Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can store product individual information stored in a memory before product shipping even if a substrate provided with the memory is replaced after the product shipping.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (1) has an image forming unit (70), a main substrate (100) that has a CPU (102) that controls the image forming unit (70) and a first non-volatile memory (105) that stores product individual information being individual information on a product, and a sub substrate (200). The sub substrate (200) has a second non-volatile memory (201), and the second non-volatile memory (201) stores the product individual information before product shipping.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a printed circuit board module provided with a CPU and FRAM (ferroelectric memory) (registered trademark). In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, management information relating to the usage status of each unit in the engine section is updated and stored in the FRAM, and the CPU performs lifespan management of the image forming apparatus based on the management information updated and stored in the FRAM.

[0003] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, a printed circuit board module equipped with a CPU executes various controls related to the image forming apparatus, and therefore the printed circuit board module is easily damaged. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, there is a high possibility that the printed circuit board module will be replaced after the product is shipped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-314380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a memory is provided on a board that is likely to be replaced after product shipment, as in the image forming device of Patent Document 1, the following problem occurs: If product-specific information such as serial number information assigned to each product is stored in the memory before product shipment, if the board is replaced after product shipment, the product-specific information stored in the memory of the board will also be lost when the board is replaced.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide an image forming device that can store individual product information stored in a memory before product shipment even if the board on which the memory is installed is replaced after product shipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an image forming apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a conveying unit that conveys the sheet to the image forming unit, a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force to the conveying unit to drive the conveying unit, a control unit that controls the image forming unit, and a main board having a first non-volatile memory in which product-specific information, which is product-specific information assigned to each product, is stored, and a sub-board that is electrically connected to the main board by a first wiring and electrically connected to the transmission mechanism by a second wiring, wherein the control unit sends an instruction signal to the transmission mechanism via the first wiring, the sub-board, and the second wiring to instruct the transmission mechanism whether or not to transmit the driving force to the conveying unit, and the sub-board has a second non-volatile memory, and the second non-volatile memory stores the product-specific information before the product is shipped.

[0008] In the above configuration, the product-specific information is stored in the first nonvolatile memory of the main board, and the control unit of the main board controls the image forming unit based on the product-specific information stored in the first nonvolatile memory.

[0009] Here, if the main board is replaced due to a malfunction or the like after the product has been shipped, the individual product information stored in the first nonvolatile memory will also be lost when the main board is replaced.

[0010] Therefore, in the above configuration, the product-specific information is stored in the second nonvolatile memory of the sub-board before product shipment, and the product-specific information is kept stored in the second nonvolatile memory after product shipment. The sub-board is a board that relays instruction signals from the main board to the transmission mechanism via the first wiring and the second wiring. Unlike the main board that has the control unit, the sub-board is not replaced after product shipment.

[0011] Therefore, with the above configuration, even if the main board is replaced after product shipment, the individual product information is stored in the second nonvolatile memory of the sub-board. Therefore, with the above configuration, even if the main board is replaced after product shipment, the individual product information stored in the first nonvolatile memory before product shipment can be stored in the second nonvolatile memory.

[0012] The image forming device further includes a drum substrate having a third nonvolatile memory, the image forming unit having a photosensitive drum, the third nonvolatile memory storing information about the photosensitive drum, and the sub-substrate electrically connected to the drum substrate by a third wiring, and supplies a first voltage supplied from the main substrate via the first wiring to the second nonvolatile memory of the sub-substrate and also to the third nonvolatile memory of the drum substrate via the third wiring.

[0013] In the above configuration, the sub-board supplies the first voltage, supplied from the main board via the first wiring, to the second nonvolatile memory of the sub-board and the third nonvolatile memory of the drum board. In other words, the sub-board is a relay board for supplying voltage from the main board to the second nonvolatile memory and the third nonvolatile memory. Therefore, unlike the main board having the control unit, the sub-board is not replaced after product shipment.

[0014] The sub-board, the main board, and the drum board share a common ground via the first wiring and the third wiring.

[0015] In the above configuration, the sub-board, main board, and drum board share a common ground via the sub-board. In other words, the sub-board is a relay board that relays the ground so that the main board and drum board share a common ground. Therefore, unlike the main board that has the control unit, the sub-board is not replaced after the product is shipped.

[0016] The control unit executes an update process for updating the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory with the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory.

[0017] In the above configuration, when the main board is replaced due to a malfunction or the like, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory of the new main board must be updated to the individual product information, because the first nonvolatile memory of the new main board does not store the individual product information of the image forming apparatus whose main board is being replaced, but simply stores initial value information.

[0018] According to the above configuration, since the product-specific information is stored in the second non-volatile memory, the information stored in the first non-volatile memory of the replaced new main board can be updated to the product-specific information stored in the second non-volatile memory.

[0019] In the update process, the control unit determines whether the information stored in the first non-volatile memory matches the individual product information stored in the second non-volatile memory, and if the determination result is a mismatch, updates the information stored in the first non-volatile memory to the individual product information stored in the second non-volatile memory, and if the determination result is a match, does not update the information stored in the first non-volatile memory to the individual product information stored in the second non-volatile memory.

[0020] In the above configuration, if the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory matches the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory, it can be said that there is no need to update the information in the first nonvolatile memory to the product individual information in the second nonvolatile memory.

[0021] According to the above configuration, if the information in the first non-volatile memory and the product individual information in the second non-volatile memory do not match, they are updated, and if they match, they are not updated, thereby reducing the processing burden on the control unit.

[0022] The image forming apparatus further includes a display unit, and after updating the information stored in the first non-volatile memory with the individual product information stored in the second non-volatile memory, the control unit determines whether the individual product information stored in the first non-volatile memory contains information identical to specified information contained in the individual product information stored in the second non-volatile memory, and based on the determination result that the identical information is not contained, causes the display unit to display an error code indicating that there was an abnormality in the update process.

[0023] In the above configuration, if, after the update process, the product individual information in the first non-volatile memory does not contain the same information as the predetermined information contained in the product individual information in the second non-volatile memory, for example, the serial number information of the image forming device, it can be said that there was an abnormality in the update process.

[0024] According to the above configuration, if the same information is not included in the individual product information in the first non-volatile memory, the control unit causes the display unit to display an error code indicating that there has been an abnormality in the update process, thereby visually informing the user of the abnormality in the update process.

[0025] In the update process, the control unit determines whether the information stored in the first non-volatile memory matches predetermined initial value information, and if the determination result is a match, updates the information stored in the first non-volatile memory to the product individual information stored in the second non-volatile memory, and if the determination result is a mismatch, does not update the information stored in the first non-volatile memory to the product individual information stored in the second non-volatile memory.

[0026] In the above configuration, if the information stored in the first non-volatile memory matches the initial value information, it can be said that the main board has been replaced and that the information in the first non-volatile memory of the main board needs to be updated to the product-specific information in the second non-volatile memory.

[0027] According to the above configuration, the information in the first non-volatile memory is updated when it matches the initial value information, and is not updated when it does not match the initial value information, thereby reducing the processing burden on the control unit.

[0028] The control unit executes the update process when the image forming apparatus is powered on.

[0029] According to the above configuration, the control unit executes the update process each time the image forming device is turned on, thereby preventing the image forming process by the image forming unit from being executed without storing individual product information in the first non-volatile memory of the main board.

[0030] The conveying section has a plurality of rollers for conveying the sheet to the image forming section, the transmission mechanism has a plurality of clutches, and the plurality of rollers correspond one-to-one to the plurality of clutches, and each of the clutches transmits a driving force to each of the corresponding rollers to drive the roller, and the sub-board supplies a first voltage supplied from the main board to each of the clutches.

[0031] In the above configuration, the first voltage is supplied to each of the multiple clutches from the sub-board. That is, the sub-board is a relay board for supplying voltage from the main board to each of the multiple clutches. Therefore, unlike the main board having the control unit, the sub-board is not replaced after the product is shipped.

[0032] The image forming apparatus further includes a cover that covers the image forming unit and a cover sensor that detects whether the cover is open or closed, and the cover sensor is electrically connected to the sub-board by a fourth wiring.

[0033] In the above configuration, the detection result of the cover sensor is transmitted to the sub-board via the fourth wiring. The sub-board is connected to the main board via the first wiring, and the control unit of the main board acquires the detection result of the cover sensor transmitted to the main board via the first wiring, and the control unit controls the image forming unit based on the detection result. In other words, the sub-board is a relay board for transmitting the detection result of the cover sensor from the cover sensor to the main board. Therefore, unlike the main board having the control unit, the sub-board is not replaced after the product is shipped.

[0034] The individual product information includes serial number information unique to the product for identifying the product.

[0035] The individual product information includes adjustment information used by the control unit when adjusting image formation by the image forming unit.

[0036] The image forming device further includes a laser light source, the image forming unit forms an image by scanning laser light emitted from the laser light source, and the adjustment information is information for adjusting the focus of the laser light source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, product-specific information stored in a memory before product shipment can be retained even if the board on which the memory is provided is replaced after product shipment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit board configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a sub-board and a main board of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of various wirings arranged on the sub-board. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a memory update processing method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a memory update processing method according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of a memory update processing method according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0040] <Configuration of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, when referring to the image forming apparatus 1, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," and "rear" respectively correspond to the directions of arrows shown as appropriate in each drawing, such as FIG. 1. However, FIG. 1 does not show arrow directions corresponding to "right" and "left." In the following description, when referring to the image forming apparatus 1, the terms "right" and "left" respectively correspond to the left and right directions when viewing the image forming apparatus 1 from the front.

[0041] 1 and later-described Figures 2 to 4 omit illustrations of components other than those necessary for explaining the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a monochrome printer that executes image formation processing for monochrome images is exemplified as the image forming apparatus 1, but the first embodiment is not limited to monochrome printers. For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a color printer that executes image formation processing for full-color images.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a housing 11, a front cover 12, a rear cover 13, a multipurpose tray (hereinafter referred to as the "MP tray") 14, a pressure plate 15, a conveying section 50, and an image forming section 70.

[0043] The housing 11 constitutes an outer container of the image forming apparatus 1 and houses the main components of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0044] The front cover 12 is disposed at the front of the housing 11. A user can open or close a front opening provided at the front of the housing 11 by rotating the front cover 12. The housing 11 is provided with a front cover sensor 12S, which detects whether the front cover 12 is open or closed. The front cover sensor 12S is an example of a cover sensor. The front cover 12 is an example of a cover.

[0045] The rear cover 13 is disposed at the rear of the housing 11. A user can open or close a rear opening provided at the rear of the housing 11 by rotating the rear cover 13. The housing 11 is provided with a rear cover sensor 13S, which detects whether the rear cover 13 is open or closed. The rear cover sensor 13S is another example of a cover sensor. The rear cover 13 is another example of a cover.

[0046] The MP tray 14 is provided so as to be able to be opened and closed freely on the front cover 12. The MP tray 14 allows the user to manually feed paper.

[0047] The pressure plate 15 pushes upward the sheets S stored in the supply tray 2 arranged in the lower part of the housing 11. The sheets S are pushed upward from the supply tray 2 by the pressure plate 15 and supplied to the conveying section 50.

[0048] The conveying unit 50 supplies the sheet S supplied from the supply tray 2 to the image forming unit 70. Then, the conveying unit 50 discharges the sheet S, on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 70, to the discharge tray 3 arranged on the top of the housing 11.

[0049] Furthermore, when the MP tray 14 is in the open state and a sheet S is placed on the MP tray 14, the conveying section 50 supplies the sheet S placed on the MP tray 14 to the image forming section 70.

[0050] Furthermore, when the rear cover 13 is in the open state, the conveying section 50 discharges the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming section 70 to the rear cover 13.

[0051] Specifically, the conveying section 50 has a registration roller (hereinafter referred to as a "registration roller") 51, a multipurpose roller (hereinafter referred to as an "MP roller") 52, a tray roller (hereinafter referred to as a "T1 roller") 53, a first conveying roller 61, a second conveying roller 62, a third conveying roller 63, a plurality of reverse conveying rollers 90, a first sensor 51S-F, a second sensor 51S-R, a third sensor 52S, a fourth sensor 53S-F, a fifth sensor 53S-R, a sixth sensor 40S, and a seventh sensor 63S.

[0052] The registration rollers 51 adjust the posture of the conveyed sheet S and send the sheet S to the image forming unit 23 at a predetermined timing. The MP rollers 52 send the sheet S placed on the MP tray 14 toward the registration rollers 51. The T1 rollers 53 send the sheet S pushed upward from the supply tray 2 by the pressure plate 15 toward the first conveyance rollers 61. The first conveyance rollers 61 send the conveyed sheet S toward the registration rollers 51. The second conveyance rollers 62 send the conveyed sheet S toward the third conveyance rollers 63 or the rear cover 13, which is in the open state. The third conveyance rollers 63 send the conveyed sheet S toward the output tray.

[0053] Each of the plurality of reverse conveyance rollers 90 is a roller for conveying the sheet S sent out from the second conveyance rollers 62 again toward the image forming unit 70 when performing double-sided printing on the sheet S. Note that, although the number of reverse conveyance rollers 90 is three in the example of Fig. 1, the number of reverse conveyance rollers 90 in the first embodiment is not limited to three.

[0054] A first sensor 51S-F is arranged upstream of the registration rollers 51 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and a second sensor 51S-R is arranged downstream of the registration rollers 51. A third sensor 52S is arranged downstream of the MP tray 14 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. A fourth sensor 53S-F is arranged upstream of the T1 roller 53 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S, and a fifth sensor 53S-R is arranged downstream of the T1 roller 53. A sixth sensor 40S is arranged upstream of the second conveyance roller 62 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. A seventh sensor 63S is arranged downstream of the third conveyance roller 63 in the conveyance direction of the sheet S.

[0055] Each of the first sensor 51S-F, second sensor 51S-R, third sensor 52S, fourth sensor 53S-F, fifth sensor 53S-R, sixth sensor 40S, and seventh sensor 63S detects the passage of the sheet S at the position where the sensor is disposed. Based on each detection result, the conveying unit 50 conveys the sheet S from the supply tray 2 or MP tray 14 toward the discharge tray 3 or rear cover 13.

[0056] The image forming section 70 forms an image on the sheet S conveyed by the conveying section 50. Specifically, the image forming section 70 has an exposure section 20, a cartridge 30, and a fixing section 40.

[0057] The exposure unit 20 is disposed above the housing 11 and is composed of a laser light source 21 that emits laser light L and a polygon mirror 22 that scans the emitted laser light L onto a photosensitive drum 31 (described later). Note that in the example of Fig. 1, various optical members disposed in the optical path of the laser light L are omitted.

[0058] The polygon mirror 22 is a mirror having a substantially hexagonal prism shape, and is rotated at a constant high speed around its axis during image formation. The laser light L emitted from the laser light source 21 is reflected by the polygon mirror 22 and scans the photosensitive drum 31 in the axial direction as the polygon mirror 22 rotates. The laser light reflected by one surface of the polygon mirror 22 exposes one line on the photosensitive drum 31, forming an electrostatic latent image for one line.

[0059] The cartridge 30 is disposed below the exposure unit 20 and is detachably attached to the housing 11 through a front opening that is formed when the front cover 12 provided on the housing 11 is in an open state. The cartridge 30 is composed of a photosensitive drum 31, a charging roller 32, a transfer roller 33, a developing roller 34, and a toner storage unit 35.

[0060] The surface of the photosensitive drum 31 is uniformly charged by the charging roller 32, and then exposed to the laser light L from the exposure unit 20, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 31. The toner contained in the toner container 35 is supplied to the developing roller 34 and carried on the developing roller 34.

[0061] The toner carried on the developing roller 34 is supplied from the developing roller 34 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 31. This makes the electrostatic latent image visible, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 31. Thereafter, the sheet S is transported between the photosensitive drum 31 and the transfer roller 33, so that the toner image on the photosensitive drum 31 is transferred onto the sheet S.

[0062] The fixing unit 40 is disposed behind the cartridge 30, and the toner image transferred onto the sheet S is thermally fixed onto the sheet S as it passes through the fixing unit 40.

[0063] Specifically, the fixing unit 40 is composed of a heating member 41 and a pressure roller 42 that is in pressure contact with the heating member 41. One of the heating member 41 and the pressure roller 43 is urged toward the other by a urging mechanism (not shown). The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is transported between the pressure roller 43 and the heated heating member 41, whereby the toner image is thermally fixed onto the sheet S.

[0064] <Board configuration of image forming device> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the board configuration of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a main board 100, a sub-board 200, and a drum board 300. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a motor 16, a display unit 17, a transmission mechanism 80, and a low-voltage power supply 400. Note that Fig. 2 omits illustrations other than those necessary for explaining the configurations of the main board 100, the sub-board 200, and the drum board 300.

[0065] The main board 100 is mounted with an ASIC 101, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, and a first non-volatile memory 105. The main board 100 is electrically connected to each of the motor 16, the display unit 17, the image forming unit 70, the sub-board 200, and the low-voltage power supply 400. The first harness H1 is a harness formed by bundling together a plurality of wires as shown in FIG. 4 described below. The main board 100 is electrically connected to the sub-board 200 via the first harness H1. The first harness H1 is an example of a first wire. The first wire is not limited to a harness, and may be a wire that electrically connects the main board 100 and the sub-board 200.

[0066] The ASIC 101 has a CPU 102. The CPU 102 reads various control programs stored in a ROM 103 and executes the control programs. The CPU 102 executes the control programs and performs various controls of the image forming apparatus 1 while storing the execution results in a RAM 104. The various controls of the image forming apparatus 1 include the control of image formation performed by the image forming unit 70. The CPU 102 or the ASIC 101 having the CPU 102 is an example of a control unit.

[0067] The CPU 102 controls the driving of the motor 16 by outputting a control signal from a motor driver (not shown) to the motor 16. The CPU 102 controls the driving of the motor 16 to drive each of the registration rollers 51, MP rollers 52, and T1 rollers 53 of the conveying unit 50. The driving force from the motor 16 to each of the registration rollers 51, MP rollers 52, and T1 rollers 53 is transmitted by a transmission mechanism 80. The transmission mechanism 80 transmits the driving force to the conveying unit 50 for driving the conveying unit 50. The transmission mechanism 80 has a registration clutch 81 corresponding to the registration rollers 51 of the conveying unit 50, an MP clutch 82 corresponding to the MP roller 52 of the conveying unit 50, and a T1 clutch 83 corresponding to the T1 roller 53.

[0068] The CPU 102 displays various information on the display unit 17. The display unit 17 is configured with, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0069] A low voltage is supplied to the main board 100 from a low-voltage power supply 400. The main board 100 is driven by the low voltage supply. The low-voltage power supply 400 may be mounted on a predetermined board. The low voltage is an example of a first voltage. The low voltage is, for example, 3.3V.

[0070] The first nonvolatile memory 105 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory. The first nonvolatile memory 105 is a memory in which information or data once written can be erased and rewritten. The first nonvolatile memory 105 is, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark).

[0071] Furthermore, individual product information is written to the first nonvolatile memory 105 before shipping of the image forming apparatus 1. The individual product information is information assigned to each product. More specifically, the individual product information includes at least the following three pieces of information:

[0072] Product serial number Country Information Information for adjusting the focus of the laser light source (hereinafter referred to as "focus adjustment information") Here, the product serial number is information for identifying each individual product, and the country information is information indicating the country in which the product was manufactured.

[0073] The focus adjustment information is product-specific information used to control the output of the laser light source 21 and the rotation of the polygon mirror 22. There is a certain degree of variation in the characteristics of the laser light source 21 and the polygon mirror 22 mounted on each individual product. For this reason, when controlling the output of the laser light source 21 and the rotation of the polygon mirror 22, the image forming apparatus 1 needs to control the focus of the laser light L taking these variations into consideration. The image forming apparatus 1 can appropriately control the focus of the laser light L by controlling the output of the laser light source 21 and the rotation of the polygon mirror 22 using the focus adjustment information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105.

[0074] The sub-board 200 is electrically connected to the main board 100 via the first harness H1. The sub-board 200 is also electrically connected to the registration clutch 81 via the 2-1 harness H2-1. The sub-board 200 is also electrically connected to the MP clutch 82 via the 2-2 harness H2-2. The sub-board 200 is also electrically connected to the T1 clutch 83 via the 2-3 harness H2-3. The sub-board 200 is also electrically connected to the drum board 300 via the third harness H3. The sub-board 200 is also electrically connected to the front cover sensor 12S via the fourth harness H4. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the 2-1 harness H2-1, the 2-2 harness H2-2, and the 2-3 harness H2-3, they will be collectively referred to as the "second harness H2."

[0075] The 2-1 harness H2-1, the 2-2 harness H2-2, and the 2-3 harness H2-3 are examples of second wiring. The third harness H3 is an example of third wiring. The fourth harness H4 is an example of fourth wiring.

[0076] A low voltage is supplied to the sub-board 200 from the main board 100 via the first harness H1. A high voltage is also supplied to the sub-board 200 from the main board 100 via the first harness H1. The high voltage is another example of the first voltage. The high voltage is, for example, 24 V. The main board 100 is electrically connected to a high-voltage power supply (not shown), and the high voltage is supplied to the main board 100 from the high-voltage power supply.

[0077] The low voltage supplied to the sub-board 200 is supplied to the drum board 300 via the third harness H3. The high voltage supplied to the sub-board 200 is supplied to the transmission mechanism 80 via the second harness H2.

[0078] Furthermore, an instruction signal (hereinafter simply referred to as an "instruction signal") instructing the transmission mechanism 80 whether or not to transmit the driving force of the motor 16 to the conveyance unit 50 is input from the main circuit board 100 to the sub-circuit board 200 via the first harness H1. The instruction signal input to the sub-circuit board 200 is output to the transmission mechanism 80 via the second harness H2. If the input instruction signal is a signal instructing transmission, the transmission mechanism 80 transmits the driving force of the motor 16 to the conveyance unit 50, but if the input instruction signal is a signal not instructing transmission, the transmission mechanism 80 does not transmit the driving force of the motor 16 to the conveyance unit 50.

[0079] More specifically, the CPU 102 of the main board 100 outputs an instruction signal to the sub-board 200 via the first harness H1. For example, if the driving force of the motor 16 is to be transmitted to the registration roller 51 but not to the MP roller 52 and the T1 roller 53, the CPU 102 outputs an instruction signal A instructing transmission to the registration clutch 81, an instruction signal B not instructing transmission to the MP roller 52, and an instruction signal C not instructing transmission to the T1 roller 53 to the sub-board 200 via the first harness H1.

[0080] The command signal A input to the sub-board 200 is output to the registration clutch 81 via the 2-1 harness H2-1. The command signal B input to the sub-board 200 is output to the MP clutch 82 via the 2-2 harness H2-2. The command signal C input to the sub-board 200 is output to the T1 clutch 83 via the 2-3 harness H2-3.

[0081] Based on the input command signal A, the registration clutch 81 transmits the driving force of the motor 16 to the registration roller 51. On the other hand, based on the input command signal B, the MP clutch 82 does not transmit the driving force of the motor 16 to the MP roller 52. Also, based on the input command signal B, the T1 clutch 83 does not transmit the driving force of the motor 16 to the T1 roller 53.

[0082] The registration clutch 81 is supplied with a high voltage from the sub-board 200 via the 2-1 harness H2-1. The MP clutch 82 is supplied with a high voltage from the sub-board 200 via the 2-2 harness H2-2. The T1 clutch 83 is supplied with a high voltage from the sub-board 200 via the 2-3 harness H2-3. The registration clutch 81, MP clutch 82, and T1 clutch 83 transmit the driving force of the motor 16 using the high voltage supplied thereto.

[0083] Furthermore, the detection result of the front cover sensor 12S is input to the sub-board 200 via the fourth harness H4. The detection result input to the sub-board 200 is output to the main board 100 via the first harness H1. The CPU 102 determines whether the front cover 12 is open or closed based on the input detection result. If the CPU 102 determines that the front cover 12 is open based on the input detection result while image formation by the image forming unit 70 is being performed, it stops the output of the laser light source 21.

[0084] The cartridge 30 further includes a drum substrate 300. The drum substrate 300 is electrically connected to the sub-substrate 200 via a third harness H3.

[0085] The drum substrate 300 is equipped with a third nonvolatile memory 301. The third nonvolatile memory 301 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory similar to the first nonvolatile memory 105. The third nonvolatile memory 301 is, for example, an EEPROM.

[0086] The third nonvolatile memory 301 also stores the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 31. When the CPU 102 accesses the third nonvolatile memory 301 of the drum substrate 300, the CPU 102 determines the life of the photosensitive drum 31 based on the rotation speed of the photosensitive drum 31. The CPU 102 calculates how many rotations the photosensitive drum 31 has made while image formation is being performed by the image forming unit 70, and outputs the calculated rotation speed to the sub-substrate 200 via the first harness H1. The rotation speed input to the sub-substrate 200 is output to the drum substrate 300 via the third harness H3 and written to the third nonvolatile memory 301 of the drum substrate 300.

[0087] As described above, the role of the sub-board 200 is to relay the various signals and voltages described above from the main board 100 to each of the above-mentioned components of the image forming device 1, or from each of the above-mentioned components of the image forming device 1 to the main board 100, via the first harness H1, the second harness H2, the third harness H3, and the fourth harness H4.

[0088] That is, the sub-board 200 is a relay board that relays various signals and voltages. The configuration of the sub-board 200 will be described later. The sub-board 200 has a plurality of connectors that electrically connect to the first harness H1, the second harness H2, the third harness H3, and the fourth harness H4 for the purpose of relaying the signals, and a plurality of wires that electrically connect these connectors. These connectors and wires are unlikely to break after the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. For this reason, the sub-board 200 is not replaced after the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped.

[0089] In contrast, the CPU 102, which executes various controls of the image forming apparatus 1, often breaks down after the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. For this reason, the main board 100 on which the CPU 102 is mounted is likely to be replaced after the product is shipped. If the main board 100 is replaced after the product is shipped, the individual product information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 mounted on the main board 100 will also be lost when the main board 100 is replaced.

[0090] It should be noted here that the sub-board 200 is equipped with a second non-volatile memory 201, and the individual product information is written to the second non-volatile memory 201 before the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped. Before the image forming apparatus 1 is shipped, the same individual product information is written to both the first non-volatile memory 105 and the second non-volatile memory 201 of the main board 100. Because the sub-board 200 is never replaced, even if the main board 100 is replaced after the product is shipped, the individual product information remains stored in the second non-volatile memory 201. In other words, even if the main board 100 is replaced after the product is shipped, the individual product information will not be lost from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0091] The second nonvolatile memory 201 is a rewritable nonvolatile memory similar to the first nonvolatile memory 105. The second nonvolatile memory 201 is, for example, an EEPROM.

[0092] <Layout relationship between sub-board and main board> FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the sub-board 200 and the main board 100. As shown in FIG.

[0093] 3, when the image forming apparatus 1 is viewed from the left side, the registration clutch 81, the MP clutch 82, and the T1 clutch 83 of the transmission mechanism 80 are each disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. In contrast, the main board 100 is disposed on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0094] For this reason, when the main board 100 and each of the registration clutch 81, MP clutch 82, and T1 clutch 83 of the transmission mechanism 80 are directly and electrically connected to each other, multiple harnesses that electrically connect the main board 100 and each of the registration clutch 81, MP clutch 82, and T1 clutch 83 of the transmission mechanism 80 will be routed inside the housing 11. Securing space for routing multiple harnesses is not convenient in terms of reducing the size of the housing 11.

[0095] In the image forming apparatus 1, the sub-board 200 is disposed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1. The main board 100 and the sub-board 200 are electrically connected by a first harness H1, i.e., one harness, and the sub-board 200 disposed near the transmission mechanism 80 is electrically connected to the transmission mechanism 80 by a second harness H2, i.e., three harnesses. This reduces the space required to route multiple harnesses, which is convenient for reducing the size of the housing 11.

[0096] <Connection relationships of various wiring arranged on the sub-board> FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationships of various wirings arranged on the sub-board 200. As shown in FIG.

[0097] As shown in Figure 4, the sub-board 200 has arranged thereon a first connector 200C-1, a second-first connector 200C-2-1, a second-second connector 200C-2-2, a second-third connector 200C-2-3, a third connector 200C-3, a fourth connector 200C-4, and a second non-volatile memory 201.

[0098] The first connector 200C-1 is electrically connected to a connector 100C arranged on the main board 100 via a first harness H1.

[0099] The 2-1 connector 200C-2-1 is electrically connected to the registration clutch 81 via a 2-1 harness H2-1. The 2-2 connector 200C-2-2 is electrically connected to the MP clutch 82 via a 2-2 harness H2-2. The 2-3 connector 200C-2-3 is electrically connected to the T1 clutch 83 via a 2-3 harness H2-3.

[0100] The third connector 200C-3 is electrically connected to a connector 300C arranged on the drum substrate 300 via a third harness H3.

[0101] The fourth connector 200C-4 is electrically connected to the front cover sensor 12S via a fourth harness H4.

[0102] In Figure 4, the wires with component numbers beginning with "v" are wires for supplying high or low voltage, the wires with component numbers beginning with "d" are wires for transmitting and receiving various signals or information, the wires with component numbers beginning with "c" are wires for supplying clock signals, and the wires with component numbers beginning with "g" are wires for electrically connecting to ground.

[0103] Specifically, a high voltage is supplied to the registration clutch 81 from the main board 100 via the connector 100C, the wire v11, the first connector 200C-1, the wire v1, the second-first connector 200C-2-1, and the wire v81.

[0104] In addition, high voltage is supplied from the main board 100 to the MP clutch 82 via the connector 100C, wiring v11, the first connector 200C-1, wiring v1, wiring v2-1 branched from wiring v1 at branch point N1, the second-2 connector 200C-2-2 and wiring v82.

[0105] In addition, high voltage is supplied from the main board 100 to the T1 clutch 83 via the connector 100C, wiring v11, the first connector 200C-1, wiring v1, wiring v2-1, wiring v2-2 branching off from wiring v2-1 at branch point N2, the second-third connector 200C-2-3 and wiring v83.

[0106] Furthermore, an instruction signal is output from the main board 100 to the registration clutch 81 via the connector 100C, the wire d11, the first connector 200C-1, the wire d1, the second-first connector 200C-2-1, and the wire d81.

[0107] Furthermore, a command signal is output from the main board 100 to the MP clutch 82 via the connector 100C, the wire d12, the first connector 200C-1, the wire d2, the second-second connector 200C-2-2 and the wire d82.

[0108] Furthermore, a command signal is output from the main board 100 to the T1 clutch 83 via the connector 100C, the wire d13, the first connector 200C-1, the wire d3, the second-third connector 200C-2-3, and the wire d83.

[0109] Furthermore, a clock signal is supplied from the main board 100 to the second nonvolatile memory 201 via the connector 100C, the wiring c11, the first connector 200C-1, and the wiring c1.

[0110] In addition, the CPU 102 of the main board 100 writes information to the second non-volatile memory 201, reads information stored in the second non-volatile memory 201, and erases information stored in the second non-volatile memory 201 via the connector 100C, wiring d14, the first connector 200C-1, and wiring d4.

[0111] Furthermore, a low voltage is supplied from the main board 100 to the second nonvolatile memory 201 via the connector 100C, the wiring v12, the first connector 200C-1, and the wiring v2.

[0112] A low voltage is also supplied from the main board 100 to the drum board 300 via the connector 100C, the wire v12, the first connector 200C-1, the wire v2, the wire v2-1 branched from the wire v2 at the branch point N3, the third connector 200C-3, and the wire v32-1. More specifically, the low voltage is supplied to the third nonvolatile memory 301.

[0113] Furthermore, a clock signal is supplied from the main board 100 to the drum board 300 via the connector 100C, the wiring c12, the first connector 200C-1, the wiring c2, the third connector 200C-3, the wiring c32, and the connector 300C. More specifically, the clock signal is supplied to the third nonvolatile memory 301.

[0114] In addition, the CPU 102 of the main board 100 writes information to the third non-volatile memory 301 of the drum board 300, reads information stored in the third non-volatile memory 301, and erases information stored in the third non-volatile memory 301 via the connector 100C, wiring d15, the first connector 200C-1, wiring d5, the third connector 200C-3, wiring c35, and connector 300C.

[0115] Furthermore, the ground of the main board 100 is electrically connected to the ground G4 of the sub-board 200 via the connector 100C, the wiring g12, the first connector 200C-1, and the wiring g2. The ground of the drum board 300 is electrically connected to the ground G3 of the sub-board 200 via the connector 300C, the wiring g33, the third connector 200C-3, and the wiring g3. The ground of the front cover sensor 12S is electrically connected to the ground G4 of the sub-board 200 via the wiring g44, the fourth connector 200C-4, and the wiring g4. The second non-volatile memory 201 of the sub-board 200 is electrically connected to the ground G4 of the sub-board 200 via the wiring g1. All of the grounds G1 to G4 are the grounds of the sub-board 200.

[0116] Furthermore, the CPU 102 of the main board 100 receives the detection result of the front cover sensor 12S via the connector 100C, the wire d16, the first connector 200C-1, the wire d6, the fourth connector 200C-4, and the wire c46.

[0117] <Memory update processing procedure> 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the memory update processing method executed by the CPU 102. The memory update processing method according to the first embodiment is executed every time the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on.

[0118] In step S101, the CPU 102 acquires information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105. Here, if the main board 100 has not been replaced after the product has been shipped, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 is product-specific information. On the other hand, if the main board 100 has been replaced after the product has been shipped, no product-specific information is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105. If the main board 100 has been replaced after the product has been shipped, for example, a predetermined initial value is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105. The initial value is not product-specific information, but a default value stored before the product is installed.

[0119] In step S102, the CPU 102 acquires the information stored in the second nonvolatile memory 201. The information stored in the second nonvolatile memory 201 is individual product information.

[0120] In step S103, the CPU 102 determines whether the information stored in the first non-volatile memory 105 acquired in step S101 matches the information stored in the second non-volatile memory 201 acquired in step S102.

[0121] Here, if the main board 100 has not been replaced after the product has been shipped, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 is product-specific information. In this case, the two will match. On the other hand, if the main board 100 has been replaced after the product has been shipped, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 is the initial value. In this case, the two will not match.

[0122] If the two match (YES in step S103), this process ends. On the other hand, if the two do not match (NO in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0123] In step S104, CPU 102 updates the information stored in first nonvolatile memory 105 with the information acquired in step S102 and stored in second nonvolatile memory 201. More specifically, CPU 102 writes the information stored in second nonvolatile memory 201, i.e., the individual product information, to first nonvolatile memory 105.

[0124] In step S105, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the information written in step S104 and stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 matches the information acquired in step S102 and stored in the second nonvolatile memory 201.

[0125] Here, if the update in step S104 is successful, the information stored in the first non-volatile memory 105 is the individual product information. In this case, the two match. If the update in step S104 is unsuccessful, the information stored in the first non-volatile memory 105 is not the complete individual product information. For example, this may be the case if only part of the individual product information is written to the first non-volatile memory 105. In this case, the two do not match.

[0126] If the two match (YES in step S105), in step S106, CPU 102 determines that the update in step S104 is normal, and this process ends.

[0127] On the other hand, if the two do not match (NO in step S105), in step S107, CPU 102 determines that the update in step S104 was abnormal. In this case, CPU 102 causes display unit 17 to display, for example, an error code indicating that there was an abnormality in the update process, and ends this process. By displaying the error code on display unit 17, it is possible to notify the user that there was an abnormality in the update process.

[0128] [Embodiment 2] The second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0129] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the memory update processing method according to the present embodiment 2. The memory update processing method according to the present embodiment 2 is executed every time the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on.

[0130] In step S201, the CPU 102 acquires information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105. Here, if the main board 100 has not been replaced after the product has been shipped, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 is product-specific information. On the other hand, if the main board 100 has been replaced after the product has been shipped, no product-specific information is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105. If the main board 100 has been replaced after the product has been shipped, for example, a predetermined initial value is stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105. The initial value is not product-specific information, but a default value stored before the product is installed.

[0131] In step S202, the CPU 102 determines whether the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105, acquired in step S201, matches the initial value.

[0132] Here, if the main board 100 has not been replaced after the product has been shipped, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 is product-specific information. In this case, the two do not match. On the other hand, if the main board 100 has been replaced after the product has been shipped, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory 105 is the initial value. In this case, the two match.

[0133] If they do not match (NO in step S202), this process ends. On the other hand, if they match (YES in step S202), the process proceeds to step S203.

[0134] In step S203, the CPU 102 acquires the information stored in the second non-volatile memory 201, i.e., the individual product information, and updates the information stored in the first non-volatile memory 105 to the acquired individual product information, and then the process ends.

[0135] According to the memory update method of the second embodiment, the time required for processing can be reduced compared to the memory update method of the first embodiment.

[0136] In the second embodiment, too, after the process of step S203 is completed, the processes of steps S105 to S107 shown in FIG. 5 may be executed.

[0137] [Embodiment 3] Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0138] 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the memory update processing method according to the present embodiment 3. The memory update processing method according to the present embodiment 3 is executed every time the image forming apparatus 1 is powered on.

[0139] In step S301, the CPU 102 acquires information stored in the second non-volatile memory 201, i.e., product individual information, updates the information stored in the first non-volatile memory 105 to the acquired product individual information, and then ends this processing.

[0140] According to the memory update method of the third embodiment, the time required for processing can be reduced compared to the memory update methods of the first and second embodiments.

[0141] In the third embodiment, too, after the processing of step S301 is completed, the processing of steps S105 to S107 shown in FIG. 5 may be executed.

[0142] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1. Image forming device 12 Front cover 12S front cover sensor 17 Display section 21 Laser light source 31 Photosensitive drum 50 Conveying section 51 Register Roller 52 MP Roller 53 T1 Roller 70 Image forming unit 80 Transmission Mechanism 81 Reg Clutch 82 MP clutch 83 T1 clutch 100 Main board 101 ASIC 102 CPU 105 First non-volatile memory 200 Sub-board 201 Second non-volatile memory 300 drum board 301 Third non-volatile memory G1~G4 Grand H1 1st harness H2-1 No. 2-1 harness H2-2 No. 2-2 harness H2-3 No. 2-3 harness H3 3rd harness H4 4th harness S seat

Claims

1. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a conveying section that conveys the sheet to the image forming section; a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force for driving the transport unit to the transport unit; a main board that is a board to be replaced after product shipment, the main board having a control unit that controls the image forming unit and a first nonvolatile memory that stores product-specific information that is product-specific information assigned to each product; a sub-substrate that is a substrate that will not be replaced after product shipment, the sub-substrate being electrically connected to the main substrate by a first wiring and electrically connected to the transmission mechanism by a second wiring; Equipped with the control unit transmits an instruction signal to the transmission mechanism via the first wiring, the sub-board, and the second wiring, instructing the transmission mechanism whether or not to transmit the driving force to the transport unit; The sub-substrate is a second nonvolatile memory; The second nonvolatile memory stores the individual product information before product shipment. Image forming device.

2. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a conveying section that conveys the sheet to the image forming section; a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force for driving the transport unit to the transport unit; a main board having a control unit for controlling the image forming unit and a first nonvolatile memory for storing product-specific information assigned to each product; a sub-board electrically connected to the main board by a first wiring and electrically connected to the transmission mechanism by a second wiring; a drum substrate having a third non-volatile memory; Equipped with the control unit transmits an instruction signal to the transmission mechanism via the first wiring, the sub-board, and the second wiring, instructing the transmission mechanism whether or not to transmit the driving force to the transport unit; the image forming unit has a photosensitive drum, The third nonvolatile memory stores information about the photosensitive drum, The sub-substrate is a second nonvolatile memory; The second nonvolatile memory stores the individual product information before product shipment, electrically connected to the drum substrate by a third wiring, A first voltage supplied from the main board via the first wiring, The second nonvolatile memory of the sub-board is supplied with the signal. supplying the signal to the third nonvolatile memory of the drum substrate via the third wiring; Image forming device.

3. The sub-board, the main board, and the drum board share a common ground via the first wiring and the third wiring. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 .

4. the control unit executes an update process to update the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory with the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. In the update process, the control unit determining whether or not the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory matches the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory; If the determination result is a mismatch, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory is updated to the individual product information stored in the second nonvolatile memory; If the determination result indicates a match, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory is not updated to the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. Further comprising a display unit, After updating the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory to the individual product information stored in the second nonvolatile memory, the control unit: determining whether or not the product individual information stored in the first nonvolatile memory contains information identical to predetermined information contained in the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory; based on the determination result that the identical information is not included, displaying an error code indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the update process on the display unit; The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. In the update process, the control unit determining whether the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory matches predetermined initial value information; If the determination result is a match, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory is updated to the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory; If the determination result indicates a mismatch, the information stored in the first nonvolatile memory is not updated to the product individual information stored in the second nonvolatile memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

8. The control unit The update process is executed when the image forming apparatus is powered on. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 .

9. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a conveying section that conveys the sheet to the image forming section; a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force for driving the transport unit to the transport unit; a main board having a control unit for controlling the image forming unit and a first nonvolatile memory for storing product-specific information assigned to each product; a sub-board electrically connected to the main board by a first wiring and electrically connected to the transmission mechanism by a second wiring; Equipped with the control unit transmits an instruction signal to the transmission mechanism via the first wiring, the sub-board, and the second wiring, instructing the transmission mechanism whether or not to transmit the driving force to the transport unit; the conveying section has a plurality of rollers for conveying the sheet to the image forming section, the transmission mechanism includes a plurality of clutches; The rollers and the clutches correspond one-to-one to each other, Each of the clutches transmits a driving force to each of the corresponding rollers to drive the rollers, The sub-substrate is a second nonvolatile memory; The second nonvolatile memory stores the individual product information before product shipment, supplying a first voltage supplied from the main board to each of the clutches; Image forming device.

10. a cover for covering the image forming unit; a cover sensor that detects whether the cover is open or closed, The cover sensor is electrically connected to the sub-board by a fourth wiring. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. The product individual information includes serial number information unique to the product for identifying the product. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

12. the individual product information includes adjustment information used by the control unit when adjusting image formation by the image forming unit, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 .

13. further comprising a laser light source; the image forming unit forms an image by scanning the laser light emitted from the laser light source, the adjustment information is information for adjusting the focus of the laser light source; The image forming apparatus according to claim 12.

Images