JP2009128755A - Image forming apparatus, method of controlling image forming apparatus, and control program for image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing memory breakage with simple constitution. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus forms an image of each color by rotating and moving a toner cartridge with a memory and corresponding to each of a plurality of colors. The image forming apparatus includes a main body side contact which performs communication by coming into contact with a contact of the memory with movement of the toner cartridge. After stopping the movement of the toner cartridge (Fig.(C)), the image forming apparatus decides that time taken until vibration comes to an end (Fig.(D)) elapses according to the change of a voltage level of a capacitor, and supplies power to the memory after the time elapses (Fig.(E)). Accordingly, separation of the contact by the vibration is prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus control method, and an image forming apparatus control program, and in particular, by moving a toner cartridge corresponding to each of a plurality of colors provided with a memory, an image for each color is displayed. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus to be formed, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus.

  There are four-cycle color image forming apparatuses (MFP (Multi Function Peripheral), facsimile machines, copiers, printers, etc.). The color image forming apparatus has a toner cartridge, and a memory is mounted on the toner cartridge.

  The memory stores a unique ID and life information. The memory is connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus via a contact. In the four-cycle machine, communication is performed by sequentially rotating the rotating body on which the toner cartridges of the respective colors are mounted, and the contact points of the toner cartridge and the contact points of the main body are brought into contact with each other.

  In recent years, this memory tends to use a CPU. In this case, it is necessary to supply power to the memory, but there is a possibility that the memory or the CPU may be destroyed if hot-plugging occurs. For this reason, it is necessary to control the power supply so that the memory is not destroyed by hot-swapping.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 discloses a technique for providing a misalignment detection contact in addition to a communication contact on a memory board mounted on a replaceable cartridge. The configuration is such that the misalignment detection contacts are always separated before the communication contacts are separated, and communication between the memory and the main body is started after the misalignment detection contacts are connected. When the contact for detecting displacement is separated due to vibration or the like, the communication between the memory and the main body is forcibly terminated. As a result, it is possible to respond sensitively to cartridge displacement due to vibration during communication operation, and to prevent memory destruction due to hot-swapping. That is, it is possible to prevent the memory from being destroyed due to separation of the memory communication contacts due to vibration or the like.
JP 2004-333890 A

  When the method described in Patent Document 1 is adopted, there is a problem in that a new contact point for detecting misalignment must be provided.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus that can prevent memory destruction with a simple configuration. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image for each color by moving a toner cartridge corresponding to each of a plurality of colors, including a memory. A control unit that controls power supply to the memory of the toner cartridge, a moving unit that moves the toner cartridge, a main body side contact that performs communication by contacting the contact of the memory as the toner cartridge moves, And supply means for supplying power to the memory by the control means when a time until the vibration converges after the movement of the toner cartridge by the moving means is stopped.

  Preferably, the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotating body and rotates, and the image forming apparatus further includes a pulse motor that rotates the rotating body, and the supply unit stops the pulse motor based on the phase output signal of the pulse motor. The power is supplied after the vibration of the pulse motor converges.

  Preferably, the supply means includes a differentiation circuit that inputs a phase output signal of the pulse motor and an integration circuit that inputs the output of the differentiation circuit, charges the capacitor of the integration circuit, and starts discharging when the pulse motor stops. Let

  Preferably, the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotating body and rotates, and the image forming apparatus further includes a DC brushless motor that rotates the rotating body, and the supply means is based on an output signal of the DC brushless motor. Is determined to have stopped, and power is supplied after the vibration of the DC brushless motor converges.

  Preferably, the supplying means includes a differentiating circuit for inputting an output signal of the DC brushless motor and an integrating circuit for inputting the output of the differentiating circuit, and charges the capacitor of the integrating circuit, and discharges when the DC brushless motor stops. Let it begin.

  Preferably, the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotating body and rotates, and the image forming apparatus further includes a motor for rotating the rotating body, and the supply unit determines that the motor has stopped based on the driving current of the motor. Then, power is supplied after the vibration of the motor has converged.

  Preferably, the supply means includes a current detection circuit for inputting a drive current of the motor and an integration circuit for inputting an output of the current detection circuit, and charges the capacitor of the integration circuit to start discharging when the motor stops. .

  Preferably, the supply means includes an electric circuit that determines that the vibration has converged based on a discharge time of the capacitor.

  Preferably, the toner cartridge is mounted on the rotating body and rotates, and the image forming apparatus further includes a motor that rotates the rotating body, and the supply unit stops power supply after a predetermined time has elapsed after stopping the motor. Supply.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in a control method for an image forming apparatus that forms an image for each color by moving a toner cartridge corresponding to each of a plurality of colors, the image forming apparatus includes: A control unit for controlling power supply to the memory of the cartridge, and a main body side contact for performing communication by contacting the contact of the memory as the toner cartridge moves. A moving step for moving, and a supply step for supplying power to the memory by the control means when a time until the vibration converges after the movement of the toner cartridge by the moving step is stopped.

  According to still another aspect of the present invention, in an image forming apparatus control program for forming an image for each color by moving a toner cartridge corresponding to each of a plurality of colors, the image forming apparatus includes: A control unit for controlling power supply to the memory of the toner cartridge; and a main body side contact for performing communication by contacting the contact of the memory as the toner cartridge moves. After the movement of the toner cartridge by the moving step is stopped and the time until the vibration converges is passed, the control unit causes the computer to execute a supply step of supplying power to the memory.

  According to these inventions, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a control program for the image forming apparatus that can prevent memory destruction with a simple configuration.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The image forming apparatus is a four-cycle machine, for example, and has a plurality of toner cartridges corresponding to each color. A memory is mounted on each color toner cartridge. As the rotating body on which the toner cartridge is mounted rotates, the memory of each color toner cartridge sequentially contacts one contact, and communication with the main body is performed. The image forming apparatus is provided with a switch for turning on / off the power supply to the memory according to the rotation of the rotating body.

  By turning ON / OFF the power supply to the memory according to the rotation of the rotating body, it is possible to reduce the possibility of destruction due to hot insertion / extraction of the memory without providing a new contact such as a misalignment detection contact.

  More specifically, the image forming apparatus charges a capacitor that controls power supply to the memory until each color toner cartridge sequentially reaches a predetermined position. When the capacitor reaches a predetermined position, discharging of the capacitor is started. When the capacitor reaches a predetermined voltage level, power supply to the memory is started. Thereby, serial communication with the main body is performed. After the communication is finished, control is performed so that the power supply is finished before the rotating body operates.

  [First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 is a central sectional view showing a configuration of a four-cycle image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to the drawing, an image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer belt 2, a photosensitive member 3, a developing device (a developing rack as a rotating member) 4, an intermediate transfer belt cleaner 5, a cleaner blade facing roller 6, and a photosensitive member. A cleaner blade 7, a primary transfer roller 8, an exposure device 9, a paper feeding unit 10, a timing roller 11, a secondary transfer roller 12, a fixing unit 13, a paper discharge roller 14, and a toner cartridge 15 The charging device 16, the environment sensor 17, and the density sensor (image density detection sensor) 18 are provided.

  This image forming apparatus is a so-called four-cycle machine, and four cartridges 15 can be mounted on the developing rack of the image forming unit. By rotating the developing rack 4, the cartridge is sequentially moved to a developing position facing the photoconductor 3 to perform development.

  The cartridge 15 includes a toner and a developing unit that develops the toner. Around the photoconductor 3, a charging device 16 for charging the photoconductor 3 and an exposure device 9 for exposing an image pattern are provided, and a toner image is formed on the photoconductor 3 by a process of charging, exposing, and developing one color at a time. Form. The toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 2. In the case of color printing, toner images of four colors are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 2.

  The intermediate transfer belt cleaner 5 and the secondary transfer roller 12 are separated from the intermediate transfer belt 2 while the four color toner images are superimposed.

  After the four color toner images are overlaid, the secondary transfer roller 12 is brought into pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt 2 until the leading edge of the toner image reaches the secondary transfer portion. As a result, the toner image is transferred to the paper to be conveyed.

  Further, when the trailing edge of the four-color toner image has passed through the intermediate transfer belt cleaner 5, the intermediate transfer blade is pressed into contact, and the remaining toner is scraped off from the intermediate transfer belt 2. The sheet on which the toner image has been transferred by the secondary transfer roller 12 is fixed by the fixing roller 13 and is discharged from the paper discharge roller 14.

  An image density detection sensor 18 is attached in the vicinity of the intermediate transfer belt 2. The image density detection sensor 18 irradiates the intermediate transfer belt surface with LED light, detects the reflected light, measures the toner concealment rate on the intermediate transfer belt surface, and detects it as the toner density on the intermediate transfer belt. .

  The image forming apparatus is provided with a sensor SE that detects opening and closing of a cover for toner cartridge replacement.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory substrate mounted on a toner cartridge which is a consumable and a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body.

  Memory substrates 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K are mounted on the toner cartridges 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), respectively. Yes. Each of the memory substrates 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K has a contact. Electrical contact is established by contacting these contacts with the mechanical contact 25 on the main body side. As the rotator sequentially rotates in the direction of the arrow “A”, the memory substrates of the respective colors are connected to the main body in the order of Y, M, C, and K colors.

  The mechanical contact 25 is connected to the memory 22 of the main body via the CPU 21 of the main body control unit 201.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the control unit on the main body side of the image forming apparatus performs communication with the memory substrate of the toner cartridge through the contact.

  The memory substrates 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K of the toner cartridges 15Y, 15M, 15C, and 15K include nonvolatile memories 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K, CPUs 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K that control the memories, and a reset circuit, respectively. 43Y, 43M, 43C, and 43K are attached.

  Note that a one-chip CPU with a built-in memory may be mounted on the memory substrate.

  The contacts 47Y, 47M, 47C, 47K of the memory boards 31Y, 31M, 31C, 31K mounted on the toner cartridge are connected to the main body control unit 20 via the main body contacts.

  The main body control unit 20 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22 and communicates serially with the memory substrates 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K for the connected toners.

  The main body and each color toner cartridge are connected in order by rotating the rotating body and connecting the main body side contact and the contact of each color toner cartridge one by one.

  The memory boards 31Y, 31M, 31C, and 31K include information on the toner capacity of each toner cartridge, information on the remaining amount of consumables, a specific development output value for outputting an image, a development bias peak voltage adjustment value, and a development bias output characteristic value. Specific information such as a laser light quantity value, a toner consumption rate calculation parameter, and toner adhesion amount characteristic data is recorded.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the appearance of the contacts on the memory substrate of the toner cartridge.

  The contact 47 includes a GND contact 53, a power contact 52, and a serial signal contact 51. Each contact is connected to a signal line for transmitting and receiving power and signals.

  In the present embodiment, an example of 1Wire in which serial signal transmission / reception is performed using one signal line is shown, but a contact may be provided for each of the transmission signal and the reception signal.

  The GND contact 53 is configured to be longer in the rotation direction of the toner cartridge than the other contacts so as to be connected earliest. The contact length is determined so that the power contact 52 is connected next to the GND contact 53 and the signal contact 51 is connected last.

  Although not shown, the apparatus may be configured to connect in the order of GND, power supply, and signal by changing the length of the contact on the main body side.

  5 and 6 are views showing a state in which the main body side contact is connected to and separated from the contact of the memory substrate of the toner cartridge.

  FIG. 5 shows a state where the main body contacts are connected, and FIG. 6 shows a state where the main body contacts are separated.

  The rotating body is provided with slits 61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K corresponding to the respective colors and a position detection sensor 65 for detecting the slits in order to stop the rotating body at a predetermined position. The position detection sensor 65 is connected to the CPU 21 of the control unit 20.

  When the rotating body is rotating, when the contact of the memory board is in a position not connected to the main body side contact, the main body side contact needs to be separated from the rotating body in order to protect the contact. For this reason, a pressure contact / separation member 67 is provided on the main body side contact 25.

  When the rotating body rotates and comes to a position where the main body side contact 25 and the contact of the memory board are connected (FIG. 5), the position detection sensor 65 detects the slit 61 and stops the rotation of the rotating body. A groove (main body contact connection / separation groove) 63 for connecting the main body side contact 25 to the memory substrate contact 31 is provided in the rotating body, and when the rotation of the rotating body stops, the press contact / separation member 67 Enter groove 63. As a result, the main body side contact 25 is connected to the memory substrate contact 31.

  When the rotating body rotates and comes to a position where the main body side contact 25 and the contact of the memory board are separated (FIG. 6), the engagement state between the pressure contact / separation member 67 and the groove 63 is canceled, Move away from the rotating body.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit for performing ON / OFF control of power supply to a memory board mounted with each color toner cartridge.

  Referring to the drawing, the circuit includes a pulse motor driver IC 71, a differentiation circuit 73, an integration circuit 75, and a transistor TR2. These members may be provided on the control board 20 or may be provided separately from the control board 20.

  The image forming apparatus is provided with a pulse motor that rotates a rotating body on which each color toner cartridge is mounted. The phase output of the driver IC 71 that drives the pulse motor is input to the differentiation circuit 73. While the rotating body is rotating, the phase output of the driver IC 71 is input to the differentiation circuit 73, the output pulse is input to the transistor TR1, and the transistor TR1 is turned on / off. Along with this, the capacitor C1 is charged.

  When the level of the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor C1 rises to 5V (in this embodiment, 5V is taken as an example of the power supply voltage, other power supply voltages such as 3.3V may be used), the transistor TR2 is turned off, The power supply to the memory substrate 31 is turned off.

  When the rotating body is stopped, the phase output of the driver IC is not output, and the output pulse of the differentiation circuit 73 is not generated. For this reason, the transistor TR1 remains off, and the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor C1 becomes 0 V when a predetermined time elapses after stopping. At this time, the transistor TR2 is turned on, and power is supplied to the memory substrate 31 via the main body contact.

  Of course, when the main body contact and the contact of the memory substrate 31 are separated from each other, power is not supplied to the memory substrate 31.

  FIG. 8 shows the rotation / stop of the rotating body on which each color toner cartridge is mounted, ON / OFF of communication between the main body and the memory, the voltage level of the capacitor C1 of the above circuit, and ON / OFF of the power supply to the memory. It is a timing chart.

  As shown in (A), when the main body is in a standby state, the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor C1 is 0 V, and power is supplied to the main body contacts. However, in the standby state, the rotating body is retracted to a position where the main body contact and the memory board contact are not connected, so that power is not supplied to the memory board via the main body contact. .

  When the cover for the toner cartridge is opened and closed, the rotating body moves to a predetermined predetermined initial position as shown in FIG. At that time, the capacitor C1 is charged to 5V.

  Since the main body and the memory board contact each other after a predetermined time has elapsed after the rotating body has moved to the initial position, the C-color toner cartridge in which the main body contact and the memory board contact are connected as shown in FIG. The rotating body moves to the communication position. Also at this time, the capacitor C1 is charged to 5V.

  When the movement is completed and the rotation of the rotating body stops as shown in (D), the capacitor C1 starts discharging. When the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor C1 becomes a predetermined level or less, as shown in (E), the power supply to the memory board is started, and the communication between the main body and the memory is started.

  The time until the capacitor C1 starts discharging, the voltage between the terminals becomes lower than a predetermined level, and the power supply to the memory substrate is turned on is sufficient for the vibration to converge after the rotating body stops. Thus, the time constant is determined, and the constants of the capacitor C1 and the resistor R2 in the circuit of FIG. 7 are adjusted.

  After the vibration of the rotating body has converged and stopped, power is supplied to the memory board and communication is started. The stop state is a state in which the vibration converges, the main body contact and the memory board contact are connected, the contact is not separated by the vibration, and the voltage does not fluctuate at the contact portion even when a voltage is applied to the contact. .

  When the communication is completed, the rotating body communicates with the main body and the memory mounted on the toner cartridge of the next color (K color), so as shown in FIG. Move to the communication position of the (K color) toner cartridge. At this time, the capacitor C1 is charged, and the power supply is turned off when the voltage between the terminals becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined level. The time from when the capacitor C1 starts to charge until the voltage between the terminals exceeds a predetermined level and the power supply is turned off is determined as follows.

  That is, since the communication is completed and the rotating body moves to the next communication position, the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor C1 exceeds a predetermined level before the main body contact and the memory substrate contact are separated after the rotation is started. Therefore, it is necessary to turn off the power supply. For this purpose, the time constant is determined, and the constants of the capacitor C1 and the resistor R1 in FIG. 7 are adjusted.

  Thereby, the power supply is turned off before the contact is separated. Hereinafter, the Y color and M color toner cartridges are configured to perform communication by turning ON / OFF the power supply in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the image forming apparatus.

  In step S101, an output of a sensor SE that detects opening / closing of a cover for toner cartridge replacement is detected. When the cover of the toner cartridge is closed (NO in S101), in step S103, the C color toner cartridge is moved to a C color cartridge communication position where communication with the main body is possible. In the meantime, the capacitor C1 of the circuit of FIG. 7 is charged.

  The movement of the rotating body is completed, and the capacitor C1 starts discharging in step S105. When the capacitor C1 reaches a predetermined voltage level, the vibration of the rotating body converges, and the rotating body and the cartridge are completely stopped. Here, power supply to the memory substrate is started.

  In step S107, communication is started, and the image forming apparatus main body acquires unique data of the C color cartridge. In step S109, communication ends. Next, in order to communicate with the memory of the K color cartridge, movement of the rotating body to the K color cartridge communication position is started, and the capacitor C1 is charged.

  In step S111, before the contact is separated, the terminal voltage of the capacitor C1 becomes a predetermined level or more, and the power supply is turned off.

  Thereafter, similar operations are performed for K color, Y color, and M color in steps S121, S123, and S125.

  Such processing can reduce the possibility of memory destruction due to hot-swap.

  [Second Embodiment]

  In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the motor that rotates the rotating body is a DC brushless motor. Further, the method of supplying power to the memory substrate mounted with each color cartridge is different from that of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. Other than that, the configuration is the same as that of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a circuit for turning ON / OFF the power supply to the memory substrate mounted with each color toner cartridge.

  The image forming apparatus is provided with a DC brushless motor that rotates a rotating body on which each color toner cartridge is mounted. The FG output of the driver IC 81 that drives the DC brushless motor is input to the differentiation circuit 73. While the rotator is rotating, the phase output of the driver IC 81 is input to the differentiation circuit 73, the output pulse is input to the transistor TR1, and the transistor TR1 is turned on / off. Along with this, the capacitor C1 is charged.

  When the level of the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor C1 rises to 5V (in this embodiment, 5V is taken as an example of the power supply voltage, other power supply voltages such as 3.3V may be used), the transistor TR2 is turned off, The power supply to the memory substrate 31 is turned off.

  When the rotating body is stopped, the FG output of the driver IC is not output, and the output pulse of the differentiation circuit 73 is not generated. For this reason, the transistor TR1 remains OFF, and the voltage across the terminals of the capacitor C1 becomes 0V. At this time, the transistor TR2 is turned on, and power is supplied to the memory substrate 31 via the main body contact.

  Of course, when the main body contact and the contact of the memory substrate 31 are separated from each other, power is not supplied to the memory substrate 31.

  The timing chart and flowchart in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

  Since the timing chart and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, this embodiment also has an effect that memory destruction due to hot-swapping can be reduced.

  [Third Embodiment]

  In the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the motor that rotates the rotating body may be a pulse motor or a DC brushless motor. In addition, the method of supplying power to the memory substrate mounted with each color cartridge is different from that of the image forming apparatus in the first and second embodiments. Other than that, the configuration is the same as that of the image forming apparatus according to the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a circuit for turning ON / OFF the power supply to the memory substrate mounted with each color toner cartridge.

  A drive current of the motor M that rotates the rotating body on which each color toner cartridge is mounted is input to the current detection circuit 91. While the rotating body is rotating, the transistor TR1 is turned on by the output of the current detection circuit 91 to charge the capacitor C1.

  When the level of the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor C1 rises to 5V (in this embodiment, 5V is taken as an example of the power supply voltage, other power supply voltages such as 3.3V may be used), the transistor TR2 is turned off, The power supply to the memory substrate 31 is turned off.

  When the rotating body is stopped, the output of the current detection circuit 91 is lost, the transistor TR1 remains OFF, and the voltage across the capacitor C1 is 0V. At this time, the transistor TR2 is turned on, and power is supplied to the memory substrate 31 via the main body contact.

  Of course, when the main body contact and the contact of the memory substrate 31 are separated from each other, power is not supplied to the memory substrate 31.

  The timing chart and flowchart in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

  Since the timing chart and the like are the same as those in the first embodiment, this embodiment also has an effect that memory destruction due to hot-swapping can be reduced.

  [Fourth Embodiment]

  In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the soft control method is adopted for the I / F connection of the memory substrate 31.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing signal lines for connecting the control board of the image forming apparatus main body to the memory board of the toner cartridge (TC).

  Four lines of two communication lines (TXD / RXD), a power supply signal line, and a GND line are connected to the memory substrate 31 of the toner cartridge. The communication line (TXD / RXD) signal and the power supply signal are output from the CPU 95 on the control board 20 of the image forming apparatus main body. Here, the signal is directly output from the CPU 95, but a communication circuit and a power signal output circuit may be provided as external circuits around the CPU, and the signal may be output therefrom. Further, here, the communication lines are two lines, TXD and RXD, but TXD and RXD may be one communication line.

  The communication line (TXD / RXD) and the power source are controlled by a control program for the image forming apparatus executed in the CPU 95.

  When reading and writing control to the memory of the toner cartridge is started by the control program, the developing rotating device (developing rack) in which the four color toner cartridges are mounted is rotated. The developing rack motor is rotated until the contact point of the memory substrate of each toner cartridge comes into contact with the communication contact point of the image forming apparatus main body.

  Immediately after the development rack motor is stopped, the contacts are brought into and out of contact with each other due to vibration of the development rack motor. Therefore, if the power supply signal of the memory substrate of the toner cartridge is turned ON, the memory may be destroyed due to hot plugging / unplugging. There is.

  In order to prevent this, after waiting for a time for the vibration of the developing rack motor to reliably converge, the power signal is turned on to start communication with the memory of the toner cartridge. When the communication is completed, the power signal is turned off, the developing rack motor is rotated, and the developing rack is moved to a position where the contact of the memory substrate of the next toner cartridge comes into contact.

  FIG. 13 is a time chart showing a motor pulse signal for rotating the developing rack to the contact point of the memory substrate of the next toner cartridge, a power supply signal to the memory substrate of the toner cartridge, and a communication signal.

  Referring to FIG. 13, first, the developing rack is rotated until the contact point of the memory substrate of the next toner cartridge comes. In order to rotate the developing rack motor, the developing rack motor pulse is raised from 250 pps to 600 pps. Thereafter, the motor is stopped by falling to 250 pps. During this period, a predetermined pulse (600 pulses in this example) is output.

  After that, it waits for 250 ms WAIT (standby) until the vibration of the developing rack completely converges. This time is determined in consideration of the rack vibration time measured in advance and component variations.

  After absorbing the developing rack vibration, the power signal to the memory substrate of the toner cartridge is turned ON. Data transmission (TXD) from the image forming apparatus main body CPU and data reception (RXD) from the memory substrate of the toner cartridge are performed, and the power signal to the memory substrate of the toner cartridge is turned off after the communication is completed.

  After the power supply signal to the memory substrate of the toner cartridge is turned off, the rotation and communication of the next toner cartridge to the memory substrate are performed in the same manner. If the development rack rotation and communication are completed in the order of YMCK, the process ends.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the rotation of the developing rack and the communication process.

  Referring to the drawing, the developing rack is rotated until the next memory contact is reached in step S201. In step S203, the process waits until the time for the rack vibration to converge has elapsed.

  In step S205, the power signal is turned on, and in step S207, communication is performed with the memory substrate of the toner cartridge. In step S209, the power signal is turned off.

  In step S211, it is determined whether the processing for four colors has been completed. If NO, the process returns to step S201. If YES, the present routine is terminated.

  In this example, communication is performed in the order of data transmission from the CPU of the image forming apparatus main body and then data reception from the memory substrate of the toner cartridge. However, writing and reading of the memory of the toner cartridge are performed. If necessary, communication may be performed in the order of data reception from the memory substrate of the toner cartridge and data transmission. Further, only data reception from the memory substrate of the toner cartridge or data transmission may be performed. The contents and amount of data communication vary according to necessity.

  When a communication error occurs in the memory of the toner cartridge, recommunication may be performed, or the same data communication may be performed after the developing rack is rotated again.

  Communication between the main body and the memory of the toner cartridge is executed in the following case.

  -The development rack rotates when the image forming apparatus is turned on. Through communication between the main body and the memory substrate of each toner cartridge, the toner cartridge color, capacity, ID specific to the toner cartridge, destination, number-of-printing counters, toner consumption counter, image forming condition parameters, and the like are read into the main body. When a communication error occurs, a notification is made that the toner cartridge is not installed.

  -After executing image stabilization, write the imaging condition parameters to the memory.

  ・ Writing the number of printed sheets counter and toner consumption counter to the memory during printing or after printing is completed.

  -When a failure occurs in the JAM or the image forming apparatus, the error or failure occurrence state is written in the memory.

  [Effects of the embodiment]

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a memory in each of the replaceable toner cartridges for four colors. As the rotating body on which the toner cartridge is mounted rotates, the memory of each color toner cartridge sequentially contacts one contact, and communicates with the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  Memory can be destroyed by hot plugging. Therefore, by providing a switch for turning on / off the power supply to the memory according to the rotation of the rotating body on which the toner cartridge is mounted, the possibility of destruction due to hot insertion / removal of the memory can be reduced.

  That is, the configuration is such that the power supply is turned on after the rotating body has completely stopped waiting for the vibration to converge, and the power supply is turned off before the main body contact and the memory substrate contact are separated. As a result, the possibility of memory destruction due to hot-swapping can be reduced with a simple configuration without providing new contacts or the like.

  That is, it is possible to determine whether the rotating body on which the toner cartridge is mounted is rotating or stopped, to determine that the vibration has completely converged, and to turn on / off the power supply by an electric circuit or software. Therefore, the possibility of memory destruction due to hot-swapping can be reduced with a simple configuration.

  [Others]

  The present invention can be implemented for an image forming apparatus such as an MFP, a facsimile machine, and a copying machine.

  Further, the processing in the above-described embodiment may be performed by software or by using a hardware circuit.

  In addition, a program for executing the processing in the above-described embodiment can be provided, and the program is recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, and a memory card and provided to the user. You may decide to do it. The program may be downloaded to the apparatus via a communication line such as the Internet.

  In addition, it should be thought that the said embodiment is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a central cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a four-cycle image forming apparatus in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a memory board mounted on a toner cartridge that is a consumable and a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a control unit on the main body side of the image forming apparatus performs communication with a memory substrate of a toner cartridge via a contact. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a contact on a memory substrate of a toner cartridge. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a main body side contact is connected to a contact of a memory substrate of a toner cartridge. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a main body side contact is separated from a contact of a memory substrate of a toner cartridge. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a circuit that performs ON / OFF control of power supply to a memory substrate mounted with each color toner cartridge. 4 is a timing chart of rotation / stop of a rotating body on which each color toner cartridge is mounted, ON / OFF of communication between a main body and a memory, a voltage level of a capacitor C1, and ON / OFF of power supply to the memory. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a circuit for turning on / off power supply to a memory substrate mounted with toner cartridges for each color. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a circuit for turning on / off power supply to a memory substrate mounted with toner cartridges for each color. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit of a signal line that connects a control board of the image forming apparatus main body to a memory board of a toner cartridge. It is a figure which shows the time chart of the signal of the motor pulse for rotating a developing rack to the contact of the following TC memory board | substrate, the power supply signal to a TC memory board | substrate, and a communication signal. 6 is a flowchart showing rotation of a developing rack and communication processing.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 4 cycle color image forming apparatus 2 Intermediate transfer belt 3 Photoconductor 4 Developing device (rotating body)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 Primary transfer part 9 Exposure apparatus 10 Paper feed part 12 Secondary transfer part 13 Fixing part 14 Paper discharge roller 15 Toner cartridge 16 Charging device 20 Main body control part (control board)
21 CPU
22 Memory 25 Mechanical contact (Body side contact)
31Y, 31M, 31C, 31K Memory board 45Y, 45M, 45C, 45K Non-volatile memory 47Y, 47M, 47C, 47K Contact 51 Serial signal contact 52 Power supply contact 53 GND contact 61Y, 61M, 61C, 61K Slit 63Y, 63M, 63C, 63K Groove 65 Position detection sensor 67 Pressure contact / separation member 71 Pulse motor driver IC
73 Differentiation circuit 75 Integration circuit 81 DC brushless motor driver IC
91 Current detection circuit

Claims (11)

An image forming apparatus that includes a memory and forms an image for each color by moving toner cartridges corresponding to each of a plurality of colors,
Control means for controlling power supply to the memory of the toner cartridge;
Moving means for moving the toner cartridge;
A main body side contact that performs communication by contacting the contact of the memory as the toner cartridge moves.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a supply unit configured to supply power to the memory by the control unit when a time until the vibration converges after the movement of the toner cartridge by the moving unit is stopped. The toner cartridge is mounted on a rotating body and rotates.
A pulse motor for rotating the rotating body;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit determines that the pulse motor has stopped based on a phase output signal of the pulse motor, and supplies power after the vibration of the pulse motor has converged. . The supply means includes
A differentiation circuit for inputting the phase output signal of the pulse motor;
An integrating circuit for inputting the output of the differentiating circuit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the capacitor of the integration circuit is charged and discharge is started when the pulse motor is stopped. The toner cartridge is mounted on a rotating body and rotates.
A DC brushless motor for rotating the rotating body;
2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit determines that the DC brushless motor has stopped based on an output signal of the DC brushless motor, and supplies power after the vibration of the DC brushless motor converges. Forming equipment. The supply means includes
A differentiating circuit for inputting an output signal of the DC brushless motor;
An integrating circuit for inputting the output of the differentiating circuit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the capacitor of the integration circuit is charged and discharge is started when the DC brushless motor is stopped. The toner cartridge is mounted on a rotating body and rotates.
A motor for rotating the rotating body;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit determines that the motor has stopped based on a drive current of the motor, and supplies power after the vibration of the motor has converged. The supply means includes
A current detection circuit for inputting the drive current of the motor;
An integration circuit for inputting the output of the current detection circuit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a capacitor of the integration circuit is charged and discharge is started when the motor is stopped.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit includes an electric circuit that determines that the vibration has converged based on a discharge time of a capacitor. The toner cartridge is mounted on a rotating body and rotates.
A motor for rotating the rotating body;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit supplies power after a predetermined time has elapsed after stopping the motor. An image forming apparatus control method for forming an image for each color by moving a toner cartridge corresponding to each of a plurality of colors provided with a memory,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Control means for controlling power supply to the memory of the toner cartridge;
Along with the movement of the toner cartridge, a main body side contact that performs communication by contacting the contact of the memory,
A moving step for moving the toner cartridge;
A control method for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a supply step of supplying power to the memory by the control means when a time until the vibration converges after the movement of the toner cartridge by the moving step is stopped. A control program for an image forming apparatus that forms an image for each color by moving a toner cartridge corresponding to each of a plurality of colors, including a memory,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Control means for controlling power supply to the memory of the toner cartridge;
Along with the movement of the toner cartridge, a main body side contact that performs communication by contacting the contact of the memory,
A moving step for moving the toner cartridge;
Control of the image forming apparatus, which causes the computer to execute a supply step of supplying power to the memory by the control means when a time until the vibration converges after stopping the movement of the toner cartridge by the moving step program.

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