JP2021004971A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To prevent an increase in memory capacity of a consumable item memory.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: a consumable item having a consumable item memory; a control unit; and a main body memory. When writing, in the consumable item memory, one count value to be updated of a plurality of types of count values stored in the main body memory, the control unit executes first processing, second processing, third processing, and fourth processing. The first processing is processing of overwriting specification information for specifying the count value to be updated in a first area (S32). The second processing is processing of overwriting the count value to be updated in a second area after the first processing (S34). The third processing is processing of overwriting the specification information for specifying the count value to be updated in a third area after the second processing (S37). The fourth processing is processing of writing the count value to be updated in an area of a fourth area corresponding to the count value to be updated after the third processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a consumable having a memory.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a consumable item having a memory is known (see Patent Document 1). In this image forming apparatus, ink remaining amount data is stored in the consumables memory as data related to the life of the consumables. Then, in order to back up this data, so-called mirroring is performed in which the same data is stored in each of the two areas of the consumable memory.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-218824

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the same data is stored in each of the two areas of the consumable memory, the consumable memory has at least twice the storage capacity as compared with the case where the mirroring is not performed. Is required. Therefore, the storage capacity of the consumable memory becomes large.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the consumable memory.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes an apparatus main body, consumables, a cover, a control unit, and a main body memory. The consumables can be attached to the main body of the device and have a consumable memory. The consumable memory has a first area for storing specific information for specifying which of the plurality of types of count values related to the life of the consumable is, and a first area for storing only one of the plurality of types of count values. It has a consumable memory having two areas, a third area for storing specific information, and a fourth area for storing a plurality of types of count values. The cover is opened and closed when replacing consumables. The control unit can count a plurality of types of count values according to image formation. The main body memory stores a plurality of types of count values counted by the control unit.
When the control unit writes one count value to be updated out of a plurality of types of count values stored in the main body memory to the consumable memory, the control unit performs the first process, the second process, the third process, and the first process. 4 Process and execute. The first process is a process of overwriting and writing specific information for specifying the count value to be updated in the first area. The second process is a process of overwriting and writing the count value to be updated in the second area after the first process. The third process is a process of overwriting and writing the specific information for specifying the count value to be updated in the third area after the second process. The fourth process is a process of writing the count value to be updated to the area corresponding to the count value to be updated in the fourth area after the third process.
The control unit reads information from the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or the cover is closed, and the information in the first region is read. And the count value of the region corresponding to the count value of the second region and the count value of the type specified by the information of the first region or the third region of the fourth region. If they do not match, the recovery process of writing the count value written in the second area to the area corresponding to the type of count value specified by the information in the first area or the third area of the fourth area is performed. Execute.

According to this configuration, when the control unit writes one count value to be updated to the consumable memory, the first process overwrites the specific information in the first area, and the count value to be updated is overwritten in the second area. The second process, the third process of overwriting the specific information in the third area, is executed, and after the third process, the fourth process of writing to the area corresponding to the count value to be updated is executed, so that the first to fourth processes are executed. Even if the processing is forcibly interrupted during the execution of the processing, the specific information in the first area and the specific information in the third area match, and the count value in the second area and the third of the fourth areas When the count value of the area corresponding to the type of count value specified by the specific information of the 1st area or the 3rd area does not match, the recovery process of writing the 2nd area count value to the corresponding area of the 4th area is performed. Can be executed. Therefore, the count value stored in the consumable memory can be restored without performing mirroring and backing up. Then, it is possible to suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the consumable memory.

In the above configuration, after executing the fourth process, the control unit specifies the type of the count value in the first area and the fifth process of writing the non-specific information that does not specify the type of the count value in the first area. It may be configured to execute the sixth process of writing non-specific information.

According to this configuration, the control unit can determine that the update of the count value is completed normally.

In the above configuration, the control unit reads information from the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or the cover is closed. When the information in the first area and the information in the third area do not match, or when the information in the first area and the information in the third area are both non-specific information, or when the information in the first area and the information in the third area When the information matches and the count value of the second region and the count value of the region specified by the information of the first region or the third region of the fourth region match, the data is stored in the fourth region. It may be configured to read a plurality of the counted values and write them to the main body memory.

In the above configuration, the consumable memory further includes a fifth area corresponding to the first area, a sixth area corresponding to the second area, and a seventh area corresponding to the third area, and is a control unit. When it is determined that information cannot be written in at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area, the fifth area and the sixth area are replaced with the first area, the second area, and the third area. And the 7th region may be used.

According to this configuration, even if information cannot be written in the first area, the second area, and the third area, the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area can be used instead.

In the above configuration, when the control unit determines that information cannot be written to at least one of the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the control unit counts without executing the first to sixth processes. The value may be written in the fourth area.

According to this configuration, the count value can be written to the consumable memory even if the information cannot be written to the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area.

In the above configuration, when the control unit determines that the information cannot be written in at least one of the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the control unit writes the information in the fifth area and the seventh area. The error information different from both the specific information and the non-specific information may be written in the area where the information is possible.

According to this configuration, the information in the fifth area and the information in the seventh area do not match, so that the control unit does not uselessly perform the recovery process.

In the above configuration, when the control unit determines that information cannot be written to at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region, the control unit counts without executing the first to sixth processes. The value may be written in the fourth area.

According to this configuration, even if information cannot be written in the first area, the second area, and the third area, the count value can be written in the fourth area.

In the above configuration, when the control unit determines that the information cannot be written in at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area, the control unit writes the information in the first area and the third area. The error information different from both the specific information and the non-specific information may be written in the area where the information is possible.

According to this configuration, the information in the first region and the information in the third region do not match, so that the control unit does not uselessly perform the recovery process.

In the above configuration, the consumable is a developing cartridge having a developing roller and a developing memory, and the plurality of types of count values are the cumulative number of developed prints printed using the developing cartridge, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative number. The configuration may include at least one of the dot counts.

In the above configuration, the consumable item is a drum cartridge having a photoconductor drum and a drum memory, and a plurality of types of count values are the cumulative number of drum prints printed using the drum cartridge and the cumulative photoconductor drum rotation speed. It may be configured to include at least one of.

In the above-described configuration, the control unit may be located in the main body of the device.

In the above configuration, the control unit may be located in the consumables.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in the storage capacity of the consumable memory.

It is sectional drawing of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state which took out the drum cartridge from the apparatus main body. It is a figure (a) which shows the area structure of the development memory which concerns on embodiment, and the figure (b) which shows the area structure of consumables memory which concerns on a comparative example. It is a flowchart which shows the process when the power is turned on or the cover is closed. It is a flowchart which shows the count value reading process. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of the count value during image formation. It is a flowchart which shows the count value writing process. It is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure explaining the 1st process to 6th process executed by a control part using concrete numerical values. It is a figure explaining the 1st process to 6th process executed by a control unit when the count value of a different kind is continuously updated by using a concrete numerical value.

Next, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser printer. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2, a feeder unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a control unit 100, a main body memory 110, and a display 26.

The device main body 2 has a hollow case shape. The device main body 2 has a pair of left and right side walls 21 and a front wall 22 connecting the side walls 21. The front wall 22 has a main body opening 22A. The front wall 22 is provided with a cover 23 for opening and closing the main body opening 22A. The cover 23 is opened and closed when the consumables are replaced.

The feeder unit 3 includes a supply tray 31 and a supply mechanism 32. The supply tray 31 is detachably attached to the lower part of the device main body 2. The supply mechanism 32 feeds the supply tray 31 and the sheet S in the supply tray 31 toward the image forming unit 4.

The image forming unit 4 includes a scanner unit 5, a fixing device 7, a drum cartridge 8, and a developing cartridge 9.

The scanner unit 5 is provided in the upper part of the apparatus main body 2 and includes a laser emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflector, and the like. The scanner unit 5 irradiates the surface of the photoconductor drum 81, which will be described later, with a laser beam by high-speed scanning.

The control unit 100 is, for example, a CPU. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 has a main body memory 110. The main body memory 110 includes, for example, RAM, EEPROM, and the like. The control unit 100 executes print control by performing arithmetic processing based on information on the mounted cartridge, programs and data stored in RAM, ROM, and the like. The CPU is electrically connected to a RAM, a ROM, an EEPROM, a drum memory 85, and a development memory 95.

The display 26 is located on the outer surface of the apparatus main body 2. The display 26 displays various messages based on the command of the control unit 100.

The drum cartridge 8 is arranged between the feeder unit 3 and the scanner unit 5. The drum cartridge 8 is removable from the device main body 2. Specifically, the drum cartridge 8 can be attached to and detached from the device main body 2 through the main body opening 22A opened and closed by the cover 23 of the device main body 2. The drum cartridge 8 is an example of a consumable item.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developing cartridge 9 can be mounted on the apparatus main body 2. In this embodiment, the developing cartridge 9 is removable from the drum cartridge 8. The developing cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 in a state of being assembled to the drum cartridge 8. The developing cartridge 9 is an example of a consumable item.

Returning to FIG. 1, the drum cartridge 8 has a frame 80, a photoconductor drum 81, a transfer roller 82, a charger 83, and a drum memory 85. The development cartridge 9 can be mounted on the frame 80. The photoconductor drum 81 and the transfer roller 82 are rotatably supported by the frame 80.

The drum memory 85 is a medium for storing information such as an IC chip, and is not limited to the IC chip.

The developing cartridge 9 has a housing 90, a developing roller 91, a supply roller 92, a blade 93, and a developing memory 95. The housing 90 can accommodate toner inside. The developing roller 91 supplies toner to the photoconductor drum 81. The supply roller 92 supplies the toner of the housing 90 to the developing roller 91. The blade 93 regulates the layer thickness of the toner supplied to the developing roller 91.

The development memory 95 is a medium for storing information such as an IC chip, and is not limited to the IC chip.

In the drum cartridge 8, the surface of the rotating photoconductor drum 81 is uniformly charged by the charger 83, and then exposed by high-speed scanning of the laser beam from the scanner unit 5. As a result, the potential of the exposed portion is lowered, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 81.

Next, the toner in the developing cartridge 9 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image of the photoconductor drum 81 by the rotationally driven developing roller 91, and the toner image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 81. After that, the sheet S is conveyed between the photoconductor drum 81 and the transfer roller 82, so that the toner image supported on the surface of the photoconductor drum 81 is transferred onto the sheet S.

The fixing device 7 includes a heating roller 71 and a pressurizing roller 72. The pressurizing roller 72 is located facing the heating roller 71. The pressurizing roller 72 presses the heating roller 71. The fixing device 7 heat-fixes the toner transferred onto the sheet S while the sheet S passes between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72.

The sheet S heat-fixed by the fixing device 7 is conveyed to a paper ejection roller 24 arranged on the downstream side of the fixing device 7, and is sent out from the paper ejection roller 24 onto the paper ejection tray 25.

As described above, the developing cartridge 9 has a developing memory 95. A plurality of count values are written in the development memory 95 as information regarding the life of the development cartridge 9. The plurality of types of count values include at least one of the cumulative number of developed prints printed using the developing cartridge 9, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing rollers, and the cumulative dot count. In the present embodiment, the development memory 95 stores a count value of the cumulative number of developed prints, a count value of the cumulative dot count, and a count value of the cumulative development roller rotation speed. The count value as information on the life of the developing cartridge 9 can include other count values of these three types of count values. It is desirable that the number of types of count values is four or more.

The development cumulative number of prints is the cumulative number of prints printed using the currently installed development cartridge 9. The cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller is the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 91 of the currently installed developing cartridge 9. The cumulative dot count is the cumulative number of dots printed using the currently installed developing cartridge 9.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the developing memory 95 has a first region, a second region, a third region, a fourth region, a fifth region, a sixth region, and a seventh region.

The first area is an area for storing specific information or non-specific information. The specific information is information for specifying which of a plurality of types of count values relating to the life of consumables is used. Non-specific information is information that does not specify the type of count value. The non-specific information is, for example, null data. The first area has a storage capacity capable of storing only one specific information. Only one of the specific information and the non-specific information is overwritten and written in the first area. Therefore, when new specific information or non-specific information is written in the first area, the previously written information (specific information or non-specific information) is deleted.

The second area is an area for storing only one of a plurality of types of count values. The second area has a storage capacity capable of storing only one count value. Only one count value is overwritten and written in the second area. Therefore, when a new count value is written in the second area, the previously written count value is deleted.

The third area is an area for storing specific information or non-specific information. The third area has a storage capacity capable of storing only one specific information. Only one of the specific information and the non-specific information is overwritten and written in the third area. Therefore, when new specific information or non-specific information is written in the third area, the previously written information (specific information or non-specific information) is deleted.

The fourth area is an area for storing a plurality of types of count values. The fourth area has a storage capacity capable of storing a plurality of count values. In the fourth area, a plurality of storage areas are prepared corresponding to a plurality of types of count values.

The fifth region is a spare region corresponding to the first region. The sixth region is a spare region corresponding to the second region. The seventh region is a spare region corresponding to the third region. The fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area are used when information cannot be written in at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area.

Next, the count value writing process for writing the count value to the developing memory 95 will be described.
The plurality of types of count values are counted by the control unit 100 according to the image formation and stored in the main body memory 110. Each count value stored in the main body memory 110 is written in the development memory 95 at a predetermined timing. That is, the count value stored in the main body memory 110 is not written in the development memory 95 for each counted count, but is written when the update condition is satisfied. Although the update conditions are set in advance, they may be appropriately changed according to the image formation, or may be appropriately changed according to the printing environment and the user's preference.

Specifically, when the cumulative number of developed prints satisfies the update condition, the control unit 100 executes a count value writing process for writing the count value of the cumulative number of developed prints to the development memory 95. This update condition may be appropriately determined, such as that a predetermined number of sheets have been printed or that a predetermined time has elapsed. In the present embodiment, the update condition is that printing is completed on one sheet.

When the cumulative dot count satisfies the update condition, the control unit 100 executes a count value writing process for writing the count value of the cumulative dot count to the developing memory 95. This update condition may be appropriately determined, such as printing a predetermined number of dots. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the update condition is printed with 500 dots.

When the cumulative development roller rotation speed satisfies the update condition, the control unit 100 executes a count value writing process for writing the count value of the cumulative development roller rotation speed. This update condition may be appropriately determined, such as that the developing roller has rotated a predetermined number of times. In the present embodiment, the update condition is that the developing roller has rotated 25 times.

When the control unit 100 writes one count value to be updated among the plurality of types of count values stored in the main body memory 110 to the development memory 95, the control unit 100 performs the first process and the second process as the count value writing process. The process, the third process, and the fourth process are executed. The control unit 100 executes the fifth process and the sixth process after executing the count value writing process, that is, after executing the fourth process. On the other hand, the control unit 100 does not execute the fifth process and the sixth process when the fourth process is not executed, that is, when the count write process is not performed.

The first process is a process of overwriting and writing specific information for specifying the count value to be updated in the first area. The second process is a process of overwriting and writing the count value to be updated in the second area after the first process. The third process is a process of overwriting and writing the specific information for specifying the count value to be updated in the third area after the second process. The fourth process is a process of writing the count value to be updated to the area corresponding to the count value to be updated in the fourth area after the third process. The fifth process is a process of writing non-specific information in the first area. The sixth process is a process of writing non-specific information in the third area.

When the control unit 100 determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area, the area in which the information can be written is among the first area and the third area. Write error information that is different from both specific information and non-specific information in.
Specifically, when the control unit 100 fails to write the specific information in the first process, the control unit 100 writes the error information in the third area. Similarly, when the control unit 100 fails to write the specific information in the third process, the control unit 100 writes the error information in the first area. When error information is written in the first area or the third area, the information in the first area and the information in the third area do not match.

When the control unit 100 determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area, the control unit 100 replaces the first area, the second area, and the third area with the fifth area. The 6th and 7th regions are used.

When the control unit 100 determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the area in which the information can be written is among the fifth area and the seventh area. Write error information that is different from both specific information and non-specific information in.
Specifically, when the control unit 100 uses the fifth to seventh areas and fails to write the specific information in the first process, the control unit 100 writes the error information in the seventh area. Similarly, when the control unit 100 uses the fifth to seventh areas and fails to write the specific information in the third process, the control unit 100 writes the error information in the fifth area. When error information is written in the 5th area or the 7th area, the information in the 5th area and the information in the 7th area do not match.

When the control unit 100 determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the control unit 100 sets the count value to the fourth without executing the first to sixth processes. Write to the area.

Next, a count value reading process for reading the count value of the development memory 95 into the main body memory 110 will be described.
When the control unit 100 determines that the power is turned on (also referred to as “power ON” in the following description) or the cover 23 is closed, the control unit 100 performs a count read process for reading the count value from the development memory 95. Execute. The control unit 100 writes the count value read in the count value reading process to the main body memory 110.

Specifically, the control unit 100 outputs information from the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or when the cover 23 is closed. read out.

In the normal case, that is, when there is no forcible interruption during the previous data writing process and the previous count value update is completed normally, non-specific information is written in the first area and the third area. Has been. In this case, the control unit 100 reads a plurality of count values stored in the fourth area and writes them in the main body memory 110.

When the information in the first area and the information in the third area do not match, the control unit 100 reads a plurality of count values stored in the fourth area and writes them in the main body memory 110. Further, the control unit 100 is specified by the information in the first region and the information in the third region matching the information in the first region and the count value in the second region and the information in the first region or the third region among the fourth regions. When the count values in the respective areas match, the plurality of count values stored in the fourth area are read out and written to the main body memory 110.

On the other hand, the control unit 100 reads information from the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when the cover 23 is closed, and the second region is read. The information in the first area and the information in the third area match, and correspond to the count value in the second area and the count value of the type specified by the information in the first area or the third area in the fourth area. If the count value of the area does not match, the recovery process is executed. The recovery process is a process of writing the count value written in the second area to the area of the fourth area corresponding to the type of count value specified by the information in the first area or the third area.

Next, an example of the process executed by the control unit 100 when the power is turned on or the cover 23 is closed will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 100 determines whether the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on or the cover 23 is closed (S1). If the control unit 100 does not determine that the power is turned on or the cover 23 is closed (S1, No), the control unit 100 waits until the power is turned on or the cover 23 is closed.

In step S1, when it is determined that the power is turned on or the cover 23 is closed (S1, Yes), the control unit 100 executes a count value reading process for reading the count value from the developing memory 95 (S2).

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 first reads specific information from the first area and the third area of the developing memory 95 as the count value reading process (S21). Then, the count value specified by the specific information is read from the second area and the fourth area of the developing memory 95 (S22).

After step S22, the control unit 100 determines whether the information in the first region and the information in the third region match (S23).

In step S23, when the control unit 100 determines that the information in the first region and the information in the third region do not match (S23, No), the control unit 100 reads out a plurality of count values in the fourth region (S27).

On the other hand, in step S23, when the control unit 100 determines that the information in the first region and the information in the third region match (S23, Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the information in the first region is non-specific information (S24). ).

In step S24, when the control unit 100 determines that the information in the first region is non-specific information (S24, Yes), the control unit 100 reads out a plurality of count values in the fourth region (S27).

On the other hand, in step S24, when the control unit 100 determines that the information in the first region is not non-specific information (S24, No), the count value in the second region and the count value in the fourth region specified by the specific information Is determined (S25).

In step S25, when the control unit 100 determines that the count value in the second region and the specific information in the fourth region match (S25, Yes), the control unit 100 reads out a plurality of count values in the fourth region (S27).

On the other hand, in step S25, the control unit 100 determines the count value of the second region and the count value of the region corresponding to the type of count value specified by the information of the first region or the third region of the fourth region. When it is determined that they do not match (S25, No), the count value of the second area is written in the area corresponding to the type of count value specified by the information of the first area or the third area of the fourth area (S25, No). S26). After step S26, the control unit 100 reads out a plurality of count values in the fourth region (S27).

After the count value reading process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 4, and the control unit 100 writes the count value read in the count value reading process to the main body memory 110 (S3).

Next, an example of the process executed by the control unit 100 in association with the image formation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 8. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S4 to S12 while the image forming apparatus 1 is ON.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 100 determines whether the update condition of the cumulative number of developed sheets of the developing cartridge 9 is satisfied (S4).

In step S4, when it is determined that the update condition for the cumulative number of developed sheets is satisfied (S4, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the count value writing process for the cumulative number of developed sheets (S5).

After step S5 or when it is not determined in step S4 that the update condition for the cumulative number of developed sheets is satisfied (S4, No), the control unit 100 determines whether the update condition for the cumulative dot count is satisfied (S6).

In step S6, if it is determined that the cumulative dot count update condition is satisfied (S6, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the cumulative dot count count value writing process (S7).

After step S7 or when it is not determined in step S6 that the update condition of the cumulative development roller rotation speed is not satisfied (S6, No), the control unit 100 determines whether the update condition of the cumulative development roller rotation speed is satisfied (S8). ).

In step S8, when it is determined that the update condition of the cumulative development roller rotation speed is satisfied (S8, Yes), the control unit 100 executes the count value writing process of the cumulative development roller rotation speed (S9).

After step S9, or when it is not determined in step S8 that the update condition of the cumulative developing roller rotation speed is not satisfied (S8, No), the control unit 100 determines whether the count value writing process has been performed (S10).

In step S10, when the control unit 100 determines that the count value writing process is not performed (S10, No), the process ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that the count value writing process has been performed (S10, Yes), the control unit 100 writes the non-specific information in the first area (S11) and writes the non-specific information in the third area. (S12), the process is terminated.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when executing the count value writing process, the control unit 100 first sets a flag indicating whether or not there is an error in each storage area (1st to 7th areas) of the developing memory 95. It is determined whether F = 0 (S31).

The flag F = 0 indicates that there is no error in each storage area (1st to 7th areas) of the developing memory 95. Flag F = 1 indicates that there is an error in the first to third regions. Flag F = 2 indicates that there is an error in the 4th to 7th regions. In the initial state, the flag F = 0.

In step S31, when the control unit 100 determines that F = 0 (S31, Yes), the control unit 100 writes the specific information specifying the type of the count value to the first area (S32), and determines whether the writing is successful. (S33). The control unit 100 may determine that the writing is successful when the information written in the area and the information read from the area after writing match.

In step S33, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the first area is not successful (S33, No), the control unit 100 writes the error information to the third area (S35). After step S35, the control unit 100 sets flag F = 1 (S40) and shifts to step S51.

In step S33, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the first area is successful (S33, Yes), the count value to be updated is written to the second area (S34), and it is determined whether the writing is successful (S33, Yes). S36).

In step S36, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the second area is not successful (S36, No), the flag F = 1 (S40), the process proceeds to step S51.

In step S36, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the second area is successful (S36, Yes), the specific information is written to the third area (S37), and the control unit 100 determines whether the writing is successful (S38).

In step S38, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the third area is not successful (S38, No), the control unit 100 writes the error information to the first area (S39). After step S39, the control unit 100 sets flag F = 1 (S40) and proceeds to step S51.

In step S38, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the third area is successful (S38, Yes), the count value of the main body memory 110 is written to the corresponding area of the fourth area (S70), and the count is written. End the process.

When it is determined in step S31 that the flag F = 0 (S31, No), or after step S40, the control unit 100 determines whether the flag F = 1 (S51).

In step S51, when the control unit 100 does not determine that the flag F = 1 (S51, No), the flag F = 2, so the count value of the main body memory 110 is written to the fourth area (S70) and counted. The writing process ends.

In step S51, when it is determined that the flag F = 1 (S51, Yes), the control unit 100 writes the specific information to the fifth area (S52), and determines whether the writing is successful (S53).

In step S53, when it is determined that the writing to the fifth area is not successful (S53, No), the control unit 100 writes the error information to the seventh area (S55). After step S55, the control unit 100 sets the flag F = 2 (S60), writes the count value of the main body memory 110 to the fourth area (S70), and ends the count writing process.

In step S53, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the fifth area is successful (S53, Yes), the count value to be updated is written to the sixth area (S54), and it is determined whether the writing is successful (S53, Yes). S56).

In step S56, when it is determined that the writing to the sixth area is not successful (S56, No), the control unit 100 sets the flag F = 2 (S60) and writes the count value of the main body memory 110 to the fourth area (S56, No). S70), the count writing process is terminated.

In step S56, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the sixth area is successful (S56, Yes), the specific information is written to the seventh area (S57), and it is determined whether the writing is successful (S58).

In step S58, when it is determined that the writing to the seventh area is not successful (S58, No), the control unit 100 writes the error information to the fifth area (S59). After step S59, the control unit 100 sets the flag F = 2 (S60), writes the count value of the main body memory 110 to the fourth area (S70), and ends the count writing process.

In step S58, when the control unit 100 determines that the writing to the seventh area is successful (S58, Yes), the count value of the main body memory 110 is written to the fourth area (S70), and the count writing process is terminated. ..

Next, the process executed by the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 using specific numerical values. In FIGS. 9 and 10, what is indicated by hatching indicates that the information has been updated. Here, the cumulative number of prints of the developing cartridge 9 is (A), the cumulative dot count is (B), and the number of rotations of the developing roller is (C). Further, it is assumed that there is no error in each storage area of the developing memory 95.

First, with reference to FIG. 9, a process for updating only the cumulative number of prints (A) will be described. In this case, the control unit 100 first writes the specific information (A) of the cumulative number of developed prints (A) in the first area as the first process. Next, as the second process, the control unit 100 writes the count value “191” to be updated of the cumulative number of developed prints (A) in the second area. Next, the control unit 100 writes the specific information (A) in the third area as the third process. Then, the control unit 100 writes the count value "191" to be updated in the fourth area as the fourth process. Next, as the fifth process, the control unit 100 writes non-specific information that does not specify the type of the count value in the first area. Then, the control unit 100 writes the non-specific information in the third area as the sixth process.

Here, when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned off or the cover 23 is opened during the execution of the first to third processes and the forcible interruption is performed, the first to third regions The data may be corrupted. When there is a forced interruption during the first to third processes in this way, the value in the second region is unreliable, so that the control unit 100 has the control unit 100 when the power is turned on or the cover 23 is closed. If this happens, the recovery process is not performed and the count value in the fourth area is read as it is.

When there is a forcible interruption during the execution of the first to third processes and the information in the hatched areas in the first to third processes in FIG. 9 is damaged, the information in the first area and the third process are damaged. It does not match the information in the area. Further, even if the information in the hatched area is not damaged, if the writing of the specific information (A) is not completed in the third process, the information in the first area and the third area are not completed. It does not match the information in the area. Therefore, the control unit 100 determines that the information in the first region and the information in the third region do not match (S23, No), the control unit 100 does not perform the recovery process, and the count value in the fourth region is used as it is. Read (S27).

On the other hand, if a forcible interruption is made during the execution of the fourth process, the data in the fourth area may be damaged. Alternatively, during the execution of the fourth process, the rewriting of the fourth area may be interrupted before it is completed. In this case, as can be seen from the information in the first region and the information in the third region in the column of the fourth process, the information in the first region and the information in the third region match. If the information in the hatched area of the fourth area (A) is damaged or the rewriting is not completed, the information in the second area and the information in the fourth area (A) do not match. ..
Therefore, when the power is turned on or the cover 23 is closed, the control unit 100 matches the information in the first region with the information in the third region (S23, Yes), and the count value in the second region is "Yes." It is determined that "191" and the count values in the fourth region do not match (S25, No), and the recovery process (S26) is performed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a process for continuously updating the count value of the cumulative number of prints (A), the count value of the cumulative dot count (B), and the count value of the developing roller rotation speed (C). Will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, the control unit 100 writes the specific information (A) of the cumulative number of developed prints (A) in the first area as the first process. Next, as the second process, the control unit 100 writes the count value “191” to be updated of the cumulative number of developed prints (A) in the second area. Next, the control unit 100 writes the specific information (A) in the third area as the third process. Then, the control unit 100 writes the count value "191" to be updated in the fourth area as the fourth process.

Next, the control unit 100 writes the specific information (B) of the cumulative dot count (B) in the first area as the first process. Next, as the second process, the control unit 100 writes the count value “10500” of the cumulative dot count (B) to be updated in the second area. Next, the control unit 100 writes the specific information (B) in the third area as the third process. Then, the control unit 100 writes the count value “10500” to be updated in the fourth area as the fourth process.

Next, the control unit 100 writes the specific information (C) of the developing roller rotation speed (C) in the first region as the first process. Next, the control unit 100 writes the count value “2025” to be updated of the developing roller rotation speed (C) in the second region as the second process. Next, the control unit 100 writes the specific information (C) in the third area as the third process. Then, the control unit 100 writes the count value “2025” to be updated in the fourth area as the fourth process.

Next, as the fifth process, the control unit 100 writes non-specific information that does not specify the type of the count value in the first area. Then, the control unit 100 writes the non-specific information in the third area as the sixth process.

In this way, when the count value of the cumulative number of prints (A), the count value of the cumulative dot count (B), and the count value of the developing roller rotation speed (C) are continuously updated, the cumulative number of prints ( Between the update of the count value of A) and the update of the count value of the cumulative dot count (B), and the update of the count value of the cumulative dot count (B) and the count value of the developing roller rotation speed (C). No non-specific information is written in the first area and the third area between the updates. However, even in this case, the point that the information in the first region and the information in the third region do not match when there is a forcible interruption during the execution of each of the first to third processes is referred to FIG. This is the same as the case of updating only the cumulative number of prints (A) described. Further, the point that the information in the first area and the information in the third area match when there is a forcible interruption during the execution of the fourth process is the same as the case where only the cumulative number of prints (A) is updated. .. Therefore, even if non-specific information is not written during the update of each count value of the cumulative number of prints (A), the cumulative dot count (B), and the developing roller rotation speed (C), only the cumulative number of prints (A) is printed. The recovery process can be performed as needed by the same determination process as in the case of updating.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

If there is a power failure or the power plug is unplugged while using the image forming device, the power will be forcibly turned off. If the power is forcibly turned off while writing data, the data writing process is also forcibly interrupted and the data being written is damaged. Therefore, in the conventional image forming apparatus, in order to back up the data, so-called mirroring is performed in which the same data is stored in each of the two areas of the consumable memory. Therefore, for example, when a comparative example is shown according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the consumable memory 95B of the image forming apparatus according to the comparative example has a main memory for storing the same information. Requires space and sub-storage space. Therefore, the consumable memory 95B of the image forming apparatus according to the comparative example requires twice the storage capacity as compared with the case where mirroring is not performed.

However, in the image forming apparatus 1 of the present disclosure, when the control unit 100 writes one count value to be updated to the developing memory 95, the first process of overwriting the specific information in the first area and the count value to be updated are set. The second process of overwriting the second area and the third process of overwriting the specific information in the third area are executed, and after the third process, the fourth process of writing to the area corresponding to the count value to be updated is executed. Then, even if the processing is forcibly interrupted during the execution of the first to fourth processes, the control unit 100 matches the specific information in the first region and the specific information in the third region, and the second region When the count value of the region corresponding to the type of count value specified by the specific information of the first region or the third region of the fourth region does not match, the count value of the second region is set. The recovery process of writing to the corresponding area of the fourth area is executed. As described above, since the image forming apparatus 1 of the present disclosure only includes a second area as an area for redundantly writing information, the storage capacity of the developing memory 95 is larger than the storage capacity in the case of mirroring. It can be suppressed from becoming.

Further, after executing the fourth process, the control unit 100 writes the non-specific information that does not specify the type of the count value in the first area, and the non-specific information that does not specify the type of the count value in the third area. The sixth process of writing specific information is executed. Therefore, the control unit 100 can determine that the update of the count value has been completed normally.

Further, the developing memory 95 further includes a fifth area corresponding to the first area, a sixth area corresponding to the second area, and a seventh area corresponding to the third area. Therefore, even if it becomes impossible to write information in the first area, the second area, and the third area, the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area can be used instead.

Further, when the control unit 100 determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the control unit 100 counts the count value without executing the first to sixth processes. Write in the 4th area. Therefore, even if the information cannot be written in the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the count value can be written in the consumable memory.

Further, when the control unit 100 determines that the information cannot be written in at least one of the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the control unit 100 can write the information in the fifth area and the seventh area. Error information that is different from both specific information and non-specific information is written in the specific area. Therefore, when the control unit 100 determines that the information in the fifth area and the information in the seventh area do not match, the control unit 100 does not perform the recovery process, so that the control unit 100 does not uselessly perform the recovery process.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be used in various forms as illustrated below.

In the above-described embodiment, the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area are used as spare areas to be used when information cannot be written in at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area. Although it had, the fifth region, the sixth region, and the seventh region may be omitted.

In this case, when the control unit 100 determines that the information cannot be written in at least one of the first area, the second area, and the third area, the control unit 100 writes the information in the first area and the third area. Write error information that is different from both specific information and non-specific information in the area where it is possible. Then, when the control unit 100 determines that the information cannot be written in at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region, the control unit 100 counts the count value without executing the first to sixth processes. Write in the 4th area.

With this configuration as well, as in the above-described embodiment, the count value stored in the developing memory 95 can be restored without performing mirroring and backing up, and the storage capacity required for the developing memory 95 can be restored. It can be suppressed. Further, as in the above-described embodiment, since the information in the first region and the information in the third region do not match in the control unit 100, the information in the first region and the information in the third region match in the control unit 100. By not performing the recovery process when it is determined not to perform the recovery process, the recovery process is not wasted.

In the above-described embodiment, the development memory 95 has seven storage areas from the first area to the seventh area, but the development memory 95 may have seven or more storage areas.

In the above-described embodiment, the consumable item is the developing cartridge 9, but the consumable item may be the drum cartridge 8. In this case, the count value is written to the drum memory 85. The plurality of types of count values include at least one of the cumulative number of printed drums printed using the drum cartridge 8 and the cumulative number of revolutions of the photoconductor drum.

In the above-described embodiment, the CPU of the control unit 100 located in the device main body 2 executes the count value read process and the count value write process, but the count value read process and the count value write process are consumables. It may be executed by the CPU of the control unit located in a consumable item such as a memory.

In the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body in a state of being assembled to the drum cartridge, but the developing cartridge may be attached to the apparatus main body. In this case, the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge are independently attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

In the above-described embodiment, a monochrome laser printer is exemplified as the image forming apparatus, but the image forming apparatus may be a color laser printer, a copier, or a multifunction device.

Each element described in the above-described embodiment and modification can be implemented in any combination.

1 Image forming device 2 Device main body 8 Drum cartridge 9 Development cartridge 81 Photoreceptor drum 85 Drum memory 91 Development roller 95 Development memory 100 Control unit 110 Main body memory

Claims (12)

It is an image forming device
With the device body
A first area for storing specific information that is a consumable item that can be attached to the main body of the device and that identifies which of the plurality of types of count values relating to the life of the consumable item is, and the plurality of types. A consumable memory having a second area for storing only one of the count values, a third area for storing the specific information, and a fourth area for storing the plurality of types of count values. With consumables and
A cover that opens and closes when the consumables are replaced,
A control unit that can count the plurality of types of count values according to image formation, and
A main body memory that stores the plurality of types of count values counted by the control unit, and
With
When the control unit writes one count value to be updated out of the plurality of types of count values stored in the main body memory to the consumable memory.
The first process of overwriting and writing the specific information for specifying the count value to be updated in the first area,
After the first process, a second process of overwriting and writing the count value to be updated in the second area,
After the second process, a third process of overwriting and writing the specific information specifying the count value to be updated in the third area,
After the third process, the fourth process of writing the count value to be updated to the area corresponding to the count value to be updated in the fourth area,
And run
The control unit is used when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when the cover is closed.
Information is read from the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region.
The information in the first region and the information in the third region match, and are specified by the count value of the second region and the information of the first region or the third region of the fourth region. When the count value of the area corresponding to the type of count value does not match, the count value written in the second area is used as information in the first area or the third area of the fourth area. An image forming apparatus characterized by executing a recovery process of writing to an area corresponding to a specified type of count value. After executing the fourth process, the control unit
A fifth process of writing non-specific information that does not specify the type of the count value in the first area,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a sixth process of writing non-specific information that does not specify the type of the count value is executed in the third region. The control unit is used when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on or when the cover is closed.
Information is read from the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region.
When the information in the first region and the information in the third region do not match, or when the information in the first region and the information in the third region are both non-specific information, or when the information in the first region and the information in the first region are described. The information in the third region matches, and the count value in the second region matches the count value in the region specified by the information in the first region or the third region among the fourth regions. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of count values stored in the fourth area are read out and written to the main body memory. The consumable memory further includes a fifth area corresponding to the first area, a sixth area corresponding to the second area, and a seventh area corresponding to the third area.
When the control unit determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region, the control unit writes the information in the first region, the second region, and the third region. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fifth region, the sixth region, and the seventh region are used instead. When the control unit determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the fifth region, the sixth region, and the seventh region, the control unit does not execute the first to sixth processes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the count value is written in the fourth area. When the control unit determines that information cannot be written to at least one of the fifth area, the sixth area, and the seventh area, the control unit writes the information among the fifth area and the seventh area. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein error information different from both the specific information and the non-specific information is written in a possible area. When the control unit determines that information cannot be written in at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region, the control unit does not execute the first to sixth processes, and the control unit does not execute the first to sixth processes. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the count value is written in the fourth area. When the control unit determines that information cannot be written to at least one of the first region, the second region, and the third region, the control unit writes information among the first region and the third region. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein error information different from both the specific information and the non-specific information is written in a possible area. The consumable is a developing cartridge having a developing roller and a developing memory.
The first to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the plurality of types of count values include at least one of a cumulative number of developed prints, a cumulative number of rotations of a developing roller, and a cumulative dot count printed using the developing cartridge. The image forming apparatus according to any one item. The consumable is a drum cartridge having a photoconductor drum and a drum memory.
Any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of types of count values include at least one of the cumulative number of drum prints printed using the drum cartridge and the cumulative number of revolutions of the photoconductor drum. The image forming apparatus according to the section. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit is located in the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit is located in the consumable item.

Images