JP2005141044A - Printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus that uses a consumable item to which an RFID tag is attached, and particularly to prevent a consumable item such as an image forming unit from being mounted at an incorrect position.
According to the present invention, a single antenna 31 is disposed in an image forming unit 2, and magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (K) image forming units (toner set C2). An RFID tag 30 that performs wireless communication via the antenna 31 is provided in the RFID tag 30, and replacement notice information of the corresponding image forming unit is written in the RFID tag 30. When the printer device performs the printing process, it is confirmed whether the information to be read through the single antenna 31 includes the replacement notice information. Even if the information is included, the remaining use of the image forming unit The image forming unit is replaced by measuring the period.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus using a consumable item such as an image forming unit to which an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is attached.

  In recent years, the importance of recycling consumables has also increased in printer apparatuses (printing apparatuses) from the viewpoint of environmental protection. For example, an image forming unit (toner set) that is filled with toner and used is one of consumables that can be reused by refilling the toner. There are also companies that collect, refill, and resell used image forming units.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, when a predetermined amount or more of toner in a cartridge (toner set) attached to a printer apparatus is consumed, the cartridge is sent to a recycling factory as used, and the cartridge is subjected to a recycling process. The history of the cartridge reproduction process and the device number of the installed printer are recorded. On the other hand, when the user who has received the regenerated cartridge attaches the regenerated cartridge to the printer, the user confirms the recording and uses the regenerated toner cartridge.

When a toner cartridge is used and the toner in the cartridge is insufficient, a toner replacement notice is generated and a replacement notice is written on the RFID tag of the cartridge. When the printer apparatus is turned on, the RFID tag information is read as an initial process, and a warning is given if there is a replacement notice.
JP 2002-318511 A

  However, in the case of a color printer device, a cartridge is used for each color, and a plurality of cartridges are set at predetermined positions. For this reason, there is a case where a cartridge that has sufficient toner and does not require replacement is erroneously mounted at the mounting position of the cartridge in which the replacement notice is recorded. That is, a warning for replacement notice is issued even though there is sufficient toner. In this case, the toner is erroneously replaced even though there is sufficient toner.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a printing apparatus that does not replace consumables that do not require replacement even when a consumable such as a toner set is mounted at an incorrect position.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit having an image forming unit having a plurality of image forming units with different colors to be printed, and sequentially printing an image on a recording sheet by the image forming unit. A single antenna disposed, an RFID tag disposed on the image forming unit and recording replacement notice information for notifying a replacement instruction of the image forming unit, and a remaining usage period of each image forming unit are measured. And a notifying means for notifying abnormality when the replacement notice information is recorded in the corresponding RFID tag when the measuring means measures that there is a sufficient remaining use period. Can be achieved by providing.

Here, the image forming unit is, for example, a drum set including a photoconductor, a toner set described in claim 2, and the like. The image forming unit can be reused by replacement or filling based on deterioration of the photoconductor or cleaner, toner consumption, or the like. Available units.
The replacement notice is issued, for example, when it reaches about 1% of the total use period, and then the replacement display for the image forming unit is performed. Even when such an image forming unit is mistakenly attached to a usable image forming unit, the remaining use period is measured instead of only the replacement notice.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a sufficiently usable image forming unit from being erroneously replaced.
Also, information on the unique number of the apparatus main body is recorded on the RFID tag, and when the image forming unit is mounted on the apparatus main body, information on the unique number of the apparatus main body is read from the RFID tag, Are compared, and anomaly is notified when there is a mismatch. With this configuration, it is possible to prohibit the use of unauthorized image forming units such as so-called pirated copies.

  In addition, the RFID tag is attached to the image forming unit so as to be movable, and the remaining usage period is measured based on a distance between the antenna and the RFID tag. With this configuration, it is possible to measure the amount of remaining toner using an existing antenna and an RFID tag, and a dedicated sensor and electronic circuit can be omitted.

  The RFID tag is attached to an opening / closing mechanism, and is configured to determine an opening / closing state of the opening / closing mechanism based on a distance between the antenna and the RFID tag. By configuring in this way, for example, the open / closed state of the front cover of the apparatus can be confirmed without using a dedicated sensor or electronic circuit.

  Further, the RFID tag is provided with a rewritable area and a non-rewritable area, and it is determined that the data recorded in the non-rewritable area is inconsistent, thereby determining that the image forming unit is an unauthorized image forming unit. With this configuration, for example, recording is once performed in the non-rewritable area by control including the mechanism unit, and thereafter, the non-regular image forming unit is prevented from being mounted by confirming this recording.

With this configuration, the present invention provides a printing apparatus that uses a single antenna and does not mistakenly replace consumables.
Further, the present invention provides a printing apparatus that uses an RFID tag to detect the remaining amount of consumables and to detect the opening / closing of an opening / closing cover.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 2 is an example of a tandem printer device (printing device) used to describe the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the printer apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 2, a duplex printing conveyance unit 3, and a paper feeding unit 4. Here, the image forming unit 2 has a configuration in which four image forming units 5 to 8 are arranged side by side, and magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow (Y), They are arranged in the order of black (K). Among these, magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y) image forming units 5 to 7 are used for color printing by subtractive color mixing, and black (K) image forming unit 8. Is used at the time of color printing and is used for monochrome printing when used alone.

  Here, each of the image forming units 5 to 8 includes a drum set C1 and a toner set C2, and has the same configuration except for the developer (color) stored in the developing container. Therefore, for example, the configuration will be described using the image forming unit 7 for yellow (Y) as an example. The drum set C1 contains a photosensitive drum, a charger, and a cleaner, and the toner set C2 contains a developing roll and toner. The toner set C2 is attached with an RFID tag to be described later.

The peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is made of, for example, an organic photoconductive material. In the vicinity of the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9, a charger 10a, a print head 10b, a developing roll 10c, a transfer device 10d, and a cleaner 10e are provided. They are arranged sequentially.
The photosensitive drum 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow. First, the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is uniformly charged by applying a charge from the charger 10a. Then, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9 by optical writing based on print information from the print head 10b, and a toner image is formed by development processing by the developing roll 10c. At this time, the toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9 is made of yellow (Y) toner stored in the developing container 10c. The toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 9 in this way reaches the position of the transfer unit 10d as the photosensitive drum 9 rotates in the arrow direction, and immediately below the photosensitive drum 9 in the arrow direction. Transferred to moving paper.

  On the other hand, the paper is transported by the paper feed cassette 11, the standby roll 12, the transport belt 13, the drive roll 14, etc. constituting the paper feed unit 4. The unloaded paper is sent to the standby roll 12 and further sent onto the conveying belt 13 at a timing coincident with the toner image, and reaches the transfer device 10d. Then, the toner image is transferred by the transfer device 10d, and the sheet on which the toner image is transferred moves on the conveyor belt 13 in the direction of the arrow as the conveyor belt 13 moves, and the fixing unit 15 performs heat fixing processing.

In addition to the yellow (Y) toner image, not only the yellow (Y) toner image but also magenta (M) and cyan (C) toner images transferred by the drum set C1 and toner set C2 of other colors are transferred to the upper surface of the paper. Then, color printing according to the subtractive color mixture described above is performed.
The above-mentioned paper includes not only the paper carried out from the paper feed cassette 11 but also the paper supplied from the MPF tray 16. In this case, the paper is carried in by the paper feed roller 16a and printed by the above-mentioned route. Processing is performed.

  The fixing unit 15 is composed of heat rolls 15a and 15b and a cleaner 15c. While the paper P is nipped and conveyed between the heat rolls 15a and 15b, for example, toner images of a plurality of colors transferred onto the paper are obtained. It is melted and thermally fixed on the paper P. The cleaner 15c has a function of removing toner remaining on the heat roll 15a. The paper on which the toner image is fixed by the fixing unit 15 is conveyed upward or leftward on the paper surface via the switching plate 17.

  On the other hand, the transport unit 3 for duplex printing is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, and is a unit to be mounted when duplex printing is performed by the printer apparatus 1 of the present example, and a plurality of transport rolls 18a to 18e are disposed therein. Has been. In the case of duplex printing, the paper is once sent upward by the switching plate 17. When the trailing edge of the paper reaches the transport roll 19, for example, the paper transport is stopped and the paper is transported in the reverse direction. By this control, the sheet is conveyed downward on the left side of the switching unit 17 set at the position indicated by the dotted line, is carried into the sheet conveyance path of the duplex printing conveyance unit 3, and is conveyed by the conveyance rolls 18a to 18e. It reaches the standby roll 12 and is sent to the transfer device at the same timing as the toner image as described above, and the toner image is transferred to the back side of the paper. Note that reference numeral 31 shown in the figure denotes an antenna described later disposed in the image forming unit 2.

  Next, an outline of the appearance of the printer apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. A discharge roller 20 is provided on the upper portion of the printer apparatus 1, and printed matter is output from the discharge roller 20, and the printed matter is accumulated in the discharge stacker 21. In addition, the front cover 22, the MPF tray 16, the side cover 23, and the paper feed tray 4 are included. An operation panel 24 is provided above the printer, and the operation panel 24 includes an operation unit 24a composed of a plurality of keys and a display unit 24b for displaying an operation menu.

FIG. 4 shows how the toner set C2 is removed from the printer apparatus 1. In this figure, the front cover 22 is opened and the toner set C2 is removed.
On the other hand, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the RFID tag disposed in the toner set C2 (image forming units 5 to 8) and the antenna disposed in the image forming unit 2, and the RFID tag, the antenna, The positional relationship of is shown.

  Each color toner set C2 is provided with an RFID tag, for example, a magenta (M) toner set C2 is provided with an RFID tag 30M, and a cyan (C) toner set C2 is provided with an RFID tag 30C. The yellow (Y) toner set C2 is provided with an RFID tag 30Y, and the black (K) toner set C2 is provided with an RFID tag 30K.

  As shown in the figure, each RFID tag 30M, 30C, 30Y, 30K is provided with an antenna (not shown), and between this antenna and a single antenna 31 provided in the image forming unit 2. Wireless communication is performed to exchange data and supply power to each of the RFID tags 30M, 30C, 30Y, and 30K.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a control circuit of the printer apparatus 1, which is composed of an MPU (microprocessor unit) 32, an RFID controller 33, and an EEPROM 34. The MPU 32 performs communication control with the RFID tags 30M, 30C, 30Y, and 30K performed through the RFID control unit 33 and the antenna 31 described above.

  The MPU 32 is supplied with a toner remaining amount detection signal from a sensor installed in the toner set C2. For example, information on the remaining amount of toner remaining in the magenta (M) toner set C2 is supplied from the remaining amount sensor 35M, and information on the remaining amount of toner remaining in the cyan (C) toner set C2 is supplied from the remaining amount sensor 35C. Similarly, the remaining amount information of yellow (Y) is supplied from the remaining amount sensor 35Y, and the remaining amount information of black (K) is supplied from the remaining amount sensor 35K.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the memory configuration of the EEPROM 34. The serial number (8 bytes) of the main body of the printer apparatus 1 and count data of the total counter, drum counter K, drum counter Y, drum counter C, and drum counter M are stored. These count data are counted based on signals supplied from, for example, a paper discharge sensor under the control of the MPU 32.

Further, the MPU 32 sends information on the remaining amount of toner in each toner set C2 supplied from each remaining amount sensor 35M, 35C, 35Y, 35K to the RFID tags 30M, 30C, 30Y, via the EEPROM 34 and the RFID control unit 33. Record at 30K.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the memory configuration of the RFID tags 30M, 30C, 30Y, and 30K, which includes an IC tag information unit 36, a TS (toner set) information backup unit 37, and a TS counter information unit 38, and includes a TS counter. The information unit 38 includes a plurality of TS counter information “1”, “2”,..., “6”.

  The IC tag information section 36 has a storage area of 8 blocks. For example, a copy prevention code as individual information is recorded in the block “1”, and magenta (M), cyan (C), yellow is recorded in the block “2”. A color code indicating whether (Y) or black (K) is recorded, and recycle information indicating the number of times of toner filling or the like is recorded in the block “3”. Also, a check code for checking the recording data is recorded in the block “8”.

  On the other hand, each TS counter information unit 38 has a storage area of 8 blocks. For example, information on the TS counter at the time of occurrence of the notice is recorded in the block “17”, and remaining amount information is recorded in the block “18”. Information of TS counter A is recorded in block “19”, and information of TS counter B is recorded in block “20”. Further, information of check code A is recorded in block “23”, and information of check code B is recorded in block “24”.

In the above configuration, the processing operation of this example will be described below.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of this example, which is executed when the printer apparatus 1 is powered on. First, when the printer apparatus 1 is turned on, a toner set C2 detection process is performed (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). This toner set C2 detection process is a process of acquiring information from the RFID tag 30 (30M, 30C, 30Y, 30K) disposed in each toner set C2 using the single antenna 31 described above. Specifically, the processing is in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, information is read from each of the RFID tags 30M, 30C, 30Y, and 30K (S1-1), and the presence / absence of the toner set C2 is determined (S1-2). Here, when the toner set C2 is not attached (NO in S1-2), “no toner set” is displayed on the display unit 24b (S1-3). In this case, the user confirms this display and responds by mounting the toner set C2 at the corresponding position.

On the other hand, when the toner set C2 is mounted (YES in S1-2), the remaining toner amount stored in the toner set C2 is detected (S1-4). FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the toner remaining amount detection process.
First, information on the remaining amount of toner remaining in the toner set C2 is read from the above-described remaining amount sensor 35 (35M, 35C, 35Y, 35K) (S1-41). Next, it is determined from the read information whether the toner remaining amount is 75% or more (S1-42). If the toner remaining amount is 75% or more (S1-42 is YES), the toner remaining amount display “75%” is displayed. The above is performed (S1-43). On the other hand, if the remaining amount of toner is not 75% or more (S1-42 is NO), the next determination (S1-44) is executed.

  In this determination (S1-44) as well, information on the remaining amount of toner in the toner set C2 read from the remaining amount sensor 35 (35M, 35C, 35Y, 35K) is read. Next, it is determined from the read information whether the remaining amount of toner is 50% or more. If the remaining amount of toner is 50% or more (YES in S1-44), the remaining amount of toner is displayed as "50% or more". (S1-45). On the other hand, if the remaining amount of toner is not 50% or more (NO in S1-44), the same determination as above is repeated while lowering the detection level of the remaining amount of toner.

  That is, whether the remaining amount of toner is 20% or more (S1-46), whether the remaining amount of toner is 10% or more (S1-48), whether the remaining amount of toner is 5% or more (S1-50), It is sequentially determined whether the remaining amount of toner is 2% or more (S1-52) and the remaining amount of toner is 1% or more (S1-54), and the corresponding detection results are displayed (S1-47, S1). -49, S1-51, S1-53, S1-55). If the remaining amount of toner is less than 1% (S1-56), a replacement notice to be described later has been issued, and the process proceeds to the determination shown in FIG. 9 (S1-5).

  This process is a notice return process (S1-5). If there is no notice return, the process returns. If there is a notice return (YES in S1-5), the apparatus becomes abnormal (S1-6). In other words, in this case, the remaining amount of toner is less than 1%, and the replacement notice is returned even though the remaining amount of toner is less than 1%, so that the toner set C2 is mounted at the wrong mounting position. Is determined to be abnormal (S2 shown in FIG. 8 is NO). Therefore, in this case, a display indicating an apparatus abnormality is displayed on the display unit 4b, and it is determined that there is an abnormality (YES in S2).

On the other hand, if the toner set C2 is normal (S2 is YES), the printing process is started (S3), the paper is supplied from the paper supply unit 4 described above, and the image forming units 5-8 of the image forming unit 2 Perform color printing on paper. Then, TS control is performed (S4).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing this TS control. First, the paper on which the printing process has been performed is detected by a paper discharge sensor (S4-1), and the TS counter of the RFID tag 30 is incremented by 1 (S4-2). Then, the toner remaining amount detection process described above is performed (see FIG. 10), and it is determined whether a replacement notice is in progress (S4-3). That is, it is determined whether a replacement notice flag is set.

  If the replacement notice flag is not set yet (NO in S4-4), it is determined whether the remaining amount of toner is less than 1% (S4-5). If the remaining amount of toner is less than 1%, a replacement notice flag is set in order to replace the toner set C2 after the printing process for a predetermined number of sheets (for example, 100 sheets) is completed (S4-6). On the other hand, if the replacement notice flag has already been set (YES in S4-4), it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of sheets have been printed after the replacement notice flag has been set (S4-7). If the printing process for the predetermined sheet is not performed (NO in S4-7), the printing process is further continued. If the printing process for the predetermined sheet is performed (YES in S4-7), the toner set C2 is replaced. (S4-8).

  As described above, in this example, by repeating the processing shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, when the toner in the toner set C2 is insufficient, a replacement notice is issued, and the toner set C2 for which the replacement notice is being issued is mounted. Even when the normal toner set C2 is erroneously mounted at the power position, by performing the above-described processing or determination (S1-4 to S1-6), it is possible to detect an abnormal mounting of the apparatus, and to detect the incorrect mounting position. The problem that the toner set C2 is mounted can be solved.

Further, it is possible to determine the erroneous mounting of the toner set C2 without looking at the printing result, and it is possible to detect the erroneous mounting of the toner set C2 without performing one defective print.
In this example, the TS counter is used. However, the number of print dots may be counted from the print data, and processing may be performed based on the count data.
(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.

  This example is basically the same as the process shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 described above, but the process shown in FIG. 9 is changed to the process shown in FIG. In this case, the memory configuration of the EEPROM 34 shown in FIG. 6 is changed to the configuration shown in FIG. 13. For example, in the used TS1 area, the color code, the IC tag information, the recycling information, and the TS counter at the time of occurrence of the replacement notice are displayed. Information is recorded. On the RFID tag 30 side, as shown in FIG. 14, the main body serial flag is set in tracks “21” and “22” in the area of the TS counter information.

With this configuration, in the determination of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 (S1-21), it is determined whether the main body serial matches, and if it does not match, the device abnormality is immediately displayed as an abnormality (S1-21 is NO). , S1-6).
By confirming the main body serial number in this way, the toner set C2 filled with an irregular toner such as a so-called pirated copy can be detected as abnormal.

There is also a method of using a network such as the Internet for the first embodiment and the second embodiment. For example, FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining such processing. This figure is a configuration in which a determination (S1-11) is added to FIG. 9 described above.
In this case, the printer apparatus 1 communicates with the center via the network, and determines whether or not it matches the main body serial number of the printer apparatus 1 recorded in the center. If they do not match (NO in S1-11), an apparatus abnormality is immediately displayed as an abnormality (S1-6).

In this way, by accessing the server via the network and confirming the main body serial number, it is possible to eliminate an irregular toner set C2 such as a so-called pirated copy.
Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 is an example of processing when the communication with the center and the main body serial number are used for the EEPROM. With this configuration, the use of the toner set C2 by a regular contractor can be more reliably performed. Can be secured.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.

This example relates to a printing apparatus that detects a remaining amount of toner by using a change in signal reception sensitivity corresponding to an interval between an RFID tag attached to a consumable such as a toner set and an antenna.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the basic configuration of this example, and a tag mounting base 41 is attached to the toner set C2 so as to be movable up and down. The tag mounting base 41 is driven up and down by a cam 42, and the driving force of the cam 42 is supplied from a rotating shaft 43 of the cam 42. The tag mounting base 41 is a mechanism located on the uppermost surface of the toner.

  FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram of a new toner set C2, in which toner T is accommodated in the toner set C2. FIG. 5B shows the toner set C2 immediately after the toner is filled, which is almost the same as the state of FIG. In this case, since the tag mounting base 41 is positioned on the uppermost surface of the toner, the RFID tag 40 is positioned above the toner set C2. On the other hand, FIG. 5C shows a state where the toner is deficient, and the RFID tag 40 is located below the toner set C2.

In the above configuration, FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation of this example.
First, when the printer 1 is turned on, the toner set C2 detection process is performed (step (hereinafter referred to as W) 1). When it is determined that the toner set C2 is normal (W2 is YES), print processing is executed (W3), information update processing of the toner set C2 is performed (W4), and the information update processing is normally performed. (W5).

  In this example, the toner remaining amount is detected in the detection process (W1) of the toner set C2. FIG. 20 is a diagram for specifically explaining this process. Note that the information shown in FIG. 21A is recorded in the RFID tag 40 of this example. This information is basically the same as in FIG. 7 described above, but a new / old flag is set in block “7” of the IC tag information section 36. Also, in FIG. 8B, specific data of the new / old flag is recorded, for example, “1” is set when the product is new at the factory, and “0” is set when the TS counter is 1 or more old products. Is set.

  Hereinafter, the detection process (W1) of the toner set C2 illustrated in FIG. 20 will be described. First, it is determined whether “1” is set in the new / old flag (W1-1). Here, when “1” is set in the new / old flag, that is, when the toner set C2 is shipped from the factory and is new (W1-1 is YES), the TS counter is reset (W1-2). The reception sensitivity level is determined (W1-3). On the other hand, when “0” is set in the new / old flag (NO in W1-1), the process immediately proceeds to determination of the reception sensitivity level (W1-3).

  The determination of the reception sensitivity level is based on the reception sensitivity of the signal transmitted from the RFID tag 40 disposed in the toner set C2. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of toner and the signal reception sensitivity. As shown in the figure, when the toner set C2 is sufficiently filled with toner, the RFID tag 40 is located above the toner set C2 and the antenna 31 as shown in FIGS. The reception sensitivity is maximized because the position is close to the position of the position. On the other hand, when the toner is deficient, the RFID tag 40 is located below the toner set C2 and far from the antenna 31 as shown in FIG. Note that reception sensitivity decreases in proportion to the cube of the distance between the RFID tag 40 and the antenna 31.

Therefore, the printer apparatus 1 determines the corresponding remaining toner amount based on the reception sensitivity of the signal read from the RFID tag 40. For example, the table shown in FIG. 23 is prepared, and the remaining toner amount corresponding to the reception sensitivity is determined (W1-4).
Next, based on the determination result of the remaining amount of toner, it is determined whether the remaining amount of toner is 10% or less (W1-5). If the remaining amount of toner is 10% or less (W1-5 is YES), a warning display of the remaining amount of toner is performed (W1-6).

With the above processing, the remaining amount of toner remaining in the toner set C2 can be detected using the existing antenna 31 and RFID tag, and an electric circuit using a conventionally used photo sensor, a fuse arranged in a consumable, or the like. Can be deleted.
In this example, the toner remaining amount detection has been described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the toner remaining amount detection, but can be used to detect the remaining usage period of other consumables such as a drum set.
(Embodiment 4)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In this example, an RFID tag is used to detect opening / closing of the front cover 22 and the like, and the use of a special opening / closing switch is omitted.
FIG. 24 is a view showing an example in which this example is provided on the front cover 22. In the figure, an RFID tag 50 is disposed on the back surface of the front cover 22, and maintenance of the printer apparatus 1 is performed by opening the front cover 22 in the direction of the arrow. An antenna 51 is provided in the main body of the printer apparatus 1, and the RFID tag 50 is in close proximity with a very narrow gap with the opening / closing cover 22 closed.

  FIG. 25 shows a change in the reception sensitivity of the signal from the RFID tag 50 as the front cover 22 is opened and closed. The reception sensitivity is maximized when the front cover 22 is closed, and the reception sensitivity is minimized when the front cover 22 is fully opened. FIG. 26 shows a memory configuration of the RFID tag 50. This example is basically the same as the configuration of FIG. 7 described above, but the configuration in which the door position information is described in the block “2” of the IC tag information unit 36 is different. In this example, a flag “1” is set as door position information.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of this example.
First, the RFID tag 50 is searched (step (hereinafter referred to as U) 1), the code described in the RFID tag 50 is read, and it is confirmed that the RFID tag 50 operates normally (U2).

  Next, a signal is received from the RFID tag 50, and the reception sensitivity is measured (U3). And it is judged whether it is below the set sensitivity regulation value (U4). Here, if the reception sensitivity is equal to or less than the prescribed sensitivity value (U4 is YES), an open / close detection process of the open / close cover 22 is performed (U5). That is, in this case, it is determined that the opening / closing cover 22 is not completely closed, and the opening / closing of the opening / closing cover 22 is detected.

  By performing the processing as described above, the opening / closing detection of the opening / closing cover 22 and the like can be performed using the RFID tag 50 instead of the conventionally used door switch or the like. In addition, by configuring the antenna 51 with the antenna 31 described above, the antenna can be effectively used without using the confirmation antenna of the front cover 22 in particular.

In this example, the RFID tag 50 is attached to the back surface of the front cover 22, but may be attached to the front surface of the front cover 22 as shown in FIG. 29, the antenna 55 may be attached to the surface of the front cover 22 and the RFID tag 56 may be attached to the printer apparatus 1.
(Embodiment 5)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 30 shows a memory configuration of the tag transceiver of the RFID tag attached to the toner set C2 of this example. The tag transceiver includes a factory block, and a serial number is recorded in the factory block at the time of factory shipment. In this example, “1234h”, that is, the toner set C2 manufactured in the 4660th is recorded. The user ID is a unique number for each shipping destination, and the user ID and factory block data cannot be rewritten.

  On the other hand, the toner cartridge number is a product number recorded by the manufacturer of the printer device. For example, “9” is recorded in order from “1”, and “9ABCh” in this example indicates that the toner cartridge is manufactured in the 39612th. . The toner level is data written by the control firmware of the main body of the printer apparatus 1 and is sequentially updated according to the degree of toner consumption. It should be noted that the level “9” is recorded when it is new, and the level is sequentially decreased, and the level “0” is recorded when there is no toner.

  On the other hand, FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a mechanical old and new detection mechanism. In the figure, the rotational driving force of the motor 60 is transmitted to the gear 61, and the gear 62 is further rotated to drive the developing roll 63. Further, the gear 64 is driven to drive the spring drive shaft 65 and the detection spring 66 is driven. A new article detection signal is supplied to the detection spring 66, and the voltage level at the point A is varied depending on the position of the detection spring 66 to detect the new article of the toner set C2.

In the above configuration, when the printer apparatus 1 starts to be used from a new state, the spring drive shaft 65 is rotated by the rotational drive of the motor 60 described above, and when the pre-rotation is completed, the spring drive shaft 65 fits into the groove, It will not return.
When the printer apparatus 1 is in operation, the RFID tag data is read and data is checked. If there is a problem with the data, the operation is stopped. For example, there is a case where the factory block or the user ID is different from data that should be recorded, or there is no toner, that is, the level “0” is recorded. For example, when the printer apparatus 1 is driven and the toner set C2 is recognized as a new article regardless of the change from the new article to the old article in the mechanical new article detection, it is regarded as an illegal toner set such as a pirated edition.

  Further, even if the toner level is “8” or lower despite the mechanical set detection of the toner set C2 from the new one to the old one during the pre-rotation, the toner set is regarded as an incorrect toner set, and a warning is given, for example. As described above, this example is configured so that consumables such as the toner set C2 can be recycled, and pirated versions of the consumables can be eliminated.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an RFID tag disposed in a toner set and an antenna disposed in an image forming unit. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tandem type printer device used for describing the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an appearance of a printer device. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state where a toner set is removed from a printer device. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit of the printer apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of EEPROM. It is a figure explaining the memory structure of an RFID tag. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a toner set detection operation. It is a flowchart explaining remaining amount detection. It is a flowchart explaining TS control. It is a flowchart explaining TS detection. It is a figure explaining the memory structure of EEPROM. 6 is a diagram illustrating a memory configuration of an RFID tag used in Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a deformation processing operation according to the second embodiment. 10 is a diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a third embodiment. FIG. (A) is a schematic diagram of a new toner set, (b) is a diagram showing a toner set sufficiently filled with toner, and (c) is a diagram of the toner set showing a state where toner is deficient. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the third embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a toner set detection operation. (A) is a figure explaining the memory structure of an RFID tag, (b) is a figure explaining the structure of the new / old flag in the said memory structure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a remaining amount of toner and signal reception sensitivity. FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram in which a relationship between a remaining amount of toner and signal reception sensitivity is tabulated. It is a figure explaining Embodiment 4, and is a figure explaining the state which opened the opening-and-closing cover. It is a figure which shows the change of the receiving sensitivity of the signal from RFID tag according to opening and closing of an opening / closing cover. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of an RFID tag. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the fourth embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification of Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a figure explaining the modification of Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a memory configuration of an RFID tag according to Embodiment 5. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing operation of the fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer apparatus 2 ... Image forming part 3 ... Conveyance unit for double-sided printing 4 ... Paper feed part 5-8 ... Image forming unit 9 ... Photosensitive drum 10a ... Charging Device 10b ... Print head 10c ... Developing roller 10d ... Transfer device 11 ... Paper cassette 12 ... Standby roller 13 ... Conveying belt 14 ... Drive roller 15 ... Fixing unit 16 ... MPF trays 18a to 18e ... transport roll 19 ... transport roll 20 ... paper discharge roller 21 ... paper discharge stacker 22 ... front cover 23 ... side cover 24 ... Operation panel 30, 30M, 30C, 30Y, 30K ... RFID tag 31 ... Antenna 32 ... MPU (microprocessor unit)
33 ... RFID controller 34 ... EEPROM
35, 35M, 35C, 35Y, 35K ... remaining amount sensor 36 ... IC tag information unit 37 ... backup unit 38 ... TS counter information unit 40 ... RFID tag 41 ... tag mounting base 42 ... cam 50 ... RFID tag 60 ... motors 61, 62, 64 ... gear 65 ... spring drive shaft 66 ... detection spring

Claims (6)

In a printing apparatus having an image forming unit having a plurality of image forming units with different colors to be printed, and sequentially printing images on recording paper by the image forming unit,
A single antenna disposed in the image forming unit;
An RFID tag that is disposed in the image forming unit and records replacement notice information for notifying a replacement instruction of the image forming unit;
Measuring means for measuring the remaining usage period of each image forming unit;
When the measurement means measures that there is a sufficient remaining use period, if the replacement advance notice information is recorded in the corresponding RFID tag, a notification means for notifying abnormality,
A printing apparatus comprising:   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is a toner set, and the measuring unit measures a remaining amount of toner stored in the toner set.   Information on the unique number of the apparatus main body is recorded on the RFID tag. When the image forming unit is mounted on the apparatus main body, the information on the unique number of the apparatus main body is read from the RFID tag and compared with the unique number of the apparatus main body. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an abnormality notification is performed when there is a mismatch.   The said RFID tag is attached so that a position movement is possible with respect to the said image formation unit, The said remaining use period is measured based on the distance of the said antenna and RFID tag, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Printing device.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the RFID tag is attached to an opening / closing mechanism and determines an opening / closing state of the opening / closing mechanism based on a distance between the antenna and the RFID tag. The rewritable area and the non-rewritable area are provided in the RFID tag, and the discrepancy between data recorded in the non-rewritable area is determined to determine that the RFID tag is an irregular image forming unit. The printing apparatus according to 1 or 2.

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