JP4103307B2 - Image forming apparatus and process cartridge attaching / detaching method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus (printer) that verifies authentication data and makes a non-authenticated process cartridge unremovable. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a consumable material of an image forming apparatus (printer) is an integral cartridge (process cartridge) that can be replaced and replenished.
[0003]
Known process cartridges include consumables such as toner, including a photosensitive member, a developing device, and the like, and an image forming apparatus (printer) having a portion for performing optical scanning exposure has a normal configuration. is there. Therefore, basically, the process cartridge is collected after use, and can be used again after replenishing or exchanging consumables so that it can be reused in a dedicated factory.
[0004]
Recently, a plurality of process cartridge manufacturers have supplied one type of process cartridge, and the distribution path for collection and recycling has become complicated. Under such circumstances, the problem is where to collect the process cartridge recovery and recycling costs. For example, when a process cartridge produced by company A is reclaimed by company B, company B must originally collect it and incur a recycling cost. In many cases, the recycling cost is collected from the user when collecting the cartridge or collecting the cartridge. However, in the situation as described above, it is difficult to say that each cartridge manufacturer can recover the production / regeneration cost of the genuine cartridge.
[0005]
Therefore, in order to efficiently recover the recycling / collection cost, a system is provided that collects charges according to the sales / collection form by distributing IC cards at the time of cartridge sales or at a different timing. can do.
[0006]
Further, since the user can purchase the cartridge and the license at different timings, the initial cost can be kept low.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer (image forming apparatus) and a process cartridge, and a method for attaching and detaching the process cartridge, and more specifically, a process from an image forming apparatus comprising a printer (image forming apparatus) and a process cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge attaching / detaching method for controlling cartridge attachment / detachment, and more specifically, a printer (image) that performs verification of authentication data including identification information with an electronic signature and makes an unauthenticated process cartridge non-detachable And forming a process cartridge that can be attached / detached by unlocking with the key and a process cartridge attaching / detaching method.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means (1) to (5) . Reference numerals 1 to 10 are reference means.
[0009]
(1) An image forming apparatus in which at least a process cartridge having an insertion slot into which a lock release key with a storage medium attached is inserted is detachable, and a process cartridge locking means for locking the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge ; The storage medium reading means for reading the identification information stored in advance in the storage medium attached to the lock release key inserted in the insertion slot, and the identification information read by the storage medium reading means and the information stored in advance are compared. An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that unlocks the process cartridge by the process cartridge locking unit when the identification information corresponds to the previously stored information.
(2) The image forming apparatus according to (1), wherein the identification information is information with an electronic signature.
(3) It has a release key lock means for locking the lock release key inserted into the insertion slot when the process cartridge lock means is unlocked by the process cartridge lock means. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2 above.
(4) The storage medium information changing means for changing the identification information stored in the storage means when the process cartridge locking means is unlocked by the process cartridge lock means. 4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of items 3.
(5) A process cartridge attaching / detaching method of an image forming apparatus, the step of attaching the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus, the step of locking the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus, and the identification information of the process cartridge in advance Mounting a lock release key including a storage medium storing the process cartridge on the process cartridge, checking the identification information, unlocking the process cartridge, and locking the lock release key on the process cartridge. A process cartridge attaching / detaching method comprising a step of detaching the process cartridge from the image forming apparatus.
1. At least an image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge can be attached and detached, the process cartridge locking means for locking the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge, the cartridge identification information obtaining means for obtaining the identification information of the process cartridge, and the identification of the obtained process cartridge An image forming apparatus having control means for controlling the process cartridge lock means based on information.
[0010]
2. 2. The image forming apparatus as described in 1 above, wherein the identification information is information with an electronic signature.
[0011]
3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2, wherein the process cartridge includes a storage unit in which the identification information is stored in advance.
[0012]
4). 4. The image forming apparatus according to item 3, wherein the storage unit is detachable from the process cartridge.
[0013]
5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to item 3 or 4, further comprising means for changing information stored in the storage means.
[0014]
6). A process cartridge having means for engaging with the image forming apparatus and detachable from the image forming apparatus, wherein the identification information can be read from a storage medium detachable from the process cartridge for storing the identification information of the process cartridge. A process cartridge having storage medium reading means and transmission means for transmitting the read identification information to the image forming apparatus.
[0015]
7). 7. The process cartridge according to claim 6, further comprising a storage medium locking means for locking the attachment / detachment of the storage medium.
[0016]
8). 8. The process cartridge according to item 6 or 7, wherein the storage medium includes at least an IC card.
[0017]
9. 9. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the identification information of the process cartridge includes at least electronic signature information.
[0018]
10. A package including at least a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus, the process cartridge including a storage medium that is attachable to and detachable from the process cartridge and stores identification information of the process cartridge. Including packing.
[0020]
The present invention relates to a printer (image forming apparatus) that performs verification of authentication data and makes it impossible to remove a non-authenticated process cartridge, and is provided with a release key in advance, and a process that can be detached by unlocking with the key. The present invention relates to a cartridge and a method for attaching and detaching the process cartridge.
[0021]
Here, the lock release key is a key for locking or releasing the process cartridge having the IC card, and has an IC card and a mechanism for locking. The IC card stores authentication information, that is, authentication data of the process cartridge, such as an electronic signature, an authentication number, a manufacturer, a manufacturing number, and the like. can not get.
[0022]
These keys may be supplied together with the process cartridge as release keys in advance, or may be obtained by paying a separate fee. An unlicensed process cartridge without a license cannot be removed because an unlicensed process cartridge can be detached from an image forming apparatus with a genuine license having the release key. The process cartridge cannot be attached or detached.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described.
[0024]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a process cartridge 10 according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a lock fixing hole 11 and a connection connector 13 are provided on the side surface of the process cartridge 10 of the present invention, and a release key insertion port 12 is provided on the top surface for easy attachment / detachment to the printer body. A handle 14 is provided.
[0025]
The lock fixing hole 11 is an engagement means that engages with a lock mechanism of a printer main body, which will be described later, and is a recess in this embodiment. While the lock mechanism of the printer main body and the lock fixing hole 11 are engaged, the process cartridge 10 cannot be removed from the printer main body. As for the form of engagement between the lock mechanism of the printer main body and the lock fixing hole 11, for example, a protrusion (not shown) of the lock mechanism is inserted into the lock fixing hole 11 and meshed. You can use things.
[0026]
The release key insertion slot 12 is an opening for inserting a lock release key. Inside (not shown), an IC card read / write means (not shown) and a release key lock means (not shown) are described. Is provided.
[0027]
The connection connector 13 is a connector for connecting to the main body of the printer (image forming apparatus). Information stored in the IC card attached to the lock release key and various sensors (not shown) built in the process cartridge 10 are shown. And the control information transmitted from the control means of the printer main body is transmitted to the various means of the process cartridge. It is also possible to supply power to the process cartridge.
[0028]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the process cartridge and the lock release key 20 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are the same as those in FIG.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge of the present invention includes a storage medium reading unit and a storage medium in addition to a configuration provided in a general process cartridge such as a photoreceptor 31, a developing device 32, and a toner remaining amount sensor 35. An IC card read / write unit 23 that also serves as an information change unit, a release key lock unit 30 that is a storage medium lock unit, a connector 13 for connection with a printer (image forming apparatus) main body, mainly the release key lock unit 30. A control means 33 for performing control and a memory 34 in which information on the process cartridge is stored in advance are provided.
[0030]
The IC card reading / writing means 23 is a storage medium reading means for reading information stored in the IC card 21 that is a storage medium attached to the lock release key 20, and storage medium information for changing information stored in the IC card 21. It also serves as a changing means, and reads information stored in the inserted IC card 21 so that information stored in the IC card 21 can be rewritten when the process cartridge 10 is attached or detached. In the present embodiment, the storage medium is the IC card 21. However, the storage form of the storage medium may be any of magnetic, optical, capacitive, and other forms, and the storage medium reading means and the storage medium The information changing means has a form corresponding to the storage medium.
[0031]
The release key lock means 30 can be engaged with the lock release key 20 having the IC card 21 inserted into the release key insertion slot 12, and while the release key lock means 30 and the lock release key 20 are engaged. The lock release key 20 cannot be removed from the process cartridge.
[0032]
The control means 33 controls the reading and rewriting of information stored in the IC card 21 by the IC card read / write means 23, the operation of the release key lock means, and the exchange of information and control signals with the printer body.
[0033]
In the memory 34, process cartridge information (for example, a manufacturing number, a manufacturer, a reproduction processor, and license information) is stored in advance, and is read as necessary and transmitted to the control means 33.
[0034]
The lock release key 20 is a key for releasing the lock of the print cartridge 10 locked to the printer body, and is an engagement means (not shown) that is locked by the IC card 21 that is a storage medium and the release key lock means 30. Prepared). The lock release key 20 is sold together with the process cartridge 10, and when removing a used process cartridge at the time of replacing the process cartridge, the lock release key 20 is inserted into the release key insertion slot 12, thereby allowing the process cartridge lock. It is preferably used to unlock by means, but may be sold separately from the process cartridge. When the lock release key 20 is sold alone, the consideration is reduced to the process cartridge recovery and recycling costs.
[0035]
The IC card 21 is a rewritable storage medium that stores electronic information, and may be any optical, electrical, or magnetic storage system. Preferably, the electronic information storage means is an electric storage system typified by flash memory and dynamic RAM that can be read / written quickly. The information stored in the IC card 21 includes identification information including information on whether or not the process cartridge can be used, and “after use” and “unused” information of the IC card. The identification information is information for authenticating that the lock release key is authentic, and is generally stored together with the electronic signature. The electronic signature is electronic information that replaces the signature stamp of the identification information issuer for certifying that the identification information is authentic. Specifically, the electronic signature is encrypted by a known encryption method. It is preferable. Here, the encryption means that the identification information is easily decrypted and is not diverted so that the identification information is converted into other information.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the lock release key 20 and the release key lock means 30.
[0037]
FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the lock release key 20, and the lock release key 20 includes an IC card 21 and a lock hole 22.
[0038]
FIG. 3B is a conceptual diagram of the release key lock means 30 and shows a state in which the lock release key 20 is locked to the process cartridge 10. The lock pin 25 is a rod-like member, and is stopped at a position penetrating the lock hole 22 of the lock release key by driving the solenoid 24, so that the lock release key 20 cannot be removed from the release key insertion port. ing. When the lock release key is released, the lock pin 25 is pulled out of the lock hole 22 by driving the solenoid 24, so that the lock release key can be freely attached and detached.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing functions of the printer (image forming apparatus) according to the present invention.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 4, the printer (image forming apparatus) 100 has a mechanism in which the process cartridge 10 can be attached and detached. When the process cartridge 10 is attached, the connector 13 for connecting the process cartridge 10 and the image formation are formed. The connection connector 101 of the apparatus 100 comes into contact, and information can be transmitted and power can be supplied between the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus. Information stored in the memory 34 of the process cartridge 10 and information stored in the IC card 21 are transmitted to the control unit 130 of the image forming apparatus via the connection connectors 13 and 101.
[0041]
The process cartridge locking means 120 engages with the lock fixing hole 11 of the attached process cartridge 10 so that the process cartridge 10 cannot be removed.
[0042]
The control means 130 compares the information stored in the memory 34 transmitted from the attached process cartridge or the information stored in the IC card 21 with the information stored in the memory 131 of the printer in advance. The lock means controls the engagement with and release from the process cartridge.
[0043]
The network interface 140 is connected to the network, receives an image forming command transmitted from a client (not shown) via the network 200, and transmits the status of the image forming apparatus to the client.
[0044]
The process cartridge mounting operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The user attaches the process cartridge 10 to the image forming apparatus 100 (S501). When the process cartridge 10 is mounted, the lock release key 20 is not necessary. However, when the process cartridge 10 is mounted, if the lock release key 20 is not mounted in the release key insertion port 12 of the process cartridge, the process cartridge 10 is the process cartridge. The lock unit 120 is engaged with the image forming apparatus and cannot be taken out freely (S505). When the lock release key 20 is attached to the image forming apparatus in the state where it is attached to the release key insertion port 12 of the process cartridge, the process cartridge lock means 120 is not engaged with the image forming apparatus and must be dealt with. For example, the process cartridge locking means 120 engages the image forming apparatus (S505). As long as the process cartridge 10 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the lock release key 20 can be freely inserted and removed.
[0045]
The process cartridge removing operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the lock release key 20 is inserted into the release key insertion port 12 of the process cartridge (S601), the identification information stored in the IC card 21 is read (S602), and the read information and the memory 131 of the image forming apparatus are read in advance. (S603). If the information is compatible, it is checked whether the IC card mounting information stored in the IC card 21 is "unused" (S604). If so, the process cartridge lock means 120 disengages the process cartridge 10 from the image forming apparatus (S605).
[0046]
When removing the process cartridge, the lock release key 20 is attached. At the moment when the process cartridge 10 is removed, the IC card mounting information stored in the IC card 21 is rewritten from “unused” to “after use” (S607), and the unlock key lock means 30 causes the lock release key 20 to be The process cartridge is engaged and cannot be removed (S608). Therefore, the lock release key 20 cannot be removed unless the process cartridge 10 is attached to the image forming apparatus.
[0047]
In addition, when the process cartridge is removed, the information stored in the IC card 21 of the lock release key 20 is rewritten to “after use”. Therefore, even if the removed process cartridge is destroyed and the lock release key is taken out, the lock is again locked. Cannot be used as a release key.
[0048]
In this way, it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being inadvertently removed by a non-administrator and to distribute only the lock release key as a valuable resource, thereby reducing the used cartridge recovery and recycling costs. Can be received from the user who used the cartridge. In addition, for the user, since the collection and regeneration costs that have been added to the sales price can be made a separate receipt, the initial investment of the user can be kept at a low price.
[0049]
When the used process cartridge is collected and regenerated, the lock release key 20 is removed from the process cartridge 10, the consumables are replaced and replenished so that the process cartridge 10 can be reused. Rewrite information stored on the card.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
By distributing the IC card at the time of selling the process cartridge used in the image forming apparatus or at a different timing, it is possible to provide a system that collects a fee according to the sales / collection form.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a process cartridge of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of a process cartridge.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a lock release key and a lock mechanism for the release key insertion slot.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functions of a printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for mounting a process cartridge.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of attaching / detaching a process cartridge.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Process Cartridge 11 Locking Hole 12 Release Key Insertion Port 13 Connector for Connecting to Image Forming Device 20 Lock Release Key 21 IC Card 22 Lock Hole 23 IC Card Read / Write Unit 24 Solenoid 25 Lock Pin 30 Release Key Lock Unit 31 Photosensitive Body 32 Developer 33 Control means 34 Memory 35 Toner level sensor 100 Printer 101 Connector 120 Process cartridge lock means 130 Control means 131 Memory 140

Claims (5)

At least an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge having an insertion slot into which a lock release key with a storage medium is inserted is inserted is detachable, the process cartridge locking means for locking the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge, and the insertion slot The storage medium reading means for reading the identification information stored in advance in the storage medium attached to the lock release key inserted in the storage medium, the identification information read by the storage medium reading means and the information stored in advance are compared, An image forming apparatus comprising: control means for unlocking the attachment / detachment of the process cartridge by the process cartridge lock means when the identification information corresponds to the previously stored information.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is information with an electronic signature.   The release key lock means for locking the lock release key inserted into the insertion slot to the insertion slot when the process cartridge locking means is unlocked by the process cartridge lock means. The image forming apparatus according to 1 or 2.   The storage medium information changing means for changing the identification information stored in the storage means when the process cartridge locking means is unlocked by the process cartridge lock means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.   A method for attaching and detaching a process cartridge to an image forming apparatus, the step of mounting the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus, the step of locking the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus, and preliminarily storing identification information of the process cartridge Attaching a lock release key including a storage medium to the process cartridge; verifying the identification information; releasing the lock of the process cartridge; locking the lock release key to the process cartridge; A process cartridge attaching / detaching method comprising a step of removing the cartridge from the image forming apparatus.

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