JP2003098789A - Image forming apparatus, device management network system, and contactless information reading method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of developer cartridges can be attached and detached, and to surely acquire unique information recorded in each developer cartridge by a simple configuration. SOLUTION: A rotary developing unit 20 capable of accommodating a plurality of developing devices 21 provided with a non-contact information medium 9 in which unique information for individually specifying the developing devices is recorded; A reading unit 23 for reading information unique to a developing device from only the non-contact information medium 9 for one developing device at a specific position, and a reading unit 23 for reading information unique to the developing device from the non-contact information medium 9. In accordance with an instruction from the reading instruction generating unit for giving an instruction and the reading instruction generating unit, the rotary developing unit 20 is rotated so that the non-contact information medium 9 of the developing device is at the specific position and faces the reading unit 23. The control unit 25 is provided for issuing an instruction to cause the developing device to read information unique to the developing device from the non-contact information medium 9.

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 or a printer, which is capable of reading the unique information recorded in a developer cartridge in a non-contact manner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a consumable supply system of a type in which a consumable used in a main body device such as an ink cartridge for a printer or a toner cartridge is housed in a container and supplied, a manufacturer's genuine consumable Say)
There is a technique for discriminating between a consumable item that is cheaper and generally has a poor quality (hereinafter referred to as a non-genuine item).

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-246921 (hereinafter referred to as "first conventional technology") has an IC chip in which a consumable container such as a cartridge stores identification information, information such as ink remaining amount, and the like. , A storage container and a management system for recognizing that the device is a genuine product by providing a coupling coil for communicating with the chip on the device side and acquiring identification information and previous remaining amount information on the main body side are disclosed. There is.

According to this, by recognizing that it is a genuine product and operating the main body device, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the device, deterioration of performance, failure, etc. due to the non-genuine product.

More specifically, the ID information recorded on the IC chip is compared with a management list of ID information managed in the host database of the host computer, and if it exists, it is judged as a genuine product, and Other than the above, for example, when the ID information cannot be obtained or when the ID information does not exist in the management list, the product is determined to be an unauthorized product.

Further, even when a genuine product is used, in order to prevent the user from illegally replenishing only the ink, the ink remaining amount information is stored in the memory of the IC chip at the previous time. If it is less than this, it is assumed that the current consumable item is a genuine product and the content of the memory can be updated with the current ink level, while the current ink level is higher than the previous ink level. For example, assuming that the user has illegally replenished the ink, it is determined that the current consumable item is not properly used, and it is prohibited to update the contents of the memory with the current remaining ink amount.

Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-22230 (hereinafter referred to as "second
(Referred to as the related art), a non-contact communication IC tag and one transmitting / receiving antenna or one transmitting antenna and one receiving antenna 1 connected to a communication device on the main device side in order to read or write information. The combination of the individual units simplifies the configuration of the antenna unit, and the control unit on the apparatus main body side individually reads or writes information of a plurality of non-contact communication IC tags, thereby non-contact mounted on a plurality of cartridges. It discloses a device that provides an inexpensive communication system by requiring only one communication device on the device main body side for a communication IC tag.

According to this, since only one antenna on the apparatus main body side is provided so as to cover the reception areas of the plurality of non-contact communication IC tags, it is possible to simplify and reduce the cost of the communication system. .

[0009]

However, in the first prior art, since the information used for the discrimination is the information about the manufacturer, the usage conditions of the printer, the information about the ink, etc., the genuine IC chip. The non-genuine product manufactured by directly copying the ID information recorded in (3) cannot be excluded.

Further, in order to prevent data tampering by a third party, it is necessary to provide an access control means as a control unit of the IC chip for permitting the memory to update with an external device after an appropriate authentication work. However, in addition to the fact that no concrete method has been implemented, it causes a cost increase due to complexity or large scale in terms of software or hardware, and it also functions as an authentication means. Since the access control means is easily available to a third party, there is a possibility that a state permitting update can be created without authentication as a result of decryption of the algorithm, etc. Furthermore, the authentication method is changed. If you do, there are problems such as not being able to respond.

On the other hand, in the second prior art, the antenna formation area (area) is very large because it is necessary to receive information from all the contactless communication IC tags in the reception area by a single antenna. Becomes

Further, like the first prior art, it is difficult to reliably receive each unique information from a plurality of non-contact communication IC tags without collision of received information.

In other words, in performing communication without collision,
First, it is necessary to send response request signals to all contactless communication tags and receive response signals from each contactless communication tag to determine the communication order. For that purpose, it is necessary to devise a method such as providing a time difference in the response time of each non-contact communication tag with respect to the non-contact communication tag, and even with this measure, the collision cannot be completely eliminated. There is a problem in that the contactless communication tag must be equipped with various complicated functions and the cost is increased accordingly.

Further, during communication with a specific contactless communication tag, other contactless communication tags need to be put into a sleep mode so that communication is not performed. Must be included in.

Further, when the antenna is provided on the cover of the apparatus, communication cannot be performed with the cover open.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of developer cartridges can be attached and detached, the unique information recorded in each developer cartridge can be simply recorded. It is intended to be acquired reliably by the configuration.

[0017]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a non-contact information medium on which information unique to the developing device is recorded and which is detachably attached to the developing device centering around a rotation axis. A plurality of the developing devices are arranged along the circumferential direction to be rotatable about the rotation axis, and the desired developing devices are moved to the developing position facing the image carrier by detecting the positions of the plurality of developing devices. A rotary developing unit for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image carrier, and one developing device at a specific position among the plurality of developing devices, only from the non-contact information medium. A reading unit for reading the information peculiar to the developing device, a reading instruction generating unit for giving an instruction for reading the information peculiar to the developing device from the non-contact information medium, and a desired developing operation according to the instruction from the reading instruction generating unit. The above specific position A control unit is provided which controls the rotary developing unit to rotate so that the non-contact information medium moves to face the reading unit and reads information unique to the developing device from the non-contact information medium. Is characterized by.

According to this, the reading unit is arranged so as to have a receiving area capable of communicating with the non-contact information medium for one developing device at a specific position among the plurality of developing devices. Since the plurality of non-contact information media are not communicated with each other at the same time, unique information can be surely received from the developing device at the specific position.

Further, since the rotary type developing unit is used, by rotating the developing unit by a predetermined angle, even if a plurality of developing units are accommodated, one developing unit is provided regardless of the number of developing units. The reading unit can read a plurality of unique information. Further, since the reading unit can be fixedly attached to the chassis of the device (image forming apparatus) or the like, the mounting position is unlikely to change, and therefore the relative position between the reading unit and the non-contact information medium at the reading position is small. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the problem that communication is not performed due to the change over time.

The read instruction generating section may be, for example,
A mounting detection unit (replacement detection unit) such as an electromagnetic relay provided for detecting the mounting state of the developing device can be used. Specifically, when it is configured to output H (5 V at the voltage level) at the logic level in the non-wearing state and output L (0 V at the voltage level) at the logic level in the wearing state, L By detecting the change of → H → L or H → L, the mounting or remounting of the developing device can be detected.

Alternatively, it can be generated at the arrival of a preset fixed time.

An example of the specific position for reading is the rotational position of the rotary developing unit such that a certain developing device is in the developing position. At this time, one of the developing devices arranged adjacent to the developing device at the developing position in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or the developing device at the developing position is replaced with an appropriate developing device. It can be arranged at a position where it can communicate with each other.

Alternatively, the rotary position of the rotary developing unit (for example, a position called a home position) may be set so that none of the developing devices is in the developing position. It can be arranged at a position where it can communicate with each other. It should be noted that such a specific position, in other words, the position where the rotary developing unit can be stopped, is set so as to match the normal stop position of the rotary developing unit, so that there is no need to change the rotation mechanism of the rotary developing unit. .

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the reading sections are arranged to face each other in the circumferential direction of the rotary developing unit, or to rotate on the side surface of the rotary developing unit about the rotation axis. It is characterized in that it is disposed in close contact with the non-contact information medium so that the information unique to the developing device can be read from only a single non-contact information medium within the area drawn by the developing device.

According to this, the rotary developing unit is arranged in close contact with the non-contact information medium so as to face the circumferential direction of the rotary developing unit so that the information unique to the developing device can be read out from only the single non-contact information medium. Has been done. In addition, a single non-contact is provided on the side surface of the rotary developing unit (further, at a position opposite to the door provided for maintenance) and within the area drawn by the plurality of developing devices when the rotary developing unit is rotated about the rotation axis. To read the information unique to the developing device only from the information medium,
It is arranged close to the non-contact information medium.

Therefore, by rotating the rotary developing unit and controlling the rotation angle, all the developing devices provided in the rotary developing unit can communicate with the reading section.

Furthermore, the close arrangement makes it possible to reliably suppress communication with other non-contact information media other than the non-contact information medium to be read, and downsizing of the device allows other non-contact information media to be communicated. It is possible to avoid a problem such as the occurrence of communication due to the relative expansion of the reception area with.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the read instruction generating section generates a read instruction at an instruction generation time that can be set arbitrarily.

According to this, the reading instruction can be generated at the instruction generation time that can be arbitrarily set by the timer for counting the current time and the setting means for generating the event at the arbitrary time.

When the developing device is removed as a measure against paper jam, the developing device is generally mounted as it is. However, in such a case, since the developing device is not replaced, the developing device is not replaced. There is no change in the unique information stored in the contactless information medium of the container. Therefore, in the case where there is an attachment / detachment action that does not involve the change of the developing device, the influence on the normal printing operation can be eliminated by eliminating the operation according to the present invention as much as possible.

It may be used in combination with the case where the reading instruction is issued when the replacement of the developing device is detected.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention is provided with a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving information, and the read instruction generation unit generates a read instruction according to a read request received from the transmission / reception unit.

According to this, it is possible to generate a reading instruction in response to a request from the outside. For example, an internal or external administrator who manages the image forming apparatus, or an instruction from the management apparatus can be attached. The information unique to the developing device can be read.

That is, in addition to the above-mentioned timing, a reading instruction can be issued at a timing that the internal or external administrator deems necessary, so that, for example, if the contents of the previously read unique information are to be confirmed again. Alternatively, it can be executed when it is desired to determine the genuine product of the developing device when the fashion of the non-genuine product is recognized.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control section is
When the reading instruction generating unit generates the reading instruction, the operation relating to the rotary developing unit is prohibited unless the image forming apparatus is in operation or before the start of the operation is constant.

According to this, for example, a command for the rotation operation of the rotary developing unit 20 according to the present invention,
When a command for the rotary operation of the rotary developing unit 20 related to the normal printing operation is simultaneously generated, the operation becomes unstable, or the two operations are alternately executed, and neither operation is performed normally. It is possible to avoid such a problem.

Even during the execution of the processing according to the present invention, operations other than the rotation operation of the rotary developing unit 20, such as the operation of supplying power to the fixing device 6, the acquisition of image data, the charge removal and charging of the photoconductor, etc. The action may be performed. Thereby, the processing efficiency can be improved.

The device management network system of the present invention is a device equipped with a rotary developing unit in which a plurality of developing devices having unique information are detachably mounted, and the rotary developing unit is at a predetermined position. In this case, a reading unit capable of detecting unique information from one developing device, and a transmitting / receiving unit for receiving a request for transmitting unique information from the outside and transmitting the information read by the reading unit to the outside via a network. When a request for transmitting unique information is received from the outside, the rotary developing unit is rotated to a predetermined position, the unique information is read, and a control unit that performs these controls so that the read information is transmitted to the outside, To communicate with the first group composed of devices having the above-mentioned first group and to transmit the unique information of the developing device mounted in the device. It is characterized by being composed of a second group consisting of device management terminal receiving the specific information of the developing device from the instrument.

According to this, in the case of reading the information peculiar to the developing device installed in the device to the device managing terminal in response to the request from the device managing terminal, a plurality of devices installed in the rotary developing unit are read. Since one non-contact information medium communicates with one non-contact information medium from among the developing devices, reception signals collide due to simultaneous information transmission from a plurality of non-contact information media, resulting in reception. The problem of not being able to be eliminated can be eliminated.

The non-contact information reading method of the present invention is a rotary developing unit having a plurality of developing devices detachably formed with a non-contact information medium recording information specific to the developing device. A method of reading the contents of an information medium, the method comprising: giving an instruction for accessing the non-contact information medium to obtain unique information, or receiving an instruction; and rotating a rotary developing unit to a predetermined position. A step of reading the information unique to the developing device stored in the non-contact information medium from the reading section disposed in close contact with the non-contact information medium at the predetermined position. .

According to this, based on the request for accessing the non-contact information medium and acquiring the unique information, the rotary developing unit is rotated to the predetermined position, and only the predetermined developing device is received in the receiving area of the reading section. By arranging so as to be inside, it becomes possible to read the information peculiar to the developing device stored in the non-contact information medium at the predetermined position from the reading section arranged in close contact with the non-contact information medium. .

Therefore, even when a plurality of developing devices are accommodated in the rotary developing unit, since communication is performed only with a single developing device, communication is performed with the non-contact information medium of another developing device. Therefore, the information unique to the developing device can be surely obtained.

[0043]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] (Overall Configuration of Apparatus) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an electrophotographic process used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer.

The image bearing member 1 composed of a photosensitive drum or the like is provided rotatably in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and its surface is
After being uniformly charged to a predetermined charge amount by a contact roller charger 3 which is a charging means and a corona charger (not shown) equipped with a high voltage power source, a predetermined amount is given by an LSU (laser scanning unit) 4 which is an exposing means. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the image bearing member 1 by forming the electrostatic latent image potential of (1).

The LSU (laser scanning unit) 4 is a semiconductor for each four-color original color material gradation data of black (B), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) (each 8 bits). By modulating the laser, the laser light is emitted according to the gradation data, and the laser light is deflected and scanned by the polygon mirror to scan and expose the image carrier 1.

The electrostatic latent image carried on the image carrier 1 is sequentially developed by the developing device 2 into four colors of black (B), yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C), and a predetermined image is formed. It becomes a color toner image.

Details of the developing device 2 will be described later, but
The rotary system is provided with four color developing devices of black (B), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C).

The image carrier 1 and the developing device 2 are arranged so as to be in contact with each other or having a certain gap, and the developing device 2 is set by the developing bias set according to the charging characteristics of the toner and the type of reversal / non-reversal development. The toner carried on the image carrier 1
The electrostatic latent image is electrostatically moved and adhered according to the electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized and developed.

After development, the toner image formed on the image carrier 1 is composed of a transfer sheet or the like held on a transfer drum (contact transfer roller) 5 arranged adjacent to the image carrier 1. The transfer drum 5 or a transfer scorotron (not shown) is sequentially transferred onto the transfer material P in a multiplex manner.

The transfer material P on which the toner images of a predetermined number of colors are sequentially transferred from the image carrier 1 is peeled from the surface of the transfer drum 5 and is then transferred to the fixing device 6 by a transfer belt or the like. The toner image is fixed on the transfer material P by heat and pressure by the fixing device 6, and the toner image is discharged onto the discharge tray to complete the color image copying process.

After the transfer, the surface of the image carrier 1 is cleaned by the cleaning means 7, and then the electric charge remaining on the surface is removed by the charge removing means 8 to be electrically initialized.
The static eliminator 7 comprises an optical static eliminator lamp and a contact static eliminator.

(Structure of Developing Device) FIG. 3 shows a developing device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The developing device 2 is used, for example, as a developing device in the electrophotographic process shown in FIG.

The developing device 2 is of a rotary type and is provided with four developing devices 21B, 21Y, 21M and 21C of the same structure, which differ only in the color of the toner used.
These four developing devices 21B, 21Y, 21M, 21C
Are attached to the developing device holder 22 formed of a frame body formed in a substantially cylindrical shape at symmetrical positions different from each other by 90 degrees about the rotation axis X. Also, four developing devices 21
B, 21Y, 21M, and 21C contain black (B), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) developers, respectively.

The four developing units 21B, 21Y, 21
Of course, the order of colors of M and 21C and the color of the developer to be stored may be different from the order and colors shown in the drawing.

The rotary type developing device 2 has four developing units 21B, 21Y, 21M and 21 driven by a drive mechanism.
A cylindrical rotary developing unit 20 as a developing device holder that holds C is rotatable in the direction of the arrow, and the driving mechanism stores developing devices 21B and 21Y containing toner of a predetermined color for development. , 21M, 21C are sequentially rotated and moved to a developing position facing the image carrier 1 to enable development of a predetermined color.

The developing system may be a contact developing system or a non-contact developing system.

Further, these four developing devices 21B, 21
As shown in FIG. 4, Y, 21M, and 21C may be stopped by moving to a predetermined position such as a home position other than the developing position by a driving mechanism. For example, when the developing device 21 is replaced, it is effective in suppressing the impact or the like at the time of replacement from being applied to the image carrier 1 via the developing device 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The rotary type developing device 2 includes four developing devices 21B, 21Y, 21.
A cylindrical rotary developing unit 20 as a developing device holder, in which M and 21C are arranged around the rotation axis X,
Each developing device 21B, 21Y, 21M, 21C is rotationally driven by a drive gear attached to a rotary motor 241 such as a pulse motor via a gear on the developing unit side attached to the end portion in the axial direction. To
It is configured to rotate and move to a developing position facing the image carrier 1 in a sequentially switchable manner. As the rotary motor 241, for example, one set so that the rotary developing unit 20 is rotated once by 3600 pulses is used.

At this time, the rotary type developing device 2 is used.
Attaches an angle recognizing member 221 made of a metal plate or the like to a part of the rotary developing unit 20, and attaches an optical sensor 222 such as a photo interrupter to a machine frame as a developing device supporting member of the image forming apparatus. The optical sensor 222 attached to the rotary developing unit 20 detects the angle recognition member 221 attached to the rotary developing unit 20.
It is configured to perform angle recognition for stopping B, 21Y, 21M and 21C at predetermined positions.

Then, the rotary type developing device 2 is used.
Then, the angle recognition member 221 attached to the rotary developing unit 20 has four developing devices 21B, 21Y, 21.
It serves as a reference for the rotational direction positions of M and 21C, and when the rotary developing unit 20 is rotationally driven by the rotary motor 241, the angle recognition member 221 attached to the rotary developing unit 20 passes through the optical sensor 222. Four developing devices 21B, 21Y, 21
The developing device 21B, which recognizes the positions of M and 21C and should be developed,
21Y, 21M, and 21C are rotated and moved to a developing position facing the image carrier 1.

In the rotary type developing device 2, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the position where the black developing device 21B faces the image carrier 1 (developing position) is set to the home position, and at this time, the rotary developing is performed. The angle recognition member 221 attached to the unit 20 is defined by a straight line L connecting the center of the image carrier 1 and the center of the rotary developing unit 20,
It is attached at a position forming an angle of θ = 45 degrees in the clockwise direction. The optical sensor 222 for detecting the home position, which detects the angle recognition member 221 attached to the rotary developing unit 20, also has a clockwise direction from the straight line connecting the centers of the image carrier 1 and the rotary developing unit 20. Is attached to the machine frame at a position where an angle of θ = 45 degrees.

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotary developing unit 20 of the developing device 2 is rotationally driven by a rotary motor 241 via a motor drive circuit 242 in response to a signal from the control device 25, and is provided in the rotary developing unit 20. After the angle recognition member 221 is detected by the optical sensor 222, the number of drive pulses output from the motor drive device 242 to the rotary motor 241 is counted by the pulse counter.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the angle recognizing member 221 is detected by the optical sensor 222, since the black developing device 21B is located at the developing position, the counter value is "0". It is. Note that, in practice, it is preferable that the desired developing device 21 be arranged at the developing position after the fixed number of pulses (for example, N = 50 pulses) are counted after the angle recognition member 221 is detected. In this case, when the developing devices 21Y, 21M, and 21C of the other colors are arranged at predetermined positions, the pulse numbers described below are added by N pulses.

In FIG. 6B, the rotary developing unit 20 is further rotated 90 degrees clockwise (θ = 135 degrees), and the cyan developing device 21C is arranged at the developing position. At this time, the count value after the detection of the angle recognition member 221 is 900 (= 3600/4) pulses.

Similarly, FIG. 6C shows a state in which the rotary developing unit 20 is further rotated 90 degrees clockwise (θ = 225 degrees), and the magenta developing device 21M is arranged at the developing position. . At this time, the count value after the angle recognition member 221 is detected is 1800 (= 3600/2) pulses.

Similarly, when the rotary developing unit 20 is further rotated 90 degrees clockwise (θ = 315 degrees) from the state of FIG. 6C, the yellow developing device 21Y is placed at the developing position. At this time, the count value after the angle recognition member 221 is detected is 2700 pulses.

(Structure of Developing Device) Next, the developing device 21 will be described with reference to FIG. Each developing device 21B described above,
21Y, 21M, and 21C are configured to be detachable from the rotary developing unit 20 and made into a cartridge in order to facilitate maintenance.

The developing device 21 shown in FIG. 7 includes a toner hopper for storing toner, a developing roller as a developer carrying member, a layer thickness regulating member such as a blade, an agitator as a developer stirring member, etc. No)).

The developing device 21 in the present invention has a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the non-contact information medium 9 is arranged by means of an adhesive or embedding. The non-contact information medium 9 is disposed on the surface of the developing device 21 or the like so that the reading section (reader / writer) 23 communicating with the non-contact information medium 9 can communicate with the non-contact information medium 9. Set up. The communication distance between the non-contact information medium 9 and the reading unit 23 is set in a non-contact state such that the communication distance is, for example, 0 to several cm.

The arrangement of the non-contact information medium 9 is an example, and other arrangements may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 7B, a plurality of developing devices 21 are mounted on the rotary developing unit 20, and the non-contact information media 9 mounted on each developing device 21 are arranged on one surface of the apparatus main body. The rotation of the rotary developing unit 20 causes the antenna 232 of the reading section 23 of the apparatus main body to face the single non-contact information medium 9 and enables communication between each non-contact information medium 9 and the antenna 232. Any form may be used.

Further, the reading section 23 has a certain developing device 21.
Is in the developing position, another developing device 21, for example, a clockwise direction 90 with respect to the developing device 21, as shown in FIG.
It is arranged in a frame or the like of the image forming apparatus so that it can communicate with the non-contact information medium 9 arranged in the developing device 21 located at the predetermined position. For example, the black developing device 21
When B is located at the developing position, it can communicate with the non-contact information medium 9 of the yellow developing device 21Y.

Further, the rotary developing unit 20 is sequentially
Is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees, it is possible to communicate with the non-contact information medium 9 of the black developing device 21B, the cyan developing device 21C, the magenta developing device 21M, ....

The installation position of the reading section 23 is not limited to the developing device 21 which is located at 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the developing device 21 which is located at the developing position as described above. Developing device 21, counterclockwise 9
It may be at the developing device 21 at the 0 degree position, or at a position facing the developing device 21 at the developing position if it can be installed.

However, when the developing device 21 is replaced because the remaining amount of toner in the developing device 21 used for image formation has become less than a specified value, the rotary developing unit 20 uses a clock. Developing device 2 which is rotatable in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction and is positioned at 90 degrees clockwise and 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the developing device 21 at the developing position.
When the location 1 is a position for replacing the developing device (hereinafter, referred to as a replacement position), the developing device 2 in the replacement position
It is preferable that it is installed so as to face 1. According to this, since it suffices to rotate by 90 degrees from the current position for replacement, and after the completion of replacement, it is necessary to rotate by 90 degrees in the opposite direction to return to the developing position. The operation amount of the unit 20 can be suppressed to the minimum.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example in which the exchange position is 90 degrees clockwise from the developing position. FIG. 9A shows a state in which the developing device 21 is being attached to the rotary developing unit 20, and FIG. 9B shows
The perspective view after completion of mounting is shown. In the mounting completed state, the non-contact information medium 9 arranged in the developing device 21 is
As shown in FIG. 10, it faces the reading unit 23.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the structure of the reading unit 23 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Reading unit 23
Has a control interface unit 231 and an antenna 232, and the control interface unit 231 is connected to the control device 25. As a result, the control device 25 instructs the control interface unit 231 to communicate with the non-contact information medium 9, and controls the information stored in the non-contact information medium 9 by the antenna 232. Control device 2 via unit 231
5 can be incorporated. Further, as is apparent from the above description, the area communicable with the antenna 232 is the developing device 2 when the developing device 21 is in the developing position.
Only the non-contact information medium 9 arranged in the developing device 21 which is at a position of 90 degrees clockwise with respect to 1 can avoid collision from a plurality of non-contact information media 9 and can be surely performed. Can communicate with each other.

By including the function of the control interface section 231 in the control device 25, the developing device 2
Only the antenna 232 may be provided at the position facing 1 in FIG.

Here, the reading unit 23 transmits and receives the radio wave W having the carrier frequency fc to and from the non-contact information medium 9, and communicates with the non-contact information medium 9 by using wireless communication. The radio wave W can use a carrier frequency fc (for example, 13.56 MHz) in an arbitrary frequency band. The reading unit 23 is connected to the control device 25 via the control interface unit 231.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the non-contact information medium 9 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a plan view of the non-contact communication memory 9, and FIG. 8B is a sectional view thereof.
The contactless information medium 9 has a structure in which an antenna 92 is formed by winding a metal thin film around a resin plate (substrate layer) 90 several times in a loop.
And an IC chip 91 fixed on the resin plate 90. The antenna 92 and the IC chip 91 are electrically connected, and these are covered with a protective film 93.

The contactless information medium 9 is read by the reading unit 2
Communicate with 3 using electric (magnetic) waves. Further, the non-contact information medium 9 may have a built-in battery, but it is preferable that the non-contact information medium 9 be batteryless in order to avoid troubles due to deterioration of the built-in battery and to reduce the size of the chip. Therefore, hereinafter, it is assumed that the non-contact information medium 9 can exchange data with the reading unit 23 using radio waves and obtain operating power by electromagnetic induction from the radio waves received from the reading unit 23.

Note that FIG. 8 conceptually shows the antenna 92, and in the actual non-contact information medium 9, the antenna 92 can have various configurations.

For example, the antenna 92 is the IC chip 9
1 may be configured to be surrounded, or alternatively, the IC chip 91 may be arranged outside the antenna 92. Further, the shape of the antenna portion may have a desired shape such as a circle, a quadrangle, and an ellipse when viewed from above.

The IC chip 91 has a wire bonding method or a TAB (Tape Automated) method for the antenna 92.
Bonding method or the like. The antenna 92 is electrically equivalent to a circuit including a capacitor having a capacitance C and a coil having an inductance L. If the resonance frequency of the equivalent circuit in this case is f, then f
Is (1 / 2π) / √ (LC). If C and L are selected so that the resonance frequency f matches the carrier frequency fc, the circuit resonates with fc and a large resonance current can flow through the circuit, and the resonance current is supplied to the IC chip 91. You can The antenna 92 can be formed by any method known in the art, such as etching using copper or aluminum, printing by a printed wiring system, or formation by a wire.

Instead of the antenna 92, application of an antenna known in the art such as a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, a loop antenna, a slot antenna, or a microstrip antenna is not hindered. Further, the antenna 92 is formed on the IC chip 91 by a microfabrication method, and by using a coil-on-chip type, cost reduction and size reduction can be achieved.

The IC chip 91 is composed of a power supply circuit, a memory, a transmission / reception circuit, a control circuit, etc., but its explanation is omitted.

The base material 90 is made of, for example, plastic, ceramic or the like.

Further, the non-contact information medium 9 is the developing device 21.
On the other hand, it may be molded with the filler 93 for impact from the outside and water / moisture resistance.

Next, the information stored in the non-contact information medium 9 will be described.

In the IC chip 91 of the non-contact information medium 9,
As the unique information for identifying the developing device 21, 0011 00
A binary digitized 20-digit number such as 01 0010 1101 1010 is stored in advance. The number of digits is not limited to this. The numbers are created and managed by the service provider.

Next, the meaning of the above numbers will be described.

The four most significant digits are the plural developing devices 21.
Is information for specifying the type of. In this case, 000
16 models from 0 to 1111 can be distinguished. In the case of a color model, Y (yellow), M
When the four color developing devices 21 of (magenta), C (cyan), and Bk (black) are required, the highest two digits may be assigned to the color information.

[0092]

[Table 1]

Then, up to 4 models can be distinguished by the remaining 2 digits, for example, as shown in Table 2.

[0094]

[Table 2]

These correspondence tables are prepared as a distribution item information table in the device management terminal 27 (described later) on the service provider side, which will be described below.

In the above example, the remaining 16-digit number part is the individual number of the developing device 21 having the type number of 0011, and the number of 65536 from 0000 0000 0000 0000 to 1111 1111 1111 1111 is one. It is assigned to the developing device 21 as a single and unique number. This information is also added to the distribution item information table in the device management terminal 27 on the service provider side. (Configuration and Operation of Control Device) Next, the configuration of the control device 25 will be described with reference to FIG. The control device 25
A CPU 251, which performs arithmetic processing, a memory 252 for storing unique information read from the non-contact information medium 9, a counter 253 for measuring the count value of drive pulses output from the motor drive device 242 (see FIG. 1), and a developing device. Two
It comprises a replacement detecting means 26 for detecting that 1 has been replaced with respect to the rotary developing unit 20.

First, a method of integrating a toner remaining amount detecting means (not shown) installed in the developing device 21 or software to measure the toner consumption amount, and issuing a desired signal when a predetermined value is reached. The following series of processing is started by the input of the exchange request signal generated in 1. The replacement request signal may be generated by pressing a button (not shown) provided on the operation unit of the device.

In this case, the CPU 251 also obtains information about which color developing device 21 is to be replaced.

The CPU 251 instructs the motor drive device 242 to drive the motor 241 as shown in FIG.
The motor drive device 242 outputs a drive pulse to the motor 241. As a result, the rotary developing unit 20 rotates.

Further, the optical sensor 222 includes an angle recognizing member 221 attached to the rotary developing unit 20.
The angle recognition signal generated when is detected is input to the CPU 251, and when the angle recognition signal is generated, the drive pulse signal is counted by the pulse counter 253, and the value is input to the CPU 251.

The CPU 251 calculates the rotation amount of the rotary developing unit 20 from the color information of the developing device 21 to be replaced. That is, the memory 252 stores the count value of the drive pulse for positioning the specific developing device 21 at the developing position for each color. As described above, if expressed by the count value after the angle recognition signal is generated,

[0102]

[Table 3]

It becomes

Therefore, when the exchange position is 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the developing position, when "developing device at developing position" is read as "developing device at exchange position" in the above table, By calculating N + 900, the count value when the developing device 21 of a desired color is positioned at the exchange position can be obtained.

For example, in order to position the black developing device 21B at the exchange position, the rotation of the rotary developing unit 20 is stopped when the count value reaches 900. The developing device at the developing position at this time is the cyan developing device 21C.

As described above, when the developing device 21 to be replaced is located at the replacement position, the replacement waiting state is set.

An exchange detecting means 26 such as an electromagnetic relay is provided in each developing device mounting portion of the rotary developing unit 20. When the attachment / detachment of the developing device 21 is detected, an exchange detection signal is generated and the CPU 251 is informed. Is entered.

The CPU 251 outputs a reading instruction signal to the reading section 23. When the reading instruction signal is generated, the reading unit 23 requests the non-contact information medium 9 from the antenna 232 to output the stored information, that is, the unique information of the developing device 21. In response to the request, the non-contact information medium 9 transmits unique information, is taken into the control device 25 via the antenna 232 of the reading unit 23 and the interface unit 231, and is temporarily stored in the memory 252.

The CPU 251 analyzes the content of the temporarily stored unique information to determine whether it is a genuine product or a non-genuine product, and outputs a warning signal in the case of a non-genuine product. There are various methods of using the output signal. For example, any image forming operation is prohibited, image formation is performed under a condition where the image quality is deteriorated, a display to that effect is displayed on the device, and the device is connected to the device. It performs processing such as notifying the external device management device or the like.

The method for distinguishing genuine products / non-genuine products is as follows.
For example, the unique information of the genuine product is stored in advance in the memory 252, and the temporary unique information is collated, and the temporary information is temporarily stored in an external device management device connected to the device. There is a method in which the unique information is transmitted and a discrimination request is made to the external device management apparatus.

In the former case, the determination can be made inside the device, so that it is possible to deal with even in an environment where it cannot be connected to an external device. Further, there is an advantage that the determination can be performed within a predetermined time without being affected by the network.

On the other hand, in the latter case, although it is necessary to connect to an external device through the network, the memory 25
2 does not need to store in advance the unique information of the genuine product for collation and the algorithm for discriminating the genuine product / non-genuine product, so that the usage amount of the memory 252 can be reduced and the CPU 251 can be executed by executing the discrimination algorithm. The processing load of the external device management device is not increased, and even if the unique information of the genuine product is added at a later date, the data can be added / updated to the external device management device. There are merits such as what can be done by management.

Next, the processing flow of the controller 25 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 shows the CPU 251.
It is an example of a flowchart of a process performed by.

Step 1 (S1) The CPU 251 is monitoring the generation of the exchange request signal,
If occurrence is detected, step 2 (hereinafter abbreviated as S2)
Proceed to.

Step 2 (S2) A motor control signal is output to the motor drive device 242 to instruct to drive the motor 242.

Step 3 (S3) Whether the angle recognition signal is input from the optical sensor 222 is monitored, and if the occurrence is detected, the process proceeds to S4.

Step 4 (S4) The motor drive device 242 starts counting drive pulses output to the rotary motor 241.

Step 5 (S5) The color information of the developing device 21 to be replaced is acquired from the replacement request signal, and the count value is calculated.

Step 6 (S6) The count values obtained in S4 and S5 are compared, and if they match, the process proceeds to S7.

Step 7 (S7) A motor control signal is output to the motor driving device 242 to instruct the motor 242 to stop driving.

Step 8 (S8) The exchange detection signal output from the exchange detecting means 26 is monitored to detect whether or not the developing device 21 at the exchange position has been exchanged. When the exchange detection signal is input, the process proceeds to S9.

Step 9 (S9) The reading unit 23 is instructed to read the unique information from the non-contact information medium 9.

Step 10 (S10) It is detected whether or not the unique information is acquired, and if it is detected, the process proceeds to S11.

Step 11 (S11) By the above-mentioned method, genuineness determination is performed and necessary processing is performed. For example, the unique information about the genuine product stored in advance in the memory is compared, and if they do not match, a warning signal is output.

Alternatively, a service for carrying out inventory management and sales management of supplies such as developing devices by transmitting the obtained unique information to an external management device (Japanese Patent Application 2000).
-291264) can be enjoyed.

In the case of exchanging a plurality of developing devices 21, if a plurality of exchange request signals are received, S2
You can go back to.

As described above, it is effective to read the information stored in the non-contact information medium 9 arranged in the developing device 21 when the developing device 21 is replaced. When replacing the developing device 21, it is necessary to rotate the rotary developing unit 20 so that the developing device 21 to be replaced comes to the replacement position. Therefore, the operation of rotating the rotary developing unit 20 occurs according to the present invention. However, since it is included in the series of operations, no influence occurs.

In this case, it is preferable to dispose the reading section 23 at the exchange position. For example, in FIG. 1, when the exchange position is the magenta color developing device 21M and the rotary developing unit 20 has a structure capable of rotating only in the clockwise direction, it is disposed in the magenta color developing device 21M. In order to read the content of the non-contact information medium 9, the rotary developing unit 20 must be rotated by 270 degrees.

On the other hand, if the reading section 23 is provided at the exchange position, it is not necessary to rotate the rotary developing unit 20 only for the purpose of the present invention. [Second Embodiment] A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the controller 2 in this embodiment.
5 is a functional block diagram of the CPU 5, and FIG.
It is an example of the other flowchart about the process which 51 performs.

The control device 25 further has a timer 254 and a setting means 255. The timer 254 is for measuring the current date and time information, and may be one that acquires the date and time information from the outside by radio waves.

The setting means 255 is for setting the start time for performing the processing in this embodiment, and plays the role of an interface for receiving registration / correction / deletion of the set time from the operation unit of the device. Alternatively, a plurality of items may be set as the activation timing, and the items may be selected by displaying them on the operation unit. Examples of the items in this case are "starting after every detection of replacement of the developing device", "starting before shifting to the energy-saving state", "starting after printing a predetermined number of sheets", and the like. When the former is selected, the processing described in the first embodiment is performed.

Next, the processing flow will be described.

The difference from the previous embodiment is that instead of the processing of S1, the following processing, that is, S21 to S24 is performed, and S25 and S26 are added after the processing of S11. Therefore, the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

Note that S8 can be omitted because it is not essential except when used in combination with the previous embodiment.

Step 21 (S21) The setting means 255 determines whether or not the time to start this program is set. If it is set, the process proceeds to S22.

The setting method is set by the user of the device or the like by using an input means such as a button provided on the operation unit (not shown) of the device. For example, "every day at 2:00 pm", "every Monday at 8:00 am", "one month after today", etc. The set time information may be stored in a non-volatile memory included in the function of the setting means 255, or may be the memory 25 already described.
2 may be used.

Not only the designation of the time but also the case of selecting the process of "starting after every detection of replacement of the developing device" as described in the previous embodiment is included. The operation in this case is substantially as described above.

Step 22 (S22) It is determined whether or not the current time is the time set in S21. Specifically, the CPU 251 uses the timer 25
This is done by comparing the current time obtained from No. 4 with the time or timing information set by the setting means 255.

Step 23 (S23) When the current time reaches the set time, the current situation of the device is further investigated to detect whether it is in operation or before the operation starts. The CPU 251
If you also want to manage all the operations related to printing,
It is inevitably identifiable. On the other hand, when another CPU or MPU is used to manage the processing related to the printing operation, it is performed by acquiring information on whether or not the CPU is inoperative, from the CPU or MPU.

Step 24 (S24) When the device is in the printing state such as during printing, this step is executed, and the subsequent operation of the device (particularly, the rotary operation of the rotary developing unit 20). Prohibit As a result, for example, a command for the rotary operation of the rotary developing unit 20 according to the present invention and a command for the rotary operation of the rotary developing unit 20 in the normal printing operation are simultaneously generated, so that the operation becomes undefined or the two It is possible to avoid the problem that the operations are alternately executed and none of the operations is normally performed.

It should be noted that acceptance of a print command or the like is not rejected. Therefore, after the process of the present invention,
Printing may be executed subsequently, or even during the execution of the process according to the present invention, the rotary developing unit 20 may be used.
Other than the rotation operation, such as an operation of supplying electric power to the fixing device 6, an operation of taking in image data, and an operation of discharging and charging the photoconductor may be performed. Thereby, the processing efficiency can be improved.

Next, the processing performed after S11 will be described.

Step 25 (S25) Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the unique information of the other developing device 21 is acquired. If you want to continue, S2
Then, the motor control signal is output so that the other developing device 21 comes to the reading position.

Step 26 (S26) The operation prohibition command for the equipment performed in S24 is canceled. As a result, if a print signal is received during the above steps, a predetermined print operation is executed.

As described above, since the program is activated at the set time, the processing of the present invention is not performed at the replacement timing of the developing device 21, or the unique information is surely acquired. Even if it does not exist, it can be acquired again. Furthermore, it is more reliable if it is performed in a fixed cycle.

Until S24, even if the current time is the set time, the device is operating or before the operation is started (for example, the print request has already been accepted, and the fixing device 6 is brought from the standby state to the predetermined temperature). In the case where the printing is being performed, such as the temperature is being raised, the printing operation is prioritized. As a result, the printing process is not interrupted, and there is no inconvenience to the device user such as invalidation of the printing process and waiting time.

On the other hand, after S24, even if a print command is accepted during that period, the process according to the present invention is prioritized and the print process is suspended, so that the process according to the present invention can be reliably performed. [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of the control device 2 in this embodiment.
5 is a functional block diagram of the CPU 5, and FIG.
It is an example of another flowchart about the process which 51 performs.

The difference from the previous embodiment is that S31 is performed instead of S1, and S32 is performed instead of S11.
Is to do. Therefore, the description of the overlapping portions will be omitted.

The control device 25 has a communication means 257 capable of communicating with an external network. As the network, LAN, Internet, etc., and wired or wireless can be used. A device management device 27 is connected to the network, and an activation signal is input from the device management device 27. Also, the developing device 2
The information (specific information of the developing device) read from the non-contact information medium 9 formed in No. 1 can be output to the device management apparatus 27 via the network.

The device management device 27 is a personal computer or a server, and includes a device for controlling the device with respect to the printing operation and a device for managing the device with respect to supply inventory management, sales management and the like.

Step 21 (S21) It is detected whether or not a signal indicating that the unique information of the developing device 21 attached to the device is transmitted from the device management apparatus 27 (hereinafter referred to as a unique information transmission request signal). To do.

As described above, in the present embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, the unique information transmission request signal as the activation signal is generated regardless of the situation of the device. That is, the system is one in which the device management apparatus 27 actively works. Thus, for example, when the user of the device is different from the administrator of the device management apparatus 27, when the administrator of the device management apparatus 27 manages the device, remote operation can be performed and the device of the device can be operated. Since the transparency of the manager of the management device 27 is ensured, it is possible to provide the service such as the pre-use and post-purchase for the developing device 21 without inconvenience.

[0155]

As described above, according to the present invention, the information unique to the developing device is not detected at a time from a plurality of non-contact information media, but a single non-contact information medium located in the reading section is used. Since the information peculiar to the developing device is detected, the transmission signal from the non-contact information medium does not cause a collision, and the peculiar information can be reliably received.

The following is a description of each claim.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above,
A plurality of developing devices, which are detachably formed by including a non-contact information medium in which information unique to the developing device is recorded, are arranged along the circumferential direction around the rotation axis and are rotatable about the rotation axis. At the same time, by detecting the positions of the plurality of developing devices, the desired developing device is moved to the developing position facing the image carrier, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier is visualized. Rotary developing unit, a reading unit for reading information unique to the developing device from only the non-contact information medium for one of the plurality of developing devices at a specific position, and the non-contact information. In accordance with a reading instruction generating unit that gives an instruction for reading information unique to the developing device from the medium, and a desired developing device moves to the specific position according to the instruction from the reading instruction generating unit, and the non-contact information medium reads the above-mentioned information. Face the department Performs rotation instruction to the rotary developing unit as it is characterized in that a control unit that performs control for reading out the developing device-specific information from the non-contact information medium.

According to this, the reading section is arranged so as to have a receiving area capable of communicating with the non-contact information medium for one developing device at a specific position among the plurality of developing devices. Since the plurality of non-contact information media are not communicated with each other at the same time, unique information can be surely received from the developing device at the specific position.

Further, since the rotary type developing unit is used, by rotating the developing unit by a predetermined angle, even if a plurality of developing units are accommodated, one developing unit is used regardless of the number of developing units. The reading unit can read a plurality of unique information. Further, since the reading unit can be fixedly attached to the chassis of the device (image forming apparatus) or the like, the mounting position is unlikely to change, and therefore the relative position between the reading unit and the non-contact information medium at the reading position is small. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the problem that communication is not performed due to the change over time.

Alternatively, it can be generated at the arrival of a preset fixed time.

An example of the specific position for reading is the rotational position of the rotary developing unit such that a certain developing device is in the developing position. At this time, one of the developing devices arranged adjacent to the developing device at the developing position in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or the developing device at the developing position is replaced with an appropriate developing device. It can be arranged at a position where it can communicate with each other.

Alternatively, the rotary position of the rotary developing unit (for example, a position referred to as a home position) may be set such that none of the developing devices is in the developing position. It can be arranged at a position where it can communicate with each other. It should be noted that such a specific position, in other words, the position where the rotary developing unit can be stopped, is set so as to match the normal stop position of the rotary developing unit, so that there is no need to change the rotation mechanism of the rotary developing unit. .

The image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above,
The reading unit is a single unit in a region facing the circumferential direction of the rotary developing unit, or in a side surface of the rotary developing unit within a region drawn by the plurality of developing devices when rotated about the rotation axis. It is characterized in that it is arranged in close contact with the non-contact information medium so that the information unique to the developing device can be read only from the non-contact information medium.

According to this, the rotary developing unit is arranged in close contact with the non-contact information medium so as to face the circumferential direction of the rotary developing unit so that the information peculiar to the developing device can be read only from the single non-contact information medium. Has been done. In addition, a single non-contact is provided on the side surface of the rotary developing unit (further, at a position opposite to the door provided for maintenance) and within the area drawn by the plurality of developing devices when the rotary developing unit is rotated about the rotation axis. To read the information unique to the developing device only from the information medium,
It is arranged close to the non-contact information medium.

Therefore, by rotating the rotary developing unit and controlling the rotation angle, all the developing devices provided in the rotary developing unit can communicate with the reading section.

Further, the close contact arrangement makes it possible to reliably suppress communication with other non-contact information media other than the non-contact information medium to be read, and downsizing the device allows other non-contact information media to be communicated. The effect that it is possible to avoid a problem such as the occurrence of communication due to the relative expansion of the reception area with

The image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above,
The read instruction generating unit is characterized in that it issues a read instruction at an instruction generation time that can be set arbitrarily.

According to this, the reading instruction can be generated at the instruction generation time which can be arbitrarily set by the timer for counting the current time and the setting means for generating the event at the arbitrary time.

When the developing device is removed as a measure against paper jam, the developing device is generally mounted as it is. However, in such a case, since the developing device is not replaced, the developing device is not replaced. There is no change in the unique information stored in the contactless information medium of the container. Therefore, in the case where there is an attachment / detachment action that does not involve the change of the developing device, the effect of the present invention can be eliminated by minimizing the operation according to the present invention.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above,
The image forming apparatus includes a transmission / reception unit that transmits / receives information, and the read instruction generation unit generates a read instruction according to a read request received from the transmission / reception unit.

According to this, it is possible to generate a reading instruction in response to a request from the outside, and therefore, for example, an internal or external administrator who manages the image forming apparatus, or an instruction from the management apparatus can be attached. The information unique to the developing device can be read.

That is, in addition to the above-described timing, a read instruction can be issued at a timing that the internal or external administrator deems necessary, so that, for example, if the contents of the previously read unique information are to be confirmed again. Alternatively, there is an effect that it can be executed when it is desired to determine the genuine product of the developing device when the fashion of the non-genuine product is recognized.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention, as described above,
The control unit is characterized in that when the read instruction generation unit generates a read instruction, the operation related to the rotary developing unit is prohibited unless the image forming apparatus is in operation or before the start of operation is constant. .

According to this, for example, a command for the rotation operation of the rotary developing unit 20 according to the present invention,
When a command for the rotary operation of the rotary developing unit 20 related to the normal printing operation is simultaneously generated, the operation becomes unstable, or the two operations are alternately executed, and neither operation is performed normally. It is possible to avoid such a problem.

As described above, the device management network system of the present invention is a device equipped with a rotary developing unit in which a plurality of developing devices having unique information are detachably mounted. Is in a predetermined position, a reading unit capable of detecting unique information from one developing device and a request for transmitting unique information from the outside are received, and the information read by the reading unit is transmitted to the outside via a network. When a transmission / reception unit for transmitting and a request for transmitting specific information from the outside are received, the rotary developing unit is rotated to a predetermined position, the specific information is read, and these controls are performed so as to transmit the read information to the outside. A first group consisting of devices having a control unit for
A second management group that communicates with the first group to instruct the transmission of the unique information of the developing device attached to the device and receives the unique information of the developing device from the device. It is characterized by being composed of groups.

According to this, in the case of reading the information peculiar to the developing device installed in the device to the device managing terminal in response to the request from the device managing terminal, the plurality of devices installed in the rotary developing unit can be read. Since one non-contact information medium communicates with one non-contact information medium from among the developing devices, reception signals collide due to simultaneous information transmission from a plurality of non-contact information media, resulting in reception. This has the effect of eliminating the problem of being unable to do so.

As described above, the non-contact information reading method according to the present invention is a rotary developing process in which a plurality of developing devices, each of which has a non-contact information medium in which the information peculiar to the developing device is recorded and which is detachably mounted, is housed. A method of reading the content of the non-contact information medium in a unit, the method comprising: issuing an instruction for accessing the non-contact information medium to obtain unique information, or receiving the instruction; and a predetermined rotary developing unit. Execution to the control unit of rotating to the position and reading the information specific to the developing device stored in the non-contact information medium from the reading unit disposed in close contact with the non-contact information medium at the predetermined position. The feature is to let.

According to this, the rotary developing unit is rotated to a predetermined position on the basis of the request for accessing the non-contact information medium and acquiring the unique information, and only the predetermined developing device is operated in the receiving area of the reading section. By arranging so as to be inside, it becomes possible to read the information peculiar to the developing device stored in the non-contact information medium at the predetermined position from the reading section arranged in close contact with the non-contact information medium. .

Therefore, even when a plurality of developing devices are accommodated in the rotary developing unit, since communication is performed only with a single developing device, communication is performed with the non-contact information medium of another developing device. Therefore, the information unique to the developing device can be reliably obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram of an electrophotographic process used in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a rotary type developing device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main part of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a drive mechanism of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

6A, 6B, and 6C are diagrams showing driving states of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

7A and 7B are diagrams showing a configuration of a developing device according to the present invention.

8A and 8B are diagrams showing a configuration of a non-contact information medium according to the present invention.

9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of a mounted state of a developing device.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between a non-contact information medium and a reading unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a non-contact communication system performed between a non-contact information medium and a reading unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an internal block diagram of a control unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart showing a control flow according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is another example of an internal block diagram of a control unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is still another example of an internal block diagram of a control unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is another example of the flowchart showing the control flow according to the present invention.

FIG. 17 is still another example of the flowchart showing the control flow according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Image carrier 2 Development device 20 Rotary development unit 21,21B, 21C, 21M, 21Y Developer 23 Reader (Reader / Writer) 25 Control device 27 Equipment management device 9 Non-contact information medium 91 IC chip 92 antenna

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 21/00 396 G03G 15/08 507Z 21/14 21/00 372 F term (reference) 2H027 DA21 DA27 DA33 DA34 ED08 EE10 EJ09 EJ13 EJ15 GB01 2H030 AD16 AD17 BB02 BB24 BB36 BB43 2H071 BA03 BA20 BA33 BA34 DA08 DA31 DA32 DA34 EA04 EA18 2H077 AD06 DA24 DA42 DB10 DB14 DB25 GA04 GA13

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of developing devices, each of which has a non-contact information medium in which information unique to the developing device is recorded and which is detachably formed, is arranged along the circumferential direction about the rotation axis, and the rotation axis center is provided. The electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member is moved to a developing position facing the image bearing member by detecting the positions of the plurality of developing units while being rotatable. A rotary developing unit for visualizing the image, and a reading unit for reading out information unique to the developing device from only the non-contact information medium for one developing device at a specific position among the plurality of developing devices. , A read instruction generating unit that gives an instruction to read information unique to the developing device from the non-contact information medium, and a desired developing device moves to the specific position according to the instruction from the read instruction generating unit and the non-contact Information medium read above Performs rotation instruction to the rotary developing unit so as to be opposed to the Ri portion, an image forming apparatus characterized by a control unit that performs control for reading out the developing device-specific information from the non-contact information medium. 2. The reading unit is within a region drawn by the plurality of developing devices when facing the circumferential direction of the rotary developing unit or on a side surface of the rotary developing unit when rotated about the rotation axis. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is disposed in close contact with the non-contact information medium so that the information unique to the developing device can be read from only the single non-contact information medium. . 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reading instruction generating unit generates a reading instruction at an instruction generation time that can be set arbitrarily. 4. The image forming apparatus comprises a transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving information, and the read instruction generation unit generates a read instruction according to a read request received from the transmission / reception unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The control unit suspends the reading instruction when the image forming apparatus is in operation or before the start of operation when the reading instruction generating unit issues the reading instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein. 6. The control unit prohibits an operation related to the rotary developing unit when the image forming apparatus is in operation or before the operation start is constant, when the read instruction generation unit generates a read instruction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that. 7. A device comprising a rotary developing unit in which a plurality of developing devices having unique information are detachably mounted, and one developing device when the rotary developing unit is at a predetermined position. A reading unit capable of detecting peculiar information from an external device, a transmission / reception unit that receives a transmission request for peculiar information from the outside, and transmits the information read by the reading unit to the outside via a network, and When a transmission request is received, the rotary developing unit is rotated to a predetermined position, unique information is read, and a control unit that performs these controls so as to transmit the read information to the outside is configured. Communicates with the first group and the first group to instruct transmission of the unique information of the developing device mounted on the device, and receive the unique information of the developing device from the device. Device management network system, characterized in that it is composed of a second group consisting of device management terminal that. 8. A method for reading out the contents of the non-contact information medium in a rotary developing unit which accommodates a plurality of developing devices which are detachably formed and which are provided with a non-contact information medium recording information specific to the developing device. A step of giving or receiving an instruction for accessing the non-contact information medium to obtain unique information, rotating the rotary developing unit to a predetermined position, and A non-contact information reading method, comprising: causing a control unit to execute a step of reading information unique to the developing device stored in the non-contact information medium from a reading section arranged in close contact with the contact information medium.