JP2005134715A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable image formation using a preset type cartridge without using a control board that meets a type or the like of a manufacturer or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The control board 50 of a laser printer 10 is provided with a CPU 52 that controls operations, and an NvRAM 58. The NvRAM 58 has an area in which an identification code for comparison is recorded. When a drum cartridge 22, etc., are loaded in the apparatus first, the CPU reads the identification code recorded in the NvRAM 60 or the like, of the drum cartridge, and writes it into the NvRAM 58 as the identification code for the comparison. This enables image formation using a consumable component such as the drum cartridge having this identification code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper or the like using removable parts such as a drum cartridge.

  Some image forming apparatuses that form images on recording paper or the like use an electrophotographic process. In such an image forming apparatus, consumable parts such as a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge are detachably provided, and high-quality images can be formed by exchanging the consumable parts at a predetermined timing. .

  By the way, the image forming apparatus may be supplied OEM to other companies, and the OEM-supplied image forming apparatus can use a toner cartridge or the like of the OEM destination.

  That is, even with the same image forming apparatus, for example, an in-house brand image forming apparatus uses a toner cartridge supplied by the in-house company, and an OEM destination image forming apparatus is supplied at the OEM destination. Toner cartridge is used.

  For this purpose, for example, a storage unit is provided in a replacement part such as a cartridge so that unique information such as an ID or maintenance information that is different for each manufacturer is held, and on the image forming apparatus side, part information such as an ID of a cartridge to be used or Maintain maintenance information, read cartridge information at a preset timing such as when a cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, and check whether the part is set to be usable, Proposals have been made so that the image forming apparatus can operate when it is determined that the ID can be used because it matches the ID (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

Thus, in order to make it possible to use only a specific cartridge, for example, the shape of the cartridge is different for each manufacturer, and image formation is performed as compared to forming an image forming apparatus in accordance with the shape of the cartridge to be used The complexity at the time of manufacturing the device and the cost increase can be eliminated.
JP 2001-249589 A JP 2002-169428 A

  However, on the image forming apparatus side, information specifying a cartridge to be used is stored in a ROM on a control board such as a main board. For this reason, it is necessary to replace the control board according to the cartridge to be used. Has occurred.

  That is, the control board must be prepared according to the number of types of cartridges that can be used, and the control board corresponding to the cartridge corresponding to the image forming apparatus must be mounted according to the cartridge actually used. There's a problem.

  Further, when changing the cartridge to be used, it becomes necessary to replace the control board with a cartridge set to be newly used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described facts, and can simplify and unify the manufacturing without using a control board manufactured according to consumable parts such as a cartridge actually used. An object is to propose a forming apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention uses a consumable part for image formation that is detachably provided. When an image is formed on a recording medium by an electrophotographic process, the identification code of the consumable part and a storage means are used. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image when a stored comparison identification code matches, and used as the storage unit, and a storage area for a comparison identification code for the consumable part identification code is set Non-volatile memory, and writing means for writing the identification code recorded on the consumable part as a comparison identification code when it is determined that the comparison identification code is not recorded in the storage means It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, the comparison identification code stored in the storage means is compared with the identification code of a consumable part that can be replaced such as a cartridge. Formation is possible. When there are a plurality of types of OEM products that can be used in the image forming apparatus, for example, the identification code is set for each OEM product, and it is possible to specify which OEM product is identified by the identification code. Here, a non-volatile memory capable of rewriting data and holding recorded data is used as a storage means, and a recording area for a comparison identification code is set in the non-volatile memory. In addition, the identification code for comparison with the identification code of the desired consumable part can be recorded in the nonvolatile memory by the writing means.

  Thereby, for example, a non-volatile memory provided on the control board can be used as the storage means, and any consumable part having a different identification code can be used using this control board.

  That is, it is possible to form an image using consumable parts having different identification codes with a single type of control board, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing costs.

  In the present invention as described above, the writing means reads the identification code of the consumable part loaded first, and writes the identification code as a comparison identification code in the storage area of the storage means. Also good.

  According to this invention, the comparison identification code is written into the storage means when the consumable part is first mounted.

  Thereby, the consumable part to be used can be set at a preset timing such as at the time of shipment or when the apparatus is installed.

  Further, the present invention provides determination means for determining whether or not the data recorded in the storage area of the storage means is a predetermined comparison identification code, and the writing means when the determination means makes a negative determination And a second writing means for writing a predetermined identification code in the storage area of the storage means.

  Thus, when a comparison identification code corresponding to any consumable part is already recorded in the storage means, it can be rewritten with a comparison identification code corresponding to a different consumable part identification code.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the comparison identification code is written in the nonvolatile memory used as the storage unit. Therefore, for example, an image forming apparatus that uses different consumable parts by using one type of control board. Has the excellent effect of being obtained.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a laser printer 10 applied as an image forming apparatus to the present embodiment. The laser printer 10 uses an electrophotographic process to form and output an image (for example, a color image) based on image data input from an image processing terminal such as a personal computer on recording paper. The present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus having an arbitrary configuration that forms an image such as a monochrome image or a color image on an image forming medium such as recording paper by applying an electrophotographic process such as a copying machine or a facsimile. it can.

  In the laser printer 10, a process unit 14 is disposed in a casing 12 having a substantially rectangular box shape. The process unit 14 includes a slide frame 16 on which predetermined process parts such as an intermediate transfer roll, a transfer device, and a cleaning device (all not shown) are assembled. Further, the slide frame 16 is slidable along the front and back direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 (for example, the front side of the paper surface).

  Thereby, in the laser printer 10, the process unit 14 can be pulled out from the casing 12 by opening a front door (not shown) provided in the casing 12 and sliding the slide frame 16 forward. Further, in the laser printer 10, by pulling out the process unit 14 from the casing 12, maintenance such as replacement and inspection work of each process component forming the process unit 14 is possible.

  The casing 12 is mounted with a drum cartridge 22 that integrally accommodates a photosensitive drum 18 adjacent to the process unit 14 and a developing device 20 disposed adjacent to the photosensitive drum 18. Has been.

  The laser printer 10 can form color images using toners of C, M, Y, and K colors, and the laser printer 10 supports toners of C, M, Y, and K colors. A drum cartridge 22 (drum cartridges 22C, 22M, 22Y, 22K) provided with a photosensitive drum 18 (photosensitive drums 18C, 18M, 18Y, 18K) and a developing device 20 (developing devices 20C, 20M, 20Y, 20K) is provided. Is provided.

  In the laser printer 10, electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums 18C, 18M, 18Y, and 18K for the respective colors C, M, Y, and K according to the color image. Toner is supplied from the developing devices 20C, 20M, 20Y, and 20K to the formed photosensitive drums 18C, 18M, 18Y, and 18K, respectively.

  As a result, toner images of C, M, Y, and K colors are formed on the photosensitive drums 18C, 18M, 18Y, and 18K.

  The toner images formed on the photosensitive drums 18C, 18M, 18Y, and 18K for each color of C, M, Y, and K are transferred and superimposed on an intermediate transfer roll (not shown) disposed in the process unit 14.

  In the laser printer 10, for example, a paper feed tray 24 is provided at the lower portion of the casing 12, and a manual feed tray 26 protrudes from the casing 12, and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer roll is stored in the paper feed tray 24 or the manual feed tray. The image is transferred to the recording paper 28 taken out from the tray 26. Further, the recording paper 28 onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and fixed by a fixing device (not shown in FIG. 1) provided in the process unit 14.

  As a result, a full-color image is formed on the recording paper 28 with toners of C, M, Y, and K colors. The laser printer 10 can also form a monochrome image such as monochrome using one color such as K (black).

  For example, the laser printer 10 is provided with paper discharge trays 30 and 32 that protrude from the casing 12, and the recording paper 28 on which an image is formed is sent to the paper discharge tray 30 or the paper discharge tray 32.

  On the other hand, a cartridge holder 36 is provided in the casing 12. Four toner cartridges 38 (toner cartridges 38C, 38M, 38Y, 38K) filled with C, M, Y, and K toners are mounted on the cartridge holder 36.

  As described above, the casing 12 is provided with a front door (not shown). The front door also faces the cartridge holder 38, and the process unit 14 can be pulled out by opening the front door. The cartridge holder 36 can be pulled out.

  In the laser printer 10, the toner cartridge 38 (38C, 38M, 38Y, 38K) can be taken out and attached by pulling out the cartridge holder 36 from the casing 12. The toner cartridge 38 can be taken out and attached to the cartridge holder 36 using a conventionally known configuration, and detailed description thereof is omitted in the present embodiment.

  On the other hand, the casing 12 is provided with toner feeding tubes 40 (40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K) corresponding to the toners of the respective colors, and the drum cartridge 22 and the toner cartridge 38 are loaded at predetermined positions. As a result, the toner cartridge 38 and the developing device 20 of the drum cartridge 22 are connected by the toner feeding tube 40.

  The toner cartridge 38 is provided with a screw feeder in a cylindrical body (not shown) filled with toner. When the screw feeder is rotationally driven, the toner is sent out to the toner feeding tube 40, and the toner is supplied to the toner cartridge 38. The toner is fed to the developing device 20 by the toner feeding tube 40 and used for forming (developing) a toner image. At this time, toner corresponding to the amount of use is supplied from the toner cartridge 38 to the developing device 20. That is, the amount of toner supplied to the developing device 20 is set to be substantially equal to the amount of toner when consumed by the developing device 20. Note that any conventionally known configuration can be applied to such a toner supply mechanism and supply control.

  By the way, in the laser printer 10, the drum cartridges 22 and the toner cartridges 38 of the respective colors, which are consumable members, are detachable. Further, the process unit 14 is provided with a fixing cartridge 42 (see FIG. 2) provided with a fixing device, and the fixing cartridge 42 is detachable as a consumable member. The fixing cartridge 42 can adopt a conventionally known configuration and attachment / detachment mechanism, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the laser printer 10 includes a control board 50. The control board 50 includes a CPU 52, a ROM 54 in which a control program for the CPU 52 is stored, and a RAM 56 for temporarily storing various data. Each component of the laser printer 10 is connected to various components via various interfaces. The operation of the laser printer 10 is controlled by a CPU 52 provided on the control board 50. A description of the operation control of the laser printer 10 by the CPU 52 is omitted.

  The control board 50 is provided with an NvRAM 58, which is a non-volatile memory, as a storage means capable of storing and holding various data and rewriting the stored data. The CPU 52 provided on the control board 50 controls the writing of data to the NvRAM 58 and the holding of the written data.

  On the other hand, each of the drum cartridges 22 is provided with an NvRAM 60 as a storage means capable of holding data and rewritable, and each of the toner cartridges 38 is provided with an NvRAM 62 and is provided in the fixing cartridge 42. NvRAM 64 is provided.

  The NvRAMs 60, 62, and 64 are connected to the control board 50 via the connector 66 when the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge, and the fixing cartridge 42 are properly attached to the laser printer 10. The control board 50 is provided with an input / output interface (I / F) 68, and the NvRAMs 60 to 64 are connected to the CPU 52 via the I / F 68.

  Thereby, each drum cartridge 22, each toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42 are mounted on the laser printer 10, whereby the CPU 52 can read and write data stored in the NvRAMs 60 to 64. The connection between the NvRAMs 60 to 62 and the control board 50 is not limited to a wired connection via the connector 66 or the like, and may be wirelessly connected using, for example, a semiconductor chip on which a communication circuit is formed.

  In the NvRAMs 60 to 64, identification information for the cartridges (drum cartridge 22, toner cartridge 38 to fixing cartridge 42) provided therein is recorded, and status information such as usage status can be recorded. .

  The CPU 52 provided in the laser printer 10 controls, for example, each drum cartridge 22, each toner cartridge 38, and fixing cartridge while controlling image formation (print processing) on the recording paper 28 based on input image data and the like. 42 is used to count the number of recording sheets 28 that have been printed.

  The CPU 52 writes, for example, each count value or the like as state information in the NvRAMs 60 to 64 of each cartridge, thereby making it possible to determine the lifetime of each cartridge. For the toner cartridge 38, the CPU 52 detects the toner consumption amount, for example, from the image area of each color formed on the recording paper 28, and writes the toner consumption amount or the remaining toner amount as the status information of the toner cartridge 38. It is like that. The state information is not limited to these, and any parameters can be used as long as the information includes information that can determine the usage status and life of the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42.

  The identification information recorded in the NvRAMs 60, 62, and 64 indicates whether the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, or the fixing cartridge 42, for example, what color toner is filled in the toner cartridge 38. Contains information about cartridge types that can be identified, serial numbers, etc.

  On the other hand, the laser printer 10 may be shipped as its own product, or may be shipped as another company's product for OEM use. In the laser printer 10, the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42 are supplied for each company. In addition to being able to load products, it is possible to load products from other companies that supply OEM products.

  For example, when the laser printer 10 is an in-house product, the in-house drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42 are used. When the laser printer 10 is an OEM product, the OEM destination drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the toner cartridge 38 are used. A fixing cartridge 42 is used.

  That is, the laser printer 10 is set such that only the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42 of a preset model such as a manufacturer can be used.

  Here, in each of the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42, an identification code indicating a model or the like for each manufacturer is set, and this identification code is assigned to each of the NvRAMs 60 to 64 as one piece of identification information. Pre-recorded. As the identification code, the same identification code can be used for each of the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42. In the following, the NvRAM 60 provided in the drum cartridge 22 and the drum cartridge 22 is taken as an example. Explained.

  On the other hand, in the NvRAM 58, an area (identification code area) in which a comparison identification code corresponding to the identification code of the drum cartridge 22 or the like is recorded is secured in advance, and the CPU 52 provided on the control board 50 of the laser printer 10 is First, when the drum cartridge 22 or the like is loaded into the laser printer 10, the identification code recorded in the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 or the like is read, and this identification code is used as an identification code for comparison in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58. To write to.

  Further, the CPU 52 reads the comparison identification code stored in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 at a predetermined timing, and compares this comparison identification code with the identification code recorded in the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 or the like. If they match, an image can be formed on the recording paper 28.

  That is, in the laser printer 10, by first loading the drum cartridge 22 or the like, only the drum cartridge 22 or the like having the same identification code as the loaded drum cartridge 22 or the like can be used.

  The comparison identification code recorded in the NvRAM 58 uses data in a preset range. This data range is stored in advance in the ROM 54, and the CPU 52 stores this data. In addition, the suitability of the data recorded in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 is confirmed (data check).

  On the other hand, the laser printer 10 is provided with a display operation unit 70, and the display operation unit 70 is connected to the control board 50. Thereby, in the laser printer 10, various settings for forming an image on the recording paper 28 can be performed, and an operation state can be displayed.

  Further, in the laser printer 10, when the comparison identification code recorded in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 and the identification code recorded in the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 are different, a predetermined error is displayed on the display operation unit 70. A message is displayed for notification, and image formation on the recording paper 28 is stopped.

  In the laser printer 10, the comparison identification code recorded in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 can be rewritten by operating the display operation unit 70.

  Here, as an operation of the present embodiment, an identification process of the drum cartridge 22 or the like which is a consumable part of the laser printer 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the laser printer 10, consumable parts such as the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42 are loaded with a power switch (not shown) turned on, and the front door (not shown) of the casing 12 is closed. Thus, an image can be formed on the recording paper 28 based on the image data.

  The CPU 52 provided on the control board 50 of the laser printer 10 is operated when the power switch is turned on while image formation is possible, or when the front door that has been opened with the power switch turned on is closed. The cartridge identification process is executed at a preset timing such as. The laser printer 10 can perform image forming processing on the recording paper 28 when the cartridge identification processing is properly completed.

  FIG. 3 shows an outline of the cartridge identification process executed in the above-described state. The cartridge identification process is executed for each of the drum cartridge 22 (22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K), the toner cartridge 38 (38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K), and the fixing cartridge 42 that are mounted on the laser printer 10. However, in the following description, the drum cartridge 22 will be mainly described as an example.

  In this flowchart, it is confirmed in the first step 100 whether or not the NvRAM 58 provided on the control board 50 is new. At this time, if the laser printer 10 is immediately after manufacture, the NvRAM 58 is new and no identification code for comparison is recorded in the identification code area provided in the NvRAM 58. Migrate to

  In this step 102, an initial value set in advance is written in the identification code area provided in the NvRAM 58 of the control board 50. That is, the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 is initialized.

  Thereafter, in step 104, it is confirmed whether or not a preset initial value is written in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58.

  In the laser printer 10, a comparison identification code is recorded in an identification code area provided in the NvRAM 58 of the control board 50. When the control board 50 is assembled to the laser printer 10, no identification code is recorded in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58. That is, the new laser printer 10 has no comparison identification code recorded in the NvRAM 58, and any of the mountable drum cartridges 22 can be used.

  Here, when an initial value is written in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 and a consumable part such as the toner cartridge 22 that can be used in the laser printer 10 has not been determined, an affirmative determination is made in step 104 and the process proceeds to step 106. Transition.

  In step 106, the identification code recorded in the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 attached to the laser printer 10 is read. Further, in the ROM 54 provided on the control board 50, the identification code of the drum cartridge 22 that can be used by the laser printer 10 is set and recorded in advance. In step 108, the identification code read from the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 is recorded. Is included in the set identification code, that is, whether the identification code is within the set range.

  Thus, if the identification code read from the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 is within the set range, an affirmative determination is made at step 108 and the routine proceeds to step 110. In step 110, the identification code read from the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 mounted on the laser printer 10 is written as a comparison identification code in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 provided on the control board 50.

  As a result, the image forming process using the drum cartridge 22 having the same identification code as that of the drum cartridge 22 mounted on the laser printer 10 first becomes possible.

  If the identification code read from the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 is out of the usable range, a negative determination is made at step 108 and the routine proceeds to step 112 where error processing is executed. The error processing at this time notifies that the corresponding drum cartridge 22 cannot be used by the laser printer 10 by displaying it on a display (not shown) of the display operation unit 70. In step 114, the laser printer 10 is set to stop the image forming process.

  On the other hand, when the data in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 is not the initial value, that is, when the comparison identification code has already been written in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58, a negative determination is made in step 104 and the process proceeds to step 116. To do. In this step 116, the comparison identification code recorded in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 is read, and it is confirmed whether or not this comparison identification code is set range data (identification code). If it is an identification code for use, an affirmative determination is made and the routine proceeds to step 118.

  That is, in this step 116, the NvRAM 58 is checked (memory check). If a data error has occurred, a negative determination is made at step 116 and the routine proceeds to step 112 where error processing is performed.

  In step 118, the identification code recorded in the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 attached to the laser printer 10 is read. In the next step 120, this identification code and the comparison identification recorded in the NvRAM 58 of the control board 50 are read. Compare with code.

  Here, when the identification code matches the identification code for comparison, an affirmative determination is made at step 122 and the routine proceeds to step 124 where the laser printer 10 is set so as to enable image forming processing.

  Thereby, an image forming process on the recording paper 28 using the laser printer 10 can be performed. That is, the laser printer 10 can be used.

  On the other hand, when the identification code of the drum cartridge 22 and the identification code for comparison do not match, a negative determination is made at step 122 and the routine proceeds to step 126 to execute error processing. At step 128, the operation of the laser printer 10 is activated. Stop. That is, image formation with the laser printer 10 is prohibited.

  The error processing at this time is, for example, a message indicating that a drum cartridge 22 different from the drum cartridge 22 that is set to be usable is loaded or that an appropriate replacement of the drum cartridge 22 is urged. Notification is made by displaying on a display (not shown).

  As described above, in the laser printer 10, the identification code area for storing the comparison identification code is provided in the NvRAM 58 of the control board 50, the comparison identification code stored in the identification code area, and the drum cartridge which is a consumable part. When the identification codes of the cartridges 22 and the like match, the image forming process can be performed.

  Further, when the control board 50 is assembled to the laser printer 10, the comparison identification code is not written in the identification code area of the NvRAM 58 provided on the control board 50. For example, the laser printer 10 is shipped or delivered to the user. By mounting a consumable part such as the drum cartridge 22 at a preset timing such as at the time of installation (during installation), it is possible to use the drum cartridge 22 or the like having an identification code that matches the worn part. Become.

  Thus, when the laser printer 10 is manufactured, it is not necessary to prepare a control board corresponding to the type of the identification code in advance, and consumable parts such as the drum cartridge 22 having different identification codes are used by the single control board 50. The laser printer 10 can be manufactured.

  Thereby, the manufacture of the laser printer 10 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, this Embodiment demonstrated above does not limit the structure of this invention. For example, the comparison identification code recorded in the NvRAM 58 and the identification code recorded in the NvRAM 60 of the drum cartridge 22 are compared at normal times (for example, when the laser printer 10 for image formation is turned on). For example, the comparison identification code may be written to the NvRAM 58 at the time of initial setting or the like.

  That is, at the time of shipment after the manufacture of the laser printer 10 or when the laser printer 10 is installed, the processing of steps 100 to 114 of the flowchart shown in FIG. At the time of use (at the time of image forming processing), processing corresponding to steps 116 to 138 in the flowchart of FIG. 3 may be executed.

  Since the NvRAM 58 that can rewrite data is used, the type of the drum cartridge 22 used in the laser printer 10 may be changed. That is, when the comparison identification code is written in the NvRAM 58 so that the OEM drum cartridge 22 is used, the NvRAM 58 can be rewritten so as to use another OEM product or in-house drum cartridge 22. May be.

  In the present invention, the laser printer 10 using the drum cartridge 22, the toner cartridge 38, and the fixing cartridge 42 as consumable parts has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a process cartridge in which a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge are integrated. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus that forms an image on an image recording medium such as the recording paper 28 by an electrophotographic process such as a laser printer to be used.

It is a schematic block diagram of the laser printer applied to this Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the connection of a cartridge and a control board. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the identification process of a cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

10 Laser printer (image forming device)
14 Process unit 22 (22Y, 22M, 22C, 22K) Drum cartridge (consumable parts)
28 Recording paper (recording medium)
38 (38Y, 38M, 38C, 38K) Toner cartridge (consumable parts)
42 Fixing cartridge (consumable parts)
50 control board 52 CPU (writing means, second writing means, determination means)
58 NvRAM (nonvolatile memory, storage means)
60, 62, 64 NvRAM
70 Display operation section

Claims (3)

When an image forming consumable part detachably provided is used to form an image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic process, the consumable part identification code matches the comparison identification code stored in the storage means An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image,
A non-volatile memory in which a storage area of a comparison identification code for the identification code of the consumable part is set as the storage means;
Writing means for writing the identification code recorded on the consumable part as a comparison identification code when it is determined that the comparison identification code is not recorded in the storage means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   2. The image according to claim 1, wherein the writing unit reads an identification code of the consumable part that is initially loaded, and writes the identification code as a comparison identification code in the storage area of the storage unit. Forming equipment. Determination means for determining whether the data recorded in the storage area of the storage means is a predetermined comparison identification code;
A second writing unit that writes a predetermined identification code in the storage area of the storage unit by the writing unit when the determination unit makes a negative determination;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images