JP4432521B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  For image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and laser printers using an electrophotographic process, in order to facilitate maintenance, a container for storing toner is configured as a toner cartridge that is removable from the image forming apparatus. There is. In such an image forming apparatus, when all the toner is discharged from the toner cartridge, the user replenishes the toner by replacing the toner cartridge with a new one. At this time, the used toner cartridge removed from the image forming apparatus is often returned from the user to the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus, and the manufacturer recycles such as inspection, cleaning, replacement of consumable parts, and refilling of toner. After the process, it is re-shipped to the user.

  Further, as a process component related to the image forming process, a developing unit that attaches toner to an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter simply referred to as “photosensitive member”), and a cleaning that collects residual toner after the transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive member is completed. And a charger for charging the image bearing surface of the photosensitive member to a predetermined potential, and a process cartridge in which at least one of these process components is integrally supported with the photosensitive member is provided. . The process cartridge is replaced with a new one when the useful life of any of the components has elapsed. In many cases, the process cartridge removed from the image forming apparatus is returned to the manufacturer by the user, and the user who uses the image forming apparatus through a recycling process such as inspection, cleaning, and replacement of a part whose lifetime has passed by the manufacturer. To be shipped again.

  In recent years, in the image forming apparatus as described above, a wireless communication tag having a radio wave communication function and an information storage function is attached to each cartridge part such as a toner cartridge and a process cartridge, and a wireless communication tag is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side. Have a wireless communication device for inputting and outputting information. In this type of image forming apparatus, when a cartridge part is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the main body control unit is stored in the wireless communication tag by performing radio wave communication between the wireless communication apparatus and the wireless communication tag. Reading information or writing information to a wireless communication tag is performed. Accordingly, for example, the main body control unit reads information corresponding to the type of the cartridge part from the wireless communication tag, so that there is a type different from the cartridge part to be originally mounted on the predetermined mounting unit in the main body of the image forming apparatus. Even in the case of erroneous mounting, it is possible to determine the erroneous mounting of the cartridge parts and perform necessary control such as error processing. In addition, if the main body control unit writes the cartridge component usage history based on the number of image formations, etc., to the wireless communication tag, the manufacturer or the like can obtain information on the usage history from the wireless communication tag of the cartridge component returned from the user. By reading, inspection work and part replacement work in the recycling process for cartridge parts can be performed efficiently and accurately.

  Furthermore, a temperature sensor is provided for each toner cartridge, temperature measurement data from this temperature sensor is sent to the image forming apparatus main body by a wireless communication tag, and process control is corrected for each toner cartridge based on this temperature measurement data, so that an optimum A method of performing process control has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Further, a storage means is provided in the process cartridge, and development characteristic data representing development characteristics is stored in advance in this storage means, and the operating potential (development bias potential, charging potential, etc.) of the image forming means is based on this development characteristic data. An image forming apparatus having a potential setting control function to be set has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-270920 A JP 2002-062694 A

  However, the methods described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2003-270920 and 2002-062694 all transmit and receive data (development data and temperature measurement data), and optimum process control is performed based on the data. It was only trying to make it. Therefore, there is a limit to the range that can be handled.

  For example, when the image processing program is changed to improve the image quality, the control program for the image forming apparatus main body needs to be rewritten.

  The rewriting of the control program for the image forming apparatus itself requires that the manufacturer's service personnel go to each user and rewrite the control program with a dedicated tool or replace the ROM that stores the control program. The burden was great.

  Alternatively, it is conceivable that the user rewrites the control program or exchanges the ROM or the like, but it may not be updated by the user, and the reliability is poor.

  In either case, since the user recognizes rewriting of the control program of the main body of the image forming apparatus every time, the impression given to the user is not so good. Further, it is difficult to grasp the update status of the control program of the image forming apparatus installed in the market.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to quickly update a control program for an image forming apparatus main body at a low cost.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes a non-volatile memory storing an update program for controlling the image forming apparatus main body, and an image in which a functional component that provides a predetermined function to the image forming apparatus main body is detachably mounted. In the forming apparatus, whether to update the update program read by the read means with respect to the read means for reading the update program stored in the nonvolatile memory and the control program stored in the main body of the image forming apparatus Determination means for determining whether or not the control program stored in the main body of the image forming apparatus is rewritten to update the update program read out by the read-out means. The update information on whether or not the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body has been updated and the knowledge of the image forming apparatus main body. Stores the information, the initial setting of the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a limiting said control program in one of said functional component to the number updatable, or can update the control program by one of the functional components The image forming apparatus is restricted to be limited to the image forming apparatus of the same user, and the determination means has a newer version of the update program than the version of the control program, and the nonvolatile memory According to the stored update information and identification information of the image forming apparatus main body, it is determined whether or not it is within the limit, and if it is determined that it is within the limit, the update is performed.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, a functional component that provides a predetermined function to the image forming apparatus main body includes a non-volatile memory that stores an update program for controlling the image forming apparatus main body.

  When this functional component is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the update program stored in the nonvolatile memory is read out by the reading means.

  Then, the determination unit determines whether or not to update the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body to the read update program.

  When the determination unit determines that the update is necessary, the rewrite unit rewrites the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body with the read update program.

  In this way, by installing functional parts, the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body is automatically rewritten. For example, it is not necessary for a service person to go to each user and update the control program. The control program can be updated at low cost.

  In addition, since the determination means determines whether or not to update, a control program rewrite error does not occur.

  The determination of whether or not to update includes determination of whether or not the version of the update program in the nonvolatile memory is newer than the control program.

  Further, update information indicating whether or not the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body has been updated and identification information of the image forming apparatus main body are stored in the nonvolatile memory.
  Therefore, by reading the update information and identification information from the functional parts returned from the user, the update status of the control program for each image forming apparatus in the entire market can be easily and accurately known.
  In addition, when the initial setting of the image forming apparatus main body determines whether or not to perform the update by the determination unit according to the update information stored in the nonvolatile memory and the identification information of the image forming apparatus main body. Only automatically update the control program.
  Therefore, even if the functional component is mounted, the update according to the update information and the identification information of the image forming apparatus main body can be set for each image forming apparatus.
  Note that the update according to the update information and the identification information of the image forming apparatus main body is, for example, a determination as to whether or not the update is within the number of times when there is a restriction on the image forming apparatus that can be updated with one functional component, or For example, in the case where a plurality of image forming apparatuses are installed by the same user, when there is a restriction that can be updated within the same user but cannot be updated by other users, it means determination of whether or not the user is the same user.
  In addition, the initial settings of the image forming apparatus main body, for example, settings at the time of factory shipment, settings by a dedicated tool by a service person, settings protected by a password, etc. are not normally changed or cannot be changed by the user. Refers to settings.
  The initial setting may be changed by attaching a functional component.

  Note that when the functional component is mounted, the update is not automatically performed. For example, updating the image processing software may increase the consumption of developer (for example, toner or ink). However, there are cases where the update is only for users who have a maintenance contract or the like, and the update is not performed for users who have no maintenance contract.

  In addition, the initial settings of the image forming apparatus main body, for example, settings at the time of factory shipment, settings by a dedicated tool by a service person, settings protected by a password, etc. are not normally changed or cannot be changed by the user. Refers to settings.

  The initial setting may be changed by attaching a functional component.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, in the configuration according to claim 1 , when the determination unit determines to perform the update, a confirmation unit that inquires a user whether to perform the update; And a selection means for the user to select whether or not to update to the update program inquired by the confirmation means.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 inquires of the user whether or not the update is performed by the confirmation unit when the determination unit determines that the update is performed. The user selects whether or not to update to the update program inquired by the confirmation means by the selection means.

  Therefore, the control program stored in the main body of the image forming apparatus cannot be rewritten with an update program that is determined not to be necessary by the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second aspect, the initial setting of the main body of the image forming apparatus can set whether or not to make an inquiry by the confirmation unit. It is said.

In the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, it is possible to set whether or not to make an inquiry by the confirmation unit in the initial setting of the image forming apparatus main body.

  Therefore, if the setting is made so that no inquiry is made, the control program can be automatically updated without the user's recognition.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, the functional part is a periodic replacement part.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the periodic replacement part includes a non-volatile memory that stores an update program for controlling the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  Since the periodic replacement parts are periodically attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the control program for the image forming apparatus on the market can be surely and quickly updated.

  In addition, when the update information indicating whether or not the control program has been updated and the identification information of the image forming apparatus main body are stored in the nonvolatile memory, the information is periodically returned from the user. The update status of the control program for each device can be determined quickly and accurately.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, the functional part is a consumable part.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a non-volatile memory in which an update program for controlling the main body of the image forming apparatus is stored in the consumable part.

  Since the consumable parts are frequently attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the control program for the image forming apparatus on the market can be surely and quickly updated.

  Further, when the update information indicating whether or not the control program has been updated and the identification information of the image forming apparatus main body are stored in the nonvolatile memory, the information is frequently returned from the user. The update status of each control program can be determined quickly and accurately.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration according to any one of the first to third aspects, the functional component is an optional component that expands a function of the image forming apparatus main body. It is a feature.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 6 includes an update program for controlling the image forming apparatus main body in an optional part that expands the functions of the image forming apparatus main body, for example, a multi-stage paper feeding cassette, a post-processing device (paper discharge stacker, etc.). A stored non-volatile memory is provided.

  Therefore, for example, if an update program corresponding to the expansion of the function of the image forming apparatus main body is stored, when an optional part is mounted, the control program corresponding to the function expanded by the optional part is surely updated.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that the control program for the main body of the image forming apparatus can be quickly updated at a low cost.

  Hereinafter, as an example to which the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied, an image (toner image) is formed based on image information input from an external apparatus by a known electrophotographic process, and this image is recorded on a recording sheet or the like. A laser printer will be described with reference to the drawings. The known electrophotographic process is a toner image formed on an electrophotographic photoconductor after charging the electrophotographic photoconductor, forming an electrostatic latent image by laser exposure, and developing the electrostatic latent image with toner. Is a series of processes in which an image is recorded on recording paper or the like by transferring the image onto recording paper or the like and fixing the image by heating.

  Of the electrophotographic process and various parts (process parts) such as an electrophotographic photosensitive member that are directly related to the electrophotographic process, detailed descriptions of those parts that are not directly related to the essence of the present invention are omitted. . Note that the laser printer according to this embodiment can form a color image using magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K) toners.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the laser printer 10 opens and closes the opening / closing door 13 of the laser printer main body 11, and the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 can be attached to and detached from the laser printer main body 11. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the laser printer main body 11 is provided with an operation panel 500 for performing various displays and various operations at an oblique portion at the upper part of the side surface so that the user can easily operate.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the laser printer main body 11 is provided with a casing 12 as an outer shell portion of the apparatus, and a main frame for supporting various components constituting the apparatus is provided in the casing 12. 14 is provided. The main frame 14 has a process unit 16 disposed at one end (left end in FIG. 1) along the width direction of the apparatus (the direction of the arrow W). A slide frame 18 slidably supported along the depth direction is provided, and predetermined process parts (not shown) such as an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer device, and a cleaning device are mounted on the slide frame 18. Yes. Thereby, at the time of maintenance, the process unit 16 is pulled out from the main frame 14 to the outside, and the replacement of the process parts mounted on the slide frame 18 and the inspection work can be simplified.

  Four photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26 are supported on the main frame 14 so as to be adjacent to the process unit 16, and are in contact with these photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively. Four developing units 21, 23, 25, 27 are arranged. These four developing units 21, 23, 25, and 27 correspond to magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and cyan (C) toners, respectively. The electrostatic latent images formed on the outer peripheral surfaces (image bearing surfaces) 24 and 26 are developed as toner images with K toner, M toner, Y toner, and C toner, respectively.

  The toner images respectively formed on the four photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26 are transferred and superimposed on an intermediate transfer belt disposed on the process unit 16 side to form a full-color toner image. The full-color toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to a recording material such as recording paper, and is then heat-fixed and recorded on the recording material. In the laser printer body 11, it is also possible to record a mono black toner image formed only with K toner on a recording material. The recording material on which the toner image is recorded is discharged on the discharge tray 28 formed on the upper surface of the casing 12 or on the discharge tray 30 attached to the side surface of the casing 12 so as to extend sideways. , 32 is discharged.

  The laser printer main body 11 is provided with a cartridge holder 34 so as to be adjacent to the main frame 14 along the width direction. As shown in FIG. 2, four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 each having a substantially cylindrical shape are detachably mounted on the cartridge holder 34. The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are filled with different color toners (magenta (M) toner, yellow (Y) toner, black (K) toner, and cyan (C) toner), respectively. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the laser printer main body 11 has a maintenance opening / closing door 13 that opens and closes on one side (the front side of the paper in FIGS. 1 and 10) facing the process unit 16 and the cartridge holder 34. It is provided as possible. As a result, the user or the like opens the open / close door 13 and exposes the process unit 16 and the cartridge holder 34 to the outside, thereby pulling the process unit 16 outward from the main frame 14 and toner to the cartridge holder 34. The cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 can be attached and detached. (In FIG. 11, only the attachment and detachment of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are shown).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 mounted on the cartridge holder 34 are configured as containers for temporarily storing toner. That is, in the laser printer main body 11, when the developing devices 21, 23, 25, 27 are operated, the toner is discharged from the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, and this toner is sent to the developing devices 21, 23, 25, 27. When all the toners supplied and filled in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are discharged, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are replaced with new ones. At this time, since the toner is sealed in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, the toner can be replenished with a simple operation, and contamination inside and outside the apparatus due to the scattering of the toner during the toner replenishment can be effectively prevented. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 include a toner tank 44 formed into a thin cylindrical shape from a resin material. The toner tank 44 is provided with an opening / closing port (not shown) communicating with the inside at one end surface (rear end surface) along the axial direction. A cylindrical closing plug 46 is attached to the rear end of the toner tank 44 by press-fitting, bonding or the like, and the opening / closing port is closed by the closing plug 46. The closing plug 46 is formed in a thin cylindrical shape having substantially the same outer diameter as that of the toner tank 44, and its inner peripheral side is closed by a disk-like bottom plate portion 45. In addition, a plate-like handle portion 48 is integrally formed outside the bottom plate portion 47 in the closing plug 46.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an inner peripheral cylindrical portion 50 having a substantially rectangular cross section is integrally provided at the front end portion of the toner tank 44 on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion. A disc-shaped driven connecting plate 52 is installed on the bottom plate portion of the cylinder portion 50 so as to be rotatable about the axis S of the toner tank 44. A plurality of engaging claws 53 are integrally formed on the surface side of the driven connecting plate 52 along the circumferential direction. On the other hand, a toner feeder screw feeder (not shown) formed in the shape of a screw shaft is coaxially arranged in the toner tank 44, and this screw feeder is connected to a driven connecting plate 52. It rotates together with the plate 52.

  A toner supply port 54 and a toner filling port 55 are formed on the front end side of the peripheral wall portion of the toner tank 44, and a shutter that is slidable in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral side of the toner supply port 54. A member 56 (see FIG. 4) is disposed. The shutter member 56 is slidable between a closed position for closing the toner supply port 54 and an open position for opening the toner supply port 54, and is always closed by an urging member (not shown) such as a coil spring. Is being energized. Accordingly, the shutter member 56 is held at the closed position when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are not attached to the cartridge holder 34. Further, a cap member 58 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the toner filling port 55 on the peripheral wall portion of the toner tank 44 so that the toner filling port 55 is closed.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the rear end portion of the toner tank 44 has a peripheral wall portion and an inner peripheral cylinder in a space formed between the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion and the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral cylinder portion 50. Four partition plates 60, 61, 62, 63 are formed in a rib shape so as to connect the portion 50. These partition plates 60, 61, 62, 63 partition an annular space formed between the peripheral wall portion and the inner peripheral cylindrical portion 50 in the toner tank 44 into small spaces along the circumferential direction. These small spaces are opened at the front end surface of the toner tank 44, and the rear end side is closed by the bottom plate portion 45 of the toner tank 44 as shown in FIG. 6.

Here, the small space between the small space and the partition plate 61 and the partition plate 62 between the partition plate 60 and the partition plate 61 in the toner tank 44 will be described later each one of the wireless communication element 72 (FIG. 4 It is configured as storage chambers 64 and 66 for storing a reference). In addition, the small space between the partition plate 60 and the partition plate 63 is also configured as a storage chamber 68 that stores one wireless communication member 72. As shown in FIG. Functionally, the inner peripheral cylinder portion 50 is divided into a storage portion 68A and a storage portion 68B, with the vicinity of the edge portion 50A as the boundary. In the storage chamber 68, one of the two storage portions 68A and 68B is selectively used. In addition, the wireless communication member 72 can be stored. Accordingly, one wireless communication member 72 is selectively stored in one of the two storage portions 68A and 68B in the storage chamber 64, the storage chamber 66, and the storage chamber 68, and the selected storage chambers 64 and 66 are selected. And the attachment position changes along the circumferential direction according to the accommodating parts 68A and 68B.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless communication member 72 has a substantially fan-shaped projection shape viewed from the axial direction corresponding to the storage chambers 64 and 66, and is stored in the storage chamber 64, the storage chamber 66, and the storage chamber 68. By being inserted into any of the portions 68A and 68B, the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B are stored and held inside. The wireless communication member 72 is formed with a pair of latching claws 74 projecting to the outer peripheral side at the insertion-side end portion on the outer peripheral surface, and an engagement projection 76 projecting to the axial center S side at the end surface portion on the inlet side. Is formed.

  On the other hand, a latching hole 78 corresponding to the latching claw 74 in the wireless communication member 72 is formed in the peripheral wall portion of the toner tank 44 for each of the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B. On the rear end surface of 50, an engagement recess 80 corresponding to the engagement protrusion 76 of the wireless communication member 72 is formed for each of the storage chambers 64, 66 and the storage portions 68A, 68B. Further, an insertion port 204 corresponding to the support stay 200 of the wireless communication member 72 is formed in the bottom plate portion 45 of the toner tank 44 so as to communicate with the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B, respectively.

  When the wireless communication member 72 is inserted into any of the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B, the outer peripheral surface thereof is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the toner tank 44, so The claws 74 are respectively inserted into the pair of retaining holes 78 and the engaging protrusions 76 are engaged with the engaging recesses 80. Thereby, the movement along the axial direction is reliably restrained, and the engagement protrusion 76 is engaged with the engagement recess 80, so that the occurrence of rattling along the circumferential direction is reliably prevented. At this time, the latching claw 74 inserted into the latching hole 78 cannot be removed from the latching hole 78 unless the wireless communication member 72 itself is elastically deformed to the inner peripheral side. For this reason, the wireless communication member 72 inserted into one of the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B cannot be easily removed from the toner tank 44 unless a dedicated jig or the like is used. Yes.

  Further, the insertion ports 204 leading to the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B into which the wireless communication member 72 is not inserted are sealed by inserting the sealing member 206 formed of an elastic material such as resin. The At the distal end portion of the sealing member 206, a latching member 206 whose cross-sectional area increases in a tapered shape from the distal end portion toward the proximal end side is integrally formed. When the sealing member 206 is fitted into the insertion port 204, the latching member 206 latches the peripheral edge of the insertion port 204 from the inside to prevent the sealing member 206 from falling off.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a wireless communication member-side antenna 82 configured by winding a conductive wire such as a copper wire in a coil shape is provided in the wireless communication member 72. The radio communication member side antenna 82 is provided such that the coil axis TC, which is the winding center of the conductive wire, is parallel to the thickness direction of the radio communication member 72, and the shape of the coil surface along the direction perpendicular to the axis is The wireless communication member 72 is curved along the outer peripheral surface. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wireless communication member 72 is provided with an outer wall portion 84 and an inner wall portion 86 that are curved so as to be parallel to each other, and these outer wall portion 84 and inner wall portion are provided. A winding core portion 88 is connected to the portion 86. A conductive wire rod is wound around the outer peripheral side of the winding core portion 88 so that the wireless communication member-side antenna 82 flat along the axial direction is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the wireless communication member 72. .

  The wireless communication member 72 is provided with a compartment 90 sealed from the outside on the inner peripheral side of the wireless communication member antenna 82. A circuit board 92 is housed in the compartment portion 90, and an IC chip 94 on which the control circuit of the wireless communication member 72 is integrated as one chip is mounted on the circuit board 92. The IC chip 94 is electrically connected to the wireless communication member side antenna 82 via the circuit board 92 and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge holder 34 provided in the laser printer main body 11 has two attachment / detachment parts 96 and 98 at the upper part along the height direction (arrow H direction) of the apparatus. In addition, one detachable portion 100, 102 is provided at each of the lower tier portions, and one toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, 42 can be detachably attached to the detachable portions 96, 98, 100, 102, respectively. Installed. Here, the four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 attached to the cartridge holder 34 are arranged in an inverted L shape when viewed from the outside in the axial direction, whereby the four toner cartridges are arranged. Compared with the case where 36, 38, 40, and 42 are linearly arranged along the height direction, the increase in the dimension of the apparatus in the height direction is suppressed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge holder 34 includes four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 at the end on the back side of the apparatus so as to correspond to the mounting positions (in FIG. Only two of them are shown)). Each of the drive plates 108 has a thick plate shape and is supported so that the thickness direction thereof coincides with the depth direction of the apparatus. The drive plate 108 includes a drive connection plate (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the driven connection plate 52 (see FIG. 4) of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 on the surface portion facing the front end surface of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42. (Not shown) is rotatably arranged. This drive connecting plate is basically shaped symmetrically with the driven connecting plate 52 and can be engaged with the driven connecting plate 52. Each drive plate 108 includes a drive motor (not shown). The drive motor rotates when the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 are operated to rotate the drive connecting plate.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge holder 34 is provided with a support plate 104 extending in an inverted L shape so as to surround the four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 at the end on the front side of the apparatus. The four support brackets 106 are connected and fixed to the support plate 104 so as to correspond to the mounting positions of the four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, respectively. The four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 mounted on the cartridge holder 34 are spanned between the drive plate 108 and the support bracket 106 when mounted on the cartridge holder 34, and these drive plates The front end portion and the rear end portion are supported by 108 and the support bracket 106. The support bracket 106 is provided with a shutter engaging portion (not shown) that can engage with the shutter member 56 of the toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, 42.

  As shown in FIG. 2, two guide members 110, 112 extend in the depth direction between the drive plate 108 and the support bracket 106 in each of the attachment / detachment portions 96, 98, 100, 102 of the cartridge holder 34. The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are guided by the guide members 110 and 112 so as to move linearly along the depth direction when being inserted into and removed from the cartridge holder 34.

  In the laser printer main body 11, when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are attached to the corresponding attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102 in the cartridge holder 34, first, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are inserted. The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are abutted against the drive plate 108 by being inserted in the depth direction along the depth direction. As a result, the front end portions of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are connected to and supported by the drive plate 108, and the shutter engaging portion of the support bracket 106 is attached to the shutter member 56 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42. Engage.

  Next, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are attached to the detachable portions 96, 98, 100, 102 by rotating the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 clockwise by a predetermined angle using the handle portion 48. Complete. At this time, the drive connection plate disposed on the drive plate 108 meshes with the driven connection plate 52 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, and the drive motor built in the drive plate 108 operates as the drive connection plate and the driven connection plate 52. And is connected to a screw feeder in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 so that torque can be transmitted. The shutter member 56 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is moved by the shutter engaging portion of the support bracket 106 in conjunction with the rotation of the attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42. The toner supply port 54 is opened by sliding from the closed position to the open position.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the laser printer main body 11 is provided with a toner feeding tube 114 between the attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102 of the cartridge holder 34 and the developing devices 21, 23, 25, 27. It has been. One end portion of the toner feeding pipe 114 is connected to the support bracket 106, and when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are attached to the detachable portions 96, 98, 100, 102, the support bracket 106 is interposed. It is connected to the toner supply port 54 of the toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, 42. In addition, a toner feeder screw feeder (not shown) is disposed in the toner feeding tube 114, and torque from a drive motor in the drive plate 108 is connected to the screw feeder via a torque transmission shaft 116 and the like. Is transmitted.

  In the laser printer main body 11, when the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 are operated, a driving motor built in the driving plate 108 corresponding to the operating developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 is rotated. As a result, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are discharged from the toner supply port 54 at a predetermined speed by the action of the screw feeder, and the developing devices 21, 23 in which the toner is in an operating state through the toner supply pipe 114. , 25, 27. At this time, the amount of toner supplied to the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 is set to be substantially equal to the amount of toner consumed for development.

  As shown in FIG. 3, plate-like antenna units 118 and 120 are installed in the cartridge holder 34 on the back side of the apparatus between the detachable parts 96 and 98 and on the back side of the apparatus between the detachable parts 100 and 102, respectively. . Each of these two antenna units 118 and 120 is provided with a casing portion 122 formed of a resin into a thin plate shape, and a coil shape in which a conductive wire such as a copper wire is wound in the casing portion 122. The main body side antenna 124 is disposed. The antenna units 118 and 120 have a coil axis BC parallel to the thickness direction of the casing portion 122, and front and back surfaces (coil surfaces) along a direction perpendicular to the axis are parallel to the surface direction of the casing portion 122. Here, the antenna unit 118 arranged at the upper stage of the cartridge holder 34 is supported so that the surface direction thereof is orthogonal to the width direction of the apparatus (the direction of the arrow W), and is arranged between the middle stage and the lower stage. The antenna unit 120 is supported so that its surface direction is orthogonal to the height direction of the device (arrow H direction).

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are mounted on the cartridge holder 34, the upper antenna unit 118 is formed between the toner cartridges 36 and 38 along the width direction of the apparatus. The lower antenna unit 120 is supported so as to be inserted into a gap formed between the toner cartridges 40 and 42 along the height direction of the apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the toner cartridge 36 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 96 in the cartridge holder 34, the wireless communication member 72 is fitted into the storage portion 68 </ b> A in the storage chamber 68, and stored in the toner cartridge 38 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 98. A wireless communication member 72 is inserted into the chamber 64. As a result, the radio communication member side antenna 82 in the toner cartridge 36 faces the coil surface sufficiently close to one coil surface along the thickness direction of the main body side antenna 124, and the radio wave in the toner cartridge 38. The communication member-side antenna 82 is opposed to the other coil surface along the thickness direction of the main body antenna 124 while being sufficiently close to the coil surface.

  In addition, a wireless communication member 72 is fitted in the storage chamber 66 of the toner cartridge 40 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 100 of the cartridge holder 34, and the toner cartridge 42 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 102 is stored in the storage chamber 68. A wireless communication member 72 is inserted into the portion 68B. Thus, the wireless communication member side antenna 82 in the toner cartridge 40 faces the coil surface sufficiently close to the coil surface on the upper surface side of the main body side antenna 124, and the wireless communication member side antenna 82 in the toner cartridge 42. Makes the coil surface face the coil surface on the lower surface side of the main body antenna 124 sufficiently close to the coil surface.

  Here, radio wave transmission / reception between the radio communication member side antenna 82 and the main body side antenna 124 is usually more efficient as the distance between the antennas is shorter, and the radio communication member side antenna 82 and the main body side antenna 124 are coaxial. The closer the position is, the better the efficiency. In the laser printer main body 11, the radio communication member side antenna 82 attached to the toner cartridges 38, 40, and 42 is supported coaxially with the main body side antenna 124. Under the condition that the distance between the antennas is constant, Radio waves can be transmitted to and received from the main body antenna 124 with substantially maximum efficiency. The wireless communication member side antenna 82 attached to the toner cartridge 36 is supported at an angle (approximately 20 °) with respect to the main body side antenna 124, but the distance from the main body side antenna 124 is sufficiently small. Radio transmission and reception is possible with sufficiently high efficiency. In other words, if the radio wave output used between the wireless communication member 72 and the wireless communication device 130 (see FIG. 7) on the laser printer main body 11 side is sufficiently reduced, a good wireless communication state can be maintained. On the other hand, it is possible to reliably prevent interference between the main body antenna 124 and the wireless communication member 72 for which no communication relationship is set.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the wireless communication system 128 in the laser printer 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless communication system 128 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The wireless communication system 128 includes a wireless communication member 72 attached to each of the four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 and a wireless communication device 130 disposed on the printer main body 11 side. The wireless communication apparatus 130 includes two antenna units 118 and 120 arranged in the cartridge holder 34 and a main body 132 connected to a main body antenna 124 built in each of the antenna units 118 and 120. Yes.

  As described above, the wireless communication member 72 attached to each toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, 42 includes the wireless communication member-side antenna 82 on the coil and the IC chip 94 mounted on the circuit board 92. The IC chip 94 is configured as a single element in which a CPU 134, a transmission / reception circuit 136, a power supply circuit 138, a ROM 140, and an EEPROM 142 are integrated. The CPU 134 controls the entire wireless communication member 72 according to the communication program stored in the ROM 140.

  On the other hand, the EEPROM 142 is a non-volatile information storage element that does not require power to maintain information storage, and can write arbitrary information by the CPU 134 and read arbitrary information from the written information. Has been. Specifically, the following (1) is stored in the EEPROM 142, and information such as the following (2) and (3) is written.

(1) Multiple update programs (programs for controlling the laser printer main body 11)
(2) Update information of control program of laser printer main body 11 (details will be described later)
(3) Main body identification number of laser printer main body 11 When transmitting / receiving information, the transmission / reception circuit 136 in the wireless communication member 72 converts a parallel information signal sent from the CPU 134 into a serial information signal, and then modulates the information signal. The electrical signal thus output is output to the radio communication member side antenna 82. As a result, a radio signal corresponding to the information signal from the CPU 134 is output (radiated) from the wireless communication member side antenna 82. Further, when receiving information, the transmission / reception circuit 136 demodulates the electrical signal obtained from the radio wave signal received by the radio communication member side antenna 82 into a serial information signal, and then converts the information signal into a parallel information signal, thereby converting the CPU 134. Output to.

  The power supply circuit 138 in the wireless communication member 72 separates an alternating current of a predetermined frequency generated by electromagnetic induction in the wireless communication member side antenna 82 from the information signal during transmission / reception with the wireless communication device 130, and converts the alternating current into a direct current. After the conversion, the data is supplied to the CPU 134 and the transmission / reception circuit 136. As a result, the CPU 134 and the transmission / reception circuit 136 are supplied with power necessary for transmission / reception with the wireless communication apparatus 130.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the main body 132 of the wireless communication apparatus 130 is provided with a CPU 144, a transmission / reception circuit 146, a power supply circuit 148, a ROM 150, a RAM 152, and an interface circuit 154. Here, the transmission / reception circuit 146 includes two input / output terminals 146A and 146B for the antenna. The main body side antenna 124 of the antenna unit 118 is connected to one input / output terminal 146A, and the other input / output terminal 146A is connected. The main body side antenna 124 of the antenna unit 120 is connected to the terminal 146B. When transmitting / receiving information to / from the wireless communication member 72, the transmission / reception circuit 146 turns on only one of the input / output terminals 146A and 146B according to the information input / output destination, and turns off the other.

  The CPU 144 controls the entire wireless communication device 130 according to the communication program stored in the ROM 150.

  Further, the CPU 144 temporarily stores the update information, the main body identification number, etc. sent from the central control unit 208 of the laser printer main body 11 through the interface circuit 154 in the RAM 152, and then reads the transmission information from the RAM 152 at a predetermined timing. To the wireless communication member 72. As a result, the CPU 134 of the wireless communication member 72 writes and records the information received from the wireless communication device 130 in the EEPROM 142.

  Further, the CPU 134 of the wireless communication member 72 reads the update program, update information, main body identification number, etc. stored in the EEPROM 142 and sends them to the CPU 144 of the main body section 132. The CPU 144 sends it to the central control unit 208 through the interface circuit 154.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the central control unit 208 includes a CPU 250, a power supply circuit 256, an EPROROM 254, and a RAM 252.

  The CPU 250 controls the entire laser printer 10 according to a control program stored in the EPROM 254.

  Further, the CPU 250 is based on a plurality of update programs, update information, main body identification numbers and information from the EPROM 254 (control program version, initial setting, main body information, etc.) sent from the CPU 144 of the wireless communication apparatus 130. When a necessary update program is selected and it is determined that the control program needs to be rewritten and updated with the selected update program, the control program is rewritten with the update program.

  FIG. 9 shows a series of operations of control program update processing according to the present embodiment.

  In the laser printer 10, when the power is turned on, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are replaced, the reset process after occurrence of an abnormality such as a jam of the recording paper, etc. is performed, the wireless communication device 130 sets the wireless communication member 72. Communication is performed, and update processing of the control program stored in the EPROM 254 of the central control unit 208 is performed.

  First, in the update process, in step 300, the CPU 250 confirms whether the interlock has just been opened / closed, such as power-on, replacement of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, reset processing after occurrence of an abnormality such as a jam. To do. If it is not immediately after turning on the power and opening / closing the interlock, the updating process is terminated. If it is immediately after turning on the power and opening / closing the interlock, the routine proceeds to step 302.

  In step 302, a plurality of update programs, update information, and main body identification numbers in the EPROM 142 of the wireless communication member 72 are read by the wireless communication device 130 and sent to the CPU 250 of the central control unit 208.

  In step 304, the CPU 250 of the central control unit 208, based on the plurality of sent update programs, update information, main body identification number and information from the EPROM 254 (control program version, initial settings, main body information, etc.) An appropriate update program is selected from among the plurality of programs, and it is determined whether or not to update the control program to the selected update program.

  Note that the processing of step 302 is executed in order with the wireless communication member 72 of each toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, 42.

  If the CPU 250 determines not to update the control program, the process proceeds to step 316.

  In step 316, the update information (information not updated to the update program, control program version information, etc.) and the main body identification number of the laser printer main body 11 are written in the EPROM 254 of the wireless communication member 72 by the wireless communication system 128.

  If the CPU 254 determines to update, the process proceeds to step 308.

  In step 308, whether or not to update the update program is displayed to the user on the operation panel 500 (see FIG. 10).

  In step 310, the user selects whether or not to update, and operates the operation panel 500.

  If not updated as a result of the user's selection, the process proceeds to step 316.

  In step 316, the update information (information not updated to the update program by the user's selection, control program version information, etc.) and the main body identification number of the laser printer main body 11 are stored in the EPROM 142 of the wireless communication member 72 by the wireless communication system 128. Write.

  If it is updated as a result of the user's selection, the process proceeds to step 312.

  In step 312, the CPU 250 rewrites and updates the control program in the EPROM 254 with an update program.

  In step 314, the CPU 250 determines whether the update has been normally performed.

  If the update has been performed normally, the process proceeds to step 316.

  In step 316, the update information (information updated to the update program, version information of the updated control program, etc.) and the identification number of the laser printer main body 11 are written in the EPROM 142 of the wireless communication member 72 by the wireless communication system 128.

  If the EPROM 254 is not normally rewritten for some reason, the process proceeds to step 318.

  In step 318, the error processing, for example, the fact that an error has occurred in the update processing on the operation panel 500 is displayed to the user, and an error code and a serviceman call are displayed.

  Next, the operation of the laser printer 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  In the laser printer 10 according to the present embodiment, after the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are mounted on the cartridge holder 34, the open / close door 13 is closed, and the main power of the apparatus in the off state is turned on. Then, the update process shown in FIG. 9 is performed. This update process is performed for all the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42.

  As described above, the CPU 144 of the wireless communication device 130 shown in FIG. 7 updates the update information, the plurality of update programs, and the main body identification number from the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication member 72 attached to each toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, 42. Are output to the CPU 250 of the central control unit 208.

  The CPU 250 of the central control unit 208 is based on a plurality of update programs, update information, main body identification numbers and information from the EPROM 254 (control program version, initial settings, main body information, etc.) read from the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication member 72. Then, it is determined whether or not to select the update program and update the control program.

  Specifically, for example, the following determination is performed.

(1) Judgment by initial setting (2) Judgment whether or not update processing is allowed for the main body of the laser printer 11 when update processing has already been performed for another laser printer (3) Function of the main device (4) The control program and the update program are compared to determine whether the update program is a newer version.

  (1) refers to the case where (2) is set not to update the control program regardless of the following.

  The case where the control program is not updated is set in advance for a user who does not wish to update, for example, updating the image processing software may increase the amount of toner consumed. Alternatively, the update may be performed only for users who have a maintenance contract, and may be set in advance so as not to be updated for a user who does not have a maintenance contract.

  The initial settings are, for example, factory settings, settings by a dedicated tool by a service person, settings that can be changed by entering a password on the operation panel 500 (settings protected by a password), etc. Usually refers to a setting that does not change or cannot be changed. This initial setting can also be changed by an update program.

  (2) determines whether the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are updated only a predetermined number of times, whether or not the number is less than the predetermined number based on the update information, or multiple times only within the same user. When the update is permitted, there is a determination as to whether or not the update is within the same user last time based on the main body identification number. Note that (2) can also be changed in the initial setting.

  (3) corresponds to the main body device functions such as a double-sided printing function, a paper feed cassette configuration (for example, a single-stage cassette, a multi-stage cassette, or a paper size configuration), and a post-processing device (a paper discharge stacker, etc.) This refers to selecting the necessary update program. Further, when the same common toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are installed in different models, for example, the printing speed is different from the 10 ppm machine and the 20 ppm machine, but the same common toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, When 42 is used, it also indicates selecting a necessary update program according to each model.

  (4) indicates a determination as to whether or not the update program of the wireless communication member 72 is a newer version than the control program of the laser printer main body 11.

  When the CPU 250 selects an update program and determines to update the control program, a message regarding the update is displayed on the operation panel 500 (see FIG. 10). The user selects whether to update the control program according to the message on the operation panel 500 and operates the operation panel 500.

  When the user selects to update the control program, the CPU 250 rewrites and updates the control program in the EPROM 254 with the update program.

  Note that this confirmation to the user can also be set so that confirmation is not performed in the initial setting described above. (Steps 308 and 310 in FIG. 9 are removed, and updating is performed only by the determination of the CPU 250 in step 304). That is, the control program can be updated without making the user aware of it.

  As described above, by installing the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, the control program of the laser printer main body 11 can be updated.

  When all the toner filled in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is discharged, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are replaced with new ones. Therefore, the new toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are surely frequently attached to the laser printer main body 11. That is, the control program can be reliably updated.

  Further, the CPU 250 automatically selects an update program corresponding to the function of the laser printer main body 11, and further automatically determines whether to update or not, so that no rewrite error of the control program occurs.

  Further, the update information (whether update is present, control program version information, etc.) and the main body identification number of the printer main body 11 are sent from the CPU 250 to the wireless communication device 130 and written into the EPROM 142 of the wireless communication member 72. The used toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 removed from the printer main body 11 are returned from the user to the manufacturer.

  Then, the manufacturer reads the update information and the main body identification number written in the EPROM 142 of the wireless communication member 72 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 so that the control program for the laser printer 10 installed in the market can be obtained. The update status can be accurately grasped for each laser printer 10 in the market.

  For this reason, for example, when a service person goes to the user to deal with some trouble, the version of the control program of the laser printer 10 can be grasped in advance, so that there is an advantage that trouble can be easily dealt with.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are described as examples of functional parts including an EPROM (nonvolatile memory) in which an update program is stored. In addition, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning device, a charger, a static eliminator, a developing device, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process cartridge including one or more process parts, which are attached to and detached from a laser printer main body in a laser printer. Also good.

  In addition, it is applied to an image forming apparatus that forms an image without using an electrophotographic process, for example, an image forming apparatus such as an ink jet printer or a thermal head printer, and is applied to an image forming apparatus main body such as a recording head, an ink cartridge, or an ink ribbon cartridge. It may be a functional component that is attached to and detached from the device.

  Furthermore, the image forming apparatus can also be applied to various image forming apparatuses other than a printer, such as a facsimile, a copier, and a multifunction machine.

  If the same common functional parts are used, such as printers, copiers, facsimiles, and multifunction machines, but a plurality of update programs for each model are stored in the non-volatile memory of the functional parts, as shown in FIG. In step 302, the CPU 250 may select an update program suitable for the model.

  Alternatively, the functional component may be an optional component that expands the function of the image forming apparatus main body, such as a multi-stage paper feed cassette or a post-processing device (a paper discharge stacker).

  If an optional part stores a control program corresponding to the content that expands the functions of the image forming apparatus main body, when the optional part is mounted, the control program corresponding to the function extended by the optional part is reliably updated. The

  Further, the exchange between the EPROM storing the update program and the image forming apparatus main body is not limited to the wireless communication system 128. For example, when a functional component is mounted, the image forming apparatus main body may be connected with a connector.

Further, the nonvolatile memory is not limited to the EPROM, and may be other nonvolatile memories. Note that the control program according to the present invention means all control programs related to the image forming apparatus. For example, in general programs related to image formation, for example, image processing related, process control related, supply / discharge related to recording paper, etc., as well as programs related to other than image forming such as operation panel display related, FAX, multifunctional machine, etc. Telecommunications relations and reading (scanner) relations.

1 is a side view showing an internal configuration of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a cartridge holder in which a toner cartridge in the laser printer illustrated in FIG. 1 is detachably mounted. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a toner cartridge and an antenna unit of a wireless communication device in the laser printer illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a toner cartridge and a wireless communication member attached to the toner cartridge in the laser printer shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the wireless communication member attached to the toner cartridge and the antenna unit of the wireless communication apparatus shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication member attached to a toner cartridge and an antenna unit of the wireless communication apparatus in the laser printer illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radio | wireless communications system in the laser printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the central control part in the laser printer which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the update process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a side view showing a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the laser printer according to the embodiment of the present invention, schematically showing the opening / closing door and attaching / detaching the toner cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

10 Laser printer (image forming device)
11 Laser printer body (image forming device body)
36 Toner cartridge (functional parts)
38 Toner cartridge (functional parts)
40 Toner cartridge (functional parts)
42 Toner cartridge (functional parts)
130 Wireless communication device (reading means)
142 EPROM (nonvolatile memory)
250 CPU (reading means, judging means, rewriting means)
500 Operation panel (confirmation means, selection means)

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus that includes a non-volatile memory that stores an update program for controlling the image forming apparatus main body and in which a functional component that gives a predetermined function to the image forming apparatus main body is detachably mounted.
Read means for reading the update program stored in the nonvolatile memory;
A determination unit that determines whether or not to update the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body to the update program read by the reading unit;
Rewriting means for updating the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body to the update program read by the reading means;
Have
In the nonvolatile memory, update information indicating whether or not the control program stored in the image forming apparatus main body has been updated and identification information of the image forming apparatus main body are stored.
According to the initial setting of the image forming apparatus main body, the number of times that the control program can be updated by one functional component is limited, or the image forming apparatus that can update the control program by one functional component. There is a restriction limited to the image forming apparatus of the same user,
The determination means includes
The version of the update program is newer than the version of the control program,
In addition, it is determined whether or not it is within the limit according to the update information stored in the non-volatile memory and the identification information of the image forming apparatus main body, and if it is determined that it is within the limit, the update is performed. An image forming apparatus.   Confirmation means for inquiring of the user whether or not to perform the update when the determination means determines that the update is to be performed;
  A selection means for the user to select whether or not to update to the update program inquired by the confirmation means;
  The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein whether or not to make an inquiry by the confirmation unit can be set in an initial setting of the image forming apparatus main body.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functional component is a regular replacement component.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functional component is a consumable component.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the functional component is an optional component that expands a function of the image forming apparatus main body.

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