Image forming apparatus, and control method of image forming apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to an image forming apparatus that makes an image forming process of the image forming apparatus high speed, and a control method of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes: a main body control device; a main body cartridge; and an additional cartridge that is a cartridge different from the main body cartridge and is connected to a bus-type communication line to which the main body control device is connected. The main body control device performs a process of transmitting, to the additional cartridge, a no-positive-answer instruction that instructs a case where a positive answer is not required, in an image forming process, in accordance with a state of the image forming apparatus related to the additional cartridge.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an image forming apparatus, and a control method of an image forming apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus provided with a cassette capable of housing a medium such as paper is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an image forming apparatus provided with a plurality of additional cassettes connected to a bus with respect to an apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 specifies one additional cassette, and instructs execution of a predetermined process from the apparatus main body to the specified additional cassette.

[0003] Generally, in an image forming apparatus like that described in Patent Literature 1, transmission and reception of a positive response is implemented between the cassette and the apparatus that instructs execution of a process to the cassette. However, in an image forming apparatus that transmits and receives a positive response, transmission and reception of the positive response takes time in an image forming process, or communication with each cassette is required in order to avoid data collision when communicating with a plurality of cassettes connected to a bus. Therefore, transmission and reception of the positive response can become an obstacle to speeding up of the image forming process in the image forming apparatus.

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-008935 SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present application is an image forming apparatus provided with: a control apparatus; a first cassette; and a second cassette that is a different cassette from the first cassette and is connected to a bus-type communication line connected to the control apparatus, the control apparatus implementing a process of transmitting a no-positive-response instruction that instructs a case where a positive response is not required to the second cassette according to a state of the image forming apparatus related to the second cassette in an image forming process.

[0006] Another aspect of the present application is a control method of an image forming apparatus provided with a control apparatus, a first cassette, and a second cassette that is a different cassette from the first cassette and is connected to a bus-type communication line connected to the control apparatus, in the control method of the image forming apparatus, the control apparatus implementing a process of transmitting a no-positive-response instruction that instructs a case where a positive response is not required to the second cassette according to a state of the image forming apparatus related to the second cassette in an image forming process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A front view of an image forming apparatus is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 A diagram for schematically showing a side cross section of the image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 3 A block diagram for showing a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus.

[0010] Figure 4 A flowchart for showing an operation of the second main body communication control section.

[0011] Figure 5 A sequence chart for showing an operation of the image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] In Figure 1 In Figure 2 In the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are illustrated. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are orthogonal to each other. The Z axis indicates a vertical direction and an up-down direction in a set state of the image forming apparatus 1. The X axis and the Y axis are parallel to a horizontal direction. The Y axis indicates a front-rear direction of the image forming apparatus 1. The X axis indicates a left-right direction of the image forming apparatus 1. A positive direction of the Z axis indicates an up direction. A positive direction of the Y axis indicates a front direction. A positive direction of the X axis indicates a left direction. In addition, a front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 is a front face of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0014] Figure 1 A front view of the image forming apparatus 1 is shown.

[0015] The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is called an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals), which is a multifunction peripheral having various functions such as an image forming function, a facsimile function, and a scanning function.

[0016] The image forming apparatus 1 has a reading unit 11 at an upper portion of the apparatus main body 10. The reading unit 11 is provided with a cover 12 that is provided on an upper surface of the apparatus main body 10 in an openable and closable manner, a document tray 13 that is mounted on the cover 12, and an automatic document feeder 14 (Auto Document Feeder). The reading unit 11 reads a document D that is fed one sheet by one sheet from the document tray 13 by the automatic document feeder 14, or a document D that is placed on a glass table exposed by opening the cover 12. The document D that is read by the reading unit 11 is discharged onto a discharge tray 15.

[0017] An operation panel 16 is provided at a front upper portion of the apparatus main body 10. The operation panel 16 is provided with a plurality of operation switches, a display, a touch panel, and the like.

[0018] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a main cartridge 17. The main cartridge 17 is housed in a recess 18 formed at a position below the operation panel 16 in the apparatus main body 10. The main cartridge 17 is provided with a main tray 171 capable of housing media S such as paper in a stacked state. The main tray 171 is capable of housing one or more media S. At the front surface of the main tray 171, a grip portion 172 used when a user pulls out the main tray 171 is formed.

[0019] The main cartridge 17 is an example of a "first cartridge".

[0020] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an ink housing portion 19 at a position below the main cartridge 17. The ink housing portion 19 houses ink packs 20 that are supply sources of ink. In the ink housing portion 19, a plurality of ink packs 20 that differ in color of ink are housed.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a first additional cartridge 21A, a second additional cartridge 21B, and a third additional cartridge 21C at a position below the apparatus main body 10. In the following description, in the case where the first additional cartridge 21A, the second additional cartridge 21B, and the third additional cartridge 21C are not distinguished from one another, they are referred to as "additional cartridges" and the symbol "21" is attached.

[0022] The additional cartridges 21 are examples of "second cartridges".

[0023] The first additional cartridge 21A, the second additional cartridge 21B, and the third additional cartridge 21C each have substantially the same structure as one another. Therefore, in the description of the structure of the additional cartridges 21 in Figure 1 , the structure of the first additional cartridge 21A is described as representative, and the description of the structures of the second additional cartridge 21B and the third additional cartridge 21C is omitted.

[0024] The first additional cartridge 21A is provided with a frame 22 and an additional tray 23 installed in the frame 22. The additional tray 23 is capable of housing one or more media S. In addition, the number of media S that can be housed by the additional tray 23 can be more, less, or the same as the main cartridge 17. At the front surface of the additional tray 23, a grip portion 24 used when a user pulls out the additional tray 23 is formed.

[0025] When the image forming apparatus 1 receives image forming data from an external apparatus such as a PC (Personal Computer), a box corresponding to information of the medium S indicated by the received image forming data is specified, and the medium S is conveyed from the specified box. The image forming data contains information of the medium S on which image formation is to be performed, image data on which an image is to be formed on the medium S, various control instructions of the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with an instruction system, and the like. The image forming apparatus 1 ejects ink supplied from the ink storage portion 19 to the medium S conveyed along a conveyance path HK formed in the apparatus main body 10 as described later to perform image formation.

[0026] The medium S on which image formation is performed is discharged from a discharge port 25 opened between the operation panel 16 and the main body box 17 in the apparatus main body 10. At a lower portion of the discharge port 25, a slide-type discharge tray 26 is provided which is configured in multiple stages in a manner so as to be able to extend and retract in the front-rear direction. The medium S discharged from the discharge port 25 is loaded on the discharge tray 26 in the extended state.

[0027] Figure 2 A view schematically showing a side cross section of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, in Figure 2 , the illustration of the ink storage portion 19 is omitted.

[0028] The first additional box 21A, the second additional box 21B, and the third additional box 21C each have substantially the same structure as each other. Therefore, in the description of the structure of the additional box 21 in Figure 2 , the structure of the first additional box 21A is described as representative, and the description of the structures of the second additional box 21B and the third additional box 21C is appropriately omitted.

[0029] The apparatus main body 10 is provided with a first main body conveyance portion 27. The first main body conveyance portion 27 conveys the medium S conveyed out from the main body box 17 or the additional box 21 in the conveyance direction H. The first main body conveyance portion 27 is provided with a first main body conveyance roller pair 271, a second main body conveyance roller pair 272, and a third main body conveyance roller pair 273. The first main body conveyance roller pair 271, the second main body conveyance roller pair 272, and the third main body conveyance roller pair 273 each include a rotating roller that rotates by power of a motor, and a driven roller that is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating roller. The second main body conveyance roller pair 272 is disposed at a position downstream of the first main body conveyance roller pair 271 in the conveyance direction H of the medium S. The third main body conveyance roller pair 273 is disposed at a position downstream of the second main body conveyance roller pair 272 in the conveyance direction H of the medium S.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an image forming unit 28. As Figure 2As shown, the image forming unit 28 is disposed between the second main body conveying roller pair 272 and the third main body conveying roller pair 273 in the conveying direction H. The image forming unit 28 has a carriage 281 and an inkjet head 282 mounted on the carriage 281.

[0031] The carriage 281 is supported by a carriage shaft 283 extending in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the conveying direction H, so that the inkjet head 282 scans in the orthogonal direction along the carriage shaft 283.

[0032] The inkjet head 282 has, for example, four color nozzle rows of CYMK. The inkjet head 282 receives a supply of ink from the ink storage portion 19 and ejects ink from nozzles provided in each nozzle row to form an image on the medium S.

[0033] In the conveying path HK of the medium S, a platen 29 is provided at a position opposite the inkjet head 282. The platen 29 extends across a range in which the inkjet head 282 can form an image, and supports the medium S flatly in such a manner that the surface of the medium S at the platen 29 is perpendicular to the ejection direction of ink ejected from the inkjet head 282.

[0034] The device main body 10 has a second main body conveying portion 30. The second main body conveying portion 30 conveys the medium S stored in the main body cassette 17 one sheet at a time to the first main body conveying portion 27. The second main body conveying portion 30 has a main body pickup roller 301 and a main body separation roller pair 302. The main body pickup roller 301 is a roller that feeds the medium S located at the top among the media S loaded in the main body tray 171 from the main body tray 171. The main body separation roller pair 302 conveys the medium S one sheet at a time toward the first main body conveying portion 27 even when the medium S fed by the main body pickup roller 301 is overlapped with multiple sheets. The main body separation roller pair 302 includes a driving roller and a driven roller that is driven in conjunction with rotation of the driving roller. The main body cassette 17 has a hopper plate 173 in which the medium S is loaded into the main body tray 171. The main body cassette 17 presses the medium S stored in the main body tray 171 against the main body pickup roller 301 by inclining the hopper plate 173. The main body cassette 17 of the present embodiment inclines the hopper plate 173 by a mechanical drive method using the force when the main body cassette 17 is inserted into the recess 18.

[0035] The first additional cassette 21A has an additional conveying portion 31. The additional conveying portion 31 conveys the medium S stored in the additional tray 23 one sheet at a time to the device main body 10. The additional conveying portion 31 has an additional pickup roller 311, an additional separation roller pair 312, and an additional conveying roller pair 313.

[0036] The additional pickup roller 311, the additional separation roller pair 312, and the additional conveyance roller pair 313 are each an example of a "mechanical mechanism".

[0037] The additional pickup roller 311 is a roller that feeds out the medium S located at the uppermost position among the media S placed on the additional tray 23 from the additional tray 23.

[0038] The additional separation roller pair 312 conveys the media S one by one toward the additional conveyance roller pair 313 even when the media S fed out by the additional pickup roller 311 is overlapped by a plurality of sheets. The additional separation roller pair 312 includes a rotating roller and a driven roller that is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating roller.

[0039] The additional conveyance roller pair 313 includes a rotating roller and a driven roller. The additional conveyance roller pair 313 conveys the medium S fed out from the additional separation roller pair 312 toward the device main body 10 adjacently provided above the first additional cartridge 21A. In addition, the additional conveyance roller pair 313 conveys the medium S fed out from the additional cartridge 21 provided below the first additional cartridge 21A toward the device main body 10 adjacently provided above the first additional cartridge 21A.

[0040] In addition, the additional conveyance roller pair 313 of the second additional cartridge 21B conveys the medium S accommodated in the second additional cartridge 21B or the medium S fed out from the third additional cartridge 21C toward the first additional cartridge 21A. The additional conveyance roller pair 313 of the third additional cartridge 21C conveys the medium S accommodated in the third additional cartridge 21C toward the second additional cartridge 21B.

[0041] The first additional cartridge 21A presses the medium S against the additional pickup roller 311 by inclining the hopper plate 32. The first additional cartridge 21A inclines the hopper plate 32 by an electric drive to press the medium S against the additional pickup roller 311.

[0042] The hopper plate 32 is an example of a "mechanical mechanism".

[0043] Next, the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0044] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the structure of the control system of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0045] As Figure 3 shown, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a main body control device 100.

[0046] The main body control device 100 includes a main body processor 110 that executes a program such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main body storage 120, and a communication line I / F 130. I / F is an abbreviation for interface. The main body control device 100 controls each part of the image forming apparatus 1 by reading and executing a control program 121 stored in the main body storage 120 by the main body processor 110. The main body processor 110 functions as a first main body communication control section 111, a second main body communication control section 112, an image forming control section 113, and a second command generation section 114 by executing the control program 121 stored in the main body storage 120.

[0047] The main body control device 100 is an example of a "control device". The main body storage 120 is an example of a "storage section".

[0048] The main body storage 120 is a storage that stores the control program 121, other programs executed by the main body processor 110, and data processed by the main body processor 110. The main body storage 120 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the main body storage 120 can also have a volatile storage area to configure a work area of the main body processor 110.

[0049] The communication line I / F 130 includes a connector and a communication circuit and the like as communication hardware. On the communication line I / F 130, a bus-type communication line TL to which the additional cartridge 21 can be connected is connected. In other words, the additional cartridge 21 is connected in a bus-like manner to the communication line I / F 130. The main body control device 100 communicates with the additional cartridge 21 via the communication line TL.

[0050] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an operation panel 16, a communication device 101, a reading unit 11, an image forming unit 28, a first main body motor 102, a second main body motor 103, a third main body motor 104, a fourth main body motor 105, and a fifth main body motor 106. The operation panel 16, the communication device 101, the reading unit 11, the image forming unit 28, the first main body motor 102, the second main body motor 103, the third main body motor 104, the fourth main body motor 105, and the fifth main body motor 106 are connected to the main body control device 100.

[0051] The operation panel 16 displays various information on a display in accordance with the control of the main body control device 100. In addition, the operation panel 16 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation of an operation switch to the main body control device 100.

[0052] The communication device 101 has a communication hardware such as a communication circuit according to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with an external device independent of the image forming device 1 according to the predetermined communication standard.

[0053] The reading unit 11 reads the original D according to the control of the main body control device 100.

[0054] The image forming unit 28 drives the inkjet head 282 and the carriage 281 according to the control of the main body control device 100, and forms an image on the medium S.

[0055] The first main body motor 102 is connected to the first main body conveying roller pair 271 via a power transmission mechanism. The main body control device 100 rotates the rotating roller of the first main body conveying roller pair 271 by driving the first main body motor 102.

[0056] The second main body motor 103 is connected to the second main body conveying roller pair 272 via a power transmission mechanism. The main body control device 100 rotates the rotating roller of the second main body conveying roller pair 272 by driving the second main body motor 103.

[0057] The third main body motor 104 is connected to the third main body conveying roller pair 273 via a power transmission mechanism. The main body control device 100 rotates the rotating roller of the third main body conveying roller pair 273 by driving the third main body motor 104.

[0058] The fourth main body motor 105 is connected to the main body pickup roller 301 via a power transmission mechanism. The main body control device 100 rotates the main body pickup roller 301 by driving the fourth main body motor 105.

[0059] The fifth main body motor 106 is connected to the main body separation roller pair 302 via a power transmission mechanism. The main body control device 100 rotates the rotating roller of the main body separation roller pair 302 by driving the fifth main body motor 106.

[0060] As described above, the main body processor 110 functions as the first main body communication control section 111, the second main body communication control section 112, the image forming control section 113, and the second command generation section 114. The image forming control section 113 functions as the first command generation section 1131.

[0061] The first main body communication control section 111 communicates with the external device via the communication device 101. For example, the first main body communication control section 111 receives image forming data from the external device.

[0062] The second body communication control section 112 communicates with the add-on cartridge 21 connected to the communication line TL via the communication line I / F 130 and the communication line TL. The second body communication control section 112 transmits the instructions generated by the first instruction generation section 1131 and the second instruction generation section 114 to the add-on cartridge 21. Details of the operation of the second body communication control section 112 will be described later. In a case where the add-on cartridge 21 transmits an ACK (Acknowledgement) as a positive response, the second body communication control section 112 receives the ACK from the add-on cartridge 21.

[0063] The image forming control section 113 performs an image forming process based on the image forming data received by the first body communication control section 111. The image forming process is a process including the conveyance of the medium S and the image formation on the medium S.

[0064] The image forming control section 113 controls the image forming unit 28, the first body motor 102, the second body motor 103, and the third body motor 104 to perform the image forming process.

[0065] In a case where the image forming process is performed on the medium S housed in the main cartridge 17, the image forming control section 113 further controls the fourth body motor 105 and the fifth body motor 106 to convey the medium S housed in the main cartridge 17 and form an image on the medium S.

[0066] In a case where the image forming process is performed on the medium S housed in the add-on cartridge 21, the image forming control section 113 outputs various instructions to the add-on cartridge 21 to cause the add-on cartridge 21 to convey the medium S.

[0067] The first instruction generating section 1131 generates an instruction to be output to the add-on cartridge 21. The first instruction generating section 1131 causes the main body memory 120 to store the generated instruction. In the storage area of the main body memory 120, a transmission queue Q is formed for each add-on cartridge 21 added with respect to the device main body 10. The transmission queue Q is a storage area in which an instruction to be output to the add-on cartridge 21 is temporarily stored. In the main body memory 120 of the present embodiment, a first transmission queue Q1 corresponding to the first add-on cartridge 21A, a second transmission queue Q2 corresponding to the second add-on cartridge 21B, and a third transmission queue Q3 corresponding to the third add-on cartridge 21C are formed. The first instruction generating section 1131 causes the first transmission queue Q1 to store the generated instruction in a case where an instruction to be output to the first add-on cartridge 21A is generated. The first instruction generating section 1131 causes the second transmission queue Q2 to store the generated instruction in a case where an instruction to be output to the second add-on cartridge 21B is generated. The first instruction generating section 1131 causes the third transmission queue Q3 to store the generated instruction in a case where an instruction to be output to the third add-on cartridge 21C is generated.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the instruction generated by the first instruction generating section 1131 is a hardware system instruction.

[0069] The hardware system instruction is an instruction related to hardware possessed by the add-on cartridge 21. In the present embodiment, the hardware system instruction includes a first mechanical drive instruction, a second mechanical drive instruction, a third mechanical drive instruction, a fourth mechanical drive instruction, a first sensor instruction, a second sensor instruction, a third sensor instruction, and a fourth sensor instruction.

[0070] The first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, and the fourth mechanical drive instruction are each one example of a "drive instruction".

[0071] The first mechanical drive instruction is an instruction that instructs driving of the add-on pickup roller 311. The first mechanical drive instruction describes a rotation amount of the add-on pickup roller 311 or the like.

[0072] The second mechanical drive instruction is an instruction that instructs driving of the add-on separation roller pair 312. The second mechanical drive instruction describes a rotation amount of a rotation roller of the add-on separation roller pair 312 or the like.

[0073] The third mechanical drive instruction is an instruction that instructs driving of the add-on transport roller pair 313. The third mechanical drive instruction describes a rotation amount of a rotation roller of the add-on transport roller pair 313 or the like.

[0074] The fourth mechanical drive instruction is an instruction that instructs driving of the hopper plate 32.

[0075] The first sensor instruction is an instruction for requesting a detection value of the first sensor 206A.

[0076] The first sensor 206A is a sensor that detects whether or not the medium S is accommodated in the additional tray 23.

[0077] The second sensor instruction is an instruction for requesting a detection value of the second sensor 206B.

[0078] The second sensor 206B is a sensor that detects a position of the medium S in the additional tray 23.

[0079] The third sensor instruction is an instruction for requesting a detection value of the third sensor 206C.

[0080] The third sensor 206C is a sensor that detects a size of the medium S accommodated in the additional tray 23.

[0081] The fourth sensor instruction is an instruction for requesting a detection value of the fourth sensor 206D.

[0082] The fourth sensor 206D is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the additional tray 23.

[0083] The first instruction generating section 1131, at the time of generating an instruction, establishes a correspondence relationship between a flag indicating whether or not an ACK is required and an instruction to be generated. The first instruction generating section 1131 sets the instruction to be generated as a positive response required instruction or a positive response unnecessary instruction by making the contents of the flag to be established in the correspondence relationship different. The positive response required instruction is an instruction in which the flag indicating that an ACK is required is established in the correspondence relationship. The first instruction generating section 1131 can set all of the hardware system instructions as the positive response required instruction. The positive response unnecessary instruction is an instruction in which the flag indicating that an ACK is unnecessary is established in the correspondence relationship. The first instruction generating section 1131 can set each of the first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, the first sensor instruction, and the second sensor instruction as the positive response unnecessary instruction.

[0084] In addition, the first instruction generating section 1131, for example, performs a kind judgment of the instruction based on a command code or the like, and appropriately makes the contents of the flag indicating whether or not an ACK is required different.

[0085] The first instruction generating section 1131 generates each of the first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, the first sensor instruction, and the second sensor instruction as a no affirmative answer instruction in accordance with the state of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the add-on cartridge 21. In the present embodiment, the first instruction generating section 1131 generates the no affirmative answer instruction in accordance with whether the state of the image forming apparatus 1 is a state in which one or more add-on cartridges 21 are connected to the communication line TL. In a case where the number of the add-on cartridges 21 connected to the communication line TL is one or more, the first instruction generating section 1131 generates each of the first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, the first sensor instruction, and the second sensor instruction as the no affirmative answer instruction. On the other hand, in a case where the number of the add-on cartridges 21 connected to the communication line TL is less than one, the first instruction generating section 1131 does not generate the instruction to be output to the add-on cartridge 21. In addition, for example, in a case where data in which the number of the add-on cartridges 21 connected is recorded is stored in the main memory 120, the first instruction generating section 1131 determines whether the number of the add-on cartridges 21 connected to the communication line TL is one or more on the basis of the data.

[0086] One is an example of the "predetermined number".

[0087] The second instruction generating section 114 generates the instruction to be output to the add-on cartridge 21. The second instruction generating section 114 causes the first transmission queue Q1 to store the generated instruction in a case where the instruction to be output to the first add-on cartridge 21A is generated. The second instruction generating section 114 causes the second transmission queue Q2 to store the generated instruction in a case where the instruction to be output to the second add-on cartridge 21B is generated. The second instruction generating section 114 causes the third transmission queue Q3 to store the generated instruction in a case where the instruction to be output to the third add-on cartridge 21C is generated.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the instruction generated by the second instruction generating section 114 is a software system instruction. The software system instruction is an instruction related to software of the add-on cartridge 21. In the present embodiment, the software system instruction includes a first firmware instruction, a second firmware instruction, and a time setting instruction.

[0089] The first firmware instruction is an instruction to request the version of the firmware of the add-on cartridge 21.

[0090] The second firmware instruction is an instruction to instruct the update of the firmware of the add-on cartridge 21.

[0091] The time setting instruction is an instruction to instruct the setting of the time to the add-on cartridge 21.

[0092] The second instruction generating section 114, when generating an instruction, establishes a correspondence between a flag indicating whether an ACK is required and the instruction to be generated. The second instruction generating section 114 generates all of the instructions to be generated as positive response required instructions.

[0093] Next, the structure of the control system of the add-on cartridge 21 will be described with reference to Figure 3 The structure of the control system of the add-on cartridge 21 will be described.

[0094] The first add-on cartridge 21A, the second add-on cartridge 21B, and the third add-on cartridge 21C each have substantially the same structure as each other. Therefore, in the description of the structure of the add-on cartridge 21 Figure 3 The structure of the add-on cartridge 21 will be described with reference to

[0095] The first add-on cartridge 21A includes an add-on control device 200. The add-on control device 200 includes an add-on processor 210 that executes a program, and an add-on memory 220. The add-on control device 200 controls each part of the first add-on cartridge 21A by reading and executing a control program 221 stored in the add-on memory 220 by the add-on processor 210. The add-on processor 210 functions as an add-on communication control section 211 and an instruction execution section 212 by executing the control program 221 stored in the add-on memory 220.

[0096] The add-on memory 220 is a memory that stores the control program 221, other programs executed by the add-on processor 210, and data processed by the add-on processor 210. The add-on memory 220 has a non-volatile storage area. In addition, the add-on memory 220 can have a volatile storage area to constitute a work area of the add-on processor 210.

[0097] The first add-on cartridge 21A includes an add-on I / F 201. The add-on I / F 201 includes a connector and the like. The add-on I / F 201 is connected to the bus-type communication line TL, and communicates with the main body control device 100 via the communication line TL.

[0098] The first add-on cartridge 21A includes a first add-on motor 202, a second add-on motor 203, a third add-on motor 204, and a fourth add-on motor 205. These motors are connected to the add-on control device 200.

[0099] The first add-on motor 202 is connected to the add-on pickup roller 311 via a power transmission mechanism. The add-on control device 200 rotates the add-on pickup roller 311 by driving the first add-on motor 202.

[0100] The second additional motor 203 is connected to the additional separation roller pair 312 via a power transmission mechanism. The additional control device 200 rotates the rotating roller of the additional separation roller pair 312 by driving the second additional motor 203.

[0101] The third additional motor 204 is connected to the additional transport roller pair 313 via a power transmission mechanism. The additional control device 200 rotates the rotating roller of the additional transport roller pair 313 by driving the third additional motor 204.

[0102] The fourth additional motor 205 inclines the hopper plate 32 via a power transmission mechanism. The additional control device 200 inclines the hopper plate 32 by driving the fourth additional motor 205.

[0103] The first additional cassette 21A is provided with a sensor group 206. The sensor group 206 is provided with a first sensor 206A, a second sensor 206B, a third sensor 206C, and a fourth sensor 206D, and outputs the detection values of these sensors to the additional control device 200.

[0104] As described above, the additional processor 210 functions as an additional communication control section 211 and an instruction execution section 212.

[0105] The additional communication control section 211 communicates with the main control device 100 via the additional I / F 201. The additional communication control section 211 receives an instruction from the main control device 100. In a case where the instruction received from the main control device 100 is not a no-acknowledgement-required instruction, the additional communication control section 211 transmits an ACK for the received instruction to the main control device 100. In addition, in a case where the instruction received from the main control device 100 is a no-acknowledgement-required instruction, the additional communication control section 211 does not transmit an ACK for the received instruction to the main control device 100.

[0106] The instruction execution section 212 executes the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211. In addition, in a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is damaged, the instruction execution section 212 reads the instruction and discards it. In addition, the damage detection of the instruction is implemented by an existing method such as a hash function or a checksum.

[0107] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is a first mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution section 212 drives the first additional motor 202 to rotate the additional pickup roller 311 by an amount of rotation described in the first mechanical drive instruction.

[0108] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the second mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution section 212 drives the second additional motor 203 to rotate the rotating roller of the additional separation roller pair 312 by an amount of rotation described in the second mechanical drive instruction.

[0109] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the third mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution section 212 drives the third additional motor 204 to rotate the rotating roller of the additional conveyance roller pair 313 by an amount of rotation described in the third mechanical drive instruction.

[0110] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the fourth mechanical drive instruction, the instruction execution section 212 drives the fourth additional motor 205 to tilt the hopper plate 32.

[0111] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the first sensor instruction, the instruction execution section 212 outputs the detection value of the first sensor 206A to the additional communication control section 211. The additional communication control section 211 outputs the detection value of the first sensor 206A, which is output, to the main body control device 100.

[0112] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the second sensor instruction, the instruction execution section 212 outputs the detection value of the second sensor 206B to the additional communication control section 211. The additional communication control section 211 outputs the detection value of the second sensor 206B, which is output, to the main body control device 100.

[0113] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the third sensor instruction, the instruction execution section 212 outputs the detection value of the third sensor 206C to the additional communication control section 211. The additional communication control section 211 outputs the detection value of the third sensor 206C, which is output, to the main body control device 100.

[0114] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the fourth sensor instruction, the instruction execution section 212 outputs the detection value of the fourth sensor 206D to the additional communication control section 211. The additional communication control section 211 outputs the detection value of the fourth sensor 206D, which is output, to the main body control device 100.

[0115] In a case where the instruction received by the additional communication control section 211 is the first firmware instruction, the instruction execution section 212 causes the additional communication control section 211 to transmit information indicating the version of the firmware of the additional cartridge 21 to the main body control device 100.

[0116] In a case where the instruction received by the addition communication control section 211 is a second firmware instruction, the instruction execution section 212 updates the firmware of the addition cartridge 21.

[0117] In a case where the instruction received by the addition communication control section 211 is a time setting instruction, the instruction execution section 212 sets the time elapsed by the addition cartridge 21.

[0118] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0119] First, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the exclusive control of the addition cartridge 21 will be described. In the image forming apparatus 1, in a case where one addition cartridge 21 is caused to transport the medium S, exclusive control is implemented with respect to the one addition cartridge 21. This is to avoid a data collision in the communication line TL in a case where a plurality of addition cartridges 21 are connected to the communication line TL.

[0120] The second main body communication control section 112 transmits a communication right grant instruction to the addition cartridge 21 that is the object of the exclusive control. The communication right grant instruction is an instruction to grant the communication right for implementing the exclusive control, i.e., the exclusive control. By transmitting the communication right grant instruction, the main body control device 100 starts the exclusive control of the addition cartridge 21 to which the communication right grant instruction is transmitted. In addition, in the communication right grant instruction, a correspondence relationship is established with respect to a flag indicating that an ACK is required.

[0121] The addition communication control section 211 of the addition cartridge 21 that is subjected to the exclusive control transmits a communication right return instruction to the main body control device 100 at a predetermined opportunity. The communication right return instruction is an instruction to return the communication right for implementing the exclusive control. For example, in a case where it is predetermined that an instruction is last processed by the instruction execution section 212 in the transport of the medium S, the addition communication control section 211 transmits the communication right return instruction to the main body control device 100 at the opportunity that the instruction execution section 212 processes the instruction. By transmitting the communication right return instruction, the exclusive control of the addition cartridge 21 to which the communication right return instruction is transmitted is ended in the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, in the communication right return instruction, a correspondence relationship is established with respect to a flag indicating that an ACK is required.

[0122] Next, the operation of the second main body communication control section 112 related to the transmission of the instruction stored in the transmission queue Q will be described.

[0123] Figure 4 A flowchart showing the operation of the second main body communication control section 112 will be described.

[0124] In Figure 4the work of the second subject communication control section 112. In the case where a plurality of transmission queues Q are processing targets, the second subject communication control section 112 implements the work of the second subject communication control section 112 for each transmission queue Q. Figure 4

[0125] The second subject communication control section 112 judges whether or not an instruction is stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA1).

[0126] In the case where it is judged that no instruction is stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA1: No), the second subject communication control section 112 again implements the judgment of step SA1.

[0127] On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that an instruction is stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA1: Yes), the second subject communication control section 112 judges whether one or a plurality of instructions are stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA2).

[0128] In the case where it is judged that one instruction is stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA2: One), the second subject communication control section 112 judges whether the instruction stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target is a positive response required instruction or a non-positive response required instruction (step SA3). In addition, the judgment of step SA3 is implemented, for example, on the basis of a flag indicating whether or not an ACK is required.

[0129] In the case where it is judged that the instruction stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target is a positive response required instruction (step SA3: Positive response required instruction), the second subject communication control section 112 judges whether or not the add-on cartridge 21 corresponding to the transmission queue Q that is the processing target is an exclusive control target add-on cartridge 21 (step SA4).

[0130] In the case where it is judged that the add-on cartridge 21 is not an exclusive control target add-on cartridge 21 (step SA4: No), the second subject communication control section 112 does not transmit the positive response required instruction to the add-on cartridge 21 (step SA5).

[0131] On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the add-on cartridge 21 is an exclusive control target add-on cartridge 21 (step SA4: Yes), the second subject communication control section 112 transmits the positive response required instruction to the add-on cartridge 21 corresponding to the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA6).

[0132] ​Returning to the explanation of step SA3, in a case where it is determined that the instruction stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target is an affirmative answer unnecessary instruction (step SA3: affirmative answer unnecessary instruction), the second main communication control section 112 transmits the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction to the add-on box 21 corresponding to the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA7).

[0133] Returning to the explanation of step SA2, in a case where it is determined that a plurality of instructions are stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA2: plurality), the second main communication control section 112 determines whether or not the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction is included in the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target (step SA8). Note that the determination of step SA8 is performed, for example, on the basis of a flag indicating whether or not an ACK is required.

[0134] In a case where it is determined that the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction is included (step SA8: YES), the second main communication control section 112 transmits the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction among the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target to the add-on box 21 corresponding to the transmission queue Q that is the processing target, in preference to the affirmative answer necessary instruction (step SA9).

[0135] In a case where a plurality of affirmative answer unnecessary instructions are included in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target, and the transmission order is determined for the plurality of affirmative answer unnecessary instructions, in step SA9, the second main communication control section 112 transmits the plurality of affirmative answer unnecessary instructions to the add-on box 21 in accordance with the transmission order that is determined in advance. Note that the transmission order is stored in the main storage 120 as data.

[0136] For example, with respect to the fourth mechanical drive instruction and the third mechanical drive instruction, the transmission order is determined in advance in which the third mechanical drive instruction is transmitted after the fourth mechanical drive instruction. Further, it is assumed that the transmission queue Q that is the processing target stores the third sensor instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, and the third mechanical drive instruction in this order. Further, it is assumed that in the transmission queue Q that is the processing target, the instructions are stored in the order of the third sensor instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, and the third mechanical drive instruction, which is the output order for outputting to the add-on box 21. In this example, the second main communication control section 112 transmits the fourth mechanical drive instruction and the third mechanical drive instruction to the add-on box 21 in the order of the fourth mechanical drive instruction and the third mechanical drive instruction, in preference to the third sensor instruction.

[0137] In addition, in the present embodiment, the no affirmative response instruction- requiring commands determined to be sent in order are the first mechanical drive command, the second mechanical drive command, the third mechanical drive command, and the fourth mechanical drive command. This is because, in the transport of the media S housed in the additional cartridge 21, the respective mechanical mechanisms of the additional cartridge 21 need to be controlled in the appropriate order.

[0138] Returning to the explanation of step SA8, in the case where it is determined that no no affirmative response instruction- requiring command is included (step SA7: No), the second main body communication control section 112 implements the process of step SA4.

[0139] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 in the case where the image forming process is implemented with respect to the media S housed in the plurality of additional cartridges 21 will be explained.

[0140] Figure 5 A sequence chart showing one example of the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0141] Figure 5 The operation shown in the sequence chart of FIG. 10 is exemplified in the case where the main body control apparatus 100 communicates with the respective additional cartridges 21 in the order of the first additional cartridge 21A, the second additional cartridge 21B, and the third additional cartridge 21C. In addition, Figure 5 The operation shown in the sequence chart of FIG. 10 is exemplified in the case where the main body control apparatus 100 sends no affirmative response instruction- requiring commands to the second additional cartridge 21B and the third additional cartridge 21C during the communication with the first additional cartridge 21A.

[0142] The second main body communication control section 112 of the main body control apparatus 100 sends a communication right granting command to the first additional cartridge 21A (step SB1). Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 1, exclusive control of the first additional cartridge 21A is started.

[0143] Next, the second main body communication control section 112 sends a no affirmative response instruction- requiring command to the second additional cartridge 21B (step SB2).

[0144] The additional communication control section 211 of the first additional cartridge 21A receives the communication right granting command and sends an ACK with respect to the communication right granting command to the main body control apparatus 100 (step SB3). Here, although the main body control apparatus 100 sends a no affirmative response instruction- requiring command to the second additional cartridge 21B, no ACK is sent from the second additional cartridge 21B. Therefore, the ACK sent in step SB3 does not collide with other data in the communication line TL.

[0145] The second main body communication control section 112 of the main body control apparatus 100 sends a yes affirmative response instruction- requiring command to the first additional cartridge 21A (step SB4).

[0146] Next, the second main communication control section 112 transmits the no affirmative answer instruction to the third additional cartridge 21C (step SB5).

[0147] The additional communication control section 211 of the first additional cartridge 21A transmits an ACK for the no affirmative answer instruction transmitted in step SB5 to the main control device 100 (step SB6). Here, although the main control device 100 transmits the no affirmative answer instruction to the third additional cartridge 21C, the ACK is not transmitted from the third additional cartridge 21C. Therefore, the ACK transmitted in step SB6 does not collide with other data in the communication line TL.

[0148] Next, the second main communication control section 112 transmits the no affirmative answer instruction to the first additional cartridge 21A (step SB7).

[0149] After step SB7, the main control device 100 transmits the no affirmative answer instruction or the affirmative answer required instruction to the first additional cartridge 21A in accordance with the instruction shown in Figure 4 In addition, after step SB7, the main control device 100 transmits the no affirmative answer instruction to the second additional cartridge 21B and the third additional cartridge 21C in accordance with the instruction shown in Figure 4

[0150] The additional communication control section 211 of the first additional cartridge 21A transmits the communication right return instruction to the main control device 100 (step SB8). Thereby, the exclusive control of the first additional cartridge 21A ends in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0151] The second main communication control section 112 of the main control device 100 transmits an ACK for the communication right return instruction to the first additional cartridge 21A (step SB9).

[0152] Next, the second main communication control section 112 transmits the communication right grant instruction to the second additional cartridge 21B (step SB10). Thereby, the exclusive control of the second additional cartridge 21B starts in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0153] The additional communication control section 211 of the first additional cartridge 21A receives the communication right grant instruction and transmits an ACK for the communication right grant instruction to the main control device 100 (step SB11).

[0154] When the exclusive control of the second additional cartridge 21B starts after the exclusive control of the first additional cartridge 21A, the instruction execution section 212 of the second additional cartridge 21B first executes the no affirmative answer instruction transmitted from the main control device 100 when the exclusive control of the first additional cartridge 21A was performed.

[0155] ​After the step SB11, the main body control device 100 sends a no affirmative response required instruction or an affirmative response required instruction to the second additional cartridge 21B in accordance with the instruction transmission shown in Figure 4 In addition, the no affirmative response required instruction or the affirmative response required instruction sent to the second additional cartridge 21B after the step SB11 is a subsequent instruction to the instruction sent out when the first additional cartridge 21A communicated with the main body control device 100.

[0156] The additional communication control section 211 of the second additional cartridge 21B sends a communication right return instruction to the main body control device 100 (step SB12). Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 1, the exclusive control of the second additional cartridge 21B ends.

[0157] The second main body communication control section 112 of the main body control device 100 sends an ACK to the communication right return instruction to the second additional cartridge 21B (step SB13).

[0158] Next, the second main body communication control section 112 sends a communication right grant instruction to the third additional cartridge 21C (step SB14). Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 1, the exclusive control of the third additional cartridge 21C starts.

[0159] The additional communication control section 211 of the third additional cartridge 21C receives the communication right grant instruction and sends an ACK to the communication right grant instruction to the main body control device 100 (step SB15).

[0160] When the exclusive control of the third additional cartridge 21C starts after the exclusive control of the second additional cartridge 21B, the instruction execution section 212 of the third additional cartridge 21C executes the no affirmative response required instruction sent out from the main body control device 100 when the exclusive control of the first additional cartridge 21A was performed.

[0161] After the step SB15, the main body control device 100 sends a no affirmative response required instruction or an affirmative response required instruction to the third additional cartridge 21C in accordance with the instruction transmission shown in Figure 4 In addition, the no affirmative response required instruction or the affirmative response required instruction sent to the second additional cartridge 21B after the step SB11 is a subsequent instruction to the instruction sent out when the first additional cartridge 21A communicated with the main body control device 100.

[0162] The additional communication control section 211 of the third additional cartridge 21C sends a communication right return instruction to the main body control device 100 (step SB16). Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 1, the exclusive control of the third additional cartridge 21C ends.

[0163] The second main body communication control section 112 of the main body control device 100 transmits an ACK for the communication right return instruction to the third additional cartridge 21C (step SB17).

[0164] As explained using the example of Figure 5 , the reception ACK is not transmitted for the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 1, the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction can be transmitted to the other additional cartridges 21 at the time of exclusive control of one additional cartridge 21. Thus, the main body control device 100 can make the state of the other additional cartridges 21 at the time of starting exclusive control of the other additional cartridges 21 a state of receiving one or a plurality of instructions. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can speed up the image forming process in accordance with the amount of transmission of the instruction received by the other additional cartridges 21. As explained using the example of Figure 5 , the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction even for the additional cartridge 21 under exclusive control. Thus, since the number of times of transmission and reception of the ACK can be reduced between the additional cartridge 21 under exclusive control and the main body control device 100, the image forming apparatus 1 can speed up the image forming process.

[0165] An explanation will be given of other embodiments.

[0166] Second Embodiment

[0167] The image forming apparatus 1 of the second embodiment transmits the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction in accordance with whether the state of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the additional cartridges 21 is a state of performing exclusive control of any additional cartridge 21. The image forming control section 113 of the second embodiment judges whether exclusive control of any additional cartridge 21 is being performed. This judgment is performed, for example, on the basis of whether the communication right grant instruction has been transmitted by the second main body communication control section 112 and the communication right return instruction has not been received. In the case where it is judged that exclusive control of any additional cartridge 21 is not being performed, the image forming control section 113 generates the instruction to be output to the communication target additional cartridge 21 as the affirmative answer necessary instruction. On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that exclusive control of any additional cartridge 21 is being performed, the image forming control section 113 generates the instruction to be output to the communication target additional cartridge 21 as the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction. Of these, the instruction generated as the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction is the first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, the first sensor instruction, and the second sensor instruction.

[0168] For example, in the case where the image forming control section 113 generates the instruction transmitted to the first additional cartridge 21A in a state where communication is not being performed with any additional cartridge 21, the image forming control section 113 generates all the instructions to be generated as the affirmative answer necessary instruction.

[0169] Further, for example, in a case where the instruction to be transmitted to the second additional cartridge 21B is generated while exclusive control is being performed on the first additional cartridge 21A, the image forming control section 113 generates each of the first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, the first sensor instruction, and the second sensor instruction in the instruction to be transmitted to the second additional cartridge 21B as a no-ACK-required instruction.

[0170] Third Embodiment

[0171] The image forming apparatus 1 of the third embodiment transmits the no-ACK-required instruction in accordance with whether or not the state of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the additional cartridge 21 is a state in which the total of the data amounts of the instructions stored in the main body memory 120 is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The image forming control section 113 of the third embodiment generates all of the instructions to be output to the additional cartridge 21 as no-ACK-required instructions in a case where it is determined that the total of the data amounts of all of the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q is less than the threshold value. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the total of the data amounts of all of the instructions stored in the transmission queue Q is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the image forming control section 113 generates the instructions to be output to the additional cartridge 21 as no-ACK-required instructions. Here, the instructions generated as no-ACK-required instructions are the first mechanical drive instruction, the second mechanical drive instruction, the third mechanical drive instruction, the fourth mechanical drive instruction, the first sensor instruction, and the second sensor instruction.

[0172] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 includes: the main body control device 100; the main body cartridge 17; the additional cartridge 21, which is a cartridge different from the main body cartridge 17 and which is connected to the bus-type communication line TL to which the main body control device 100 is connected. The main body control device 100 transmits the no-ACK-required instruction, which instructs a no-ACK case, to the additional cartridge 21 in accordance with the state of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the additional cartridge 21 in the image forming process.

[0173] Thus, since the no-ACK-required instruction is transmitted to the additional cartridge 21 in accordance with the state of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the additional cartridge 21, the main body control device 100 is able to communicate with the additional cartridge 21 without performing transmission and reception of ACK. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is able to shorten the time required for transmission and reception of ACK in the image forming process. Further, in a case where a plurality of additional cartridges 21 are connected to the main body control device 100 in a bus manner, the image forming apparatus 1 is able to communicate with the plurality of additional cartridges 21 in parallel. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 is able to speed up the image forming process.

[0174] In a case where the number of the add-on cartridges 21 connected to the bus-type communication line TL is less than one, i.e., none, the main body control device 100 does not transmit the affirmative answer non-required command to the add-on cartridges 21. Further, in a case where the number of the add-on cartridges 21 connected to the bus-type communication line TL is one or more, the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer non-required command to the add-on cartridges 21.

[0175] Thus, in a case where one or more of the add-on cartridges 21 are connected to the main body control device 100 in a bus manner, the affirmative answer non-required command is transmitted to the add-on cartridges 21. Therefore, since it is possible to avoid a data collision in the communication line TL, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform the image forming process at a high speed while appropriately performing the image forming process.

[0176] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a plurality of add-on cartridges 21. In a case where exclusive control is not being performed on any of the add-on cartridges 21, the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer required command to the add-on cartridges 21. In a case where exclusive control is being performed on any of the add-on cartridges 21, the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer non-required command to the other add-on cartridges 21.

[0177] Thus, in a case where exclusive control is not being performed on any of the add-on cartridges 21, it is possible to ensure the reliability of communication with the add-on cartridges 21 using ACK, and in a case where exclusive control is being performed on any of the add-on cartridges 21, it is possible to avoid a data collision in the communication line TL. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform the reliability of communication and the avoidance of a data collision appropriately according to the manner of exclusive control of the add-on cartridges 21 while performing the image forming process at a high speed.

[0178] The main body control device 100 includes a main body storage 120 that stores the commands transmitted to the add-on cartridges 21. In a case where the total of the data amounts of the commands stored in the main body storage 120 is less than a threshold value, the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer non-required command to the add-on cartridges 21. In a case where the total of the data amounts of the commands stored in the main body storage 120 is the threshold value or more, the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer required command to the add-on cartridges 21.

[0179] Thus, the image forming apparatus 1 can switch the commands transmitted to the add-on cartridges 21 to the affirmative answer non-required command or the affirmative answer required command according to the data amounts of the commands stored in the main body storage 120.

[0180] The main body control device 100 has a main body storage 120 that stores the instruction transmitted to the add-on cartridge 21. In a case where the main body storage 120 stores a plurality of instructions, the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction among the plurality of instructions stored in the main body storage 120 to the add-on cartridge 21 with priority over the instructions other than the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction.

[0181] Thus, since it is possible to transmit more instructions to the add-on cartridge 21, the image forming apparatus 1 can make the image forming process faster.

[0182] In a case where a plurality of affirmative answer unnecessary instructions whose transmission order is determined are stored in the main body storage 120, the main body control device 100 transmits the plurality of affirmative answer unnecessary instructions to the add-on cartridge 21 in accordance with the determined transmission order.

[0183] Thus, by transmitting the plurality of affirmative answer unnecessary instructions to the add-on cartridge 21 in accordance with the determined transmission order, it is possible to make the add-on cartridge 21 process the affirmative answer unnecessary instructions in an appropriate order. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can make the image forming process faster while appropriately performing the image forming process.

[0184] The affirmative answer unnecessary instruction includes a drive instruction that instructs driving of a mechanical mechanism possessed by the add-on cartridge 21.

[0185] In a case where the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction received by the add-on cartridge 21 is damaged, the add-on cartridge 21 reads the damaged affirmative answer unnecessary instruction and discards it. Thus, by setting the drive instruction that instructs driving of the mechanical mechanism as the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction, in a case where the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction received by the add-on cartridge 21 is damaged, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a different work from the design and stops the work. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 can cope with the damage of the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction by stopping the work of the image forming apparatus 1 even without providing a dedicated coping process.

[0186] In the control method of the image forming apparatus 1, the main body control device 100 transmits the affirmative answer unnecessary instruction that instructs the affirmative answer unnecessary case to the add-on cartridge 21 in accordance with the state of the image forming apparatus 1 related to the add-on cartridge 21 in the image forming process.

[0187] Thus, it is possible to achieve the same effects as those of the above-described image forming apparatus 1.

[0188] The above-described embodiments merely show one specific example of applying the present application. The present application is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist of the present application.

[0189] In the above-described embodiments, a case where the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with three additional cartridges 21 is exemplified. However, the image forming apparatus 1 only needs to be provided with one or more additional cartridges 21, and the number of additional cartridges 21 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to three.

[0190] In the above-described embodiments, the "predetermined number" is set to one. However, the "predetermined number" is not limited to one, but can also be one or more.

[0191] For example, the above-described embodiments exemplify a multifunction peripheral as the image forming apparatus 1. However, the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, but only needs to be an apparatus having at least an image forming function.

[0192] Although a serial type inkjet head 282 is exemplified in the above-described embodiments, the head that ejects ink to the medium S can also be a line type head or a side shift type head. In addition, the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to an inkjet type. The inkjet head 282 is not limited to a head that ejects ink of four colors of CMYK, but can also be a head that uses ink of a plurality of colors obtained by adding a special color ink to the four colors of CMYK, and can also be a head that can eject ink of one color or two colors.

[0193] Although an inkjet head 282 that is supplied with ink from the ink pack 20 is exemplified in the above-described embodiments, the inkjet head 282 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 can also be a structure that is supplied with ink from an ink cartridge or an ink tank, or the like.

[0194] The main processor 110 and the additional processor 210 can be constituted by a single processor, or can be constituted by a plurality of processors. The main processor 110 and the additional processor 210 can also be programmed hardware to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, the main processor 110 and the additional processor 210 can also be constituted by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), for example.

[0195] In addition, Figure 3The illustrated parts of the image forming apparatus 1 are one example, and the specific installation manner is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily necessary to install hardware corresponding to each part independently, and of course, a structure in which the functions of each part are realized by executing a program by one processor can be provided. Furthermore, a part of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments can be provided as hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware can be realized by software. Furthermore, the specific detailed part structure of the other parts of the image forming apparatus 1 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0196] Furthermore, in order to easily understand the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 1, for example, the Figure 4 and Figure 5 The step units of the illustrated operation are divided according to the main processing content, and the present application is not limited by the method and name of the division of the processing units. It is also possible to further divide it into more step units according to the processing content. Furthermore, it is also possible to divide it in such a manner that one step unit includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps can be appropriately replaced within a range that does not hinder the gist of the present application.

[0197] Symbol explanation

[0198] 1…image forming apparatus; 10…apparatus main body; 11…reading unit; 16…operation panel; 17…main body cassette (first cassette); 21…add-on cassette (second cassette); 21A…first add-on cassette (second cassette); 21B…second add-on cassette (second cassette); 21C…third add-on cassette (second cassette); 28…image forming unit; 32…hopper plate (mechanical mechanism); 100…main body control device (control device); 101…communication device; 102…first main body motor; 103…second main body motor; 104…third main body motor; 105…fourth main body motor; 106…fifth main body motor; 110…main body processor; 111…first main body communication control section; 112…second main body communication control section; 113…image forming control section; 114…second command generating section; 120…main body memory (storage section); 121…control program; 130…communication line I / F; 200…add-on control device; 201…add-on I / F; 202…first add-on motor; 203…second add-on motor; 204…third add-on motor; 205…fourth add-on motor; 206…sensor group; 206A…first sensor; 206B…second sensor; 206C…third sensor; 206D…fourth sensor; 210…add-on processor; 211…add-on communication control section; 212…command executing section; 220…add-on memory; 221…control program; 271…first main body conveying roller pair; 272…second main body conveying roller pair; 273…third main body conveying roller pair; 301…main body pickup roller; 302…main body separation roller pair; 311…add-on pickup roller (mechanical mechanism); 312…add-on separation roller pair (mechanical mechanism); 313…add-on conveying roller pair (mechanical mechanism); 1131…first command generating section; Q…transmission queue; Q1…first transmission queue; Q3…third transmission queue; S…medium; TL…communication line.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, wherein, have: Control device; Main body box; An additional box, different from the main box, is provided and connected to a bus-type communication line connected to the control device. The addition box also includes a first addition box and a second addition box. The control device performs the following processing, namely, In the image forming process, based on the state of the image forming apparatus associated with the augmentation box, a command requiring a positive response is sent to the first augmentation box. Send a no-affirmation instruction to the second add-on box, indicating the situation where no affirmative answer is required.

2. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control device performs the following processing, namely, Without exercising exclusive control over any of the aforementioned add-on boxes, a "need-to-respond" instruction is sent to the add-on box of the communicating object, indicating whether a positive response is required. While exclusive control is being exercised over the first add-on box, the instruction requiring no affirmative response is sent to the other second add-on boxes.

3. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The control device includes a storage unit that stores instructions sent to the addition box. The control device performs the following processing: when the total amount of data of the instructions stored in the storage unit is less than a threshold, it sends a "need to answer" instruction to the additional box of the communication object, indicating that an affirmative answer is required; when the total amount of data of the instructions stored in the storage unit is greater than or equal to the threshold, it sends a "no need to answer" instruction to the additional box of the communication object.

4. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control device includes a storage unit that stores instructions sent to the addition box. The control device performs the following process: when the storage unit stores multiple instructions, it sends the instruction that does not require a definite answer among the multiple instructions stored in the storage unit to the addition box in a manner that takes precedence over the instructions other than the instruction that does not require a definite answer.

5. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The control device performs the following process: when multiple instructions requiring no affirmative response are stored in the storage unit and their transmission order is determined, the multiple instructions requiring no affirmative response are sent to the addition box in accordance with the determined transmission order.

6. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The instruction that does not require a definite answer includes a drive instruction that instructs the drive of the mechanical mechanism provided by the addition box.

7. A control method for an image forming apparatus, wherein, The image forming apparatus includes a control device, a main housing, and an extension housing. The extension housing is a different housing from the main housing and is connected to a bus-type communication line connected to the control device. In the control method of the image forming apparatus, The addition box also includes a first addition box and a second addition box. The control device performs the following processing, namely, In the image forming process, based on the state of the image forming apparatus associated with the augmentation box, a command requiring a positive response is sent to the first augmentation box. Send a no-affirmation instruction to the second add-on box, indicating the situation where no affirmative answer is required.

Images