JP2009282153A - Image forming apparatus and consumable article unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently and quickly obtaining attribute information stored in a radio tag on replacement of a consumable article unit. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a consumable article unit to which the radio tag 9 storing the attribute information is attached, and a communication line 8 connecting a radio tag interface part 7 transmitting the attribute information via radio communication and a control part 5 performing operation control of an apparatus main body to each other. The radio tag interface part 7 is provided with an installation detecting part 71 detecting installation of the consumable article unit, a radio communications part 72 spontaneously reading the attribute information from the radio tag 9 when installation of the consumable article unit is detected by the installation detection part 71, a memory 73 storing the attribute information read by the radio communication part 72, and a communication processing part 74 outputting the stored attribute information stored in the memory 73 in response to an input request from the control part 5 via the communication line 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a consumable unit that is attached to a wireless tag in which attribute information is stored and is detachable from the apparatus main body, a wireless tag interface unit that reads and writes data from and to the wireless tag, and the wireless tag interface unit And a control unit connected via a communication line, the control unit configured to manage the consumable unit based on attribute information read by the wireless tag interface unit obtained via the communication line The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In recent years, a functional block that realizes a predetermined function, such as a developing device incorporated in an image forming apparatus, is configured as a detachable consumable unit from a maintenance-free viewpoint.

  For example, as described in Patent Document 1, the developing device is configured as a consumable unit called a process cartridge, and consumables such as attribute information and manufacturing date of a developer filled in a casing constituting the process cartridge. A memory storing attribute information defining management information for each unit is attached to the outer surface of the consumable unit.

  Such a memory is incorporated in a wireless tag called an RFID tag accessible by the apparatus main body. As described in Patent Document 2, the wireless tag is configured as a semiconductor device, and communication control between an arithmetic processing unit that performs access control to information in the memory and a wireless tag interface unit provided in the device body A power supply for supplying power necessary for the execution of the arithmetic processing unit and the communication processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “precharge”) using a wireless communication processing unit that performs the above and electromagnetic induction by radio communication radio waves. Department is provided.

  On the other hand, the control unit of the apparatus main body acquires the attribute information of the consumable unit from the memory of the wireless tag attached to the consumable unit when detecting the mounting of the consumable unit, and based on the acquired attribute information, for example, Perform the toner agitation operation using the attribute information indicating the remaining amount of consumables and perform a recovery preparation operation such as adjusting the toner charge amount, or display the attribute information of the consumable unit on the operation panel. Etc., so that the functions of the apparatus main body are integrated and managed.

  For example, a mode in which the control unit performs the return preparation operation when the operator removes the consumable unit from the apparatus main body and attaches a replacement consumable unit will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the operator opens the detachable cover of the consumable unit of the apparatus main body (SA01), the control unit detects that the cover is opened by a cover open / close sensor provided in the apparatus main body. (SB01).

  Subsequently, the operator removes the consumable unit (SA02), installs the replacement consumable unit (SA03), and closes the cover of the apparatus main body (SA04).

  Subsequently, when the control unit detects that the cover is closed by a cover opening / closing sensor or the like (SB02), the controller checks the mounting state of the consumable unit by using a detachment detection sensor or the like provided in the storage unit of the consumable unit. (SB03).

  If the consumable unit is not installed, for example, a message that the consumable unit is not properly installed is displayed to the operator using the operation panel provided in the main body of the apparatus. The operator is warned (SB04E).

  When the consumable unit is mounted, the control unit starts a recovery preparation operation such as toner agitation processing of the toner cartridge and displaying the remaining amount of consumables on the operation panel (SB04).

  Subsequently, when it is necessary to acquire the attribute information of the consumable unit while the control unit is executing the return preparation operation, a request for reading the attribute information is sent via the communication line to the wireless tag of the apparatus main body. The data is output to the interface unit (SB11).

  In response to the input request from the control unit, the wireless tag interface unit outputs a carrier wave necessary for precharging the wireless tag to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag (SC11), and until the wireless tag precharge is completed. It enters a state of waiting for a certain period (1-2 ms) (SC12).

  The wireless tag generates electric power by the power supply unit using the electromagnetic induction force of the received carrier wave, and completes the precharge (SD11).

  Subsequently, the wireless tag interface unit modulates the read command of the attribute information into a radio wave for wireless communication based on the input request from the control unit, and transmits it to the wireless tag (SC13).

  Subsequently, the wireless tag demodulates the radio wave received from the wireless tag interface unit by the wireless communication processing unit into an electric signal (SD12), and outputs it to the arithmetic processing unit. Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit starts executing the received read command, reads the attribute information from the memory (SD13), and outputs it to the wireless communication processing unit.

  Subsequently, the wireless communication processing unit modulates the attribute information read from the memory from an electric signal to a radio wave (SD14), and returns a code indicating completion and data of the attribute information to the wireless interface unit (SD15).

  Subsequently, the wireless tag interface unit demodulates the radio wave received from the wireless tag into an electrical signal, and then outputs a code indicating completion and data of the attribute information to the control unit via the communication line (SC14).

  When acquiring attribute information different from the attribute information, a series of processing (SB1) starting from the attribute information reading request by the control unit is repeated.

  Subsequently, after the completion of the return preparation operation, the control unit notifies the operator that the preparation for returning the apparatus main body has been completed (SB05).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-271042 JP 2006-121060 A

  However, in the conventional image forming apparatus described above, the control unit of the apparatus body that has detected the replacement of the consumable unit requests a plurality of attribute information one by one from the wireless tag interface unit via the communication line, and the wireless tag Since the interface unit is configured to precharge the wireless tag each time and transmit the read attribute information to the control unit of the apparatus body, complicated processing is repeated until all necessary attribute information is acquired. There was a problem that it took time.

  Furthermore, the consumable unit is configured so that it can be easily attached / detached by a general user without being an administrator, and the consumable unit needs to be replaced while the general user is outputting a plurality of printed materials. For example, the time required for the return preparation operation of the consumable unit may be troublesome.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can efficiently and quickly acquire attribute information stored in a wireless tag when a consumable unit is replaced.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, the first characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is the apparatus to which a wireless tag storing attribute information is attached as described in claim 1 of the claims. A control unit comprising: a consumable unit detachable from a main body; a wireless tag interface unit that reads / writes data from / to the wireless tag; and a control unit connected to the wireless tag interface unit via a communication line. Is an image forming apparatus configured to manage the consumable unit based on the attribute information read by the wireless tag interface unit obtained via the communication line, the wireless tag interface unit, A mounting detection unit that detects the mounting of the consumable unit, and the wireless tag spontaneously when the mounting detection unit detects the mounting of the consumable unit. A wireless communication unit for reading the attribute information, a memory for storing the attribute information read by the wireless communication unit, and an attribute stored in the memory in response to an input request from the control unit via the communication line A communication processing unit for outputting information is provided.

  According to the above configuration, the wireless tag interface unit spontaneously performs wireless communication with the wireless tag after detecting the wearing of the consumable unit by itself without requiring an input request from the control unit. Then, the attribute information of the consumable unit can be read and stored in the memory.

  In addition, the wireless tag interface unit need only output the attribute information stored in the memory without performing wireless communication when there is an input request from the control unit, and obtains the attribute information. Is simplified, and the time required for the processing can be reduced.

  In the second feature configuration, as described in claim 2, in addition to the first feature configuration described above, the wireless communication unit reads all necessary attribute information in one precharge for the wireless tag. It is in the point comprised as follows.

  According to the above configuration, when there is an input request to acquire a plurality of attribute information from the control unit, the RFID tag interface unit stores all the attributes of the consumable unit already stored in the memory. A plurality of attribute information indicated by the input request can be extracted from the information.

  Therefore, the number of times of performing wireless communication is reduced, and power consumption for generating radio waves necessary for precharging can be reduced. Furthermore, the time required for wireless communication is also reduced, and the overall time required for acquiring the plurality of attribute information can be reduced.

  In the third feature configuration, as described in claim 3, in addition to the first or second feature configuration, the control unit detects opening / closing of the detachable cover of the consumable unit, and the detachable cover Is detected, the wireless tag interface unit is requested to confirm the mounting state of the consumable unit, and the input request is output to the wireless tag interface unit after confirming the mounting of the consumable unit. The point is that it is configured to do.

  According to the above configuration, the control unit can confirm in advance whether or not the attached consumable unit has been replaced via the wireless tag interface unit when acquiring attribute information of the consumable unit. It is.

  Therefore, when the consumable unit is not replaced, for example, when the consumable unit is only opened and closed, the control unit performs a return preparation operation that is performed when the consumable unit is replaced. It will be possible to control not to.

  The fourth feature configuration is that, as described in claim 4, the consumable unit can be incorporated into any one of the first to third feature configurations described above.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can efficiently and quickly acquire attribute information stored in a wireless tag when a consumable unit is replaced.

  A monochrome printer (hereinafter referred to as “printer”) will be described below as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printer 1 includes an output image data generation unit 2 that generates output image data by performing predetermined processing such as resolution correction on image data input as electronic data from an external device, and an output image An image forming unit 3 that forms and outputs an image on a sheet D that is a recording medium based on output image data from the data generating unit 2, a liquid crystal display unit that displays the operating status of the printer 1, and an input operation during maintenance Operation panel unit 4 having a group of hard keys, an openable / detachable cover 61 attached to the storage location of the consumable unit, a cover open / close detection unit 6 for detecting the open / close of the removable cover 61, and overall control of each part And a control unit 5 that is configured to be configured.

  The printer 1 forms a toner image based on image data input as electronic data from an external device by a known electrophotographic method, and records the toner image on paper. Detailed descriptions of those not directly related to are omitted.

  The image forming unit 3 includes a toner image forming unit 31 that forms a toner image on the photoconductor 311 based on the output image data from the output image data generation unit 2, and a fixing unit 32 that heats the toner image and fixes it on a sheet. And a transport unit 33 that transports the paper.

  The toner image forming unit 31 is arranged in order around the photoreceptor 311, the periphery of the photoreceptor 311, and exposes the charged photoreceptor 311 that uniformly corona charges the surface and the charged photoreceptor 311 to form an electrostatic latent image. Print head 313, a toner cartridge 315 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 311 by electrostatically attaching toner, a transfer unit 316 that transfers the toner image to the paper D, and a photosensitive member after transfer. The cleaning unit 317 removes the toner remaining on the body 311, and the static elimination lamp 318 that lowers the residual potential on the surface of the photoreceptor 311 to make it uniform.

  The transport unit 33 transports the paper feed cassette 331, the paper feed transport unit 332 that transports the paper D from the paper feed cassette 331 one by one, and the fed paper D to the transfer unit 316 so that the toner image is transferred. A fixing conveyance unit 333 that conveys the paper D to the fixing unit 32, and a paper discharge conveyance unit 335 that discharges the paper D that has passed through the fixing unit 32 to a paper discharge tray 334. Each of the conveyance units 33 is provided with a conveyance roller.

  The paper feed cassette 331 has a structure that allows the paper D to be pulled out from the printer 1 when replenishing the paper D. If necessary, the paper feed cassette 331 is replenished with new paper D and pushed to the printer 1 again. It is configured to enter.

  The control unit 5 stores a control program and a CPU that controls display of the operation panel unit 4 based on a predetermined control program and controls each control unit such as an image formation control unit and an operation control unit described later. And a RAM used as a work area or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 5 includes an image formation control unit 300 that controls the output image data generation unit 2 and the image forming unit 3, and an operation control unit 400 that controls input / output signals of the operation panel unit 4. Are connected to each control unit via a communication line 8, and the printing operation of the printer 1 is controlled by controlling the operation timing of each control unit.

  Hereinafter, the printing operation of the printer 1 will be described.

  First, when a print request is input from an external device, predetermined processing such as resolution correction according to the performance of the printer is performed on the image data input by the output image data generation unit 2 to output an output image. Data is generated.

  On the other hand, the paper D fed from the paper feed cassette 331 is transported to the toner image forming unit 31 by the paper feed transport unit 332 and the fixing transport unit 333, and is formed in the toner image forming unit 31 based on the output image data. The transferred toner image is transferred to the paper D.

  The sheet D on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 32 by the fixing conveyance unit 333, and after the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 32, the sheet D is discharged to the discharge tray 334 by the discharge conveyance unit 335.

  Hereinafter, the toner cartridge 315 configured as a consumable unit detachable from the apparatus main body will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the toner cartridge 315 is configured to be detachable from the upper surface of the printer 1 by opening the detachable cover 61 provided on the upper surface of the printer 1 so as to be openable and closable.

  The toner cartridge 315 includes, for example, a casing 319 for storing toner, a developing roller 314 that electrostatically attaches toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 311, and a toner in the casing 319. This is configured as a consumable unit including a transfer screw 310 that conveys the toner to the developing roller 314 and a wireless tag 9 attached to the casing 319.

  The wireless tag 9 defines management information for each consumable unit such as the type of toner filled in the toner cartridge 315 to which the wireless tag 9 is attached, toner capacity, toner color information, manufacturing time, shipping region code, serial number, and the like. And a memory 93 in which the attribute information is stored.

  Further, the memory 93 is configured to be able to write attribute information used by the control unit 5 to control the printing operation, such as the number of printed sheets, toner consumption, new classification, toner empty information, and the like.

  The memory 93 is non-volatile so that stored manufacturing information does not disappear even when power supply to the printer 1 is stopped. The memory 93 includes, for example, an EEPROM, a flash memory, or an FeRAM.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the wireless tag 9 performs communication control between an arithmetic processing unit 91 that performs access control to information in the memory 93 and a wireless tag interface unit 7 provided in the apparatus main body, which will be described later. A wireless communication processing unit 92 and a power supply unit 94 that supplies electric power necessary for execution of the arithmetic processing unit 91 and the wireless communication processing unit 92 using electromagnetic induction by radio waves of wireless communication are provided.

  The wireless tag interface unit 7 for reading attribute information stored in the wireless tag 9 or writing attribute information used for printing operation control is configured on a frame that supports the toner cartridge 315.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless tag interface unit 7 includes a mounting detection unit 71 that detects mounting of a toner cartridge 315 that is a consumable unit, and wireless communication that can transmit and receive attribute information to and from the wireless tag 9 by radio waves. A portion 72 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting detection unit 71 includes, for example, a push switch that detects a pressed state of the button, and an electrical signal indicating the mounting when the pressed state of the button changes when the toner cartridge 315 is mounted. Is configured to output.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless communication unit 72 is configured at an opposing position in the vicinity of the wireless tag 9 in order to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag 9 without hindrance.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the wireless tag interface unit 7 responds to an input request from the control unit 5 via the memory 73 storing the attribute information of the consumable unit read by the wireless communication unit 72 and the communication line. And a communication processing unit 74 that outputs the attribute information stored in the memory 73.

  The control unit 5 is connected to the RFID tag interface unit 7 via the communication line 8 and manages the consumable unit based on the attribute information read by the RFID tag interface unit 7 obtained via the communication line 8.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the wireless communication unit 72 spontaneously reads attribute information from the wireless tag 9 when the mounting detection unit 71 detects mounting of the consumable unit will be described based on the above-described configuration example and FIG. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the operator opens the detachable cover 61 in order to replace the toner cartridge 315 configured as a consumable unit (S101), the control unit 5 starts from the cover open / close detection unit 6 to the communication line 8. The opening of the cover is detected based on the electrical signal received via (S501).

  Subsequently, when the operator removes the toner cartridge 315 (S102), the wireless tag interface unit 7 detects that the toner cartridge 315 is removed based on the electrical signal output from the attachment detection unit 71 (S701).

  Subsequently, when the operator mounts the replacement toner cartridge 315 (S103), the wireless tag interface unit 7 detects that the toner cartridge 315 is mounted based on the electrical signal output from the mounting detection unit 71 ( S702).

  When the wireless tag interface unit 7 detects that the toner cartridge 315 is mounted, the wireless tag interface unit 7 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 9, so that the carrier wave necessary for precharging the wireless tag 9 spontaneously via the wireless communication unit 72. Is output (S703), and a predetermined period (1 to 2 ms) is waited until the precharge of the wireless tag 9 is completed (S704).

  The wireless tag 9 generates electric power by the power supply unit 94 using the electromagnetic induction force of the received carrier wave, and completes the precharge (S901).

  Subsequently, the wireless tag interface unit 7 modulates the read command of the attribute information of the toner cartridge 315 to a radio wave for wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 72, and transmits it to the wireless tag 9 (S705).

  Subsequently, the wireless tag 9 demodulates the radio wave received from the wireless tag interface unit 7 by the wireless communication processing unit 92 into an electrical signal (S902), and outputs it to the arithmetic processing unit 91.

  Subsequently, the arithmetic processing unit 91 starts executing the received read command, reads the attribute information from the memory 93 (S903), and outputs it to the wireless communication processing unit 92.

  Subsequently, the wireless communication processing unit 92 modulates the attribute information read from the memory 93 from an electric signal to a radio wave (S904), and returns a code indicating completion and the attribute information to the wireless communication unit 72 of the wireless interface unit 7. (S905).

  Subsequently, the wireless tag interface unit 7 stores the attribute information acquired via the wireless communication unit 72 in the memory 73 (S706).

  On the other hand, when the operator closes the detachable cover 61 after mounting the replacement toner cartridge 315 (S104), the control unit 5 uses the electrical signal received from the cover open / close detection unit 6 via the communication line 8 to cover the cover. Is closed (S502).

  Subsequently, the control unit 5 confirms the mounting state of the toner cartridge 315 with the wireless tag interface unit 7 (S503).

  The wireless tag interface unit 7 confirms the mounting state of the toner cartridge 315 via the mounting detection unit 71, and the communication processing unit 74 informs the control unit 5 of the confirmed mounting state of the toner cartridge 315 via the communication line 8. It outputs (S707).

  If the mounted state of the toner cartridge 315 output from the wireless tag interface unit 7 indicates an unmounted state, the control unit 5 displays a message indicating that the toner cartridge 315 is not mounted properly, for example. The operator is warned by a method such as displaying in 4 (S504E).

  When the mounted state of the toner cartridge 315 indicates the mounted state, the control unit 5 performs a recovery preparation operation such as, for example, toner agitation processing of the toner cartridge 315 or displaying the remaining amount of consumables on the operation panel 4. Is started (S504).

  Subsequently, when it is necessary to acquire the attribute information of the replaced toner cartridge 315 while the control unit 5 is performing the recovery preparation operation, a request for reading the attribute information is transmitted via the communication line 8 wirelessly. The data is output to the tag interface unit 7 (S511).

  In response to the attribute information read request from the control unit 5, the wireless tag interface unit 7 reads the attribute information stored in the memory 73 by the communication processing unit 74 (S 711), and reads the read information via the communication line 8. The attribute information is output to the control unit 5 (S712).

  When acquiring attribute information different from the attribute information, the list processing (S51) starting from the attribute information read request by the control unit 5 is repeated. However, the repeated series of processes (S51) only outputs the attribute information acquired from the memory 73 via the communication line 8 after acquiring the attribute information from the memory 73 by the communication processing unit 74 of the wireless tag interface unit 7. It is.

  Therefore, the time required to acquire one attribute information is only the time required for accessing the memory 73 and the time required for communicating attribute information via the communication line 8. The time required for wireless communication is not included.

  Subsequently, after completion of the return preparation operation, the control unit 5 informs the operator that the preparation for return of the printer 1 has been completed by, for example, displaying a message indicating that preparation for return has been completed on the operation panel 4. Notification is made (S505).

  In the above-described embodiment, the embodiment in which the attribute information is read from the wireless tag attached to the toner cartridge 315 has been described.

  On the other hand, for example, the control unit 5 adjusts the toner agitation processing time according to the toner remaining amount in the toner cartridge 315 to adjust the charge amount of the toner. An embodiment in which the attribute information is stored in the wireless tag memory of the consumable unit when the attribute information is stored will be described below based on the above-described embodiment.

  When the attribute information needs to be written, the control unit 5 requests the wireless tag interface unit 7 to write the attribute information to the memory 73 in the wireless tag interface unit 7.

  Subsequently, the wireless tag interface unit 7 stores the attribute information in the memory 73 in response to an input request from the control unit 5.

  Subsequently, when the control unit 5 needs to acquire the attribute information again, it is only necessary to acquire the attribute information stored in the memory 73 via the wireless tag interface unit 7 as described above. There is no need to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag 9.

  However, the control unit 5 needs to write the attribute information stored in the memory 73 of the wireless tag interface unit 7 in the wireless tag 9 attached to the toner cartridge 315 before the toner cartridge 315 is detached. .

  Accordingly, when the control unit 5 detects that the detachable cover 61 has been opened by the operator, the control unit 5 sends a command to write all the attribute information stored in the memory 73 via the wireless communication unit 72 to It is necessary to transmit to the wireless tag 9 together with the attribute information and execute the command by the arithmetic processing unit 91 of the wireless tag 9.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus configured to read all necessary attribute information in one precharge for the wireless tag 9 will be described based on the above-described configuration example.

  As shown in FIG. 1 described above, when the wireless tag interface unit 7 detects the mounting of the toner cartridge 315 configured as a consumable unit via the mounting detection unit 71 (S702), the wireless tag precharges spontaneously. (S703, S901, S704), a command for reading attribute information of the toner cartridge 315 is modulated into radio waves for wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 72, and transmitted to the wireless tag 9 (S705).

  At this time, if a read command of attribute information transmitted via the wireless communication unit 72 is configured to read all readable attribute information from the memory 93 of the wireless tag 9 attached to the toner cartridge 315. Good (S903).

  In this case, when the wireless tag 9 performs the memory reading process (S903) by the arithmetic processing unit 91, all the readable attribute information is read based on the reading command received from the wireless communication unit 72, and the reading is performed. All the attribute information is modulated and returned to the wireless communication unit 72.

  Subsequently, the wireless tag interface unit 7 may be configured to store all attribute information acquired via the wireless communication unit 72 in the memory 73 (S706).

  In the following, the control unit 5 detects the opening / closing of the detachable cover of the consumable unit, and when it detects that the detachable cover 61 is closed, the control unit 5 requests the wireless tag interface unit 7 to confirm the mounting state of the consumable unit. An embodiment of an image forming apparatus configured to output an input request to the wireless tag interface unit 7 after confirming the mounting of the consumable unit will be described based on the above-described configuration example.

  As will be described later, the wireless tag interface unit 7 is configured to store, in the memory 73, information indicating that the consumable unit has been replaced or has not been replaced as the consumable unit mounted state.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1 described above, the operator removes the consumable item (S102), and the wireless tag interface unit 7 detects that the consumable unit is detached via the attachment detection unit 71 (S701). In this case, the wireless tag interface unit 7 is configured to copy and save the attribute information for identifying the consumable unit stored in the memory 73.

  In addition, if the capacity of the memory 73 is insufficient by storing the attribute information for identifying the consumable unit before detachment, the wireless tag interface unit 7 may be provided with an additional memory or a hard disk.

  Subsequently, as described above, when the operator wears a consumable item (S103) and the wireless tag interface unit 7 detects the wearing of the consumable unit via the attachment detection unit 71 (S702), the voluntary item is voluntarily selected. The attribute information for identifying the consumable unit is acquired from the wireless tag 9 of the mounted consumable unit.

  At this time, the wireless tag interface unit 7 compares the attribute information acquired from the wireless tag 9 via the wireless communication unit 72 with the attribute information before evacuation saved in the memory 73, and another consumable unit. Configure to check if it has been replaced.

  When the consumable unit is mounted after replacement, as described above, the attribute information acquired via the wireless communication unit 72 is stored in the memory 73, and information indicating that the consumable unit has been replaced is stored in the memory 73. The wireless tag interface unit 7 is configured so as to store the information.

  When the consumable unit is mounted without being replaced, the wireless tag interface unit 7 is configured to store in the memory 73 information indicating that the consumable unit has not been replaced.

  Subsequently, as described above, when the control unit 5 detects the opening / closing of the detachable cover 61 and detects that the detachable cover 61 is closed, the control unit 5 confirms the mounting state of the consumable unit in the wireless tag interface unit 7. Is requested (S503).

  At this time, the wireless tag interface unit 7 is configured to send back whether the consumable unit stored in the memory 73 has been replaced or not replaced (S707).

  Subsequently, as a result of confirming the mounting state of the consumable unit received from the wireless tag interface unit 7, the control unit 5 indicates that the consumable unit has been replaced. Configure to get started. If it is indicated that the consumable unit has not been replaced, the recovery preparation operation is omitted, for example, the initial setting operation of the consumable unit is not performed (S504).

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a consumable unit used in the above-described image forming apparatus will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, the toner cartridge 315 is configured as a consumable unit in which the casing 319, the developing roller 314, and the transfer screw 310 are integrated.

  However, the developing unit is separated into a developing unit having a casing capable of storing toner conveyed from the developing roller and the toner supply unit, and a toner supplying unit having a casing storing toner and a transfer screw for supplying toner to the developing unit, Each may be configured as a detachable consumable unit.

  In addition, a wireless tag in which attribute information is stored by configuring other components of the image forming apparatus, such as a photoconductor and a paper cassette, that can be replaced due to wear or damage, as a detachable consumable unit. May be affixed. However, it goes without saying that the wireless tag interface unit also needs to be configured so that wireless communication with the wireless tag is possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the mode in which the attribute information of the consumable unit necessary for the control unit to control the printing operation is written in the wireless tag memory of the consumable unit. Information that is not necessary for directly controlling the printing operation, such as the timing of the printing, may be configured to be writable in the memory of the wireless tag of the consumable unit.

  In this case, when the consumable unit is recycled, the information written in the memory of the wireless tag can be acquired and used as performance evaluation or statistical information of the consumable unit.

  Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.

  In the above-described embodiment, the monochrome printer has been described as the image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. However, any device other than the monochrome printer may be used as long as the device has a configuration using a detachable consumable unit.

  For example, when the image forming apparatus is a color printer, a plurality of toner cartridges filled with toners of different colors are configured as consumable units, arranged in tandem inside the printer, or attached to or detached from a rotary type developing mechanism. It can be configured to be freely arranged.

  However, it goes without saying that the wireless tag interface unit needs to be configured so that wireless communication with the wireless tag attached to the consumable unit is possible.

  Further, other than the printer, a monochrome copying machine, a color copying machine, a multifunction machine, a FAX, or the like may be used.

  Each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the description. The specific configuration of each part is appropriately changed within the scope of the effects of the present invention. It goes without saying that it can be done.

The sequence diagram which shows the procedure which acquires the attribute information of the consumable unit by this invention from a wireless tag 1 is an internal configuration diagram of a monochrome printer which is an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a monochrome printer which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Sequence diagram showing a procedure for acquiring attribute information of a consumable unit from a wireless tag according to the prior art

Explanation of symbols

1: Printer (image forming device)
2: output image data generation unit 3: image forming unit 4: operation panel unit 5: control unit 6: cover opening / closing detection unit 7: wireless tag interface unit 8: communication line 9: wireless tag 61: detachable cover 71: mounting detection unit 72: Wireless communication unit 73: Memory (wireless tag interface unit)
74: Communication processing unit 315: Toner cartridge (consumable unit)

Claims (4)

A wireless tag in which attribute information is stored is attached, a consumable unit that is detachable from the apparatus main body, a wireless tag interface unit that reads / writes data from / to the wireless tag, and the wireless tag interface unit via a communication line Connected to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to manage the consumable unit based on attribute information read by the RFID tag interface unit obtained via the communication line. A forming device,
A mounting detection unit that detects mounting of the consumable unit in the wireless tag interface unit; and a wireless communication unit that spontaneously reads the attribute information from the wireless tag when the mounting detection unit detects the mounting of the consumable unit; A memory for storing the attribute information read by the wireless communication unit; and a communication processing unit for outputting the attribute information stored in the memory in response to an input request from the control unit via the communication line. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication unit is configured to read all necessary attribute information in one precharge for the wireless tag.   The control unit detects opening / closing of the detachable cover of the consumable unit, and when detecting that the detachable cover is closed, requests to confirm the mounting state of the consumable unit to the wireless tag interface unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input request is output to the wireless tag interface unit after confirming the mounting of the consumable unit.   A consumable unit used in the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

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