JPH096194A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the degree of freedom in layout and to facilitate the change of control by changing the control, without exchanging a ROM. CONSTITUTION: This image forming device is provided with plural units 201-209 obtained in such a manner that devices and members in a machine are classified by function, to be constituted as one control unit, plural unit control boards 201a to 209a which are provided in the units 201 to 209 respectively and take charge of the control of the corresponding units and a control program transmission equipment 210 for transmitting a previously stored control program to the respective unit control boards 201a to 209a. Each of the unit control boards 201a to 209a is provided with an operation control CPU (not shown by the figure) for taking charge of the control of the corresponding unit, an EEPROM (not shown by the figure) for storing the control program and a communication port and a communication control CPU (not shown by the figure) for multiplex communication for a signal between unit control means. The control program from the control program transmission equipment 210 is transmitted to the EEPROM of each of the unit control boards 201a to 209a, to be stored.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a printer. More specifically, the apparatus and each member in the machine are classified according to their functions, and a plurality of units are used as one control unit. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus configured to perform multiplex communication between the plurality of units.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a control unit called a main control unit is provided in the machine, and this control unit directly drives and controls most of the components arranged in the machine. The centralized control method was common.

Further, in order to reduce the load on the main control unit, a distributed control system is employed in which the components in the image forming apparatus are divided into several component groups and controlled. In this distributed control method, the parts in the image forming apparatus are divided into several parts groups, and each of the divided parts groups is provided with a control unit for controlling the parts included in the parts group. The units are connected via a communication medium to control the machine so that data can be mutually transmitted.

In the distributed control system, it is necessary to mount a non-volatile storage device such as a ROM in which each control program is stored in advance on each control unit that controls the component group. Therefore, the ROM is provided on all the control units in the image forming apparatus.

[0005]

However, according to the image forming apparatus of the above-mentioned conventional distributed control system, since the respective control units operate in conjunction with each other, when changing the control of the image forming apparatus, RO on all control units in the image forming apparatus
Although it is necessary to replace M, the replacement of the ROM had the following problems.

First, there is a problem that layout restrictions occur because it is necessary to arrange each control unit at a position where the ROM can be replaced. Second, there is a problem that it is difficult to change the control because it takes time and labor to replace the ROM.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to change the control without exchanging the ROM to improve the degree of freedom of layout and to easily change the control. The purpose is to

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a plurality of image forming apparatuses in which the apparatus and each member in the machine are classified by function, and each is configured as one control unit. Unit, a plurality of unit control means provided in each unit which is the control unit and responsible for control of the corresponding unit, and a control program transmission means for transmitting a control program stored in advance to each unit control means. A plurality of unit control means, each of which controls a corresponding unit, a first storage means for storing a control program, and a plurality of unit control means for multiplexing signals. And multiplex communication means for transmitting the control program from the control program transmission means to the first unit control means. Transmitted to the storage means, those to be stored.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, the first storage means is capable of rewriting the stored control program.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the control program transmission means is connectable to a communication medium connecting the unit control means, and the unit control means of each unit is connected via the communication medium. The control program is transmitted to one storage means.

In the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, a control program that can be commonly used by the plurality of unit control means is a common control program, and the common control program is arranged in advance on each unit control means. It is stored in the stored second storage means.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect, the common control program uses a communication protocol for performing data communication between the unit control means and data communication between the unit control means and the control program transmission means. The unit control means includes a communication program to be set, and performs data communication with other unit control means and control program transmission means based on the communication program.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the common control program detects a control program transmitted from the control program transmitting means and stores a download program for storing the control program in the first storage means. The unit control means stores the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means based on the download program in the first storage means.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the common control program includes an input / output setting program for preventing a group of control parts connected to the unit control means from malfunctioning. The means controls the operation of the control component group based on the input / output setting program before starting the operation according to the control program transmitted from the control program transmitting means.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the control program transmitting means has a destination setting means capable of setting a plurality of destinations of the control program, and each unit controlling means controls its own unit. The means receives the control program transmitted when the means is set as the destination by the destination setting means.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the control program transmission means transmits a control program transmission end signal when transmission of all control programs is completed, and each unit control means transmits the control program. The operation is started when the end signal is received.

An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the invention is
The control program transmission means is installed in any one of the plurality of unit control means.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 11 is
The control program transmitting means is configured as a device separate from the main body of the image forming apparatus, a connecting means for connecting the control program transmitting means and the image forming apparatus is provided, and the control program transmitting means is detachable from the connecting means. It is what

An image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is
A plurality of units configured by classifying the devices and each member in the machine according to function and configuring each as one control unit, and a plurality of unit controls provided in each unit that is the control unit and responsible for control of corresponding units Means, a control program transmission means for transmitting a control program stored in advance to each unit control means, and a communication medium for connecting the respective unit control means, and the plurality of unit control means respectively correspond to each other. A CPU responsible for controlling the units, multiplex communication means for multiplexing signals between the plurality of unit control means,
An address setting terminal for setting a network address of each unit control means on the multiplex communication network formed by the multiplex communication means and the communication medium, wherein the network address of each unit control means is set by the address setting terminal. It is set.

In the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, the network address of the address setting terminal is set by directly setting the wiring pattern of the board on which the unit control means is mounted to HIGH or LOW.

Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the address setting terminal of each unit control means is
The wiring pattern of the board on which each unit control means is mounted is set so that it can be set to HIGH or LOW via a jumper wire, and the network address of the address setting terminal can be changed.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 15 is
The wiring pattern of the board on which each unit control means is mounted is set so that the address setting terminal of each unit control means can be set to HIGH or LOW via a switch, and the network address of the address setting terminal is set. It is possible to change.

[0023]

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1), when the control program transmitting means transmits the control program stored in advance to each unit controlling means, each unit controlling means first receives the received control program. Stored in the storage means. Therefore, the control program can be changed without replacing the first storage means such as the ROM.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 2)
Is a first rewritable stored control program.
By using this storage means, it is possible to rewrite the control program in the first storage means and change the control program.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 3)
Connects the control program transmission means to a communication medium connecting the unit control means, and transmits the control program to the first storage means of each unit control means via the communication medium. Therefore, the control program can be transmitted from the control program transmitting means without adding a new transmission medium.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 4).
A common control program is a control program that can be commonly used by a plurality of unit control means, and this common control program is stored in advance in a second storage means arranged on each unit control means. Therefore, the amount of data of the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means becomes small.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 5).
Is a first storage of each unit control means in advance as a common control program, which is a communication program for setting a communication protocol for performing data communication between the unit control means and data communication between the unit control means and the control program transmission means. Store in the means. Therefore, immediately after the operation of the device is started, it is possible to perform communication between the unit control means and the control program transmission means.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 6).
Stores a download program for detecting the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means and storing it in the first storage means as a common control program in advance in the first storage means of each unit control means. Therefore, since each unit control means downloads the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means based on the download program, the load on the control program transmission means is reduced.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 7)
Is a first control unit for each unit control means in advance using a common control program as an input / output setting program for preventing malfunction of a control component group connected to each unit control means.
It is stored in the storage means. Therefore, each unit control means can control the operation of the control component group based on the input / output setting program even before the control program is transmitted.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 8).
The control program transmitting means can set a plurality of transmission destinations of the control program by using the transmission destination setting means, and each unit control means has its own unit control means set as the transmission destination by the transmission destination setting means. In this case, since the transmitted control program is received, the control program can be transmitted from the control program transmission means to a plurality of unit control means at once.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 9).
In, the control program transmission means transmits a control program transmission end signal when transmission of all control programs is completed. Each unit control means starts its operation when it receives a control program transmission end signal from the control program transmission means. In other words, the communication between the unit control means is started after the transmission of all the control programs from the control program transmission means is completed and the communication preparations for all the unit control means are completed.・ No problems such as unprocessed.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
In 0), since the control program transmission means is installed in any one of the plurality of unit control means, it is not necessary to consider the installation of the control program transmission means.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
In 1), the control program transmitting means configured as a device separate from the main body of the image forming apparatus is detachably connected to the image forming apparatus via the connecting means. Therefore, the control program transmitting means can be removed after the transmission of the control program is completed.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
In 2), the network address of each unit control means is set using an address setting terminal for setting the network address of each unit control means on the multiplex communication network formed by the multiplex communication means and the communication medium.
That is, since it is not necessary to set by software such as a control program, it is possible to eliminate the difference in the control programs due to only the difference in the network address and to unify the control programs.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1
In 3), the network address of the address setting terminal is set by directly setting the wiring pattern of the board on which each unit control means is mounted to HIGH or LOW. Therefore, the cost required for setting the network address can be kept as low as possible.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
In 4), since the address setting terminal of each unit control means is set to HIGH or LOW via the jumper wire, it is easy to change the network address of the address setting terminal.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1
In 5), since the address setting terminal of each unit control means is set to HIGH or LOW through the switch,
It becomes easy to change the network address of the address setting terminal.

[0038]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied to a copying machine as an example and will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the construction of the copying machine of the present embodiment. Reference numeral 101 denotes a copying machine main body for making a copy image, and 102 denotes a manuscript to convey a manuscript to a manuscript reading position. 1 is an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as ADF), and reference numeral 103 is a bank paper feeding unit which is a paper feeding unit for recording paper.

Here, the copying machine main body 101 includes a photosensitive drum 104 as an image carrier and a charging charger 111 for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a predetermined potential.
A scanner 112 for reading an original image from an original placed at a predetermined position and forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104; and developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 with toner. Developing unit 113 for forming a visible toner image, a transfer unit 115 for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a recording sheet at a transfer position 114, and the photosensitive drum after the transfer process. Cleaning unit 116 for removing residual toner from the surface 104
An intermediate roller 133 that conveys the recording paper fed from the bank paper feed unit 103 to the transfer position 114, and an intermediate roller 1
33, an intermediate roller sensor 134 for detecting the recording paper that has reached 33, and a recording paper transfer position 11 at a predetermined timing.
4, a registration roller 135 that conveys the recording paper to the recording sheet 4, a registration sensor 136 that detects the recording paper that has reached the registration roller 135, a fixing unit 141 that fixes the toner image transferred onto the recording paper to the recording paper, and a fixing unit. A fixing unit entrance sensor 142 for detecting the recording paper that has reached 141
A branching claw 144 for switching the conveyance direction of the recording paper, a paper ejection roller 145 for ejecting the recording paper to the outside of the machine, and a paper ejection sensor 1 for detecting the recording paper reaching the paper ejection roller 145.
46, a paper ejection tray 147 for placing the recording paper ejected outside the machine by the paper ejection rollers 145, and a recording paper whose surface image formation is completed when images are formed on both sides of the recording paper. And a double-sided tray 150 for storing the.

Further, in this embodiment, the bank paper feeding unit 1
03 is a four-stage paper feed cassette 103 _-1-10_-FourHave
Each paper feed cassette 103_-1-10_-FourTo
Four bank units (bank 1 unit 20
7_-1~ 207_-Four) And control independently.
You.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the construction of the control system of the copying machine, which is the main part of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the devices and members within the machine are classified according to function, and each is controlled by one control. A plurality of units 201 to 20 configured as a unit
9 and a plurality of unit control plates 201a to 209a provided in each unit 201 to 209 which is a control unit and having an operation control CPU 302 (see FIG. 3) which is in charge of controlling the corresponding unit, Each unit control board 201a-20
9a, a control program transmitting device 210 as a control program transmitting means, and a plurality of unit control boards 20
1 a to 209 a and a communication line 211 as a communication medium arranged between the control program transmission device 210.

In this embodiment, the communication line 211 is used as the communication medium, but the communication medium is not limited to this, and radio waves or light may be used.

In each of the units 201 to 209, the unit control plates 201a to 209a serve as sensors for detecting the state of the self unit and various actuators for operating the respective parts of the self unit, as described below. It is connected.

Here, the unit control plate 201a of the operation unit 201 is connected with a key input device for the operator to make various settings, a display device for notifying the operator of various messages, and the like.

Further, the unit control plate 202a of the charging unit 202 for controlling the charging unit 111 has a potential sensor for measuring the potential of the photosensitive drum 104, a high voltage power source for applying a voltage to the charging unit 111, and a charging unit for the charging unit 111. A charger cleaner for cleaning is connected.

The unit control plate 203a of the exposure / optical unit 203 for controlling the scanner 112 is
A position SW (switch) for detecting the position of the optical system, various abnormality detection sensors, a scanner motor, a halogen lamp, etc. are connected.

The unit control plate 204a of the developing unit 204 for controlling the developing unit 113 has a density sensor for measuring the toner density on the photosensitive drum 104 and an agent presence / absence sensor for detecting the amount of toner in the developing unit 113. , Development motor, bias power supply, etc. are connected.

Further, a high voltage power source or the like is connected to the unit control plate 205a of the transfer unit 205 which controls the transfer unit 115.

Further, a unit control plate 206a of the cleaning unit 206 for controlling the cleaning section 116.
A blade and a solenoid are connected to.

[0051] Furthermore, the unit control board 207a _-1 ～207A _-4 bank 1 units 207 _-1 to bank 4 units 207 _-4 constituting the bank sheet feeding unit 103, respectively lifting motor, call solenoid, the paper feed clutch , Upper limit sensor, paper feed sensor, paper presence sensor, paper size sensor, bank set sensor, etc. are connected.

Further, a sheet feeding motor, a registration clutch, an intermediate roller sensor, a registration sensor, etc. are connected to the unit control plate 208a of the transportation unit 208 which controls the transportation of the recording paper 120.

Further, the unit control plate 20 of the fixing / sheet discharging unit 209 for controlling the fixing section 141 and the sheet discharging section 20.
9a includes a fixing motor, a fixing heater, a branch solenoid,
A temperature sensor, a fixing entrance sensor, a paper discharge sensor, etc. are connected.

In order to simplify the explanation, FIG. 2 shows nine sets of units 201 to 209 as a plurality of units. However, in addition, for example, a manual sheet feeding unit, a double-sided sheet feeding unit, etc. In particular, the unit configuration is not limited to this.

FIG. 3 shows the unit control plate 20 shown in FIG.
It is a control block diagram of 1a-209a. Since the unit control plates 201a to 209a have the same configuration, here, the unit control plate 2 of the operation unit 201 is used.
01a will be described as an example. Unit control board 201a
Is a communication control CPU 301 that controls the communication with other unit control plates 202a to 209a, an operation control CPU 302 that controls the operation of its own unit, and a communication control that transmits and receives data via the communication line 211. A port 303, a ROM (second storage means) 304 in which a program (common control program) commonly used by the unit control boards 201a to 209a such as a communication control program is stored, and a control sequence for the own unit EEPRO for storing different control programs depending on the unit control boards 201a to 209a, like a program
An M (first storage means) 305, a RAM 306 for storing control data, an input / output port 307 for interfacing with actuators, sensors, etc., an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. A bus 308 for connecting the above-mentioned respective parts and an address setting terminal 309 connected to the address bus of the bus 308 for setting the network address of each unit control board 201a to 209a.

In the above configuration, the communication control CPU 30
1 monitors the communication port 303, and the operation control CP
The U 302 monitors the input / output port 307. Here, an external unit (other unit control plates 202a-2
09a) via the communication line 211 to the communication port 303
The information input to is taken in according to the protocol of the communication control CPU 301 and stored in the RAM 306. Information input from the control program transmission device 210 to the communication port 303 via the communication line 211 is fetched according to the protocol of the communication control CPU 301 and stored in the EEPROM 305. Further, the operation control CPU 302 includes a ROM 304 and an E
Based on the control program stored in the EPROM 305, the RAM 306 is used as necessary to control the above-mentioned units.

In this embodiment, the communication control CPU 3
01 and the operation control CPU 302 are used, but the operation control CPU 302 also serves as communication control, and C
You may make one PU. Further, in the present embodiment, the electrically rewritable EEPROM 305 is used as the first storage means capable of rewriting the control program, but it is not particularly limited to this, and for example, the RAM
Etc. may be used.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a main part of the control program transmission device 210 shown in FIG. The control program storage ROM 401 in which the control programs of the unit control plates 201a to 209a are stored, and the communication port 402 connected to the communication line 211 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the communication line 211, and the communication port 402. ROM 401 for monitoring and controlling program storage
And a communication control CPU 403 for transmitting the contents of Reference numeral 404 indicates an address bus, a data bus and a control bus.

Next, an address setting method of the address setting terminal 309 on each unit control board 201a to 209a will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, FIG. 7A shows the address setting terminal 3
The network address of No. 09 is set by directly setting the wiring pattern of the board on which the unit control plates 201a to 209a are mounted to HIGH or LOW. As shown in the figure, if the address setting terminal 309 is composed of 8 pins (that is, 8 bits),
Circuit A- is provided to each of the 8 pins of the address setting terminal 309.
Either the circuit 1 or the circuit A-2 is connected, and the addresses of the unit control boards 201a to 209a are set according to the combination of which circuit is connected to which pin.

Further, FIG. 9B shows the address setting terminal 3
The setting of the network address of 09 can be set to HIGH or LOW via a jumper line, whereby the network address of the address setting terminal 309 can be changed. As shown in the figure, the unit control board 2 is connected depending on the combination of the circuit B connected to all 8 pins of the address setting terminal 309 and the circuit of which pin the jumper wire is inserted.
The addresses 01a to 209a are set.

Further, FIG. 9C shows the address setting terminal 3
09 network address setting, switch (S
It is possible to set HIGH or LOW via W), and thereby, the network address of the address setting terminal 309 can be changed. As shown in the figure, the circuit C is connected to all 8 pins of the address setting terminal 309, and the addresses of the unit control plates 201a to 209a are set by combining the ON / OFF settings of the connected SWs.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that a network address is set in the address setting terminal 309 of each unit control board 201a to 209a by the method shown in FIG.

In the above structure, the transmitting operation of the control program transmitting device, the receiving operation of each unit control board,
The operation will be described in the order of the packet configuration when transmitting the control program, the effect of this embodiment, and another embodiment (modification).

Transmission Operation of Control Program Transmission Device FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the transmission operation of the control program transmission device 210. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the control program transmission device 210 starts the transmission operation when the power of the copying machine is turned on or the copying machine is reset. First, the unit control plates 201a to 20
9a to communicate with each unit control plate 201a to 209
Confirm whether the control sequence program is stored in the EEPROM 305 of a and confirm the version of the control sequence program (corresponding to the control program confirmation command in step S704 of FIG. 7 described later). (S601).

Next, in step S602, based on whether or not the control program (control sequence program) is stored, if stored, the process proceeds to step S603, and if not stored, step S605. Go to.

In step S603, it is determined whether the stored version of the control sequence program matches the version of the control program on the control program transmission device 210. If they match, the process proceeds to step S604. If there is no match, go to step S
Proceed to 605.

In step S605, when the control sequence program is not stored in the EEPROM 305 of each unit control plate 201a to 209a, or the stored version of the control sequence program is the version of the control program of the control program transmission device 210. Since it is the case that it does not match with,
A control program erase command for erasing the control program on the EEPROM 305 is transmitted to 01a to 209a. Next, in steps S606 and S607, after waiting for the reception of the erase completion signal from each of the unit control plates 201a to 209a, when the erase is completed, the control program stored in the control program storage ROM 401 is communicated in step S608. When the transmission of the control program is completed via the communication port 402, the process proceeds to step S604.

In step S604, a transmission end signal is transmitted to each of the unit control plates 201a to 209a, and the process is ended.

In this embodiment, each unit control plate 2
In order to confirm that the contents of the EEPROM 305 of 01a to 209a have been erased, each unit control board 201a
~ 209a is waiting for the erasing completion signal to return, but the unit control boards 201a to 209a
The time required to erase the contents of the OM 305 may be set in advance, and it may be determined that the OM 305 has been erased after the lapse of time.

Further, the control program transmitting device 210
It is possible to execute the transmission operation of No. 1 only when the reset operation is performed. However, when RAM or the like is used as the first storage means instead of the EEPROM 305, the power is turned off or the reset operation is performed. Since the contents of the RAM are erased when the operation is performed, it is necessary to execute the transmission operation of the control program transmission device 210 when the power of the copying machine is turned on or the copying machine is reset as described above. There is.

Receiving Operation of Each Unit Control Plate FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of the receiving operation of each unit control plate 201a to 209a. In this embodiment, the copying machine is turned on or the copying machine is reset. When performed, each unit control board 201a-209a
The following processing is executed according to the initialization program, which is one of the common control programs stored in advance in 04.

First, the data (network address) of the address setting terminal 309 is read and set as the network address of the own unit control board (S70).
1). Next, the communication port 303 is set according to the communication protocol included in the initialization program to enable communication with other unit control boards and the control program transmission device 210 (S702).

Then, the input / output port 307 is set to a high impedance state (S703). by this,
The destruction and malfunction of the element connected to the input / output port 307 can be avoided. When the setting of steps S701 to S703 is completed, each unit control plate 201a to 209a
Allows the communication line 211 to be constantly monitored, and signals from the control program transmission device 210 and other unit control boards can be received.

In step S704, when there is an inquiry (control program confirmation command) about the control program stored in the EEPROM 305 from the control program transmission device 210, in step S705, each unit control board stores the control program in the EEPROM 305. If it is stored, or is stored, the version of the control sequence program is discriminated, and the control program transmission device 210 transmits the confirmation result.

Next, when an erase command for the EEPROM 305 is sent from the control program transmission device 210 in step S706, the EEPROM is erased in step S707.
The contents of 305 are erased, and when the erasing is completed, an erasing end signal is transmitted to the control program transmission device 210 (however,
The control program transmission device 210 is previously stored in EEPRO.
When the erase time of M305 is set, the erase end signal is not transmitted).

Subsequently, in step S708, the control program transmission device 210 waits for the control program to be transmitted (control program transmission standby state). When the control program is transmitted, in step S709, RO
The transmitted control program is fetched and stored in the EEPROM 305 according to the download program which is one of the common control programs stored in the M304.

Thereafter, when the control program is downloaded and the control program transmission end signal is received from the control program transmission device 210 in step S710, in step S711, each unit control plate 201a ...
209a starts its operation according to the control program stored in the EEPROM 305 of its own unit control board.

Structure of Packet When Transmitting Control Program FIG. 8 shows a structure of a packet 800 of the control program transmitted from the control program transmission device 210. In this embodiment, the control program is controlled by a plurality of units at a time. In order to transmit to the board, as shown in the figure, a header portion 801 indicating the start of the packet, defining the number of destinations and defining the size of the control program, and the network address of the destination are defined. Destination designation unit 802 and a control program unit 803 that is a control program to be transmitted.
And an EOM section 804 indicating the end of the packet 800, and a plurality of destinations (that is, unit control boards of the destinations) can be designated in the packet 800.

Therefore, the control program transmission device 21
When the packet 800 is transmitted from 0, the packet 8
The unit control board designated by the transmission destination designation unit 802 of 00 detects that the packet 800 is transmitted to itself, reads the contents of the control program unit 803,
It is stored in the EEPROM 305.

As in the packet 800, the control program transmission device 2
Even when there are a plurality of control programs 10, the control programs can be reliably transmitted from the plurality of control program transmission devices 210 to the plurality of unit control boards.

Effects of this Embodiment As described above, according to this embodiment, each unit control plate 2
01a to 209a, different control programs are stored in the control program transmission device 210.
The control program transmission device 21 is stored in M401.
0 to EEPR of each unit control plate 201a to 209a
Since the configuration is such that it is transmitted to the OM 305 and stored, even when the control program is changed, each unit control plate 2
The ROM 40 for storing the control program of the control program transmission device 210 without replacing the ROM in 01a to 209a.
After replacing 1, the control program can be easily changed by simply transmitting from the control program transmission device 210 to the unit control plates 201a to 209a. Therefore, the ROM 30 of each unit control plate 201a-209a
Since there is no need to replace 4, the layout flexibility is improved.

In addition, since the control program can be transmitted from the control program transmission device 210 to each of the unit control plates 201a to 209a via the communication line 211 used during the normal control operation, a new dedicated transmission is performed. No need to add media.

A program (common control program) commonly used by the unit control boards 201a to 209a, such as a communication control program, is stored in the ROM 304, and the control program transmitting device 210 causes the unit control boards 201a to 201a to operate. Since only different control programs are transmitted by the 209a, the control program transmission device 210
Since the capacity of the ROM 401 for storing the control program can be reduced and the data amount of the control program is reduced, the transmission time can be shortened. Further, since the common control program in the ROM 304 is common to the unit control plates 201a to 209a, it does not hinder the common use of the unit control plates 201a to 209a and the common control parts.

In addition, the communication protocol of the communication line 211 is set in advance as a common control program in each unit control board 2
Since it is stored in the ROM 304 of 01a to 209a,
Immediately after starting the operation of the machine, the unit control plates 201a to 20
It is possible to perform communication between 9a and the control program transmission device 210.

In addition, each unit control board 201a is preliminarily provided with a download program as a common control program.
˜209a stored in the ROM 304, the unit control boards 201a to 209a can send the transmitted control program to the EE according to the download program.
It can be stored in the PROM 305 and can be easily downloaded. Further, the control program transmission device 210 need only transmit the control program, and the load on the control program transmission device 210 can be reduced.

In addition, each unit control plate 201a-209
The ROM 3 of each unit control plate 201a to 209a is previously set as a common control program with an input / output setting program for preventing malfunction of the control component group connected to a.
No. 04 is stored in each unit control plate 201a ...
209a can control the operation of the control component group based on the input / output setting program even before the control program is transmitted. Therefore, malfunction of the control component group can be prevented.

Further, each unit control plate 201a to 209
Since the network address of a is set using the address setting terminal 309 which is hardware, it is not necessary to set it by software. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the difference in the control programs due to the difference in the network addresses, and to promote the commonization of the control programs.
It is easy to unify the control components on 01a to 209a.

Also, when the control program is transmitted from the control program transmission device 210 via the communication line 211 (network), each unit control board 20 is previously prepared.
Since the network address is independently set on the side of 1a to 209a based on the address setting terminal 309, the destination etc. of the control program can be easily specified and the control program can be easily transmitted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the network address can be set by directly setting the wiring pattern of the board on which the unit control boards 201a to 209a are mounted to HIGH or LOW. It is possible to minimize the cost required for setting.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, since the network address can be set by setting HIGH or LOW via the jumper wire, the same board has different network addresses. A substrate can be created. Therefore, the substrate can be shared.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the network address can be set by setting HIGH or LOW via the switch (SW).
The same board can be used to create boards with different network addresses. Therefore, the substrate can be shared.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, since the control program can be transmitted to a plurality of unit control boards at one time, it is possible to shorten the transmission time of the control program from the control program transmission device 210. Also, this can shorten the machine startup time.

Further, each unit control plate 201a to 209
Since a starts the control operation of the machine after receiving the transmission end signal from the control program transmission device 210, all the unit control plates 201a to 209a start the control operation at the same time. Therefore, problems such as unreceived and unprocessed communication signals are eliminated.

Other Embodiments (Modifications) As another embodiment, instead of independently providing the control program transmission device 210 as shown in FIG. 2, one of the unit control plates 201a to 209a is controlled. The function of the program transmission device 210 may be provided. For example, the control program transmission device is arranged on the unit control board 201a of the operation unit 201.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a control program storage ROM 901 (same as the control program storage ROM 401 in FIG. 4) is incorporated in the unit control board 201a of the operation unit 201, Two
01a communication control CPU 301 and communication port 30
Use 3 to send the control program.

As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the control program transmitter 210 is connected to the communication line 211.
The connector 1001 may be detachably connected. In this configuration, the unit control boards 201a to 209a are connected to the control program transmission device 21.
In consideration of the case where 0 is not connected to the connector 1001, step S703 in the flowchart of FIG.
After setting the input / output port, the existence of the control program transmission device 210 needs to be confirmed via the communication line 211. Further, as the electrically rewritable first storage means arranged on the unit control plates 201a to 209a at this time, a non-volatile storage device (eg, EEPROM, Non-volatile RAM
Etc.) must be used.

[0098]

As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (Claim 1) classifies the apparatus and each member in the machine according to function, and a plurality of units each configured as one control unit, A plurality of unit control means provided in each unit that is a control unit and responsible for controlling the corresponding units, and a control program transmission means for transmitting a control program stored in advance to each unit control means are provided. The unit control means has a CPU that controls each corresponding unit, a first storage means that stores a control program, and a multiplex communication means for multiplexing signals between a plurality of unit control means. In order to transmit the control program from the control program transmission means to the first storage means of each unit control means for storage, Instead of replacing the ROM of the control program are to be stored so, perform the change control by the transmission of the control program from the control program transmission means. Therefore, the unit control means can be arranged even in a place where the parts on the unit control means cannot be easily replaced, and the degree of freedom in layout can be improved.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 2)
Is a first rewritable stored control program.
The use of the storage means makes it easy to change the control.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 3).
The control program transmission means is connectable to a communication medium connecting the unit control means, and the control program is transmitted to the first storage means of each unit control means via the communication medium, so that it is newly dedicated. The control program can be transmitted only by adding the control program transmitting means without adding the transmission medium.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 4).
Since a control program that can be commonly used by a plurality of unit control means is a common control program and this common control program is stored in advance in the second storage means arranged on each unit control means, Since only the different control program is transmitted from the control program transmitting means by each unit control means, the capacity of the ROM on the control program transmitting means can be reduced and the data amount of the control program is reduced.
The transmission time can be shortened. Also, the machine can be started up quickly.

Further, since the common control program stored in the second storage means of the unit control means is common to each unit control means, the unit control means and control parts are commonly used. be able to.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 5).
The common control program includes a communication program for setting a communication protocol for performing data communication between the unit control means and data communication between the unit control means and the control program transmission means, and each unit control means performs communication. Since the data communication is performed with the other unit control means and the control program transmission means based on the program, it is possible to perform the communication between each unit control means and the control program transmission means immediately after the operation of the machine is started.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 6).
The common control program includes a download program for detecting the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means and storing it in the first storage means, and each unit control means transmits the control program based on the download program. Since the control program transmitted from the means is stored in the first storage means, the download can be easily performed. Further, the control program transmitting means need only transmit the control program, and the load on the control program transmitting means can be reduced.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention (claim 7).
Means that the common control program includes an input / output setting program for preventing malfunction of the control parts group connected to each unit control means, and each unit control means operates according to the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means. Before starting the control, the operation of the control component group is controlled based on the input / output setting program, so that each unit control means controls based on the input / output setting program even before the control program is transmitted. It is possible to control the operation of the component group. Therefore, malfunction of the control component group can be prevented.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 8).
When the control program transmitting means has a destination setting means capable of setting a plurality of destinations of the control program, and each unit controlling means sets its own unit controlling means as the destination by the destination setting means, Since the transmitted control program is received, the control program can be transmitted to a plurality of unit control means at one time, and the transmission time of the control program from the control program transmission means can be shortened. Also, this can shorten the machine startup time.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 9)
In the above, the control program transmission means transmits a control program transmission end signal when the transmission of all the control programs is completed, and each unit control means starts its operation when it receives the control program transmission end signal. The means will start the control operation at the same time.
Therefore, problems such as unreceived and unprocessed communication signals are eliminated.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1
In 0), since the control program transmission means is installed in any one of the plurality of unit control means, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1
In 1), the control program transmitting means is configured as a device separate from the image forming apparatus main body, a connecting means for connecting the control program transmitting means and the image forming apparatus is provided, and the control program transmitting means is detachable from the connecting means. Therefore, by installing and using the control program transmitting means as needed, it is not necessary to have the control program transmitting means as a regular device, and the cost for the control program transmitting means can be reduced.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
2) is a plurality of units that classify the devices and each member in the aircraft according to their functions and configure each as a single control unit, and a plurality of units that are provided in each unit that is a control unit and that control the corresponding units. Unit control means, and control program transmission means for transmitting a control program stored in advance to each unit control means,
A plurality of unit control means, and a plurality of unit control means, each of which controls a corresponding unit, and a multiple communication means for multiplexing signals between the plurality of unit control means. And an address setting terminal for setting the network address of each unit control means on the multiplex communication network formed by the multiplex communication means and the communication medium, and the network address of each unit control means is set by the address setting terminal. That is, since the network address of each unit control means is set using the address setting terminal which is hardware, it is not necessary to set it by software. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the difference in the control programs due to the difference in the network address and to promote the commonization of the control programs, and the commonization of the control programs facilitates the unification of the control parts on the unit control means.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
In 3), since the network address of the address setting terminal is set by directly setting the wiring pattern of the board on which each unit control means is mounted to HIGH or LOW, the cost for setting the network address should be minimized. You can

The image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
4) sets the wiring pattern of the board on which each unit control means is mounted so that the address setting terminal of each unit control means can be set to HIGH or LOW via a jumper wire, and the network of the address setting terminals is set. Since the address can be changed, it is possible to use the same board to create boards having different network addresses. Therefore, the substrate can be shared.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention (claim 1)
5) sets the wiring pattern of the board on which each unit control means is mounted so that the address setting terminal of each unit control means can be set to HIGH or LOW via a switch, and the network address of the address setting terminal is set. Since it is possible to change the above, it is possible to create boards having different network addresses using the same board. Therefore, the substrate can be shared.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a copying machine that is an image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of a copying machine, which is a main part of this embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of a unit control board of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of a main part of the control program transmission device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an address setting method of address setting terminals on a unit control plate.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a transmission operation of the control program transmission device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a receiving operation of the unit control board.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a packet of a control program transmitted from the control program transmission device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 201-209 units 201a-209a unit control plate 210 control program transmission device 211 communication line 301 communication control CPU 302 operation control CPU 303 communication port 304 ROM (second storage means) 305 EEPROM (first storage means) 306 RAM 307 I / O port 308 Bus 309 Address setting terminal 401 Control program setting ROM 402 Communication control CPU 403 Communication port 801 Header section 802 Destination designation section 901 Control program setting ROM 1001 connector

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus and each member in an aircraft are classified according to their functions, and a plurality of units each configured as one control unit are provided, and each unit serving as the control unit is provided with control of a corresponding unit. A plurality of unit control means which are in charge of the control; and a control program transmission means for transmitting a control program stored in advance to each unit control means, wherein each of the plurality of unit control means has a CPU which controls the corresponding unit, It has first storage means for storing a control program, and multiplex communication means for multiplex communication of signals between the plurality of unit control means, and the control program is transmitted from the control program transmission means to each unit control unit. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that the image forming apparatus transmits it to a first storage means of the means and stores it. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage means is capable of rewriting the stored control program. 3. The control program transmission means is connectable to a communication medium connecting the unit control means, and transmits the control program to the first storage means of each unit control means via the communication medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. 4. A control program that can be commonly used by the plurality of unit control means is a common control program, and the common control program is stored in advance in a second storage means arranged on each unit control means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided in advance. 5. The common control program includes a communication program that sets a communication protocol for performing data communication between unit control means and data communication between the unit control means and the control program transmission means, and each unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control means performs data communication with other unit control means and control program transmission means based on the communication program. 6. The common control program includes a download program for detecting the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means and storing the control program in the first storage means, and each of the unit control means includes the download program. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control program transmitted from the control program transmission means based on a download program is stored in the first storage means. 7. The common control program includes an input / output setting program for preventing a malfunction of a control component group connected to each unit control means, and each unit control means transmits from the control program transmission means. Before starting the operation according to the control program
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the operation of the control component group is controlled based on the input / output setting program. 8. The control program transmitting means has a destination setting means capable of setting a plurality of destinations of the control program, and each of the unit control means has its own unit controlling means the destination setting means. If set as
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus receives the transmitted control program. 9. The control program transmission means transmits a control program transmission end signal when transmission of all control programs is completed, and each unit control means starts operation when receiving a control program transmission end signal. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control program transmission means is installed in any one of the plurality of unit control means. 11. The control program transmitting means is configured as a device separate from the image forming apparatus main body, a connecting means is provided for connecting the control program transmitting means and the image forming apparatus, and the control program transmitting means is provided. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is detachable from the connecting means. 12. An in-flight device and each member are classified according to function, a plurality of units each configured as one control unit, and each unit which is the control unit is provided to control a corresponding unit. A plurality of unit control means, a control program transmission means for transmitting a control program stored in advance to each unit control means, and a communication medium for connecting the respective unit control means, On a multiplex communication network formed by the multiplex communication means and a communication medium, a CPU responsible for controlling the corresponding units, multiplex communication means for multiplex communication of signals between the plurality of unit control means, An address setting terminal for setting a network address of each unit control means, An image forming apparatus, wherein the network address of the knit control means is set by the address setting terminal. 13. The image according to claim 12, wherein the network address of the address setting terminal is set by directly setting the wiring pattern of the board on which the unit control means is mounted to HIGH or LOW. Forming equipment. 14. The address setting terminal of each unit control means is set to HIGH or LOW via a jumper wire.
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a wiring pattern of a substrate on which each unit control means is mounted is set so that the unit setting means can be set to change the network address of the address setting terminal. . 15. A wiring pattern of a board on which each unit control means is mounted is set so that an address setting terminal of each unit control means can be set to HIGH or LOW through a switch, and the address setting is performed. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the network address of the terminal can be changed.