Licensing method for image forming systems, image forming apparatus, and cartridges

Abstract

To achieve a configuration to make destinations different for image forming apparatuses that are designed for cartridges different in number of connection terminals connected to the image forming apparatuses.SOLUTION: An image forming system (100) comprises a first image forming apparatus (1A), a second image forming apparatus (1B), a first toner cartridge (30A), and a second toner cartridge (30B). The first image forming apparatus (1A) permits the use of a first memory of the first toner cartridge (30A), and the second image forming apparatus (1B) permits the use of a second memory of the second toner cartridge (30B).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system, an image forming apparatus, and a method for licensing the use of a cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] As in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus to which a cartridge having three connection terminals connected to the image forming apparatus is attached is known as the prior art. There is also an image forming apparatus to which a cartridge having four connection terminals connected to the image forming apparatus is attached.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] With the spread of image forming apparatuses, as described above, for a cartridge having four connection terminals and a cartridge having three connection terminals, the destination may be made different. Along with this, it is also necessary to make the destinations different for the first image forming apparatus that can use a cartridge having four connection terminals and the second image forming apparatus that can use a cartridge having three connection terminals.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to realize a configuration in which the destinations of image forming apparatuses respectively corresponding to cartridges having different numbers of connection terminals connected to the image forming apparatus are made different.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an image forming system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a first image forming apparatus having a first electrical connector; a second image forming apparatus having a second electrical connector; a first cartridge comprising a first memory having a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connector; a second memory having a plurality of different second connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and the number of which is less than the number of which is first connection terminals; and the cartridge body. The first image forming apparatus comprises a second cartridge, wherein when the first image forming apparatus is fitted with the first cartridge, the first electrical connector allows the use of the first memory via a plurality of first connection terminals; when the first image forming apparatus is fitted with the second cartridge, the first electrical connector does not allow the use of the second memory via a plurality of second connection terminals; when the second image forming apparatus is fitted with the second cartridge, the second electrical connector allows the use of the second memory via a plurality of second connection terminals; and when the second image forming apparatus is fitted with the first cartridge, the second electrical connector does not allow the use of the first memory via a plurality of first connection terminals.

[0007] The first and second image forming apparatuses each allow the use of their respective cartridges, but do not allow the use of cartridges that do not correspond to them. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the destination of the image forming apparatus corresponding to cartridges with different numbers of connection terminals connected to the image forming apparatus is different.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming system according to the first aspect, wherein the first image forming apparatus has a main power supply that outputs power, a control circuit, a common main board having a power terminal electrically connected to the main power supply, a first relay board electrically connected to the power terminal of the common main board via a first wiring, and a second wiring on the first relay board that is not electrically connected to the first wiring, and electrically connects the clock terminal of the control circuit of the common main board to the first electrical connector, and the second image forming apparatus has the main power supply, the common main board, and the front of the second image forming apparatus The first image forming apparatus has a second relay board that is electrically connected to the power terminal of the common main board via a third wiring, and a fourth wiring that is electrically connected to the third wiring on the second relay board, and which electrically connects the clock terminal of the control circuit on the common main board of the second image forming apparatus to the third wiring, and when the first image forming apparatus is fitted with the first cartridge, the second wiring may electrically connect the clock terminal of the control circuit on the common main board of the first image forming apparatus to one of the plurality of first connection terminals via a first electrical connector.

[0009] In the first image forming apparatus, the clock terminal of the control circuit on the common main board is not electrically connected to the power terminal of the common main board via the first wiring, but is electrically connected to the first electrical connector via the second wiring. Therefore, even if power is output from the power terminal of the common main board, power can be prevented from being input to the clock terminal of the control circuit on the common main board.

[0010] Furthermore, in the second image forming apparatus, the clock terminal of the control circuit on the common main board is electrically connected to the power terminal of the common main board via the third and fourth wirings. Therefore, when power is output from the power terminal of the common main board, power can be input to the clock terminal of the control circuit on the common main board.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming system according to the second aspect, wherein the main power supply of the first image forming apparatus outputs power to the first relay board, the first image forming apparatus has a cartridge power supply, each of the plurality of first connection terminals of the first memory has a power terminal, a data terminal, and a ground terminal in addition to a clock terminal, and when the first image forming apparatus has the first cartridge installed, the cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the first memory via the first electrical connector to output power to the first memory, the data terminal of the control circuit on the common main board of the first image forming apparatus is connected to the data terminal of the first memory via the first electrical connector to communicate with the data terminal of the first memory, and the ground terminal of the first relay board may be connected to the ground terminal of the first memory via the first electrical connector. In the first image forming apparatus, a first cartridge having a power terminal, a clock terminal, a data terminal, and a ground terminal can be used.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming system according to the second or third aspect, wherein the main power supply of the second image forming apparatus outputs power to the second relay board, the second image forming apparatus has a cartridge power supply, each of the plurality of second connection terminals of the second memory is a power terminal, a data terminal, and a ground terminal, when the second image forming apparatus is fitted with the second cartridge, the cartridge power supply of the second image forming apparatus is electrically connected to the power terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector to output power to the second memory, the data terminal of the control circuit on the common main board of the second image forming apparatus is connected to the data terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector to communicate with the data terminal of the second memory, and the ground terminal of the second relay board may be connected to the ground terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector. In the second image forming apparatus, a second cartridge having three connection terminals can be used.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, when an image forming apparatus is mounted on a first cartridge comprising a first memory having a first electrical connector and a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connector, and a cartridge body, the first electrical connector allows the use of the first memory via the plurality of first connection terminals. When an image forming apparatus is mounted on a second cartridge comprising a second memory having a plurality of different second connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to a second electrical connector provided by an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, and the number of the plurality of second connection terminals is less than the number of the plurality of first connection terminals, and a cartridge body, the first electrical connector does not allow the use of the second memory via the plurality of second connection terminals.

[0014] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, when an image forming apparatus is mounted on a second cartridge comprising a second memory having a second electrical connector and a plurality of different second connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and a cartridge body, the second electrical connector allows the use of the second memory via the plurality of second connection terminals. When an image forming apparatus is mounted on a first cartridge comprising a first memory having a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to a first electrical connector provided by an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, and the number of the plurality of first connection terminals is greater than the number of the plurality of second connection terminals, and a cartridge body, the second electrical connector does not allow the use of the first memory via the plurality of first connection terminals.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for licensing a cartridge, in which, when a first image forming apparatus equipped with a first electrical connector is fitted with a first cartridge comprising a first memory having a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connector, and a cartridge body, the use of the first cartridge by the first image forming apparatus is permitted; when the first image forming apparatus is fitted with a second cartridge comprising a second memory having a plurality of different second connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to a second electrical connector provided by a second image forming apparatus other than the first image forming apparatus, and the number of the plurality of second connection terminals is less than the number of the plurality of first connection terminals, the use of the second cartridge by the first image forming apparatus is not permitted; when the second image forming apparatus is fitted with the second cartridge, the use of the second cartridge by the second image forming apparatus is permitted; and when the second image forming apparatus is fitted with the first cartridge, the use of the first cartridge by the second image forming apparatus is not permitted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the destination of the image forming apparatus can be different for each image forming apparatus corresponding to a cartridge with a different number of connection terminals connected to the image forming apparatus. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system of Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the first image forming apparatus included in the image forming system shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the first image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the second image forming apparatus included in the image forming system shown. [Figure 5]This is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the second image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In this embodiment, as an example, the case where the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B are laser printers will be described. However, the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B may be printers other than laser printers. For example, the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B may be inkjet printers.

[0019] ≪Configuration of Image Forming System≫ FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes a first image forming apparatus 1A, a second image forming apparatus 1B, four first toner cartridges 30A, and four second toner cartridges 30B.

[0020] The image forming system 100 is a system that realizes a configuration in which the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B each permit the use of the corresponding toner cartridge and do not permit the use of the non-corresponding toner cartridge. Hereinafter, the details of the configurations of the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B will be described.

[0021] ≪Schematic Configuration of First Image Forming Apparatus≫ Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the first image forming apparatus 1A included in the image forming system 100 shown in Figure 1. The first image forming apparatus 1A is an electrophotographic printer. An example of the first image forming apparatus 1A is an LED printer. As shown in Figure 2, the first image forming apparatus 1A comprises a main body housing 10, a cover 11, a transfer belt 70, a main body power supply VMA, a cartridge power supply VCA, and a controller 80A. The first image forming apparatus 1A is also equipped with a drum cartridge 20 and a first toner cartridge 30A, which is an example of a first cartridge.

[0022] In the first image forming apparatus 1A, for example, four drum cartridges 20 and four first toner cartridges 30A are installed to form a full-color image. However, the number of drum cartridges 20 and first toner cartridges 30A installed in the first image forming apparatus 1A is not limited. For example, if the first image forming apparatus is used to form a monochrome image, one drum cartridge and one first toner cartridge may be installed.

[0023] The first image forming apparatus 1A is equipped with a light source unit 50 corresponding to each drum cartridge 20. In other words, the first image forming apparatus 1A is equipped with four light source units 50. The first toner cartridge 30A becomes integrated with the drum cartridge 20 when it is mounted on the drum cartridge 20. In other words, the first toner cartridge 30A is mounted on the drum cartridge 20 and then mounted together with the drum cartridge 20 into the main body housing 10.

[0024] The main casing 10 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box. Four drum cartridges 20, four first toner cartridges 30A, a transfer belt 70, and a controller 80A are housed in the main casing 10. The main casing 10 has four cartridge holders 13. The cartridge holders 13 have concave openings. The drum cartridges 20 and the first toner cartridges 30A are mounted in the main casing 10 by being held in each of the cartridge holders 13.

[0025] The outer surface of the main unit housing 10 may be provided with display units such as a liquid crystal display and lamps, as well as input units such as buttons. The liquid crystal display may be configured to function as an input unit by being integrated with a touch panel.

[0026] The cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A formed at the upper end of the main body housing 10. The cover 11 is rotatable around a pivot axis 11A extending in a first direction, between an open position where the opening 10A is open (shown by a solid line in Figure 2) and a closed position where the opening 10A is closed (shown by a dashed line in Figure 2). The "first direction" refers to the direction in which the rotational axis of the developing roller 33 in the first toner cartridge 30A extends. When the cover 11 is in the open position, each opening of the cartridge holding section 13 is opened. When the cover 11 is in the closed position, each opening of the cartridge holding section 13 is covered by the cover 11.

[0027] The main unit housing 10 is equipped with a main unit power supply VMA and a cartridge power supply VCA. The main unit power supply VMA outputs power to the electrical components of the first relay board 91A shown in Figure 3. The cartridge power supply VCA outputs power to the first toner cartridge 30A installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0028] The drum cartridge 20 has a cartridge housing that can be mounted on the main unit housing 10. The cartridge housing includes a photosensitive drum 21 as a component used for image formation. The photosensitive drum 21 is a replaceable part that needs to be replaced due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The photosensitive drum 21 is a cylindrical photoreceptor extending in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatable around a drum axis extending in the first direction. The outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is covered with a photosensitive material.

[0029] The first toner cartridge 30A comprises a first memory 31A and a cartridge body 32A. The cartridge body 32A has a developing roller 33 and a cartridge housing capable of housing the developer. The four first toner cartridges 30A each contain developer of different colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, as materials used for image formation. The developer is a consumable item that is used up with use. The developing roller 33 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction and is rotatable about a developing axis extending in the first direction. When the first toner cartridge 30A is mounted on the drum cartridge 20, the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 comes into contact with the outer surface of the developing roller 33.

[0030] The first memory 31A is an EEPROM (registered trademark) IC (Integrated Circuit) circuit, and when the first toner cartridge 30A is installed in the main unit housing 10, it enables bidirectional communication with the controller 80A. The controller 80A can control the first memory 31A to write and read information to the first memory 31A.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the drum cartridge 20 and the first toner cartridge 30A are mounted in the main body housing 10 with the cover 11 in the open position. The drum cartridge 20 and the first toner cartridge 30A are inserted into the cartridge holding section 13 through the opening 10A.

[0032] The four light source units 50 are mounted on the inner surface of the cover 11. The light source units 50 are positioned facing the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 when the drum cartridge 20 is mounted in the main housing 10 and the cover 11 is in the closed position. The light source units 50 also have multiple light sources arranged in a first direction. The light sources are capable of irradiating the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 with light. The light sources are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

[0033] The light source unit 50 is electrically connected to the controller 80A. The controller 80A causes the multiple light sources of the light source unit 50 to emit light according to the input image data. Therefore, the light sources irradiate the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light. In addition, the photosensitive material on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is exposed according to the image data.

[0034] The transfer belt 70 is a component that transfers the developer on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 to the printing paper. The transfer belt 70 is a replaceable part that needs to be replaced due to deterioration such as surface wear that occurs with use. The transfer belt 70 is an annular belt that can contact the photoreceptor drum 21. The outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 can contact the outer surface of the transfer belt 70. During the printing process, the printing paper is transported between the transfer belt 70 and the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0035] The transfer belt 70 is stretched between the drive roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The drive roller 71 drives the transfer belt 70. The controller 80A rotates the drive roller 71. The driven roller 72 rotates in accordance with the movement of the transfer belt 70 as a result of the drive of the drive roller 71.

[0036] The controller 80A has an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 81A, which is an example of a control circuit shown in Figure 3. The controller 80A causes the first image forming apparatus 1A to perform printing and related processes by executing various processes.

[0037] The controller 80A may also include a processor such as a CPU. If the controller 80A includes a processor, a control program that implements the image forming control method is stored in the main memory of the first image forming apparatus 1A. The controller 80A may cause the first image forming apparatus 1A to perform printing processing by operating the processor in accordance with the control program.

[0038] Furthermore, the controller 80A may be equipped with a computer-readable recording medium that stores the control program. The recording medium can be a "non-temporary tangible medium," such as ROM (Read Only Memory), as well as magnetic disks, cards, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuits, etc. Alternatively, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the control program may be used. The control program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the control program, such as a communication network or broadcast waves.

[0039] <<Circuit configuration of the first image forming apparatus>> Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the first image forming apparatus 1A shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 also shows the case where the first image forming apparatus 1A is equipped with four first toner cartridges 30A. As shown in Figure 3, the first image forming apparatus 1A comprises a common main board 90A, a first relay board 91A, wiring W1, wiring CZ1, CZ2, CZ3, CZ4, and four first electrical connectors CNA.

[0040] The common main board 90A has an ASIC 81A and power terminals 82, 83, and 84. The ASIC 81A has four data terminals DA and a clock terminal CLA. Power terminal 82 is electrically connected to the main power supply VMA. Power terminals 83 and 84 are electrically connected to the cartridge power supply VCA.

[0041] The first relay board 91A is provided with four first electrical connectors CNA and a ground terminal GNA. The first electrical connectors CNA have four terminals A1, A2, A3, and A4. Terminal A1 is electrically connected to the power terminal 83 via wiring CZ1. Terminal A2 is electrically connected to the clock terminal CLA and the power terminal 84 via wiring CZ2, which is an example of second wiring. Terminal A3 is connected to the ground terminal GNA via wiring CZ3. Terminal A4 is electrically connected to the data terminal DA via wiring CZ4.

[0042] Wiring W1 is an example of first wiring, and electrically connects the power terminal 82 to the electrical components of the first relay board 91A. In other words, the first relay board 91A is electrically connected to the power terminal 82 via wiring W1. Wiring W1 is not electrically connected to wiring CZ2 on the first relay board 91A.

[0043] The first memory 31A has a plurality of distinct first connection terminals. Each of the plurality of first connection terminals of the first memory 31A is a power terminal 311, a clock terminal 312, a ground terminal 313, and a data terminal 314. There are four plurality of first connection terminals.

[0044] When the first image forming apparatus 1A is fitted with the first toner cartridge 30A, each of the multiple first connection terminals is electrically connected to the first electrical connector CNA. Specifically, the power terminal 311 is electrically connected to terminal A1, the clock terminal 312 is electrically connected to terminal A2, the ground terminal 313 is connected to terminal A3, and the data terminal 314 is electrically connected to terminal A4.

[0045] When power terminal 311 is electrically connected to terminal A1, power terminal 83 is electrically connected to power terminal 311. When power terminal 83 is electrically connected to power terminal 311, the cartridge power supply VCA is electrically connected to power terminal 311 via power terminal 83, wiring CZ1 and terminal A1, and outputs power to the first memory 31A.

[0046] When clock terminal 312 is electrically connected to terminal A2, clock terminal CLA is electrically connected to clock terminal 312. When clock terminal CLA is electrically connected to clock terminal 312, ASIC81A transmits a clock signal to the first memory 31A by electrically connecting to clock terminal 312 via wiring CZ2 and terminal A2. Wiring CZ2 is commonly used in ASIC81A to transmit clock signals to the four first toner cartridges 30A. Wiring CZ2 is electrically connected to power terminal 84 on the common main board 90A via resistor R1.

[0047] When ground terminal 313 is connected to terminal A3, ground terminal GNA is connected to ground terminal 313. When data terminal 314 is electrically connected to terminal A4, data terminal DA is electrically connected to data terminal 314. When data terminal DA is electrically connected to data terminal 314, communication takes place between data terminal DA and data terminal 314.

[0048] In the first image forming apparatus 1A, the clock terminal CLA is not electrically connected to the power terminal 82 via wiring W1, but is electrically connected to the first electrical connector CNA via wiring CZ2. Therefore, even when power is output from the power terminal 82, power is not input to the clock terminal CLA.

[0049] Regarding the control of the first image forming apparatus: When the power to the first image forming apparatus 1A is turned ON, the main unit power supply VMA turns ON before the cartridge power supply VCA. When the main unit power supply VMA is ON, no power is input to the clock terminal CLA because wiring W1 is not electrically connected to wiring CZ2. When the cartridge power supply VCA turns ON after the main unit power supply VMA is ON, the cartridge power supply VCA outputs power to the clock terminal CLA via power terminal 84 and wiring CZ2.

[0050] When the cartridge power supply VCA outputs power to the clock terminal CLA, the potential of the clock terminal CLA changes from Low to High. When the cartridge power supply VCA is OFF, the cartridge power supply VCA outputs a Low voltage to the clock terminal CLA via power terminal 84 and wiring CZ2.

[0051] The ASIC81A determines that the potential of the clock terminal CLA is low during the period between the main unit power supply VMA being turned ON and the cartridge power supply VCA being turned ON. The ASIC81A then determines that the first toner cartridge 30A is usable with the first image forming apparatus 1A, and that the second toner cartridge 30B is not usable with the first image forming apparatus 1A.

[0052] Therefore, based on the potential of the clock terminal CLA, ASIC81A can determine that the first image forming apparatus 1A is an apparatus that allows the use of the first toner cartridge 30A but does not allow the use of the second toner cartridge 30B.

[0053] As described above, when the first image forming apparatus 1A is fitted with the first toner cartridge 30A, the first electrical connector CNA allows the use of the first memory 31A via the multiple first connection terminals. However, when the first image forming apparatus 1A is fitted with the second toner cartridge 30B, the first electrical connector CNA does not allow the use of the second memory 31B shown in Figure 4 via the multiple second connection terminals. The multiple second connection terminals will be described later.

[0054] Furthermore, the first image forming apparatus 1A can use a first toner cartridge 30A having a power terminal 311, a clock terminal 312, a ground terminal 313, and a data terminal 314.

[0055] <<Outline configuration of the second image forming apparatus>> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the second image forming apparatus 1B included in the image forming system 100 shown in Figure 1. The configuration of the second image forming apparatus 1B that is the same as that of the first image forming apparatus 1A will not be explained. The second image forming apparatus 1B includes a main power supply VMB, a cartridge power supply VCB, and a controller 80B. The configurations of the main power supply VMB, cartridge power supply VCB, and controller 80B are the same as those of the main power supply VMA, cartridge power supply VCA, and controller 80A, respectively.

[0056] The second image forming apparatus 1B is equipped with a second toner cartridge 30B, which is an example of a second cartridge. The main power supply VMB outputs power to the electrical components of the second relay board 91B shown in Figure 5. The cartridge power supply VCB outputs power to the second toner cartridge 30B mounted in the main housing 10.

[0057] The second toner cartridge 30B comprises a second memory 31B and a cartridge body 32B. The configuration of the cartridge body 32B is the same as that of the cartridge body 32A. The second memory 31B is a secure IC circuit, which enables bidirectional communication with the controller 80B when the second toner cartridge 30B is installed in the main unit housing 10.

[0058] ≪Circuit Configuration of the Second Image Forming Apparatus≫ Figure 5 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the second image forming apparatus 1B shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 also shows the case where the second image forming apparatus 1B is equipped with four second toner cartridges 30B. As shown in Figure 5, the second image forming apparatus 1B comprises a common main board 90B, a second relay board 91B, wiring W2, wiring W3, wiring CY1, CY2, CY3, and four second electrical connectors CNB.

[0059] The common main board 90B has an ASIC 81B and power terminals 85, 86, and 87. The ASIC 81B has four data terminals DB and a clock terminal CLB. Power terminal 85 is electrically connected to the main power supply VMB. Power terminals 86 and 87 are electrically connected to the cartridge power supply VCB.

[0060] The second relay board 91B is provided with four second electrical connectors CNB and a ground terminal GNB. The second electrical connector CNB has four terminals B1, B2, and B3. Terminal B1 is electrically connected to the power terminal 86 via wiring CY1. Terminal B2 is electrically connected to the data terminal DB via wiring CY2. Terminal B3 is connected to the ground terminal GNB via wiring CY3.

[0061] Wiring W2 is an example of a third wiring, and it electrically connects the power terminal 85 to the electrical components of the second relay board 91B. In other words, the second relay board 91B is electrically connected to the power terminal 85 via wiring W2. Wiring W2 is electrically connected to wiring W3 on the second relay board 91B.

[0062] Wiring W3 is an example of a fourth wiring, and electrically connects the clock terminal CLB and wiring W2. Wiring W3 is electrically connected to the power terminal 87 via resistor R2 on the common main board 90B. On the second relay board 91B, resistor R3 is provided for wiring W3. Wiring W2 and wiring W3 may be a single wiring or separate wiring.

[0063] The second memory 31B has multiple second connection terminals that are different from each other. Each of the multiple second connection terminals of the second memory 31B is a power terminal 321, a data terminal 322, and a ground terminal 323. The number of multiple second connection terminals is three, which is less than the number of multiple first connection terminals.

[0064] When the second image forming apparatus 1B is fitted with the second toner cartridge 30B, each of the multiple second connection terminals is electrically connected to the second electrical connector CNB. Specifically, the power terminal 321 is electrically connected to terminal B1, the data terminal 322 is electrically connected to terminal B2, and the ground terminal 323 is connected to terminal B3.

[0065] When power terminal 321 is electrically connected to terminal B1, power terminal 86 is electrically connected to power terminal 321. When power terminal 86 is electrically connected to power terminal 321, the cartridge power supply VCB is electrically connected to power terminal 321 via power terminal 86, wiring CY1 and terminal B1, and outputs power to the second memory 31B.

[0066] When data terminal 322 is electrically connected to terminal B2, data terminal DB is electrically connected to data terminal 322. When data terminal DB is electrically connected to data terminal 322, communication takes place between data terminal DB and data terminal 322. When ground terminal 323 is connected to terminal B3, ground terminal GNB is connected to ground terminal 323.

[0067] In the second image forming apparatus 1B, the clock terminal CLB is electrically connected to the power terminal 85 via wiring W2 and wiring W3. Therefore, when power is output from the power terminal 85, power can be input to the clock terminal CLB.

[0068] Regarding the control of the second image forming apparatus: When the power to the second image forming apparatus 1B is turned ON, the main power supply VMB turns ON before the cartridge power supply VCB. When the main power supply VMB is ON, power is input to the clock terminal CLB because wiring W2 is electrically connected to wiring W3. When the main power supply VMB is ON, the potential of the clock terminal CLB changes from Low to High.

[0069] When the main unit power supply VMB is turned ON and then the cartridge power supply VCB is turned ON, the cartridge power supply VCB outputs power to the clock terminal CLB via power terminal 87 and wiring W3. When the cartridge power supply VCB is turned OFF, the cartridge power supply VCB outputs a Low voltage to the clock terminal CLB via power terminal 87 and wiring W3.

[0070] ASIC81B determines that the potential of the clock terminal CLB is high during the period between when the main unit power supply VMB is turned ON and when the cartridge power supply VCB is turned ON. Then, ASIC81B determines that the second toner cartridge 30B is usable for the second image forming apparatus 1B, and that the first toner cartridge 30A is not usable for the second image forming apparatus 1B.

[0071] Therefore, based on the potential of the clock terminal CLB, ASIC81B can determine that the second image forming apparatus 1B is an apparatus that allows the use of the second toner cartridge 30B but does not allow the use of the first toner cartridge 30A.

[0072] As described above, when the second image forming apparatus 1B is fitted with the second toner cartridge 30B, the second electrical connector CNB allows the use of the second memory 31B via multiple second connection terminals. Conversely, when the second image forming apparatus 1B is fitted with the first toner cartridge 30A, the second electrical connector CNB does not allow the use of the first memory 31A via multiple first connection terminals. Furthermore, the second image forming apparatus 1B can use a second toner cartridge 30B having three connection terminals.

[0073] Regarding the effects of the first and second image forming apparatuses: The first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B each allow the use of their respective toner cartridges, but do not allow the use of toner cartridges that do not correspond to them. Therefore, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the destination of the image forming apparatus corresponding to toner cartridges with different numbers of connection terminals connected to the image forming apparatus is different.

[0074] Furthermore, wiring W1 and wiring CZ2 are not connected on the first relay board 91A, while wiring W2 and wiring W3 are connected on the second relay board 91B. In other words, in the image forming system 100, the configuration for different destinations for the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B is completed on the first relay board 91A and the second relay board 91B. Therefore, the configuration of the common main board can be standardized for the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced, and the manageability and maintainability of the common main board can be improved.

[0075] Furthermore, in order to realize configurations that allow the first image forming apparatus 1A and the second image forming apparatus 1B to have different destinations, it is not necessary to increase the number of connection terminals of ASICs 81A and 81B, nor is it necessary to increase the number of wires between the common main board and the relay board. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

[0076] ≪Variations≫ The second memory 31B may have three of the four connection terminals, which include the power terminal 321, data terminal 322, ground terminal 323, and clock terminal. The configuration of the clock terminal of the second memory 31B is the same as the configuration of the clock terminal 312 of the first memory 31A.

[0077] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0078] In Embodiment 1, a first toner cartridge 30A is given as an example of a first cartridge, and a second toner cartridge 30B is given as an example of a second cartridge. However, a first drum cartridge may be given as an example of a first cartridge, and a second drum cartridge may be given as an example of a second cartridge.

[0079] The first drum cartridge is the drum cartridge 20 shown in Figure 2, that is, the drum cartridge permitted for use in the first image forming apparatus 1A. The second drum cartridge is the drum cartridge 20 shown in Figure 4, that is, the drum cartridge permitted for use in the second image forming apparatus 1B. The first drum cartridge also has a first memory and a cartridge body, similar to the first toner cartridge 30A. The second drum cartridge also has a second memory and a cartridge body.

[0080] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, 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 this disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1A First image forming device 1B Second image forming device 30A First Toner Cartridge (First Cartridge) 30B Second Toner Cartridge (Second Cartridge) 31A First memory 31B Second memory 32A, 32B: Cartridge body; 81A, 81B: ASIC (control circuit) 82, 85 Power terminals on the common main board 90A, 90B Common Main Board; 91A First Relay Board 91B Second relay board 100 Image forming system 311 Power terminal for the first memory module 312 Clock terminal for the first memory module 313 Ground terminal of the first memory 314 Data terminal of the first memory 321 Power terminal for the second memory module 322 Data terminal for the second memory module 323 Ground terminal for the second memory VMA, VMB Main power supply CLA, CLB ASIC clock terminal CNA (First Electrical Connector) CNB (Second Electrical Connector) VCA, VCB cartridge power supply W1 wiring (first wiring) CZ2 wiring (second wiring) W2 wiring (third wiring) W3 wiring (fourth wiring)

Claims

1. An image forming system, A first image forming apparatus having a first main power supply that outputs power, a first cartridge power supply, a first electrical connector, and a first control circuit, A second image forming apparatus having a second main power supply that outputs power, a second cartridge power supply, a second electrical connector, and a second control circuit, A first memory having a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to a first electrical connector, and a first cartridge comprising a cartridge body, A second memory having a plurality of second connection terminals that are different from each other, wherein each of the plurality of second connection terminals is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and the number of the plurality of second connection terminals is less than the number of the plurality of first connection terminals, and a second cartridge comprising the cartridge body, The first cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the first memory via the first electrical connector and outputs power to the first memory. The second cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector and outputs power to the second memory. When the first image forming apparatus has the first cartridge installed, and between the time the first main unit power is turned ON and the time the first cartridge power is turned ON, if the first control circuit determines that the potential input via the first electrical connector is the first potential, The first control circuit allows the use of the first memory via the first electrical connector and a plurality of first connection terminals, and if, while the first image forming apparatus has the second cartridge installed, the first control circuit does not determine that the potential input via the first electrical connector is the first potential between the time the first main unit power is turned ON and the time the first cartridge power is turned ON, the first control circuit does not allow the use of the second memory via the first electrical connector and a plurality of second connection terminals. If, while the second image forming apparatus has the second cartridge installed, the second control circuit determines that the potential input via the second electrical connector is a second potential different from the first potential between the second main power supply being turned ON and the second cartridge power supply being turned ON, the second control circuit allows the use of the second memory via the second electrical connector and the plurality of second connection terminals. If, while the second image forming apparatus has the first cartridge installed, the second control circuit does not determine that the potential input via the second electrical connector is a second potential between the second main power supply being turned ON and the second cartridge power supply being turned ON, the second control circuit does not allow the use of the first memory via the second electrical connector and the plurality of first connection terminals. An image forming system characterized by the following.

2. The first image forming apparatus is A first common main board having a first power terminal electrically connected to the first main power supply, A first relay board is electrically connected to the first power terminal of the first common main board via first wiring, The first relay board has a second wiring which is not electrically connected to the first wiring, and which electrically connects the clock terminal of the first control circuit of the first common main board to the first electrical connector, The second image forming apparatus is A second common main board having a second power terminal electrically connected to the second main power supply, A second relay board is electrically connected to the second power terminal of the second common main board via a third wiring, The second relay board has a fourth wiring which is electrically connected to the third wiring, and the fourth wiring which electrically connects the clock terminal of the second control circuit on the second common main board to the third wiring, When the first image forming apparatus is fitted with the first cartridge, the second wiring electrically connects the clock terminal of the first control circuit on the first common main board to one of the plurality of first connection terminals, which is the clock terminal, via the first electrical connector. The image forming system according to claim 1.

3. The first main power supply outputs power to the first relay board, Each of the plurality of first connection terminals of the first memory is a clock terminal, a power terminal, a data terminal, and a ground terminal. With the first image forming apparatus equipped with the first cartridge, The data terminals of the first control circuit on the first common main board of the first image forming apparatus are connected to the data terminals of the first memory via a first electrical connector, and communication is performed between them and the data terminals of the first memory. The image forming system according to claim 2, characterized in that the ground terminal of the first relay board is connected to the ground terminal of the first memory via the first electrical connector.

4. The second main power supply outputs power to the second relay board, Each of the plurality of second connection terminals of the second memory includes a power terminal and a data terminal. It is connected to the ground terminal, With the second image forming apparatus equipped with the second cartridge, The second cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector and outputs power to the second memory. The data terminals of the second control circuit on the second common main board are connected to the data terminals of the second memory via the second electrical connector, and the data terminals of the second memory are connected to the data terminals of the second memory. Communication took place between them. The image forming system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the ground terminal of the second relay board is connected to the ground terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector.

5. An image forming apparatus, It comprises a first main unit power supply that outputs power, a first cartridge power supply, a first electrical connector, and a first control circuit, The first cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the first memory via the first electrical connector and outputs power to the first memory. When the first cartridge, comprising a first memory having a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connector, and a cartridge body, is mounted in the image forming apparatus, and between the time the first main unit power is turned ON and the first cartridge power is turned ON, if the first control circuit determines that the potential input via the first electrical connector is a first potential, the first control circuit allows the use of the first memory via the first electrical connector and the plurality of first connection terminals. If a second cartridge comprising a second memory having a plurality of different second connection terminals, each of the plurality of second connection terminals being electrically connected to a second electrical connector provided by an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, and the number of plurality of second connection terminals being less than the number of plurality of first connection terminals, is mounted on an image forming apparatus equipped with the first electrical connector, and the first control circuit does not determine that the potential input via the first electrical connector is the first potential between the time the first main unit power is turned ON and the first cartridge power is turned ON, then The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the first control circuit does not allow the use of the second memory via the first electrical connector and the plurality of second connection terminals.

6. An image forming apparatus, It comprises a second main unit power supply that outputs power, a second cartridge power supply, a second electrical connector, and a second control circuit. The second cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector and outputs power to the second memory. When the second cartridge, comprising a second memory having a plurality of different second connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and a cartridge body, is mounted in the image forming apparatus, and between the time the second body power is turned ON and the second cartridge power is turned ON, if the second control circuit determines that the potential input via the second electrical connector is the second potential, the second control circuit allows the use of the second memory via the second electrical connector and the plurality of second connection terminals. An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when an image forming apparatus equipped with a second electrical connector has a first memory having a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of the plurality of first connection terminals being electrically connected to a first electrical connector provided by an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, and the number of the plurality of first connection terminals is greater than the number of the plurality of second connection terminals, and a first cartridge comprising the cartridge body is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the second control circuit does not determine that the potential input via the second electrical connector is the second potential between the time the second main unit power is turned ON and the second cartridge power is turned ON, the second control circuit does not allow the use of the first memory via the second electrical connector and the plurality of first connection terminals.

7. A method for licensing the cartridge, In a first image forming apparatus comprising a first main power supply, a first cartridge power supply, a first electrical connector, and a first control circuit, the first cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the first memory via the first electrical connector to output power to the first memory. In a second image forming apparatus comprising a second main power supply, a second cartridge power supply, a second electrical connector, and a second control circuit, the second cartridge power supply is electrically connected to the power terminal of the second memory via the second electrical connector to output power to the second memory. The first image forming apparatus, When a first cartridge comprising a first memory having a plurality of different first connection terminals, each of which is electrically connected to the first electrical connector, and a cartridge body is installed, and the first control circuit determines that the potential input via the first electrical connector is a first potential between the time the first main unit power is turned ON and the first cartridge power is turned ON, The first control circuit allows the use of the first cartridge with the first image forming apparatus. The first image forming apparatus, When a second cartridge comprising a second memory having a plurality of different second connection terminals, each of the plurality of second connection terminals being electrically connected to a second electrical connector provided by a second image forming apparatus other than the first image forming apparatus, and the number of the plurality of second connection terminals being less than the number of the plurality of first connection terminals, is installed, and between the time the first main unit power is turned ON and the first cartridge power is turned ON, the first control circuit does not determine that the potential input via the first electrical connector is the first potential, The first control circuit does not allow the use of the second cartridge with respect to the first image forming apparatus. A method for licensing the use of a cartridge, characterized in that, when the second image forming apparatus has the second cartridge installed, and between the time the second main power supply is turned ON and the second cartridge power supply is turned ON, the second control circuit of the second image forming apparatus determines that the potential input via the second electrical connector is a second potential different from the first potential, the second control circuit permits the use of the second cartridge to the second image forming apparatus; and when the second image forming apparatus has the first cartridge installed, and between the time the second main power supply is turned ON and the second cartridge power supply is turned ON, the second control circuit does not determine that the potential input via the second electrical connector is the second potential, the use of the first cartridge to the second image forming apparatus is not permitted.

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