  273  at the outer peripheral face of the intermediate transfer belt  271 . A secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller  275 . When a secondary transfer bias is applied to the secondary transfer roller  275 , the toner image that was primary-transferred to the intermediate transfer belt  271  is secondary-transferred to the paper P. 
     An intermediate transfer belt cleaning device  276  is provided to the right side, in the diagram, of the driven roller  274 . The toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt  271  after the toner image was secondary-transferred to the paper P is removed by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning device  276 . Consequently, the surface of the cleaned intermediate transfer belt  271  heads toward the photoreceptor drum  22 . 
     The fixation unit  30  performs fixation processing, via heating, to the paper P including the secondary-transferred toner image. The fixation unit  30  comprises a heat roller  31 , and a pressure roller  32  placed opposite to the heat roller  31  such that their peripheral faces face each other. The heat roller  31  internally houses a conductive heating element which generates heat as a result of a current flowing therethrough. The paper P that was subject to the secondary transfer is then subject to the fixation processing by receiving heat from the heat roller  31  as a result of passing through a nip part between the heat roller  31  that is drivenly rotated about the roller axis in the clockwise direction and the pressure roller  32  that is driven-rotated about the roller in the counterclockwise direction. The paper P that was subject to the fixation processing is discharged to the paper discharge part  40  by the paper conveying unit  50 . 
     The paper discharge part  40  receives and stores the paper P that was subject to the fixation processing with the fixation unit  30  and subsequently discharged. The paper discharge part  40  is formed by the apex of the apparatus main body  1 A being recessed. A paper discharge tray  41  for receiving the discharged paper P is formed at the bottom of the recessed concave part. 
     The paper conveying unit  50  conveys, based on the control of the control unit  80 , the paper P supplied from the paper storage part  10  to the paper discharge part  40  via the image forming unit  20  and the fixation unit  30 . 
     The temperature sensor  60  is disposed inside the apparatus main body  1 A, and detects the temperature inside the color printer  1 . The temperature sensor  60  comprises, for example, a thermistor in which the resistance value changed according to the temperature. The resistance value of the thermistor changes according to the detected temperature when a power supply voltage described later is supplied. Consequently, the temperature sensor  60  outputs a load voltage in which the voltage value changes according to the detected temperature. 
     Note that the range that the voltage value of the load voltage changes is predetermined, for example, according to the temperature range of the object to be detected by the temperature sensor  60  based on test results of test operations, and stored in a ROM or the like. 
     The communication interface unit  70  is connected to an external device such as a personal computer via a local area network (LAN), internet or the like. The communication interface unit  70  is a communication interface circuit which sends and receives various types of data, such as image data, to and from the external device. The communication interface unit  70  performs wired communication by using a communication cable such as a 10/100 Base-TX. 
     The control unit  80  is connected to the paper storage part  10 , the image forming unit  20 , the fixation unit  30 , the paper conveying unit  50 , the temperature sensor  60  and the like, and governs the control of the operation of these components. The control unit  80  is configured by comprising on a circuit board, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM) for pre-storing various programs to be executed by the CPU and data required for such execution, a readable and rewritable random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing data, and peripheral circuits thereof. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic configuration diagram of the packaged image forming apparatus  3  according to an embodiment of the packaged image forming apparatus of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the packaged image forming apparatus  3  is configured by packaging the color printer  1  in a packaging box (packaging member)  2  configured from a packaging member such as a cardboard. Note that the packaging member for packaging the color printer  1  may also be, for example, a film-like packaging member for packaging (wrapping) the color printer  1 , and may also be a different packaging member. 
     The packaging box  2  includes an access part A 1  for connecting a power cable C 1  to the color printer  1  in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged, and an access part A 2  for connecting a communication cable C 2  to the color printer  1  in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged. 
     Specifically, the access parts A 1 , A 2  are formed by forming holes in the packaging box  2  at positions corresponding to the power cable connection unit (power supply connection unit)  81  and the communication cable connection unit  71  of the color printer  1  in a state of being packaged by the packaging box  2 . However, the access parts A 1 , A 2  are not limited to the foregoing mode, and may also be formed in the shape of openable/closable doors. In addition, the mode may also be such that the access parts A 1 , A 2  are opened only upon connecting the power cable C 1  and the communication cable C 2  to the color printer  1 , and such that the access parts A 1 , A 2  are closed when the power cable C 1  and the communication cable C 2  are not connected to the color printer  1 . Otherwise, the openings may be covered with removable cover members. 
     In the ensuing explanation, explained is a diagnostic system of an apparatus to be packaged which determines whether the connection status of the load circuit in the color printer  1  is normal by using the packaged image forming apparatus  3 .  FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the diagnostic system of an apparatus to be packaged  4  according to an embodiment of the diagnostic system of an apparatus to be packaged of the present disclosure. In the ensuing explanation, the explanation of the components that are given the same reference numeral as the components in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  is omitted unless specifically mentioned. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the diagnostic system of an apparatus to be packaged  4  includes a packaged image forming apparatus  3  in which the color printer  1  is packaged by the packaging box  2 , and an external device  9 . 
     The control unit  80  in the color printer  1  comprises a power cable connection unit  81 , a power supply voltage generation unit  82 , connectors (main body-side connectors)  83   a ,  83   b , a switch unit  89 , a selection unit  84 , a voltage detection unit  85 , a status determination unit  86 , a RAM (memory)  87  capable of reading and rewriting information, and a memory slot  88  to which the RAM  87  is detachably connected. 
     A connector N 1  provided to another end of the power cable C 1  in which one end thereof is connected to an external power source E is detachably connected to the power cable connection unit  81 , via the access part A 1  of the packaging box  2 . 
     The power supply voltage generation unit  82  comprises, for example, a switching power supply circuit. The power supply voltage generation unit  82  receives a voltage supplied from the external power source E via the power cable C 1  connected to the power cable connection unit  81 . The power supply voltage generation unit  82  generates a power supply voltage by converting the received voltage into a voltage of a predetermined voltage level. The CPU not shown provided to the control unit  80  is operated by using the power supply voltage generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82 . 
     The connector  83   a  comprises a power feeding terminal P 1   a  for supplying, to the fixation unit  30 , the power supply voltage generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82 , and a power receiving terminal P 2   a  for receiving a load voltage according to the power supply voltage output from the fixation unit  30  as a result of being supplied with the power supply voltage. The power receiving terminal P 2   a  is connected to a ground terminal of the fixation unit  30 . The power receiving terminal P 2   a  is connected to one end on the ground side of the conductive heating element  31   a  mounted inside the heat roller  31  ( FIG. 1 ). A connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is detachably connected to the connector  83   a.    
     Similarly, the connector  83   b  comprises a power feeding terminal P 1   b  for supplying, to the temperature sensor  60 , the power supply voltage generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82 , and a power receiving terminal P 2   b  for receiving a load voltage according to the power supply voltage output from the temperature sensor  60  as a result of being supplied with the power supply voltage. The load voltage shows the temperature detected by the temperature sensor  60 . The power receiving terminal P 2   b  is connected to one end on the ground side of the thermistor  61  provided inside the temperature sensor  60 . The connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  is detachably connected to the connector  83   b.    
     The control unit  80  further comprises a plurality of connectors not shown to which are detachably connected the respective connectors connected to the respective drive units of the paper storage part  10 , the image forming unit  20  and the like inside the color printer  1 . In the ensuing explanation, the operation of determining the connection status of the two connectors  83   a ,  83   b  is explained as a representative example among the plurality of connectors. 
     Note that the fixation unit  30  and the temperature sensor  60  are both load circuits for outputting a load voltage according to the power supply voltage as a result of being supplied with the power supply voltage generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82 . Thus, in the ensuing explanation, when the fixation unit  30  and the temperature sensor  60  are explained collectively, they are collectively referred to as the “load circuit”. 
     The switch unit  89  is a switch circuit for switching between whether to pass an electric current between the power receiving terminal P 2   a  of the connector  83   a  and the ground based on a command from the status determination unit  86  described later. 
     The selection unit  84  is configured, for example, from a selector circuit. The selection unit  84  selects one load voltage designated by the status determination unit  86  described later of the load voltage output from the fixation unit  30  and received by the power receiving terminal P 2   a  and the load voltage output from the temperature sensor  60  and received by the power receiving terminal P 2   b . In addition, the selection unit  84  outputs the selected load voltage to the voltage detection unit  85  described later. 
     The voltage detection unit  85  detects the voltage value of the load voltage selected by the selection unit  84 , and outputs a detection signal indicated by the detected voltage value to the status determination unit  86 . 
     The CPU configures the status determination unit  86  by executing the control program stored in the ROM or the like. The status determination unit  86  executes the processing explained below. Specifically, the status determination unit  86  determines whether the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  based on the load voltage detected by the voltage detection unit  85  when the power supply voltage is generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82  and the generated power supply voltage is thereafter being supplied to the fixation unit  30  by the power feeding terminal P 1   a.    
     Moreover, the status determination unit  86  determines whether the connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   b  based on the load voltage detected by the voltage detection unit  85  when the power supply voltage generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82  is being supplied to the temperature sensor  60  by the power feeding terminal P 1   b.    
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing the operation of the status determination unit  86  for determining whether the connection status of the load circuit is normal. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , for example, a worker such as a serviceman connects, to the communication cable connection unit  71 , the connector N 2  ( FIG. 3 ) provided to one end of the communication cable C 2  via the access part A 2  of the packaging box  2  in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged by the packaging box  2  (step S 1 ). Moreover, the worker connects, to the power cable connection unit  81 , the connector N 1  provided to one end of the power cable C 1  via the access part A 1  of the packaging box  2  in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged by the packaging box  2 . Consequently, the power supply voltage is generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82  in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged by the packaging box (step S 2 ). 
     Subsequently, the status determination unit  86  sends a control signal to the switch unit  89  for commanding switching so that an electric current does not pass between the power receiving terminal P 2   a  and the ground. Based on the foregoing command, the switch unit  89  performs switching so that an electric current does not pass between the power receiving terminal P 2   a  and the ground (step S 3 ). In other words, the status determination unit  86  prevents a current from flowing to the conductive heating element  31   a  mounted inside the heat roller  31  provided to the fixation unit  30  when a power supply voltage is supplied to the fixation unit  30  via the power feeding terminal P 1   a . It is thereby possible to alleviate the possibility of the conductive heating element  31   a  generating heat. 
     Subsequently, the status determination unit  86  sends a control signal to the selection unit  84  for commanding selection of one of either the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   a  or the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   b . The selection unit  84  selects one load voltage according to the command indicated by the control signal, and outputs the selected load voltage to the voltage detection unit  85  (step S 4 ). 
     For example, the status determination unit  86  sends, in step S 4 , a control signal to the selection unit  84  for commanding selection of the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   a . The selection unit  84  selects the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   a  according to the command indicated by the control signal, and outputs the selected load voltage to the voltage detection unit  85 . 
     The voltage detection unit  85  detects the voltage value of the load voltage output in step S 4 , and outputs, to the status determination unit  86 , a detection signal indicating the detected voltage value (step S 5 ). 
     The status determination unit  86  determines whether the connector connected to the load circuit that output the load voltage selected in S 4  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector corresponding to that load circuit in the control unit  80  based on the voltage value indicated by the detection signal output from the voltage detection unit  85  (step S 6 ). The communication interface unit  70  sends the control signal indicating the determination result of step S 6  to the external device  9  via the communication cable C 2  connected to the communication cable connection unit  71  (step S 7 ). 
     For example, in step S 4 , let it be assumed that the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   a  is selected; that is, let it be assumed that the load voltage output from the fixation unit  30  is selected. In the foregoing case, the status determination unit  86  determines, in step S 6 , whether the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  corresponding to the fixation unit  30  in the control unit  80  by determining whether the voltage value indicated by the detection signal output from the voltage detection unit  85  exceeds a predetermined voltage value. 
     Note that the predetermined voltage value is pre-set to a voltage value that is not greater than the voltage value of the power supply voltage by giving consideration to the voltage drop caused by the wiring of the fixation unit  30  when the power supply voltage is supplied to the fixation unit  30  and when the fixation unit  30  is not in a conducting state. 
     In the foregoing case, the status determination unit determines that the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  upon determining that the voltage value indicated by the detection signal output from the voltage detection unit  85  has exceeded the predetermined voltage value. Meanwhile, the status determination unit  86  determines that the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is not electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  upon determining that the voltage value indicated by the detection signal output from the voltage detection unit  85  has not exceeded the predetermined voltage value. 
     The communication interface unit  70  sends to the external device  9 , in step S 7 , a control signal indicating that the determination result on whether the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a , via the communication cable C 2  connected to the communication cable connection unit  71 . 
     In step S 4 , when there is a load voltage that has not been selected by the selection unit  84  (S 8 ; YES), the status determination unit  86  repeats step S 4 , and causes the selection unit  84  to select one load voltage among the non-selected load voltages. 
     For example, let it be assumed that a load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   a  in step S 4  that was executed previously is selected; that is, let it be assumed that a load voltage output from the fixation unit  30  is selected. In the foregoing case, upon repeating step S 4 , when the status determination unit  86  sends, to the selection unit  84 , a control signal for commanding selection of the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   b ; that is, the load voltage output from the temperature sensor  60 . In accordance with the foregoing command, the selection unit  84  selects the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   b , and outputs the selected load voltage to the voltage detection unit  85 . 
     In the foregoing case, the voltage detection unit  85  detects, in step S 5 , a voltage value of the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal P 2   b ; that is, the load voltage output from the temperature sensor  60 , and outputs a detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the status determination unit  86 . 
     Subsequently, the status determination unit  86  determines, in step S 6 , that the connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  when the voltage value indicated by the detection signal output from the voltage detection unit  85  is within a predetermined range (temperature range) as a range in which the voltage value of the load voltage output from the temperature sensor  60  will change. Meanwhile, the status determination unit  86  determines that the connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  is not electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  when the voltage value indicated by the detection signal output from the voltage detection unit  85  is not within the foregoing predetermined range. 
     Note that, as described above, the range that the voltage value of the load voltage outputted from the temperature sensor  60  changes is predetermined, for example, according to the temperature range of the object to be detected by the temperature sensor  60  based on test results of test operations, and stored in a ROM or the like. 
     The communication interface unit  70  sends to the communicably connected external device  9 , in step S 7 , a control signal indicating the determination result regarding whether the connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   b , via the communication cable C 2  connected to the communication cable connection unit  71 . 
     Subsequently, in step S 4 , when there is no longer any load voltage that has not been selected by the selection unit  84  (S 8 ; NO), the status determination unit  86  ends the operation of determining whether the connector connected to the load circuit is electrically connected, normally, to the connector corresponding to that load circuit in the control unit  80 . 
     In other words, the status determination unit  86  causes the selection unit  84  to sequentially select a plurality of load voltages (step S 4 , step S 8 ), and causes the voltage detection unit  85  to sequentially detect the sequentially selected load voltages (step S 5 ). Subsequently, the status determination unit  86  sequentially determines whether the connector connected to the load circuit corresponding to the sequentially detected load voltages is electrically connected, normally, to the connector corresponding to that load circuit in the control unit  80  based on the sequentially detected load voltages (step S 6 ). 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , the external device  9  comprises, for example, a CPU, a ROM or an HDD for pre-storing various programs to be executed by the CPU and data required for such execution and the like, a readable and rewritable RAM for temporarily storing data, and peripheral circuits thereof. For example, the external device  9  is an information processing device such as a personal computer or a portable phone terminal device. The external device  9  comprises a display unit  91 , a signal receiving unit  92 , and a determination result display unit  93 . 
     The display unit  91  is configured, for example, from a liquid crystal display, and displays various types of information related to the operation of the external device  9 . 
     The signal receiving unit  92  is, for example, a communication interface circuit for performing wired communication using a communication cable such as a 10/100 Base-TX. The signal receiving unit  92  is connected to another end of the communication cable C 2  in which the one end thereof (connector N 2  ( FIG. 3 )) is connected to the communication cable connection unit  71  via the access part A 2  of the packaging box  2 . The signal receiving unit  92  receives the determination result of the status determination unit  86  that was sent by the communication interface unit  70  in foregoing step S 7 . 
     The CPU configures the determination result display unit  93  by executing the control program stored in the HDD or the like. When the signal receiving unit  92  receives the determination result of the status determination unit  86  that was sent by the communication interface unit  70  in foregoing step S 7 , the determination result display unit  93  displays, on the display unit  91 , information according to the received determination result of the status determination unit  86 . 
     Note that the information according to the determination result of the status determination unit  86  may be, for example, information which associates the name (for example, “fixation unit”) for identifying the load circuit to be determined, and a symbol (for example, 0 when normal and 1 when not normal) indicating whether the connector connected to that load circuit is electrically connected, normally, to the connector corresponding to that load circuit in the control unit  80 . Information according to the determination result of the status determination unit  86  is pre-stored in the ROM or the like by being associated with the information for identifying the control signal output from the status determination unit  86 . The determination result display unit  93  displays, on the display unit  91 , information according to the determination result of the status determination unit  86 , which corresponds to the control signal received by the signal receiving unit  92 , by using information which is pre-stored in the ROM or the like. 
     According to the foregoing embodiment, the connector N 1  provided to one end of the power cable C 1  can be connected to the power cable connection unit  81  via the access part A 1  in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged with the packaging box  2 . When the connector N 1  provided to one end of the power cable C 1  is connected to the power cable connection unit  81 , a power supply voltage is generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82 , and the generated power supply voltage is supplied to the load circuits (fixation unit  30 , temperature sensor  60 ) via the connectors  83   a ,  83   b . In addition, whether the connection status of the load circuit, which is operated as a result of the power supply voltage being supplied thereto, is normal is determined by the status determination unit  86 . The determination result is sent by the communication interface unit  70  to the external device  9  provided outside the packaged image forming apparatus  3 . 
     Thus, in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged, it is possible to confirm whether the connection status of the circuit inside the color printer  1  is normal by using the external device  9  that is provided outside the packaged image forming apparatus  3 . 
     Moreover, according to the foregoing embodiment, when the connector N 1  provided to one end of the power cable C 1  is connected to the power cable connection unit  81 , a power supply voltage is generated by the power supply voltage generation unit  82 , and the power supply voltage is supplied to the load circuits (fixation unit  30 , temperature sensor  60 ) via the connectors  83   a ,  83   b  (step S 2 ). In addition, when a load voltage according to the power supply voltage is output from the load circuit as a result of the power supply voltage being supplied, the load voltage is detected by the voltage detection unit  85  (step S 5 ). In addition, whether the connectors  33 ,  63  connected to the load circuits are electrically connected, normally, to the connectors  83   a ,  83   b  is determined by the status determination unit  86  based on the detected load voltage (step S 6 ). Subsequently, the determination result is sent by the communication interface unit  70  to the external device  9  provided outside the packaged image forming apparatus  3  (step S 7 ). 
     Thus, in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged, it is possible to confirm whether the connectors  33 ,  63  connected to the load circuits (fixation unit  30 , temperature sensor  60 ) are electrically connected, normally, to the connectors  83   a ,  83   b  using the external device  9  provided outside the packaged image forming apparatus  3 . In other words, prior to performing the operation check of the color printer  1 , in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged, it is possible to confirm in advance whether the connectors  33 ,  63  connected to the load circuits are electrically connected, normally, to the connectors  83   a ,  83   b . Consequently, even when the connectors  33 ,  63  connected to the load circuits are no longer electrically connected, normally, to the connectors  83   a ,  83   b  during shipment, the operation of connecting the connectors  33 ,  63  connected to the load circuits to the connectors  83   a ,  83   b  can be performed quickly upon performing the operation check of the color printer  1 . It is thereby possible to efficiently perform the operation check of the load circuits. 
     Moreover, according to the foregoing embodiment, by repeating step S 4  to step S 8 , in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged, it is possible to determine, one by one in order, whether the connectors  33 ,  63  connected respectively to the plurality of load circuits (fixation unit  30 , temperature sensor  60 ) provided to the color printer  1  are electrically connected, normally, to the connectors  83   a ,  83   b  corresponding to the respective load circuits. 
     Moreover, according to the foregoing embodiment, in a state where the switch unit  89  performs switching so that an electric current does not pass between the power receiving terminal P 2   a  and the ground (step S 3 ), it is determined whether the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  (step S 6 ). Accordingly, in comparison to a case of determining whether the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a  in a state of passing an electric current between the power receiving terminal P 2   a  and the ground and flowing a current to the conductive heating element  31   a  ( FIG. 3 ) of the fixation unit  30 , it is possible to alleviate the possibility of the conductive heating element  31   a  generating heat as a result of a current flowing therethrough. It is thereby possible to more safely determine whether the connector  33  connected to the fixation unit  30  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   a.    
     Moreover, according to the foregoing embodiment, prior to performing the operation check of the color printer  1 , in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged, it is possible to determine whether the connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  is electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   b . Consequently, even when the connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  is no longer electrically connected, normally, to the connector  83   b  during shipment, the operation of connecting the connector  63  connected to the temperature sensor  60  to the connector  83   b  can be performed quickly upon performing the operation check of the color printer  1 . It is thereby possible to efficiently perform the operation check of the temperature sensor  60 . 
     Moreover, according to the foregoing embodiment, in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged, it is possible to easily comprehend, based on information according to the determination result displayed on the display unit  91  of the external device  9 , the determination result of whether the connectors  33 ,  63  connected to the load circuits (fixation unit  30 , temperature sensor  60 ) inside the packaged color printer  1  are electrically connected, normally, to the connectors  83   a ,  83   b.    
     Note that the configuration and the like shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4  are merely exemplifications of an embodiment according to the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to such embodiment. 
     For example, the status determination unit  86  may also determine whether the connection status of the RAM  87  is normal by executing step S 2  ( FIG. 4 ), and thereafter further writing predetermined verification information such as predetermined text data in the RAM  87  ( FIG. 3 ) and thereafter determining whether the information read from the RAM  87  coincides with the written verification information. 
     In the foregoing case, prior to performing the operation check of the color printer  1 , it is possible to confirm in advance whether the connection status of the RAM  87  is normal in a state where the color printer  1  is packaged. Consequently, even when the RAM  87  is no longer normally connected during shipment, the operation of re-inserting the RAM  87  into the memory slot  88  or the operation of replacing the RAM  87  for causing the RAM  87  to operate normally can be performed quickly upon performing the operation check of the color printer  1 . It is thereby possible to efficiently perform the operation check of the RAM  87 . 
     Moreover, the RAM  87  includes a storage area that is identified by a plurality of predetermined successive addresses. Thus, the status determination unit  86  may also write predetermined verification information (first verification information) such as a numerical value in the storage area corresponding to the leading address among the plurality of predetermined successive addresses in the RAM  87 . Subsequently, the status determination unit  86  may read information from the storage area corresponding to the leading address and determine whether the read information coincides with the previously written verification information. Coincidentally, the status determination unit  86  may also write predetermined verification information (second verification information) such as a numerical value in the storage area corresponding to the terminal address in the RAM  87 . Subsequently, the status determination unit  86  may read information from the storage area corresponding to the terminal address and determine whether the read information coincides with the previously written verification information. Subsequently, the status determination unit  86  may determine that the connection status of the RAM  87  is normal upon determining that, in the two determination processes described above, the information read from the storage area coincides with the previously written verification information. 
     In the foregoing case, whether the connection status of the RAM  87  is normal is determined by twice accessing, through writing and reading, the two storage areas in the RAM  87 ; that is, by accessing the RAM  87  four times. Thus, the number of times that the RAM  87  is accessed can be decreased in comparison to the case of determining whether the connection status of the RAM  87  is normal by writing predetermined verification information in all of the storage areas corresponding to the plurality of predetermined successive addresses configuring the RAM  87 , and thereafter determining whether it was possible to read each piece of information which coincides with the written verification information. It is thereby possible to more quickly determine whether the connection status of the RAM  87  is normal. 
     Moreover, in the foregoing embodiment, an example of applying the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure to the color printer  1  was explained. However, the present disclosure can also be applied to a copy machine, a scanning device, a facsimile machine, or the like. 
     Moreover, the configuration can be simplified by omitting the switch unit  89  ( FIG. 3 ) or omitting step S 3  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     Moreover, the communication interface unit  70  and the signal receiving unit  92  may also be a communication interface circuit which performs wireless communication via Wi-Fi (Wireless fidelity (registered trademark)) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the foregoing case, the configuration may be simplified by omitting the communication cable connection unit  71  and the access part A 2 . 
     Moreover, the control unit  80  may also be configured to comprise only one connector. Consequently, the configuration may be simplified by omitting the selection unit  84  and omitting step S 4  and step S 8 . In the foregoing case, in step S 5 , the voltage detection unit  85  detects the voltage value of the load voltage received by the power receiving terminal of the one connector, and outputs a detection signal indicating the detected voltage value to the status determination unit  86 . 
     Moreover, the configuration can be simplified by omitting the temperature sensor  60  and the connector  83   b.    
     According to the present disclosure as described above, the operation check of the image forming apparatus can be performed with the image forming apparatus in a packaged state. 
     Although the present disclosure has been fully described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present disclosure hereinafter defined, they should be construed as being included therein.