JP2011175181A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which allows to appropriately read and/or write information stored in the memory of a replaceable article, in a simple method. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 10 includes: a mounting portion for loading the replaceable item with memories 53, 54, 55, 56; a reading/writing section 61 for performing writing and/or reading of information to the memory of the replaceable article loaded in the mounting portion; a communicating section 51 for communicating with an information processing device 80; and a switching section 52 for switching the information processing section 80 and memory via the communicating section 51 so that they are connected or disconnected. Upon receiving an instruction to connect the information processing device 80 and the memory of the replaceable item, the switching section 52 switches them to a connected state. When they are connected by the switching section 52, the writing section 61 or information processing device 80 writes the information of the memory according to a reading and/or writing instruction given to the information processing device 80, which is input via the communicating section 51. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for managing a replacement in the image forming apparatus.

  Among image forming apparatuses, a process cartridge (replacement product) provided with a non-volatile memory is known for the purpose of facilitating maintenance. The nonvolatile memory stores in advance a process cartridge serial number, usage history, parameters for controlling the image forming apparatus, and the like. Patent Document 1 describes a technique for controlling an image forming apparatus using parameters stored in such a nonvolatile memory. In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge is special, image formation is performed using the information stored in the memory of the main body of the image forming apparatus.

JP 2006-163236 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to perform image formation by rewriting information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge while the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technique for rewriting information stored in the nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge by a simple method in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention provides a technique capable of appropriately reading and writing information stored in a replacement memory by a simple method.

  As a means for achieving the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention provides a mounting unit for mounting a replacement product including a memory, and a memory of the replacement product mounted in the mounting unit. A read / write unit that reads and writes information; a communication unit that communicates with an information processing device; and a switching unit that switches the information processing device and the memory to a connected state or a disconnected state via the communication unit, the switching unit Is switched to enter the connection state upon receiving a connection instruction between the information processing apparatus and the memory, and the information input via the communication unit when the connection unit is in the connection state According to the read / write instruction of the processing device, the read / write unit or the information processing device reads / writes information in the memory.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to read / write information in the memory in accordance with an instruction from the information processing apparatus with the replacement product mounted on the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the information stored in the replacement memory can be appropriately read and written by a simple method.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the read / write unit can read and write information from and to the memory during the operation of the image forming apparatus, and can respond according to the operation of the image forming apparatus. When reading / writing is performed, at least one of reading and writing according to the reading / writing instruction from the information processing apparatus is restricted.
According to this configuration, even if there is a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus during the operation of the image forming apparatus, the operation can be continued.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the read / write unit reads the information in the memory used during the operation of the image forming apparatus in accordance with a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus. And at least one of writing is prohibited.
According to this configuration, information in the memory that is not used during the operation of the image forming apparatus can be read and written even during the operation of the image forming apparatus in response to a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the read / write unit can read / write information from / to the memory during the operation of the image forming apparatus, and receives a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus. When the corresponding reading / writing is executed, the operation of the image forming apparatus is restricted.
According to this configuration, since the operation of the image forming apparatus is restricted during reading and writing to the memory in response to an instruction from the information processing apparatus, reading and writing to the memory can be performed with priority over the operation of the image forming apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, the read / write unit stops the operation of the image forming apparatus related to information in the memory that is read / written according to a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus. To do.
According to this configuration, the operation of the image forming apparatus not related to the read / write instruction to the replacement memory from the information processing apparatus can be continued without being interrupted.

According to a sixth invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, an operation for removing the replacement product from the mounting unit is detected during reading / writing of the reading / writing unit or the information processing device. An output unit that outputs warning information in the event of a failure.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the replacement product from being interrupted for a long time by removing the replacement product.

A seventh invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the read / write unit receives authentication information from the information processing apparatus together with the read / write instruction, and the authentication information is not authenticated. Restrict at least one of reading and writing according to a read / write instruction to the memory from the information processing apparatus.
According to this configuration, by restricting (managing) reading / writing of the exchangeable memory with the authentication information, it is possible to prevent the information in the memory from being inadvertently rewritten.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the communication unit is a USB interface, and the memory is connected to the USB mass storage when the connection unit is in the connected state. Is recognized by the information processing apparatus.
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus and the replacement memory can be connected with an easy and simple configuration.

According to a ninth invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, the communication unit is a network interface, and the memory is connected to the network connection storage when the connection unit is brought into the connection state by the switching unit. Is recognized by the information processing apparatus.
According to this configuration, the information processing apparatus and the replacement memory can be connected via the network. That is, when a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the network, information in the replacement memory of the plurality of image forming apparatuses can be managed by a single information processing apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, information stored in a replacement memory in the image forming apparatus can be appropriately read and written by a simple method.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the invention. Schematic electrical connection diagram of the printer Flow chart showing the outline of the component data release process Flow chart showing an overview of access restriction processing for component data and printer operation restriction processing Flowchart showing an outline of another printer operation restriction process Flow chart showing an overview of user access restriction processing

<Embodiment>
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of a printer 10 according to this embodiment (an example of an “image forming apparatus” according to the present invention). In the following description, when distinguishing each component for each color, subscripts of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) are added to the reference numerals of each part, and they are not particularly distinguished. In this case, the subscript is omitted.

  The printer 10 includes a paper feeding unit 3, an image forming unit 5, a transport unit 7, a fixing unit 9, a belt cleaning unit 20, and the like. For example, the printer 10 converts a toner image made of toner of one or a plurality of colors (four colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black in this embodiment) according to image data input from the outside into a sheet 15 (paper, OHP sheet). Etc.).

  The sheet feeding unit 3 is provided at the lowermost part of the printer 10 and includes a tray 17 for storing sheets 15 and a pickup roller 19. The sheets 15 accommodated in the tray 17 are taken out one by one by a pickup roller 19 and sent to the conveyance unit 7 via the conveyance roller 11 and the registration roller 12.

  A transport unit (an example of “exchange”) 7 is for transporting the sheet 15 and is detachably mounted on a predetermined mounting portion 38 formed in the printer 10. The transport unit 7 includes a driving roller 31, a driven roller 32, a belt 34, and four transfer rollers 33. The transport unit 7 is provided with a component IC (integrated circuit) 55 including a rewritable nonvolatile memory.

  The image forming unit 5 includes four process units 40Y, 40M, 40C, and 40K and four exposure apparatuses 43. Each process unit 40 includes a charger 41, a photosensitive drum 42, a drum cleaning unit (44, 45), a unit case 46, and a developing roller 47. Each process unit (an example of “replacement”) 40Y, 40M, 40C, 40K is detachably attached to predetermined attachment portions 48Y, 48M, 48C, 48K formed in the printer 10.

  The exposure device 43 includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting elements (for example, LEDs) arranged in a line along the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 42, and the plurality of light emitting elements are selected according to image data input from the outside. By controlling the light emission, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 42. The exposure device 43 may use a laser.

  The unit case 46 accommodates toner of each color (in this embodiment, for example, positively charged nonmagnetic one-component toner) and includes a developing roller 47. The process units 40K, 40Y, 40M, and 40C are provided with component ICs 53K, 53Y, 53M, and 53C including a rewritable nonvolatile memory, respectively.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 42 is charged by the charger 41 and exposed by the exposure device 43, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 47 so that a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 42. Each photosensitive drum (an example of “replacement”) 42 is provided with component ICs 54K, 54Y, 54M, and 54C each including a rewritable nonvolatile memory.

  Each transfer roller 33 is disposed at a position sandwiching the belt 34 with each photosensitive drum 42, and a predetermined transfer voltage is applied to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 42 to the sheet 15. . Thereafter, the sheet 15 is transported to the fixing unit 9 by the transport unit 7, and the toner image is thermally fixed by the fixing unit 9 and discharged onto the upper surface of the printer 10.

  A belt cleaning unit (an example of “replacement”) 20 is provided below the transport unit 7 and is detachably mounted on a predetermined mounting portion 28. The belt cleaning unit 20 includes a belt cleaning roller 21, a deposit collection roller 22, and a collection box 23, and collects deposits (mainly toner remaining on the belt 34) on the belt 34. The belt cleaning unit 20 is provided with a component IC 56 including a rewritable nonvolatile memory.

2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printer 10 according to the present embodiment. The printer 10 is connected to a personal computer 80 (“an example of an information processing apparatus”) via a LAN (local area network) 90, for example.

  A personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as “PC”) 80 includes a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, an HDD (hard disk drive) 84, an operation unit 85 having a keyboard and a pointing device, a display unit 86 having a liquid crystal display, and a LAN 90. A network interface 87 to be connected is included.

  The printer 10 is a multifunction device that can execute, for example, a copy function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function, and includes a CPU 61 (an example of a “read / write unit”), a ROM 62, a RAM 63, an HDD 64, an operation unit 65, a display unit 66, a printing unit 67, It includes a scanner unit 68, a facsimile unit 69, a network interface (an example of a “communication unit”) 51, a changeover switch (an example of a “switching unit”) 52, and the like. The printer 10 is not limited to a multifunction machine. The image forming apparatus is not limited to a printer. The present invention can be applied to all image forming apparatuses including replacement parts (consumable parts) mounted on the mounting unit.

  The ROM 62 stores various programs for controlling the operation of the printer 10, programs for executing print processing and reading processing, which will be described later, and the CPU 61 performs processing results according to the programs read from the ROM 62. Is stored in the RAM 63, and the operation of the printer 10 is controlled.

  In addition, the CPU 61 reads and writes information from and to each memory of each replacement product 7, 20, 40, 42 mounted on each mounting unit 28, 38, 48. At that time, the CPU 61 reads and writes the PC 80 input via the network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network I / F”) 51 when the PC 80 and the replacement memory are connected by the changeover switch 52. Read and write memory information for each replacement according to the instructions.

  Further, the CPU 61 can independently read / write information from / to each memory of each of the replacement products 7, 20, 40, 42 without following the read / write instruction of the PC 80 during the operation of the printer 10. At that time, the CPU 61 may control the changeover switch 52 to access each memory, or may access each memory through another path not via the changeover switch 52.

  Information to be read and written includes “identification information”, “history information”, “correction information”, “maintenance information”, and the like. “Identification information” includes, for example, a product ID and a product serial number. “History information” includes, for example, a printing date, the number of printed sheets, and a toner usage amount. Examples of the “correction information” include a toner density correction value and a printing position deviation correction value. “Maintenance information” includes, for example, a maintenance date and a recycling date.

  The network I / F 51 communicates with the PC 80. In this case, when the PC 80 and the replacement memory are connected by the changeover switch 52, the replacement memory is recognized by the PC 80 as a network connection storage.

  The changeover switch 52 is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor switch, and is provided between the network I / F 51 and the component ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56 of the replacement items 7, 20, 40, and 42. The changeover switch 52 is connected to the network I / F 51 and replacement part ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56 by predetermined wiring. Under the control of the CPU 61, the changeover switch 52 connects the PC 80 and the component ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56 via the network I / F 51, and more specifically, the non-volatile state of the PC 80 and the component ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56. Switch the connected memory to the connected or disconnected state.

  The component ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56 may be a rewritable nonvolatile memory itself or may include a circuit configuration other than the memory. Further, the form of the component ICs 53, 54, 55, 56 may be an IC chip or an IC tag (RFID tag) capable of wireless communication. When the component IC is an IC tag capable of wireless communication, the printer 10 may be provided with a wireless communication unit capable of wireless communication with the component IC. Further, the replacement product provided with the component IC is not limited to the replacement product 7, 20, 40, 42. For example, a component IC may be provided on a light emitting component (LED, laser, etc.) of the exposure device 43.

The operation unit 65 includes a plurality of buttons, and allows a user to perform various input operations such as a specific mode start and a print start instruction.
The display unit 36 includes a liquid crystal display, a lamp, a speaker, and the like, and can display various setting screens, operation states, and the like. In addition, the display unit (an example of “output unit”) 36 outputs warning information when an operation for removing the replacement product from the mounting unit is detected while the CPU 61 or the PC 80 reads / writes the memory of the replacement product. .

  More specifically, for example, when access to the memory of any component IC is started by the CPU 61 or the PC 80, the display unit 36 displays that the memory of the component IC is being accessed. When an operation for removing the accessed replacement product from the mounting unit is detected in spite of being displayed during access, the CPU (an example of “output unit”) 61, for example, displays the display unit 36. Warning sound (an example of “warning information”) is output from the speaker. Here, the case where the warning sound is output includes the case where the replacement product is removed from the mounting portion and the case where the printer cover is opened in order to remove the replacement product from the mounting portion. For example, the CPU 61 detects removal of the replacement product from the mounting portion or opening / closing of the printer cover by using a replacement product mounting sensor or a cover opening / closing sensor (not shown).

  The printing unit 37 prints an image based on print data (image data received from the PC 80, an external memory, etc., read data, or facsimile data converted to be printable) on the sheet 15 by, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. To do. In the case of the ink jet system, the ink cartridge corresponds to a toner cartridge in the electrophotographic system.

  The scanner unit 68 reads an image of a document (not shown) and generates read data that can be processed by the printing unit 67. The facsimile unit 69 receives facsimile data from an external facsimile apparatus (not shown).

3. Access to Component IC Memory Next, an access mode to the component IC (nonvolatile memory) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 6 showing processing in the PC (external device) 80 and the printer (multifunction device) 10. To do. In FIG. 3 to FIG. 6, the same step symbols are assigned to the same processing steps, and the description thereof is omitted.

3-1. Component Data Release Process First, a component data release process common in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This process is started, for example, when the operation mode of the printer 10 is switched to a specific mode such as performing maintenance work.

  First, when the operation mode of the printer 10 is switched to a specific mode such as the maintenance service mode by the operation of the operation unit 65 by a user such as a maintenance worker, the CPU 61 of the printer 10 performs processing in the specific mode according to a predetermined program. Is started (step S100).

  When the processing in the specific mode is started, for example, the CPU 61 controls the changeover switch 52 to disconnect the PC 80 or the CPU 61 from the memory included in the component ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56 via the network I / F 51. Switch from state to connected state. That is, disclosure of the data (information) of the exchanged product to the network I / F (external I / F) 51 is started (step S110).

  On the other hand, on the PC 80 side, the CPU 81 of the PC 80 starts connection processing between the network I / F 87 of the PC 80 and the network I / F (external I / F) 51 of the printer 10 via the LAN 90 (step S105). . That is, a connection request is transmitted from the PC 80 to the printer 10 (step S115). When the network I / F 51 of the printer 10 detects the connection request, the connection is completed (step S120).

  After the connection between the PC 80 and the printer 10, the PC 80 can access the memory (data) of the component IC, and the component IC data is transmitted and received between the PC 80 and the printer 10 (steps S125 and S130).

  At this time, data (information) transmitted / received is, for example, product identification information, usage history information, maintenance information, and specification information of the process unit 40 for the component IC 53. For the component IC 54, for example, product identification information, usage history information, maintenance information, and specification information of the photosensitive drum 42 are provided. For the component IC 55, for example, product identification information, usage history information, maintenance information, and specification information of the transport unit 7 are included. For the component IC 56, for example, product identification information, usage history information, maintenance information, and specification information of the belt cleaning unit 20 are included.

  Here, the product identification information is, for example, a product number or an individual number. The usage history information is, for example, a printing counter value (number of printed sheets or number of printed dots), a printing date, and a user name. The maintenance information is, for example, a maintenance work date by a service person or a recycling date if the replacement product can be recycled by the printer manufacturer. Further, the specification information is, for example, a print counter value that becomes a use limit, various correction values for controlling print density and replacement items.

  The data transmission / reception is repeated until the PC 80 transmits a connection termination request to the network I / F 51 to the printer 10 and terminates the connection to the network I / F 51 (steps S135 and S145) (step S140: NO determination). When the printer 10 detects a connection termination request for the PC 80, the data transmission / reception is terminated (step S140: YES determination).

  Upon receiving an instruction to end the specific mode from the user, the printer 10 ends the specific mode (step S150), and publishes the exchanged data (information) to the network I / F (external I / F) 51. Thus, unauthorized access to the component IC is prevented (step S160).

  By such processing, the information in the memory of the replacement product can be read and written according to the instruction of the PC 80 while the replacement product is mounted on the mounting unit. Therefore, the information stored in the replacement memory can be appropriately read and written by a simple method.

3-2. Access restriction processing for component data, printer operation restriction processing during access to component data (part 1)
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4, the “part data access restriction process” during the printer operation and the “printer operation restriction process” during the part data access will be described. Only processes different from the basic process of FIG. 3 will be described below.

  When executing an operation of a functional task such as printing, for example, the printer 10 basically receives a request from the user via the operation unit 65 or the network I / F while waiting for an operation request as shown in FIG. Is received (step S200), and if there is no access to the component IC from the PC 80 or the like (NO in step S210), the operation of the functional task is executed (step S220). . When the operation of the functional task is, for example, the printer 10 is a printing operation, the CPU 61 changes information (toner usage amount information, usage history information, specification information, etc.) among the information stored in the component IC 53 during the printing operation. ). On the other hand, when there is an access to the component IC from the PC 80 or the like while waiting for an operation request to be accepted, even if an operation request is accepted, the access from the PC 80 or the like is given priority, and the process waits until the access ends ( The determination in step S210 is YES until the power is turned off (YES in step S230).

  As described above, the CPU 61 can read / write information from / to the memory of the component IC during the operation of the printer 10, and restricts the operation of the printer 10 when performing reading / writing according to the read / write instruction from the PC 80. To do. Therefore, it is possible to read / write the replacement memory from the PC 80 with priority over the operation of the printer 10 and to continue reading / writing information to / from the memory of the component IC.

  The CPU 61 may stop the operation of the printer 10 related to information in the memory of the component IC that is read / written in response to the read / write instruction from the PC 80. In this case, reading / writing from / to the replacement memory from the PC 80 can be performed accurately, and the operation of the printer 10 not related to the reading / writing instruction from the PC 80 to the replacement memory can be continued without interruption. .

  However, if there is an access to the component IC from the PC 80 or the like during the operation of the functional task, the CPU 61 of the printer 10 restricts access to the component IC. That is, when the PC 80 or the CPU 61 and the memory included in the replacement IC are connected via the network I / F 51 and the connected replacement is in use (BUSY state), the replacement IC Access from the PC 80 to the memory included in is restricted. For example, access restrictions such as read-only or inaccessible are set for the information in the memory of the component IC (step S122). At that time, at least one of reading and writing is restricted.

  Here, as information in the memory where access is restricted (access prohibited or read-only), for example, when the printer 10 is in a printing operation, the information stored in the component IC 53 is in a printing operation. Information (toner usage information, usage history information, specification information, etc.). On the other hand, access to information that does not change during the printing operation (product identification information, maintenance information, etc.) is not restricted.

  In this case, the access restriction can be set in units that affect the BUSY state. For example, access restriction can be set for all data (information) in the component IC (memory) or only for data (history information etc.) used during the BUSY state in the component IC. .

  When the PC 80 or the CPU 61 and the memory included in the replacement IC are connected via the network I / F 51 and the use of the replacement is completed, that is, the replacement is changed from the BUSY state to the IDEL state. In this case, the access restriction to the memory included in the component IC is released (step S124).

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the CPU 61 of the printer 10 can read and write information from and to the memory of the component IC during the operation of the printer 10. The CPU 61 restricts at least one of reading and writing according to the read / write instruction from the PC 80 when the read / write is performed on the memory of the component IC according to the operation of the printer 10. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the information in the memory used during the operation of the printer 10 from being changed. Further, even if a read / write instruction is issued from the PC 80 to the memory of the component IC during the operation of the printer 10, the operation of the printer 10 can be continued without being affected by the instruction.

  Note that the CPU 61 may prohibit at least one of reading and writing in accordance with a read / write instruction from the PC 80 with respect to information in the memory used during the operation of the printer 10. In this case, the information in the memory used during the operation of the printer 10 is not changed, and accurate information is reliably protected. On the other hand, information in the memory that is not used during the operation of the printer 10 can be read / written even during the operation of the printer 10 in response to a read / write instruction from the PC 80.

3-3. Printer operation restriction process during access to component data (part 2)
Next, the “printer operation restriction process” during access to the component data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, only processing different from the processing of FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described.

  As described above, the CPU 61 of the printer 10 basically performs an operation request to the printer 10 when reading / writing to the memory of the component IC in accordance with the reading / writing instruction from the PC 80. In FIG. Is waiting for the operation of the printer 10, but is prohibited in FIG.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when there is an access to the component IC from the PC 80 or the like while waiting for acceptance of the operation request (YES determination in step S210A), the CPU 61 of the printer 10 The fact that the component IC is in an access state (BUSY of the component IC) is displayed, and the BUSY of the component IC is notified to the user (step S225).

3-4. User Access Restriction Processing for Component Data Next, “user access restriction processing” for component data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Only processes different from the basic process of FIG. 3 will be described below.

  The CPU 61 of the printer 10 receives authentication information from the PC 80 together with a read / write instruction to the memory of the replacement IC. Then, when the authentication information is not authenticated, at least one of reading and writing according to the read / write instruction from the PC 80 to the memory of the replacement IC is restricted.

  That is, the PC 80 transmits user information (an example of “authentication information”) to the printer 10 together with a connection request between the network I / F 87 of the PC 80 and the network I / F (external I / F) 51 of the printer 10 (step S100). S115A). If the received user information is not authenticated, the CPU 61 of the printer 10 sets an access restriction on the memory (data) of the replacement IC (step S126). At that time, at least one of reading and writing according to the read / write instruction to the memory of the replacement IC is restricted.

  As described above, the CPU 61 receives the authentication information from the PC 80 together with the read / write instruction to the memory of the component IC, and restricts at least one of reading and writing according to the read / write instruction to the memory of the component IC from the PC 80 when the authentication information is not authenticated. To do. Therefore, by restricting (managing) reading / writing of the replacement memory with the authentication information, it is possible to prevent the information in the memory from being inadvertently rewritten.

  In the above embodiment, when the authentication information is not authenticated, at least one of reading and writing to the component IC memory from the PC 80 is limited. However, access to the memory (data) of the replacement IC for each of a plurality of authentication information. Limits may be set. For example, when a certain authentication information A is authenticated, an access restriction for the data A in the memory of the replacement IC is set, and when another authentication information B is authenticated, an access restriction for the data B in the memory of the replacement IC is set. It may be configured.

4). Effects of the embodiment The replacement parts 7, 20, 40, and 42 are mounted on the mounting portions 38, 28, and 48, and information on the replacement part ICs (memory) 53, 54, 55, and 56 is read and written in accordance with instructions from the PC 80. can do. Therefore, the information stored in the replacement memories 53 to 56 can be appropriately read and written by a simple method.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  (1) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which one changeover switch 52 is provided and connection switching of the component ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56 to the network I / F 51 is performed in common. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of changeover switches 52 are provided, and connection switching of the component ICs 53, 54, 55, and 56 to the network I / F 51 is performed individually or for each predetermined group according to the operation status of the printer 10. Also good.

  (2) In the above embodiment, a network hub may be provided between the network I / F 51 and the changeover switch 52. In this case, when the printer 10 enters the specific mode, the bus connected to the component IC is connected to the network hub, and the component IC can be accessed from the PC 80 as the network connection storage. That is, the access operation is the same as the access to the network server public directory.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the printer 10 is connected to the PC 80 via a network such as a LAN. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The printer 10 may be connected to a unique PC 80 without going through a network. In this case, for example, when the USB interface is used as the communication unit and the PC 80 and the replacement memory are connected by the changeover switch 52, the replacement memory is recognized by the PC 80 as a USB mass storage.

  At that time, a USB hub may be provided between the network I / F 51 and the changeover switch 52. In this case, when the printer 10 enters the specific mode, the bus connected to the component IC is connected to the USB hub, and the component IC can be accessed as a mass storage device from the PC 80. That is, the access operation is the same as the access to the file system of the USB memory.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 7 ... Conveyance unit 10 ... Printer 20 ... Belt cleaning unit 28 ... Belt cleaning unit mounting part 38 ... Conveyance unit mounting part 40K, 40Y, 40M, 40C ... Process unit 48K, 48Y, 48M, 48C ... Process unit mounting part 51 ... Network Interface 53, 54, 55, 56 ... Component IC
61 ... CPU
80 ... Personal computer (external device)

Claims (9)

A mounting part for mounting a replacement with a memory; and
A read / write unit that reads / writes information from / to the memory of the replacement product mounted on the mounting unit;
A communication unit that communicates with the information processing device;
A switching unit that switches the information processing apparatus and the memory to a connected state or a disconnected state via the communication unit;
When the switching unit receives a connection instruction between the information processing apparatus and the memory, the switching unit switches to be in the connection state,
When the switching unit is in the connected state, the read / write unit or the information processing device reads / writes information in the memory according to the read / write instruction of the information processing device input via the communication unit. , Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The read / write unit
Information can be read from and written to the memory during operation of the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus that restricts at least one of reading and writing in accordance with a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus when performing read / write according to the operation of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The read / write unit
An image forming apparatus that prohibits at least one of reading and writing according to a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus with respect to information in the memory used during operation of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The read / write unit
Information can be read from and written to the memory during operation of the image forming apparatus;
An image forming apparatus that restricts an operation of the image forming apparatus when reading / writing is performed according to a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The read / write unit
An image forming apparatus that stops an operation of the image forming apparatus related to information in the memory that is read and written according to a read / write instruction from the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: an output unit that outputs warning information when an operation for removing the replacement product from the mounting unit is detected during reading / writing of the reading / writing unit or the information processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The read / write unit
The authentication information is received from the information processing apparatus together with the read / write instruction,
An image forming apparatus that restricts at least one of reading and writing according to a read / write instruction to the memory from the information processing apparatus when the authentication information is not authenticated. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The communication unit is a USB interface;
The image forming apparatus in which the memory is recognized as the USB mass storage by the information processing apparatus when the connection unit is brought into the connected state by the switching unit. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The communication unit is a network interface;
The image forming apparatus in which the memory is recognized as the network connection storage by the information processing apparatus when the connection unit is in the connected state.

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