JP2003295703A - Image forming apparatus and replaceable unit having information storage means - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a procedure enabling the body of an image forming apparatus to be continuously used even when a trouble has occurred in the transmission of information by checking the abnormality of an information transmission route, judging the correctness of stored contents and correcting information by a replaceable unit (including a cartridge) provided with a memory. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus is provided with a storage means for backing up the contents of memories in a plurality of units and an information control means for comparing the contents of the storage means with the information of the memories of these units. The information control means is provided with a function for discriminating a communication state, a function for judging the trueness of information/correcting the information and a function for acting for the memory of a unit having a trouble in the storage of information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer or a copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 13 shows an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus as an example of a conventional image forming apparatus. Less than,
It will be described with reference to the drawings.

In this apparatus, there is an electrostatic transfer belt 16 which is suspended and run by an appropriate number of rollers, and inside and around the electrostatic transfer belt 16, a transfer charger 17, a suction roller 18 and a charge remover are provided. 19 and a separation charger 20. Of these chargers, the transfer roller 1 is a transfer charger.
A plurality of 7 are provided as a part of a plurality of image forming units described later.

An image carrier 10y, a primary charger 11y, an LED exposure device 26y serving as an image signal applying means for forming an electrostatic latent image, so as to be arranged opposite to the electrostatic transfer belt 16.
Developing device 12y for containing yellow toner, cleaning blade 13y as a cleaning means, and waste toner container 1
4y, the electrostatic transfer belt 1 facing the image carrier 10y.
There is a yellow image forming portion (having a y suffix) composed of a transfer roller 17y provided on the side opposite to the reference numeral 6. Similar to the yellow image forming unit, three images including an image carrier, a primary charger, an LED exposure device, a developing device for storing magenta toner, cyan toner, and black toner, a cleaning blade, a waste toner container, and a transfer roller. Forming portions (each having m, c, and k suffixes) are arranged in series with respect to the traveling direction of the electrostatic transfer belt 16.

The attraction roller 18 facing the electrostatic transfer belt 16 electrostatically attracts the transfer material 28 supplied by the paper feed roller 27 onto the electrostatic transfer belt 16 prior to image formation. In each image forming unit, as the transfer material 28 electrostatically attracted onto the electrostatic transfer belt 16 travels, a yellow toner image, a magenta toner image, a cyan toner image, and a black toner image are sequentially arranged at predetermined positions on the transfer material 28. Images are formed at the same timing so that they overlap. The formed toner images are transferred to the transfer roller 17 included in each image forming unit.
The transfer bias applied to (y, m, c, k) causes the transfer material 28 to be sequentially superimposed and transferred.

After the transfer, the transfer material 28 is separated by the separating charger 2.
The toner image is separated from the electrostatic transfer belt 16 by 0 and reaches the fixing device 9 where it is heated and pressed to melt and mix the toner image to form a color image, which is fixed and fixed on the transfer material 28 and then outside the machine. Is discharged. Toner and paper dust remaining on the electrostatic transfer belt 16 are removed by a cleaning brush 29, which is a cleaning means that is in contact with the electrostatic transfer belt 16, and the electrostatic transfer belt 16 is destaticized by a decharging charger 19. The next image forming operation is ready.

The present embodiment is a so-called tandem system, and is characterized by fast through-but in full-color image formation.

In the above-described image forming apparatus (especially full-color image forming apparatus), various functional units involved in image formation are consumable parts for improving maintainability.
Many can be replaced as semi-consumable parts. For example, the developing device 12, the photosensitive drum 10, the charging roller 11, the cleaning blade 13, the waste toner container 1
An image forming unit 7 (often referred to as a process cartridge) in which 4 is integrated for each color of toner is configured to be easily replaceable, and an electrostatic transfer belt 16 and a transfer roller 17 associated therewith and its driving parts In some cases, it may be possible to replace a part of the above as an intermediate transfer unit.

In order to manage the above replaceable units and keep the quality of the image formed properly, it is necessary to grasp the degree of wear of each unit and control the image forming conditions according to the situation. , It is necessary to give the user a message that estimates the life of the unit and prompts replacement. For example, there is a need for a system that detects a remaining amount of toner in a developing device or the amount of toner in a waste toner container with a sensor or the like so as not to exceed a certain level and gives a warning. Also, by estimating the wear level of the photosensitive layer of the image carrier, the surface layer of the intermediate transfer belt or the fixing roller, the life is estimated and a warning is given, and the charging bias, the transfer bias, etc. are adjusted according to these wear levels. In some cases, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image quality due to consumption by controlling.

In order to realize the above, means for calculating the degree of wear, means for controlling image forming conditions according to the calculated degree of wear, and means for storing the calculation result are required. In many cases, the consumption level estimation calculation is performed by defining the consumption level function specific to the main consumable component in the unit by using the integrated parameters such as the drive time of the unit, the bias application time, and the number of passed sheets as variables. This function is often a linear function of the integration parameter, but in general, the wear level function may be a non-linear function (for example, the constant that multiplies the integration parameter is changed according to the wear level). In some cases, it is necessary to record and save not only the degree of wear of, but also the integrated parameter and the function of wear. In order to optimize the control of the image forming conditions, in addition to the above-mentioned consumption level, variation of each lot at the time of manufacturing the component parts and change information for control according to the variation (for example, variation in sensitivity of the photosensitive member, In some cases, data such as a correction value of the charging bias for suppressing the variation), a unit identification code (hereinafter abbreviated as an ID code), a manufacturing date and time, etc. are required.

Considering that the unit is replaceable (detachable) as a premise, the above-mentioned consumption level and other data must be recorded and stored in association with each unit. If it is not recorded in association with the unit, for example, when the unit in use is used in another image forming apparatus, there is nothing but to return the consumption level of the unit to the initial value, and therefore the optimization control of the image forming conditions is performed. I can't. Therefore, a method has been proposed in which a nonvolatile memory is mounted on each unit, information unique to that unit is recorded, and information such as the degree of wear is updated each time.

[0012]

In the configuration as described above, information is frequently exchanged between the information storage means of each unit and the information control means of the main body before, during, or after the image forming operation. There is a need to do. Particularly in a full-color image forming apparatus, the amount of information increases as the number of units increases. Therefore, the following adverse effects may occur.

1. If the main body control device must be reset (or the main body power is once turned off) due to a paper jam or other trouble, the information read by the information control means may be erased. For this reason, it is necessary to re-acquire the management information from each unit, redo information processing (e.g., calculation of the degree of wear), and perform a large number of processes such as operation check at the time of restoration, which requires a lot of time. Similarly, it takes time to carry out the process of taking in / out the unit and replacing it, and therefore, it is desired to shorten the time at the time of restoration.

2. When communication failure such as noise occurs in the information transmission path between the information storage means of each unit and the information control means of the main body, is incorrect management information read into the information control means of the main body? Or, erroneous management information is supposed to be written in the information storage means of each unit. In this case, life estimation and bias control are performed based on the above erroneous information, which may lead to deterioration of image quality and stain of the main body. Since the units are supposed to be replaceable, there is some connection means (such as a connector) between the information storage means of each unit and the information control means of the main unit, and there is a possibility that information transmission failure will occur at this part. Is inevitable. Furthermore, the probability of such false information communication increases with the number of units. There is a demand for measures to check the presence or absence of abnormalities in information transmission paths and information storage functions and the usage status of units, as well as measures to determine whether information is correct or incorrect.

3. When an abnormality occurs in the information storage means or the information transmission path of any unit, a situation may occur in which the unit must be treated as a malfunction even though the unit itself is normal. Continued use is possible if the life cannot be estimated, but if various controls are performed according to the degree of wear, the entire image forming apparatus will stop functioning and the relevant unit will need to be replaced. In some cases, you may be forced to take measures such as forcing. Even if an abnormality occurs in the information storage means or the information transmission path, some measure is required to take the next best measure so that the unit can be continuously used.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of coping with the above adverse effects and a replaceable unit thereof.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an information storage means in which a part or all of replaceable units forming an image forming apparatus can store information unique to the unit. An information control unit that is provided for each unit and that processes and updates information stored in the information storage unit, and an image formation control unit that controls image formation based on the information stored in the information storage unit The image forming apparatus having the image forming apparatus (1), which has a control information storage unit for backing up control information necessary for image formation and management of each unit, or
In the information control means of the above (1), the information about an arbitrary unit stored in the control information storage means is compared with the information in the information storage means of that unit, and the control information storage means and the information storage means of the unit are compared. An image forming apparatus (2) characterized by having a comparison / discrimination function for confirming whether or not there is an abnormality in an information transmission path, an information storage function and a usage status of the unit, or the information control means of the above (1), Information about an arbitrary unit stored in the control information storage means and information in the information storage means of the unit are compared to determine whether the information in the control information storage means and the information storage means in the unit is correct or erroneous. In the image forming apparatus (3) characterized by having a comparison / correction function to perform, or in the above (2) to (3), the information control means inputs information to the information storage means. Management information of a unit having a defective power function is duplicated by setting a storage area for storing the information of the unit in the control information storage means, and has a proxy recording function of acting as a proxy for the information storage means of the unit. A characteristic image forming apparatus (4).

In the above (2) to (4), an image forming apparatus (5) characterized by using an information storage means of an arbitrary unit as the control information storage means and a replaceable unit (5) having the information storage means. ').

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of a color image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The basic configuration of the color image forming apparatus of the first embodiment is the same as that of the conventional apparatus shown in FIG. Therefore, the common configurations are all denoted by the reference numerals shown in FIG. 13 of the conventional example, and the detailed description of the image forming process is omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for those having substantially the same form and function, and when distinction is required, suffixes are added in English letters. For example, regarding the image forming unit 7 and its constituent elements in FIG. 1, suffices such as y (yellow), m (magenta), c (cyan), and k (black) depending on the color type of the toner contained therein. For those associated with the transfer belt unit 8 and the fixing unit 9, suffixes such as t and f are attached.

As shown in FIG. 1, the control system of the present embodiment is based on the information control circuit 1 which is the information control means connected to the information storage means 4 of each unit and the information processed by the information control circuit 1. Main body control circuit 2 as image forming control means for controlling image forming conditions of each unit, and a non-volatile memory as control information storing means for backing up control information necessary for image forming and management of each unit (hereinafter referred to as control information). Memory 3). The control information memory 3 stores management information necessary for image formation unique to each unit and an ID code (hereinafter referred to as backup data) in a storage area assigned to each unit. The main body control circuit 2 is connected to a high-voltage power source 5 that supplies various biases to each unit, and a drive motor 6 that drives each unit, and controls energization time and drive time while controlling these (in the figure, The dashed arrow indicates the drive transmission path).
In addition, the main body control circuit 2 is connected to various detection mechanisms not shown (for example, a temperature adjustment mechanism of the fixing unit 9, a toner-free detection mechanism of the image forming unit 7, a waste toner full detection mechanism, etc.), and the entire main body. We are confirming the situation.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming unit 7 of this embodiment. The image forming unit includes a photosensitive drum 10 as an image carrier, a charging roller 11 as a primary charger,
A developing device 12 containing toner, a cleaning blade 13 as a cleaning means, and a waste toner container 14 are integrally configured for each color so that a charge and a developing bias necessary for driving and forming a toner image can be applied from the outside. Therefore, each color can be easily attached and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. On the back of the waste toner container of the image forming unit 7,
As shown in FIG. 3, the non-volatile memory 4 which is the information storage means of the image forming unit 7 and the connector 15 are installed, and the connector 15 is fitted to the connector (not shown) on the main body side when the main body is mounted, Through this, information communication is performed with the information control circuit 1 of the main body.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transfer belt unit 8 of this embodiment. The electrostatic transfer belt 16, the transfer roller 17 serving as a transfer charger, the attraction charger 18, the charge eliminating charger 1 are shown in FIG.
9, a separation charging device 20, a driving roller 21, a tension roller 22 and the like are integrally formed, and a driving and transfer bias and a bias for attracting, discharging and separating paper are externally applied. . As shown in FIG. 5, on the side surface of the transfer belt unit 8, a non-volatile memory 4t which is an information storage means of the transfer belt unit 8 and a connector 15t are installed.
Similarly, when the main body is mounted, it is fitted with a connector (not shown) on the main body side to perform information communication with the information control circuit 1 of the main body.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the fixing unit 9 of the present embodiment.
4, 25 and a driving system are integrally formed, and a fixing bias for driving and improving the image quality is externally applied. As shown in FIG. 7, on the lower surface of the fixing unit, a non-volatile memory 4f and a connector 15f, which are information storage means of the fixing unit 9, are installed. Information control circuit 1 of the main body by fitting with the connector (not shown)
To communicate with.

Details of the information processing of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, when the power is turned on, the operation check of the main body and each unit is automatically performed.

First, the start-up sequence until the image forming standby state is described with reference to FIG.

Step 1 First, in order to know the presence or absence of a unit and the usage status, the information control circuit 1 of the main body uses the ID code and wear level information (wear level, integration parameter, wear level function, etc.) of each unit and any abnormality / warning. The detection information is stored in the information storage means of each unit (hereinafter,
The data is collected from a unit memory (abbreviated as unit memory) 4 (which will be described later, if a proxy storage area is set in the control information memory 3, it is collected from that area). The data stored in each unit memory 4 is information that is not directly related to the above data and image formation (for example, manufacturing date, lot number of component, etc.). The consumption level information collected at this time may be a part necessary for collation, not all. A unit with abnormality / warning detection information will display a warning at that point and stop the main unit. The warning method can be recognized by the user through a display provided on the main body, an LED lighting device, a computer connected by external communication means, or the like.

In Step 2 Step 1, it is determined whether or not the communication with the unit memory 4 (or the proxy storage area) of each unit was possible. If communication is possible, the process proceeds to Step 3, and if there is a unit that cannot communicate, the process proceeds to Step 5 (including the case where no unit is mounted).

Step 3 When the ID code and the wear level information can be collected for the time being in a communication-enabled state, the information control circuit 1 compares the information content with the backup data for each unit stored in the control information memory 3. By collating, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the communication status of each unit. If it is suspected that there is a problem in the communication content, Step 4, if it is suspected that there is a problem in the hardware such as the communication path or the unit memory 4, Step 5, and if the data completely match, St
Proceed to ep7. Details will be described later.

Step 4 If it is suspected that there is a problem with the communication content, the usage status is estimated by comparing the ID code with the wear level information in detail, and if it is estimated that erroneous information storage has occurred, this should be corrected. Update / correct with information that seems to be correct. When it is determined that there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to Step 7, and when the information is updated / corrected, the process proceeds to Step 6. Details will be described later.

If it is suspected that there is a problem in the hardware such as the communication path of Step 5 or the unit memory 4, a substitute storage area is set in the control information memory 3 and the corresponding unit memory 4 is substituted. If the ID code of the unit cannot be automatically authenticated, the main body must be stopped, but the second best method is to provide a method that allows the user to manually authenticate the unit offline. After the above procedure is completed, the process proceeds to Step 6. Detail is,
It will be described later.

Step 6 After the above process, the main body control circuit 2 starts checking the operation of each unit. Specifically, the energization of the fixing unit 9 and the temperature adjustment mechanism are checked, the driving of each image forming unit 7 and the transfer belt unit 8 and the energization check of various biases are performed, and the specific shape and density of the transfer belt 16 are checked. A small image is actually formed and density adjustment, registration adjustment, etc. are executed. When checking the energization of various biases, the applied bias is changed in several steps and the current,
The optimum bias value is automatically adjusted with reference to the voltage or density information such as the formed image. In parallel with the above-mentioned operation check, the main body control circuit 2 counts integrated parameters such as driving time of each unit and various bias application times. Further, the remaining amount of toner and the amount of waste toner collected in each image forming unit 7 are checked (detection of no toner, detection of full waste toner, etc.). As a matter of course, when it is detected that the drive system or the electric system is abnormal or the amount of remaining toner exceeds the specified value, the main body control circuit 2 sends abnormal / warning detection information to the information control circuit 1 to issue a warning.

Step 7 If there is no abnormality in the collation result, that is, if there is no change in the condition used last time, it is assumed that there is no big change in the image forming condition, and the operation is performed in the minimum necessary omission mode in order to shorten the startup time. Check. For example, the bias adjustment time is shortened by using the previous optimum bias value as it is, or by reducing the number of steps for changing the previous optimum bias value as a reference. This may be omitted if there is no previous abnormality in the toner-free detection or the waste toner full detection. Similarly to the above, the main body control circuit 2 counts the cumulative parameters such as driving time of each unit and various bias application times in parallel. The procedure when an abnormality is detected is the same as in Step 6.

Step 8 After the operation check of Step 6 or Step 7 is completed, the main body control circuit 2 sends the integrated parameters such as the drive time of each unit and various bias application times, which have been counted, to the information control circuit 1, and the information control circuit 1 Calculates the consumption level of each unit anew from the consumption level information previously collected and the integrated parameters.

Step 9 The calculated wear level is a preset value (this preset value may be stored in the information control means 1 or in each unit memory 4 and collected from there). ) Is exceeded, a warning such as "unit life" or "unit replacement" is issued.

Step 10 Subsequently, the information control circuit 1 is irrespective of whether there is an abnormality or a life,
The management information (= backup data) necessary for image formation, such as the consumption level information of each unit, abnormality / warning detection information, and various bias values optimized in the operation check, stored in the control information memory 3 is updated. Further, for each unit, the consumption level information and the abnormality / warning detection information having the same contents as the backup data are sent to each unit memory 4 and updated. After the above information is updated, it becomes a standby state.

Details of Step 3 and Step 4 will be described in detail with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

Step 3-1 First, the information control circuit 1 compares the backup data of the control information memory 3 with the data collected in Step 1.
The data to be collated is the ID code of each unit and the wear level (or part of the wear level information). When the data completely match, the process proceeds to Step 7. Communication was made, but I
If either or both of the D code and the extinction degree do not match, the process proceeds to Step 3-2.

When one or both of the ID code and the degree of wear do not match, various factors are conceivable, but when roughly classified, it is considered to be one of the following cases. A) Hardware failure such as information communication path or unit memory 4. B) A temporary abnormality occurred in communication during the process of reading information, and incorrect information was transmitted and stored. C) Replaced unit with another. Alternatively, the unit was once detached from the device, used on another same-type machine, and then attached again (hereinafter, referred to as take-out use).

Step 3-2 In order to separate the case A) above, the information control circuit 1 writes an abnormality confirmation signal (hereinafter abbreviated as confirmation flag) in the corresponding unit memory 4. The confirmation flag stored in the unit memory 4 is normally always in the OFF state (bit
"0"), but this is ON (bit "1")
Write so that

Step 3-3 Read the written confirmation flag. When the confirmation flag is read, the ID code and the degree of wear are recollected at the same time.

Step 3-4 Determine whether the confirmation flag is ON or OFF. When it is ON, it is determined that the writing / reading function is normal, and it is determined that the cases B) and C) have occurred at the time of the first information collection,
Proceed to Step 4. If it is OFF, a hardware failure occurs and it is determined that the state is "writable", and Step 5
Proceed to.

In Step 4, it is determined that there is no hardware failure and the information is erroneous in the course of information transmission or the stored information itself is incorrect, and the correctness / incorrectness determination and correction of the information are performed.

Step 4-1 First, the ID code read in Step 3-3 is collated again with the backup data in the control information memory 3. If they do not match again, it is considered that the unit has been replaced, and the process proceeds to Step 4-6. If they match, Step4
-2.

Step4-2 As in Step4-1, the consumption level read in Step3-3 is checked again with the backup data in the control information memory 3. If they match, the process proceeds to Step 4-3, and if they do not match again, the process proceeds to Step 4-4.

Step 4-3 Although the failure of the above-mentioned B) has occurred, it is judged that the failure is irregular and the communication abnormality is solved, and after returning the confirmation flag of the unit memory 4 to OFF, the operation proceeds to Step 7. .

Step 4-4 It is judged whether the consumption level read in Step 3-3 is ahead of or behind the backup data of the control information memory 3. If there is a delay, it is determined that there is an error in the information in the corresponding unit memory 4, and the process proceeds to Step 4-5. If it has proceeded, it is considered that the unit has been taken out and used, and the process proceeds to Step 4-6.

The above determination is not necessarily deterministic. In the case of a delay, there is a possibility that the backup data in the control information memory 3 rather than the corresponding unit memory 4 may have an error. In the case of progressing, there is a possibility that erroneous information was memorized as if the degree of wear happened to have progressed, and it cannot necessarily be limited that it was taken out and used. However, the above determination was made for the following reasons.

1) Writing information to the unit memory 4 /
For reading, since the communication path is long and the connector 15 is present, noise is likely to occur and there is a high possibility that erroneous information will be transmitted. In addition, since the unit is removable, the unit memory 4 is susceptible to physical shock, electrostatic discharge noise, and the like. On the other hand, the control information memory 3 is considerably unlikely to be damaged by the above-mentioned obstacles, and the reliability of the information is high.

2) If the wear level information is behind the actual wear level, no warning is given even if the unit life is exceeded,
It may cause deterioration of image quality and stain of the main body. When the wear level information is ahead of the actual wear level, the life warning is given at an early stage, but it is unlikely to cause deterioration of image quality or stain of the main body. If the former or the latter cannot be determined, it is safer to determine the latter.

Step 4-5 Based on the judgment in Step 4-3, the corresponding unit memory 4
Information is corrected as backup data in the control information memory 3. At this time, the confirmation flag is also rewritten from ON to OFF. In order to check if there is any abnormality in the unit itself, the operation check of the next stage is the normal mode (Step 6)
Proceed to.

Step 4-6 From Step 4-1 and Step 4-3, it is judged that the history of the unit has changed, the backup data of the control information memory 3 is updated with the information of the corresponding unit memory 4, and the confirmation flag is also turned ON. From OFF to OFF. At this time, when the information of the corresponding unit is stored by the control information memory 3 by the proxy storage procedure of Step 5, the proxy storage procedure is reset (the data acquisition source is returned from the proxy storage area to the unit memory 4). Information). Since the history of the unit has changed, the operation check at the next stage proceeds to the normal mode (Step 6).

The details of Step 5 will be described in detail with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

At this stage, it is judged that the unit concerned is incommunicable or communicable but the unit memory 4 is not writable. It is confirmed whether the unit is continuously used or whether the wear level information is available, and a proxy storage area is set in the control information memory 3 to proxy the corresponding unit memory 4.

Step 5-1 First, in order to confirm whether or not the unit is continuously used, the ID code collected in Step 1 or recollected in Step 3 is collated again with the backup data in the control information memory 3. Of course, if the communication is determined to be impossible in Step 2, the unit cannot be collated. If the ID codes match, it is confirmed that the continuous use of the unit is confirmed, and the process proceeds to Step 5-2.
Go to 5-8.

Step 5-2 The proxy storage area of the corresponding unit is set in the storage area of the control information memory 3.

Step 5-3 Whether or not the information in the unit memory 4 is the latest reliable information is discriminated by collating it with the consumption level information in the control information memory 3. If they match, the process proceeds to Step 5-4, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to Step 5-5.

Step 5-4 At this stage, it is judged that the contents stored in the unit memory 4 are the latest reliable information, and all the information in the unit memory 4 is copied to the proxy storage area provided in Step 5-2.

Step 5-5: It is judged whether the wear level information of the unit memory 4 is ahead of or behind the backup data of the control information memory 3. If it is late, it is determined that there is an error in the information in the corresponding unit memory 4, and the process proceeds to Step 5-6.
If it has proceeded, it is considered that the unit has been taken out and used, and the process proceeds to Step 5-4. The above judgment is Step4
-4, but not necessarily deterministic, but Step
It discriminate | determined by the same criterion as 4-4.

Step 5-6 At this stage, it is judged from the information in the unit memory 4 that the contents stored in the control information memory 3 are reliable information,
All the information in the unit memory 4 is copied to the alternate storage area provided in Step 5-2, and the backup data stored in the control information memory 3 is corrected. Step5-
In the case of the data passing through 10, only the backup data stored in the control information memory 3 is copied.

Step 5-7 The information control circuit 1 collects information in Step 1 and Step 3-1, and writes the confirmation flag in Step 3-2.
The acquisition source of the wear level information of the corresponding unit and the writing destination of the confirmation flag are changed to the proxy storage area of the corresponding unit. Further, it displays that the corresponding unit has a communication failure, and announces that it is assumed that the unit will continue to be used in the future (using the alternative unit disables the unit). After this, the process proceeds to Step 6.

Step 5-8 Units that cannot be communicated or whose continuous use cannot be confirmed are
As a matter of course, since the history is unknown, we cannot recommend its use. Therefore, the corresponding unit is displayed as "unit communication error" and a warning display prompting confirmation of the mounting state of the unit is displayed. If the unit is not installed or the connector 15 is not fitted enough, it can be restored by re-installing the unit, but if the communication path with the unit memory 4 or the reading function of the unit memory 4 itself is compromised. Is basically disabled.

However, if the corresponding unit is a unit in which backup data remains in the control information memory 3 (if it is a unit that is continuously used), it can be used if the ID code can be confirmed by some method. In the present embodiment, as the next best measure, assuming that the ID code of the unit can be confirmed in the form of a label or a stamp on the unit itself in addition to the electronic information of the unit memory 4, the ID code of the unit is displayed. I prepared a method to have the user collate.

Step 5-9 When the user asks the ID code of the corresponding unit displayed at Step 5-8, "Do the ID codes match? → Ye
Authentication is performed by answering the question "S, No". If Yes, go to Step 5-10. In the case of No, unfortunately normal unit management cannot be expected, so a warning display prompting replacement of the unit is displayed and the main body is stopped.

Step 5-10 The proxy storage area of the corresponding unit is set in the storage area of the control information memory 3, and the process proceeds to Step 5-6.

Next, details of information processing from the standby state to the completion of image formation and the return to the standby state will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

Stepll When the image forming signal is received, the image forming operation is started.

Step 12 During the image forming operation, the main body control circuit 2 counts integrated parameters such as the drive time of each unit and various bias application times as in the case of the above-mentioned operation check.

Step 13 As in the case of Step 8 described above, the main body control circuit 2 sends to the information control circuit 1 integrated parameters such as the drive time of each unit and various bias application times which have been counted, and the information control circuit 1 collects them first. The consumption level of each unit is newly calculated from the consumption level information and the integrated parameter.

Step 14 Similar to Step 9 described above, when the calculated wear level exceeds a preset specified value, a warning such as "unit life" or "unit replacement" is issued.

Step 15 As in the case of the above-mentioned Step 10, the information control circuit 1 is abnormal.
The backup data in the control information memory 3 is updated regardless of whether or not it has a life. Further, information for each unit having the same content as the backup data is sent to each unit memory 4 and updated. After the above information is updated, a standby state is set, and an image forming signal is waited for.

Thereafter, in response to the reception of the image forming signal, the image forming operation and the updating of the information in the control information memory 3 and each unit memory 4 are repeated as described above, so that the image corresponding to the degree of wear of each unit is always displayed. Control of forming conditions and more accurate life estimation are possible.

When a unit is replaced with a new one,
From Step 1 to Step 4 via Steps 2 and 3, in Step 4, Step 4-1 to Step 4-
6, the backup data of the control information memory 3 is updated to the contents of this unit. Then Ste
After receiving the p6 operation check, go through Steps 8 and 9 to St.
In ep10, the backup data is further updated with the latest information, and the standby state is set.

When the power is once turned off and the system is restarted from the above-mentioned standby state, Step 1 and Step 2 are used.
In step p3-1, the operation check of the omission mode is performed in step 7, and similarly to the previous step, after step 8, 9 and 10, the standby state is entered. Since the operation check is in the skip mode, the time from startup to the standby state is shortened.

If the information in the unit memory 4 of a certain unit goes wrong for some reason, or if some abnormality occurs during the transmission of information and erroneous information is transmitted, Ste
From pl through Steps 2 and 3 to Step 4,
In Step 4, whether the information is correct or not is determined in Step 4-2 and Step 4-4, and the information is corrected by performing the processing of Step 4-5 and Step 4-6.

If the unit memory 4 of a certain unit becomes unwritable for some reason, the steps from Stepl to S
It arrives at Step 5 via steps 2 and 3, and Step 5
Then, while correcting the correctness of the information by the processing of Step 5-2 to Step 5-7, the proxy storage area is set in the control information memory 3 to enable the continuous use of the unit.

In addition, even in Yui where information communication with the unit memory 4 of a certain unit is disabled, Steps 5-8 to
By taking the user authentication measures of Step 5-10, the substitute storage area is set in the control information memory 3 to enable the continuous use of the unit as described above. However, with this measure, the above user authentication must be performed each time the application is started.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the information control circuit 1 and the control information memory 3 are provided, and the consumption level information of each unit is backed up so that the operation check or the like can be restored depending on the usage status of each unit. The sequence can be shortened, erroneous transmission information due to various factors can be corrected, and a problem of information storage in the unit memory 4 can be dealt with.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the control information means is installed in the main body, but the unit memory 4 of a specific unit may also be used as the control information storage means. The second embodiment shows a case where the transfer unit memory 4t is used as a control information memory in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control system of the second embodiment. In this example, the control information memory 3 is omitted from the first embodiment, and a nonvolatile storage element having a relatively large capacity is mounted as the transfer unit memory 4t. Therefore, the function is the same as that of the first embodiment. Are all given the same number. Since the image forming apparatus and the control sequence are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The nonvolatile memory has a certain limit on the number of times of writing / reading, and it is assumed that the storage element used as the control information means exceeds this limit (that is, the life of the storage element) and a failure occurs. . Since the number of times of writing / reading reaches several hundreds of thousands to several millions, there is almost no need to replace it, but the influence when a failure occurs is great. Also, it is difficult to predict when a failure will occur. For this reason, it is desirable to replace it after a certain number of uses.

The number of times of use is almost proportional to the time used for image formation, and this time of use is close to the concept of consumption. That is, the above problem is solved by using the unit memory associated with the unit having the replacement frequency corresponding to the life of the storage element as the control information means. Therefore, in this embodiment, the unit memory 4t of the transfer unit 8 is used as the control information means.

When the transfer unit 8 is replaced, the backup information also disappears, but if the transfer unit is not replaced with another unit at a time, the information can be collected again. In this example, the transfer unit memory 4t is used as the control information means, but other unit memories may be used as long as the replacement frequency corresponds to the life of the storage element.
For example, even a fixing unit memory can be used.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, some or all of the replaceable units forming the image forming apparatus are
Each unit has an information storage unit capable of storing management information peculiar to the unit, an information control unit for processing and updating the storage information of the information storage unit, and an image forming unit based on the storage information of the information storage unit. In the image forming apparatus having the image forming control means for controlling, by having the control information storing means for backing up the control information necessary for image formation and management of each unit, reacquisition of management information and information An image forming apparatus that can reduce the time required for processing, operation check, and the like can be provided.

Further, by having a function of comparing / determining the information about an arbitrary unit stored in the control information storage means with the information in the information storage means of that unit, the control information storage means and the information storage means of the unit are provided. It is possible to confirm whether there is an abnormality in the information transmission path or the information storage function.

Further, by providing a function of comparing / correcting the information about an arbitrary unit stored in the control information storage means with the information in the information storage means of the unit, the control information storage means and the information storage means of the unit are provided. It is possible to judge whether information is correct or incorrect and to correct incorrect information.

Further, the information control means sets the management information of the unit having a defect in the information storage function of the information storage means, and sets the storage area for storing the management information of the corresponding unit in the control information storage means to set the corresponding unit. By having the proxy recording function of substituting the information storage means, the corresponding unit can be continuously used even if an abnormality occurs in the information storage means or the information transmission path.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of a color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming unit of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an image forming unit of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transfer belt unit of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a transfer belt unit of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixing unit of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a fixing unit of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram when the color image forming apparatus of the present invention is activated.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram of a communication status comparison / determination operation and unit information correct / wrong determination / correction operation of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of a proxy storage process of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram during an image forming operation of the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a control system of a second color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional color image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Information control means 2 Body control means 3 control information storage means 4 Unit information storage means 7 Image forming unit 8 Transfer belt unit 9 fixing unit

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 HV02 HV37 HV47                       HV60                 2H027 DA27 DE07 EE08 EJ05 EJ08                       EJ09 EJ13 EK01 HA02 HA10                       HB05 HB13 HB14 HB15 HB16                       HB17                 2H171 FA02 GA06 GA11 GA14 JA02                       JA04 JA06 JA10 JA20 JA23                       JA42 JA50 QA04 QA08 QB03                       QC05 SA07 SA13 SA32

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A part or all of replaceable units constituting an image forming apparatus each have an information storage unit capable of storing information unique to the unit, and the information storage unit stores information stored in the information storage unit. In an image forming apparatus having an information control unit for performing processing and updating, and an image formation control unit for controlling image formation based on the information stored in the information storage unit, it is necessary for image formation and management of each unit. An image forming apparatus having control information storage means for backing up various control information. 2. The information control means according to claim 1, compares information about an arbitrary unit stored in the control information storage means with information in the information storage means of the unit, An image forming apparatus having a comparison / discrimination function for confirming the information transmission path of the information storage means of the unit, the presence / absence of abnormality of the information storage function, and the usage status of the unit. 3. The information control means according to claim 1, compares the information about an arbitrary unit stored in the control information storage means with the information in the information storage means of the unit to obtain the control information storage means and the control information storage means. An image forming apparatus having a comparison / correction function for determining whether information in an information storage unit of a unit is correct or incorrect and correcting the error information. 4. In “Claim 2” to “Claim 3”,
The information stored in the unit in which the information control means has a defect in the information input / output function of the information storage means is duplicated by setting a storage area for storing the information of the unit in the control information storage means and duplicating the information. An image forming apparatus having a proxy recording function for proxying means. 5. In “Claim 2” to “Claim 4”,
A replaceable unit having an image forming apparatus and information storage means, characterized in that the information storage means of an arbitrary unit is used as the control information storage means.