JP4307298B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.

  In a copying machine, the machine configuration differs depending on the printing speed. That is, there are a plurality of types of copying machines with different printing speeds. As for the control board, there is no difference in the parts configuration even in the copying machines of different models. However, there is a difference in the control setting value for each model for the control program mounted on the control board.

  By storing the control setting value or control program corresponding to each printing speed in the control board and enabling the selection of the control setting value or control program corresponding to the model of the copying machine in which it is installed, It can be common to all models. In this way, since it is not necessary to create a different control board for each model, its manufacture and maintenance are facilitated.

However, when using a control board that stores the control setting value or control program for each model so that it can be shared by each model in this way, which model of copier is equipped with it? It is necessary to make the control board recognize. Although it is conceivable to provide a switch for setting the model on which the control board is mounted on the control board itself, doing so makes it necessary for the operator to perform the setting operation every time the control board is replaced. It is.
JP 2000-235331 A

  In the case of using a control board storing a control setting value or a control program for each model so that it can be shared by each model, the control board indicates which model of the copying machine in which the control board is installed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can automatically recognize the image.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the detachable unit detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus main body, and a memory board with a mounted and, nonvolatile memory in the detachable unit, provided in the image forming apparatus main body is and has a control board for communicating said non-volatile memory and the data on the memory board, the control board, so that it can be shared by a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses having different types, each of the plurality of models in the control set value or an image forming apparatus that holds a control program for each machine type, the image forming apparatus main body, thereby connecting the memory board to the control board, said the model of the image forming apparatus relay means for recognizing the control board is provided with, the relay means, by the relay unit is connected to the control board, the relay hand The memory board but a model determination circuit for recognizing the type of installed image forming apparatus to the control board, in a state in which the relay unit is connected to said memory board and the control board, and the control board Are connected to each other so that data communication is possible, and the model determination circuit is different for each model of the image forming apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the model determination circuit determines whether the memory board is connected to the relay means in the state where the relay means is connected to the control board. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a circuit for causing recognition.

  According to the present invention, in the case of using a control board in which a control setting value or a control program for each model is stored so that it can be shared by each model, it is possible to determine which model of the copying machine in which it is mounted. The control board can be automatically recognized.

  Embodiments of the present invention applied to a copying machine will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  Assume that there are six types of copiers with different printing speeds. The printing speeds of the types 1 to 6 are, for example, 10 sheets / second, 15 sheets / second, 20 sheets / second, 25 sheets / second, 25 sheets / second, and 30 sheets / second.

[1] Description of model type 1 copier FIG. 1 shows a control board and a relay board in a model type 1 copier body, and a memory board attached to a developing unit that is detachably attached to the copier body. It shows.

  In the copying machine main body 1, a control board 10 and a relay board 20-1 that is detachably connected to the control board 10 are provided. A memory substrate 30 is attached to the developing unit 2. The developing unit 2 is detachably attached to the copying machine main body 1. When the developing unit 2 is attached to the copying machine main body 1, the memory substrate 30 attached to the developing unit 2 and the relay board 20-1 in the copying machine main body 1 are connected.

  The control setting value of the control program differs for each type of copier. And as the control board 10, what stored the control setting value for every model so that it can be shared by each model shall be used. That is, a common control board 10 is used for each model. As the relay board 20-1, a different one is used for each model. In FIG. 1, since the model of the copying machine is type 1, a relay board 20-1 corresponding to the model type 1 is used.

  The control board 10 includes a CPU 11, a program 12, a ROM 12 that stores control setting values for each model, data such as a determination table to be described later, a RAM 13 that stores necessary data, and an I / F of the CPU 11. I / F & determination circuit including a circuit and a determination circuit (a circuit for determining whether or not the memory substrate 30 is connected to the relay substrate 20-1 and a model), and the I / F & determination circuit as a relay substrate Connector terminals P <b> 1 to P <b> 9 for detachably connecting to 20-1 are provided. The CPU 11 includes communication ports D1 and D2 and determination ports A and B. Note that the input voltages of the determination ports A and B are A / D converted and taken into the CPU 11.

  The relay board 20-1 includes a relay circuit and a determination circuit (a circuit for causing the CPU 11 of the control board 10 to determine whether the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-1 and the model). Connector terminals Q1 to Q9 for detachably connecting the relay circuit and the determination circuit to the control board 10, and connector terminals R1 to R5 for detachably connecting the relay and determination circuit to the memory board 30 And.

  The memory board 30 includes a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 31 for storing management data such as the number of copies, an I / F circuit of the nonvolatile memory 31 and a determination circuit (the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-1). A circuit for causing the CPU 11 of the control board 10 to determine whether or not the control board 10 is) and a connector for detachably connecting the I / F & judgment circuit to the relay board 20-1. Terminals S1-S5 are provided.

  The connector terminals P1 to P9 of the control board 10 are connected to the connector terminals Q1 to Q9 of the relay board 20-1. The connector terminals R1 to R5 of the relay board 20-1 are connected to the connector terminals S1 to S5 of the memory board 30.

[1-1] Description of I / F & Determination Circuit on Control Board 10 The I / F & determination circuit on the control board 10 will be described. The connector terminal P1 is connected to the first determination port A of the CPU 11 via the resistor R1, and is connected to the second determination port B of the CPU 11 via the resistor R2. The connector terminal P1 is also connected to the power source Vc1.

  The connector terminal P2 is connected to the first communication port D1 of the CPU 11. The connector terminal P3 is connected to the second communication port D2 of the CPU 11.

  The connector terminal P4 is grounded via a resistor R3. The connector terminal P5 is grounded via a resistor R4. The connector terminal P6 is connected to the first determination port A of the CPU 11. The connector terminal P7 is grounded. The connector terminal P8 is grounded via a resistor R5. The connector terminal P9 is connected to the second determination port B of the CPU 11.

  In this example, the resistance values of the resistors R1 to R5 are set as follows. R1 = R2 = R3 = 4.7 kΩ, R4 = 18 kΩ, R5 = 47 kΩ.

[1-2] Description of I / F & Determination Circuit on Relay Board 20-1 The I / F & determination circuit on relay board 20-1 will be described. Connector terminals R1, R2, and R3 are connected to connector terminals Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively. The connector terminal R4 is connected to the connector terminal Q7. The connector terminal R5 is connected to the connector terminal Q9. Connector terminal Q4 and connector terminal Q6 are connected to each other. Connector terminal Q5 and connector terminal Q8 are connected to each other.

[1-3] Description of I / F & Determination Circuit on Memory Board 30 The I / F & determination circuit on the memory board 30 will be briefly described. In FIG. 1, each Vc2 is a power source to which power from the power source Vc1 of the control board 10 is supplied.

  The connector terminal S1 is connected to each power source Vc2. Connector terminals S4 and S5 are grounded.

  The first port of the nonvolatile memory 31 is connected to the connector terminal S2, and the second port of the nonvolatile memory 31 is connected to the connector terminal S3. A connection line connecting the first port of the nonvolatile memory 31 and the connector terminal S2 is connected to the power supply Vc2 via the resistor R6. A connection point between the connection line and the resistor R6 is grounded through a capacitor C1. A connection line connecting the second port of the nonvolatile memory 31 and the connector terminal S3 is connected to the power supply Vc2 via the resistor R7. A connection point between the connection line and the resistor R7 is grounded through a capacitor C2.

[1-4] Description of Detachment Determination, Model Determination, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, when the memory substrate 30 is connected to the relay substrate 20-1, the first of the nonvolatile memory 31 on the memory substrate 30 is determined. The port is connected to the first communication port D1 of the CPU 11 on the control board 10 via connector terminals S2, R2, Q2, and P2. The second port of the nonvolatile memory 31 on the memory board 30 is connected to the second communication port D2 of the CPU 11 on the control board 10 via connector terminals S3, R3, Q3, and P3.

  The CPU 11 of the control board 10 relays the memory board 30 based on the combination of digital values corresponding to the voltage values input to the first determination port A and the second determination port B and the determination table in the ROM 12. It is determined whether or not it is connected to the substrate 20-1 (attachment / detachment determination) and the copying machine model (model determination).

  In the following description, when a voltage Vc corresponding to the power supply voltage of the power supply Vc1 is input to the determination port, the digital value input to the CPU 11 is “255”, and a voltage of 0 V is input to the determination port. The digital value input to the CPU 11 is “0”. When a voltage from 0 V to a voltage Vc corresponding to the power supply voltage of the power supply Vc1 is input, a digital value proportional to the voltage value in the range of “0” to “255” is input to the CPU 11. Shall.

  In a state where the memory board 30 is not connected to the relay board 20-1, the voltage input to the second determination port B is the power supply voltage Vc (digital value “255”) of the power supply Vc1. In a state where the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-1, the second determination port B is grounded, so that the voltage input to the second determination port B is 0 V (digital value “0”). .

  The voltage input to the first determination port A is a voltage value (digital value “128”) in which Vc is divided by the resistor R1 (4.7 kΩ in this example) and the resistor R3 (4.7 kΩ in this example). )).

  That is, in a state where the memory substrate 30 is not connected to the relay substrate 20-1 (a state where there is no detachable unit), the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is , “128” and “255”. When the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-1 (with a detachable unit), the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is , “128” and “0”.

  Table 1 shows an outline of the determination table stored in the ROM 12. Actually, each digital value has a width.

  The CPU 11 performs attachment / detachment determination and model determination based on the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B and the contents of the determination table.

  In the type 1 copying machine using the relay board 20-1 as shown in FIG. 1, the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B when the developing unit 2 is not mounted. Since the combination of the digital values corresponding to is “128” and “255”, the CPU 11 determines that the model is type 1 and the detachable unit is not mounted based on the determination table.

  When the developing unit 2 is mounted, the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is “128” and “0”. Determines that the model is type 1 and the detachable unit is mounted based on the determination table.

  The CPU 11 performs control using a control setting value corresponding to the recognized model type. Even when the control board 10 is replaced, the CPU 11 of the newly installed control board 10 can recognize the model of the copying machine on which it is mounted as described above.

[2] Description of relay boards 20-2 to 20-6 used for types 2 to 6. Next, the relay boards 20-2 to 20-6 used for types 2 to 6 will be described.

  2 to 6 show control boards, relay boards, and memory boards of types 2 to 6, respectively. 2 to 6, the configuration of the control board 10 is the same as the configuration of the control board 10 of FIG. Similarly, in FIGS. 2 to 6, the configuration of the memory substrate 30 is the same as the configuration of the memory substrate 30 of FIG. 1.

  In each model, the configuration of the I / F & determination circuit of the relay boards 20-1 to 20-6 is different from each other, so the configuration of the I / F & determination circuit of the relay board will be described.

[2-1] Description of Type 2 Relay Board 20-2 The I / F & determination circuit of the type 2 relay board 20-2 in FIG. 2 will be described.

  Connector terminals R1, R2, and R3 are connected to connector terminals Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively. The connector terminal R4 is connected to the connector terminal Q7. The connector terminal R5 is connected to the connector terminal Q9. Connector terminal Q4 and connector terminal Q8 are connected to each other. Connector terminal Q5 and connector terminal Q6 are connected to each other.

  In a state where the memory substrate 30 is not connected to the relay substrate 20-2, the voltage input to the second determination port B of the CPU 11 is the power supply voltage Vc (digital value “255”) of the power supply Vc1. In a state where the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-2, the second determination port B is grounded, so that the voltage input to the second determination port B of the CPU 11 is 0 V (digital value “0”). It becomes.

  The voltage input to the first determination port A is a voltage value (digital value “202”) in which Vc is divided by the resistor R1 (4.7 kΩ in this example) and the resistor R4 (18 kΩ in this example). It becomes.

  In the type 2 copying machine using the relay board 20-2 as shown in FIG. 2, the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B are not mounted when the developing unit 2 is not mounted. Since the combination of the digital values corresponding to is “202” and “255”, the CPU 11 determines that the model is type 2 and the detachable unit is not mounted based on the determination table.

  When the developing unit 2 is mounted, the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is “202” and “0”. Determines that the model is type 2 and that the detachable unit is mounted, based on the determination table.

[2-2] Description of Type 3 Relay Board 20-3 The I / F & determination circuit of the type 3 relay board 20-3 in FIG. 3 will be described.

  Connector terminals R1, R2, and R3 are connected to connector terminals Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively. The connector terminal R4 is connected to the connector terminal Q7. The connector terminal R5 is connected to the connector terminal Q9. Connector terminal Q4 and connector terminal Q5 are connected to each other. Connector terminal Q6 and connector terminal Q8 are connected to each other.

  In a state where the memory board 30 is not connected to the relay board 20-3, the voltage input to the second determination port B of the CPU 11 is the power supply voltage Vc (digital value “255”) of the power supply Vc1. In a state where the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-3, the second determination port B is grounded, so that the voltage input to the second determination port B of the CPU 11 is 0V (digital value “0”). It becomes.

  The voltage input to the first determination port A is a voltage value (digital value “232”) in which Vc is divided by the resistor R1 (4.7 kΩ in this example) and the resistor R5 (47 kΩ in this example). It becomes.

  In the type 3 copying machine using the relay board 20-3 as shown in FIG. 3, the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B are not mounted when the developing unit 2 is not mounted. Since the combination of the digital values corresponding to is “232” and “255”, the CPU 11 determines that the model is type 3 and the detachable unit is not attached based on the determination table.

  When the developing unit 2 is mounted, the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is “232” and “0”. Determines that the model is type 3 and the detachable unit is mounted based on the determination table.

[2-3] Description of Type 4 Relay Board 20-4 The I / F & determination circuit of the type 4 relay board 20-4 in FIG. 4 will be described.

  Connector terminals R1, R2, and R3 are connected to connector terminals Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively. The connector terminal R4 is connected to the connector terminal Q7. The connector terminal R5 is connected to the connector terminal Q6. Connector terminal Q4 and connector terminal Q9 are connected to each other. Connector terminal Q5 and connector terminal Q8 are connected to each other.

  In a state where the memory board 30 is not connected to the relay board 20-4, the voltage input to the first determination port A of the CPU 11 is the power supply voltage Vc (digital value “255”) of the power supply Vc1. In the state where the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-4, the first determination port A is grounded, so the voltage input to the first determination port A of the CPU 11 is 0V (digital value “0”). It becomes.

  The voltage input to the second determination port B is a voltage value (digital value “128”) in which Vc is divided by the resistor R2 (4.7 kΩ in this example) and the resistor R3 (4.7 kΩ in this example). )).

  In the type 4 copying machine using the relay board 20-4 as shown in FIG. 4, the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B are not mounted when the developing unit 2 is not mounted. Since the combination of digital values corresponding to is “255” and “128”, the CPU 11 determines that the model is type 4 and the detachable unit is not mounted based on the determination table.

  When the developing unit 2 is mounted, the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is “0” and “128”. Determines that the model is type 4 and that the detachable unit is mounted, based on the determination table.

[2-4] Description of Type 5 Relay Board 20-5 The I / F & determination circuit of the type 5 relay board 20-5 in FIG. 5 will be described.

  Connector terminals R1, R2, and R3 are connected to connector terminals Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively. The connector terminal R4 is connected to the connector terminal Q7. The connector terminal R5 is connected to the connector terminal Q6. Connector terminal Q4 and connector terminal Q8 are connected to each other. Connector terminal Q5 and connector terminal Q9 are connected to each other.

  In a state where the memory substrate 30 is not connected to the relay substrate 20-5, the voltage input to the first determination port A of the CPU 11 is the power supply voltage Vc (digital value “255”) of the power supply Vc1. In the state where the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-5, the first determination port A is grounded, so the voltage input to the first determination port A of the CPU 11 is 0V (digital value “0”). It becomes.

  The voltage input to the second determination port B is a voltage value (digital value “202”) in which Vc is divided by the resistor R2 (4.7 kΩ in this example) and the resistor R4 (18 kΩ in this example). It becomes.

  In the type 5 copying machine using the relay board 20-5 as shown in FIG. 5, the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B are not mounted when the developing unit 2 is not mounted. Since the combination of the digital values corresponding to is “255” and “202”, the CPU 11 determines that the model is type 5 and the detachable unit is not mounted based on the determination table.

  When the developing unit 2 is mounted, the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is “0” and “202”. Determines that the model is type 5 and the detachable unit is mounted based on the determination table.

[2-5] Description of Type 6 Relay Board 20-6 The I / F & determination circuit of the type 6 relay board 20-6 in FIG. 6 will be described.

  Connector terminals R1, R2, and R3 are connected to connector terminals Q1, Q2, and Q3, respectively. The connector terminal R4 is connected to the connector terminal Q7. The connector terminal R5 is connected to the connector terminal Q6. Connector terminal Q4 and connector terminal Q5 are connected to each other. Connector terminal Q8 and connector terminal Q9 are connected to each other.

  In a state where the memory substrate 30 is not connected to the relay substrate 20-6, the voltage input to the first determination port A of the CPU 11 is the power supply voltage Vc (digital value “255”) of the power supply Vc1. In a state where the memory board 30 is connected to the relay board 20-6, the first determination port A is grounded, so that the voltage input to the first determination port A of the CPU 11 is 0V (digital value “0”). It becomes.

  The voltage input to the second determination port B is a voltage value (digital value “232”) in which Vc is divided by the resistor R2 (4.7 kΩ in this example) and the resistor R5 (47 kΩ in this example). It becomes.

  In the type 6 copier using the relay board 20-6 as shown in FIG. 6, the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B are not installed when the developing unit 2 is not installed. Since the combination of the digital values corresponding to is “255” and “232”, the CPU 11 determines that the model is type 6 and the detachable unit is not mounted based on the determination table.

  When the developing unit 2 is mounted, the combination of digital values corresponding to the input voltages of the first determination port A and the second determination port B is “0” and “232”. Determines that the model is type 6 and the detachable unit is mounted based on the determination table.

  In addition, each relay board | substrate 20-1-20-6 is comprised from the connector provided with connector terminal Q1-Q9, the connector provided with connector terminal R1-R5, and the electric wire for comprising a relay & determination circuit. You may do it. That is, the substrate may not exist.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing configurations of a control board, a relay board, and a memory board of a copying machine of model type 1. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a control board, a relay board, and a memory board of a copying machine of model type 2. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a control board, a relay board, and a memory board of a copying machine of model type 3. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a control board, a relay board, and a memory board of a copying machine of model type 4. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram illustrating the configuration of a control board, a relay board, and a memory board of a copying machine of model type 5. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing configurations of a control board, a relay board, and a memory board of a copying machine of model type 6.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copy machine body 2 Developing unit 10 Control board 20-1 to 20-6 Relay board 30 Memory board

Claims (2)

A detachable unit detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein a memory board having a mounted and non-volatile memory in the removable unit, the non-on and the memory substrate provided in the image forming apparatus main body and a control board for communicating sexual memory and data, the control board, as can be shared in different models plural kinds of image forming apparatus, also control set value for each of the plurality of models for each machine type In the image forming apparatus holding the control program of
To the image forming apparatus main body, thereby connecting the memory board to the control board, the relay means is provided for recognizing the type of the image forming apparatus to said control board,
It said relay means, by the relay unit is connected to the control board, and the type determination circuit for recognizing the type of the image forming apparatus to which the relay means is mounted on the control board,
In a state where the relay means is connected to the control board and the memory board, including a wire for connecting the control board and the memory board so that data communication is possible ,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the model determination circuit is different for each model of the image forming apparatus. The model determination circuit includes a circuit for causing the control board to recognize whether or not the memory board is connected to the relay means in a state where the relay means is connected to the control board. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

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