JP5018802B2 - Recall target product location determination system, image forming apparatus, recall target product location determination program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a recall target product location determination system, an image forming apparatus, and a recall target product location determination program.

  If there is a defect in the product and it is recalled, it will be announced (notified) to the customer who owns or uses the product using various means such as posting an article in a newspaper, television or radio broadcasting, posting on a homepage, etc. )

  In the notification (notification), the recall information is not necessarily transmitted to all customers, and there is a case where there is no contact from the transmitted customers, so that product collection does not proceed and the recall period is prolonged.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a system for wirelessly monitoring replacement part information, and discloses that a part information database including replacement part identifiers and recall information is compared and monitored.

JP2007-1248A

  The present invention relates to a recall target product location determination system, an image forming apparatus, and a device that can surely prompt a user of a product to be recalled to contact a recall source as compared to a case without this configuration. The purpose is to obtain a product location determination program to be recalled.

  The invention according to claim 1 is detachable from the product main body, is attached to a consumable that is consumed and needs to be replaced as the product main body is used, and at least the product main body using the consumable is used. A storage medium capable of storing recall information; an information reading means provided on the product body side for reading information stored in the storage medium when the consumable is mounted; and the information From the information read by the reading means, a determination means for determining whether or not the product body corresponds to a recall target product, and when the determination means determines that the product is a recall target product, prompting a contact to the recall source Informing means for informing as described above.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a latent image is formed based on image data, developed by supplying a developer to the latent image, and the developer image formed by the development is transferred to a recording sheet. The image forming apparatus can output to the main body of the image forming apparatus, is detachable from the main body, is attached to the cartridge having at least the developer, and can store at least recall information of the main body using the cartridge. And the information reading means that is provided on the apparatus main body side and reads information stored in the storage medium when the cartridge is mounted, and the information read by the information reading means. Determining means for determining whether the main unit falls under the recall target product, and when the determining means determines that the product is a recall target product, contact the recall source. And a, and informing means for informing the Suyo.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the notification means prints the recall information on the recording paper, displays the recall information on the apparatus main body interface panel, and outputs the image data. Notification is made using at least one of transmission of recall information to an external terminal that can be a source.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the second or third aspect , when the determination unit determines that the product is a recall target product, a prohibition unit that prohibits an image forming operation, and the manufacturer side is a recall target. And a canceling unit for canceling the prohibition of the image forming operation by the prohibiting unit on the condition that the product is recognized as a product.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the minimum necessary image forming process is executed when the determination unit determines that the product is a recall target product. It further has mode transition means for forcibly shifting to a preset safe operation mode.

The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , wherein in the storage medium, in addition to information for specifying the recall target product, defect content information of the recall target product Is selected, and the location where the operation of the apparatus main body is restricted or prohibited is selected based on the defect content information.

The invention according to claim 7 is detachable from the product main body, and at least the consumable is used in a storage medium attached to a consumable that is consumed and needs to be replaced when the product main body is used. Is a recall target product location determination program for determining whether or not the product main body corresponds to a recall target product, when the consumable is mounted on the product main body side. The information stored in the storage medium is read, and from the read information, it is determined whether or not the product body corresponds to a recall target product, and if the product is determined to be a recall target product, This is a recall target product location determination program that causes a computer to notify the user of a notification.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the user of the product to be recalled can be surely urged to contact the recall originator as compared with the case without this configuration.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to surely prompt the user of the product to be recalled to contact the recall originator as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the recall information than when the present configuration is not provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming operation can be prohibited until the manufacturer is notified that the product is a recall target product and the means for canceling it is obtained as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. it can.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, even a recall target product can perform a minimum necessary operation under a preset safety mode.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to select an image forming operation prohibition location based on the defect content information as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the location of the product to be recalled can be quickly and reliably determined as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to a first embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control unit in the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. It is sectional drawing which looked at the loading part which concerns on 1st Embodiment from the right side surface of FIG. It is a control block diagram functionally showing control for recall target product discrimination and subsequent treatment according to the first embodiment. It is a front view of the display surface which shows alerting | reporting content, when it becomes a recall object product displayed on UI concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the control routine for discrimination | determination of recall object products concerning 1st Embodiment, and subsequent treatment. It is a flowchart which shows the control object (main routine) for recall object product discrimination | determination concerning the 2nd Embodiment, and subsequent treatment. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine concerning 1 control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine concerning 2 control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine concerning 3 control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine which concerns on 4x control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine related to control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine related to 6 control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine related to control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine concerning 8 control. The control code No. according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine related to control.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a printer 10 as an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The printer 10 is a digital printer that forms a full-color image or a monochrome image.

  Toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K for storing yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners are replaceable above the printer engine 10A inside the printer 10. Is provided.

  The toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K for each color of YMCK are loaded in a loading unit 10B (see FIG. 3) provided in the printer engine unit 10A. The toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are detachable from the loading unit 10B (see arrow A in FIG. 3), and are replaced by the user when the two-component developer filled therein becomes empty. It has become so.

  One ends of toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are connected to the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, respectively. The toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are formed of circular pipe members and are arranged downward along the side surface of the printer 10, but the intermediate paths are not shown. ing.

  In the center of the printer 10, four image forming units 12 (12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K) corresponding to Y, M, C, and K two-component developers are shown on the right in the front view of FIG. It arrange | positions in the state which overlapped mutually mutually diagonally downward.

  The image forming unit 12 includes a photoreceptor 28. Around the photoreceptor 28, a charging roll as an example of a charging device that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 28 and uniformly charges the photoreceptor 28, and the exposure light L is formed on the photoreceptor 28. A developing unit 31 that develops the electrostatic latent image with a two-component developer (toner and carrier) of each color; and an erase lamp as an example of a static eliminating device that performs static elimination by irradiating the surface of the photoreceptor 28 after transfer with light. A cleaning unit is provided for cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor 28 after charge removal.

  The two-component developer is a mixture of a non-magnetic type toner and a magnetic carrier. Here, the other ends of the toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K are connected to the four image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, respectively, and toner of each color and a small amount of carrier are supplied to each image forming unit 12. To be supplied. The mixing ratio of toner and carrier varies depending on the processing specifications of the printer 10, but is approximately toner: carrier = 9: 1. On the other hand, the mixing ratio of the toner and carrier of the two-component developer present in the developing unit 31 originally differs depending on the processing specifications of the printer 10, but is about toner: carrier = 1: 9.

  A transfer unit 14 is provided above the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. The transfer unit 14 is disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 16 and the intermediate transfer belt 16, and four primary transfer members that multiplex-transfer the toner images of the image forming units 12 </ b> Y, 12 </ b> M, 12 </ b> C, and 12 </ b> K onto the intermediate transfer belt 16. Primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K, and a secondary transfer roll 20 that transfers the toner images superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 16 onto the recording paper P.

  The intermediate transfer belt 16 includes a drive roll 22 that is driven by a motor (not shown), a tension roll 24 that adjusts the tension of the intermediate transfer belt 16, and a backup roll 26 that is disposed to face the secondary transfer roll 20. It is wound around the roller group with a constant tension, and is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow X (counterclockwise direction) in FIG.

  The primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K are disposed to face the photoreceptors 28 (28Y, 28M, 28C, and 28K) of the respective image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K with the intermediate transfer belt 16 interposed therebetween. . Further, the primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K are applied with a transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner polarity (positive polarity as an example in the first embodiment) by a power supply unit (not shown). It has become. The secondary transfer roll 20 is also applied with a transfer bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the toner polarity by the power supply unit.

  A cleaning device 30 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 where the drive roll 22 is provided. The cleaning device 30 includes a cleaning brush 32 and a cleaning blade 34, and residual toner and paper dust on the intermediate transfer belt 16 are removed by the cleaning brush 32 and the cleaning blade 34.

  In the vicinity of the side surface of the printer 10 opposite to the conveyance path of the recording paper P, a control unit 36 that performs drive control of each part of the printer 10 is provided. An exposure unit that forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the surface of the charged photoreceptor 28 with exposure light L (LY, LM, LC, LK) corresponding to each color on the lower side of the image forming unit 12. 40 is provided.

  The exposure unit 40 is composed of one unit common to the four image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K, and modulates four semiconductor lasers (not shown) according to the color material gradation data of each color. Thus, the exposure light LY, LM, LC, LK is emitted from these semiconductor lasers according to the gradation data. The exposure unit 40 may be provided for each image forming unit 12 individually.

  The exposure unit 40 is hermetically sealed with a rectangular frame 38, and an fθ lens (not shown) for scanning each exposure light L in the main scanning direction and a polygon mirror 42 are provided therein. On the upper surface of the frame 38, glass windows 44Y, 44M, and 44C for emitting four exposure lights LY, LM, LC, and LK toward the photoreceptors 28 of the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K. , 44K are provided.

  Here, the exposure light LY, LM, LC, and LK emitted from the semiconductor laser of the exposure unit 40 is applied to the polygon mirror 42, and the light reflected from the polygon mirror 42 is deflected and scanned through the fθ lens. The exposure lights LY, LM, LC, and LK deflected and scanned by the polygon mirror 42 are scanned and exposed to exposure points on the photosensitive member 28 via an optical system (not shown) including an imaging lens and a plurality of mirrors. The

  On the other hand, a paper feed cassette 46 in which the recording paper P is stored is disposed below the exposure unit 40. A sheet conveyance path 50 for conveying the recording sheet P is provided vertically above the end of the sheet feeding cassette 46.

  In the sheet conveyance path 50, a sheet feeding roll 48 that feeds the recording sheet P from the sheet feeding cassette 46, a sheet separating and conveying roll pair 52 that feeds the recording sheet P one by one, and an image on the intermediate transfer belt 16. Is provided with a paper leading edge alignment roll 54 for adjusting the movement timing of the recording paper P and the conveyance timing of the recording paper P. Here, the recording paper P sequentially sent out from the paper feed cassette 46 by the paper feed roll 48 passes through the paper transport path 50 and is secondary to the intermediate transfer belt 16 by the paper tip alignment roll 54 that rotates intermittently. It is once transported to the transfer position and stopped.

  A fixing device 60 is provided above the secondary transfer roll 20. The fixing device 60 includes a heated heating roll 62 and a pressure roll 64 pressed against the heating roll 62. Here, the recording paper P on which the toner image of each color has been transferred by the secondary transfer roll 20 is fixed by heat and pressure at the pressure contact portion between the heating roll 62 and the pressure roll 64, and the recording paper P is transported downstream in the conveyance direction. A discharge roller 66 as an example of a discharge device provided in the printer 10 is discharged to a discharge unit 68 provided in the upper part of the printer 10. Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed from the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 16 after the secondary transfer process of the toner image by the cleaning device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 includes a main control unit 70. The main control unit 70 includes a CPU 72, a RAM 74, a ROM 76, an I / O (input / output unit) 78, and a bus 80 such as a data bus or a control bus for connecting them.

  Connected to the I / O 78 is a print control management unit 88 for controlling and managing each processing system such as a transport system in the printer 10, a scanning exposure system for image formation, and a development system.

  More specifically, the print control management unit 88 is connected to the conveyance control unit 100, the scanning exposure control unit 102, the development control unit 104, the transfer control unit 106, and the fixing control unit 108, and manages the control of each unit. .

  The print control management unit 88 may be configured to be directly connected to the bus 80 instead of the I / O 78. Here, the control related to printing is integrated in the print control management unit 88, but the main control unit 70 may execute the control.

  A UI (user interface) 82 is connected to the I / O 78. The UI 82 has a function of receiving an input instruction from the user and notifying the user of information related to image processing. Further, a hard disk 84 is connected to the I / O 78. The I / O 78 is connected to the communication line network 90 via the I / F 86.

  FIG. 3 conceptually shows a state in which the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are loaded in the loading unit 10B provided in the printer engine unit 10A.

  The housings of the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are cylindrical and filled with a two-component developer. The toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are loaded into a loading unit 10B provided on the printer engine unit 10A side, so that the drive system (gear) on the printer engine unit 10A side and the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, The driven system (gear) on the 11C and 11K sides is connected.

  The toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K discharge the two-component developer to the toner supply paths 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K on the printer engine unit 10A side by the driving force received from the drive system on the printer engine unit 10A side.

  Here, a storage medium 92 (hereinafter referred to as “CRUM92”) is attached to the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

  Various maintenance information (CRUM information) is stored in the CRUM 92. As part of this, the CRUM 92 stores identification information for identifying the recall target product (hereinafter referred to as “recall target product identification information”). In this recall target product identification information, the presence or absence of a recall may always be stored in the CRUM 92, or the presence of a recall may be stored in the CRUM 92 only when there is a recall.

  On the other hand, an information reading / writing unit 94 is arranged at a position facing the CRUM 92 when the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are loaded at the deepest portion in the loading unit 10B of the printer engine unit 10A. ing. The information reading / writing unit 94 may be of a type that reads information by contacting a terminal provided on the CRUM 92 or may have a non-contact side information reading function such as a so-called RFIC (wireless tag). Good. In this embodiment, the CRUM 92 is mounted on the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. However, any consumable item that requires replacement is not limited to the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. Each of the image forming units including the image forming unit 28, the image forming units including the developing unit 31, the intermediate transfer belt 16, the fixing device 60, the exposure unit 40, and the like may be consumables that require replacement as appropriate depending on the circumstances of the product body.

  The information reading / writing unit 94 is connected to the print control management unit 88, and at least reads and writes CRUM information when the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are loaded. It is like that.

  Here, in the first embodiment, the print control management unit 88 reads the recall target product identification information from the CRUM 92, and compares the read product identification information with the product identification information that identifies itself on the printer 10 side. Determine whether or not.

  In other words, as the operation of the printer 10 continues, the recall target product identification information is linked to the consumable replacement (here, replacement of the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K) that is performed periodically. By reading, it is theoretically possible to identify the product to be recalled more reliably than informing through television, radio, the Internet, or newspaper media.

  Here, the notification of the recall information to the user is the printing source of the recall information on the recording paper P, the display of the recall information on the UI (user interface) 82, and the output source of the image data connected to the communication network 90. This is done by displaying the recall information on an external terminal such as a computer or a portable terminal such as a mobile phone.

  In the first embodiment, when the printer 10 recognizes that the self product is a recall target product as a result of the collation, the basic operation, that is, the image forming operation is prohibited, and the UI 82 (see FIG. 2) is to be recalled. Since it is a product, a display for prompting a predetermined contact is displayed (see the display content shown in FIG. 5).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the display surface 82M of the UI 82 displays "This machine is a recall target machine. It cannot be printed. Please contact the following to cancel." At the same time, a telephone number, a URL, and the like are displayed.

  In the first embodiment, when a contact is made to the predetermined contact address, a means (for example, a release code) for canceling the prohibition state of the image forming operation is transmitted.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram functionally illustrating the control related to “recall target product determination” in the print control management unit 88. Note that this block diagram is classified according to function to the last, and does not limit the hardware configuration of the print control management unit 88.

  The print control management unit 88 is provided with an image formation execution control unit 132, to which the conveyance control unit 100, the scanning exposure control unit 102, the development control unit 104, the transfer control unit 106, and the fixing control unit 108 are connected. .

  Further, a job execution instruction signal is input to the print control management unit 88. Based on the input of the job execution instruction signal, the conveyance control unit 100, the scanning exposure control unit 102, and the development control unit. 104, the transfer control unit 106, and the fixing control unit 108 are controlled to execute image forming processing.

  The information reading / writing unit 94 is connected to the print control management unit 88. Therefore, the print control management unit 88 can read information stored in the CRUM 92 attached to the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K.

  A recall target product identification information extraction unit 134 is connected to the image formation execution control unit 132.

  The recall target product identification information extraction unit 134 is supplied with toner cartridge replacement information when the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are replaced. The recall target product identification information is extracted from the information read from the loading unit 94.

  The extracted recall target product identification information is sent to the collation / discrimination unit 136.

  The collation / discrimination unit 136 is connected with a self-product identification identification information memory 138. When the recall target product identification information is input from the recall target product identification information extraction unit 134, the collation / discrimination unit 136 generates the model number, manufacturing number, and the like of the printer 10 from the self product specifying identification information memory 138. The identification information for identifying the self product identifying the self is read out.

  The collation / determination unit 136 collates the recall target product identification information with the identification information for identifying the own product, and determines whether or not they match.

  The collation / discrimination unit 136 is connected to the recall process execution instruction unit 140, and sends a recall confirmation signal to the recall process execution instruction unit 140.

  When the recall confirmation signal is input, the recall process execution instructing unit 140 transmits a prohibition instruction signal to the operation prohibition instruction output unit 142, transmits a notification instruction signal to the notification control unit 144, and transmits to the operation cancellation control unit 146. A start instruction signal is transmitted.

  When the prohibition instruction signal is input, the operation prohibition instruction output unit 142 outputs the operation prohibition signal to the image formation execution control unit 132.

  In addition, when a notification instruction signal is input, the notification control unit 144 reads the recall notification content information (see FIG. 5) from the recall notification content information memory 148, controls the UI 82, and displays the recall notification content.

  Further, when the activation instruction signal is input, the operation cancellation control unit 146 outputs the activation signal to the cancellation code reception unit 150. As a result, the release code receiving unit 150 becomes valid, and the release code input from the UI 82 (see FIG. 2) can be received.

  The release code received by the release code receiving unit 150 is sent to the operation release control unit 146 and collated with a predetermined real release code. When the collation result matches, the operation release instruction output unit 152 is set. Then, an operation prohibition release signal is output to the image formation execution control unit 132.

  The operation of the first embodiment will be described below.

(Image formation procedure)
The image data is further converted into color material gradation data of four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) and sequentially output to the exposure unit 40. In the exposure unit 40, each exposure light L is emitted according to the color material gradation data of each color, and each photoconductor 28 is scanned and exposed to form a latent image (electrostatic latent image).

  The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor 28 is visualized as a toner image of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) by the developing unit (development). ). The toner images of the respective colors sequentially formed on the photoreceptors 28 of the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are sequentially multiplexed on the intermediate transfer belt 16 by the four primary transfer rolls 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K. Transcribed.

  The respective color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 16 are secondarily transferred onto the conveyed recording paper P by the secondary transfer roll 20. Then, the toner images of the respective colors on the recording paper P are fixed by the fixing device 60, and the recording paper P after fixing is discharged to the discharge tray 68.

  Residual toner, paper dust, and the like are removed from the surface of the photoreceptor 28 after the toner image transfer process is completed by the cleaning unit 76. Further, residual toner, paper dust, and the like on the intermediate transfer belt 16 are removed by the cleaning device 30.

(Recognized product identification)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a recall target product discrimination control routine for determining whether or not the printer 10 is a recall target product.

  In step 200, it is determined whether the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K have been replaced. If the determination is negative, the routine ends.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 200, the process proceeds to step 202, and data is read from the CRUM 92 using the information reading / writing unit 94.

  In the next step 204, it is determined whether or not the recall information exists in the CRUM information. If the recall information does not exist, the routine ends. If the determination in step 204 is affirmative, that is, if recall information exists, the process proceeds to step 206.

  In step 206, recall target product identification information is extracted from the read CRUM information, and then the process proceeds to step 208 to read identification information for identifying the own product.

  In the next step 210, the recall target product identification information and the self product specifying identification information are collated to determine whether or not the printer 10 is a recall target product.

  As a result of the determination in step 210, if it is determined that the object is not a recall target (negative determination), this routine ends.

  As a result of the determination in step 210, if it is determined that it is a recall target (affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 212, where an operation prohibition instruction is issued first, then a notification instruction is issued in step 214, and The process shifts to step 216 to issue an operation release control start instruction, and shifts to step 218.

  In response to the operation prohibition instruction in step 212, the image formation execution control unit 132 cannot perform image formation by stopping all image forming operations.

  In response to the notification instruction in step 214, as shown in FIG. 5, the display surface 82M of the UI 82 is informed that it is a product to be recalled, and if contact is made, means for canceling the operation prohibition is taught (release code). Issuance) is displayed. In the first embodiment, only notification through vision is shown, but notification through hearing may be used or may be used in combination.

  In response to the operation release control activation instruction in step 216, the release code is accepted.

  Steps 218 and after are processing after the user has contacted the contact. In step 218, it is determined whether a release code has been input, and step 218 is repeated until an affirmative determination is made.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 218, the process proceeds to step 220, where it is determined whether or not the input release code matches a preset true release code.

  If a negative determination is made in step 220, the process returns to step 218 and the above process is repeated.

  Also, if the determination in step 220 is affirmative, the process moves to step 222, the process proceeds to step 222, the notification is canceled (the message displayed on the display surface 82M of the UI 82 is deleted), and then the process proceeds to step 224 to issue an operation prohibition release instruction. The routine ends.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configuration is omitted.

  A feature of the second embodiment is that the first embodiment determines whether or not the printer 10 is a recall target product. If the printer 10 is a recall target product, the image forming operation is uniformly prohibited. On the other hand, when the product is a recall target product, the image forming operation is subdivided, and the operation is partially limited based on the detailed information of the recall (safety mode).

  The recall information stored in the CRUM 92 according to the second embodiment is provided with a control code as shown in Table 1 together with the recall target product information.

  FIG. 7 is an operation mode setting main routine according to the second embodiment.

  In step 200, it is determined whether the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K have been replaced. If the determination is negative, the routine ends.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step 200, the process proceeds to step 202, and data is read from the CRUM 92 using the information reading / writing unit 94.

  In the next step 204, it is determined whether or not the recall information exists in the CRUM information. If the recall information does not exist, the routine ends. If the determination in step 204 is affirmative, that is, if recall information exists, the process proceeds to step 206.

  In step 206, recall target product identification information is extracted from the read CRUM information, and then the process proceeds to step 208 to read identification information for identifying the own product.

  In the next step 210, the recall target product identification information and the self product specifying identification information are collated to determine whether or not the printer 10 is a recall target product.

  As a result of the determination in step 210, if it is determined that the object is not a recall target (negative determination), this routine ends.

  If it is determined in step 210 that the product is a recall target product (affirmative determination), the process proceeds to step 250 and the control code is read.

  In the next step 252, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 1”. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 254 where the control code No. Operation control based on 1 (see FIG. 8) is executed. If a negative determination is made in step 252, the process proceeds to step 256.

  In the next step 256, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 2”. Operation control based on 2 (see FIG. 9) is executed. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 256, the process proceeds to step 260.

  In the next step 260, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 3”. 3 is executed (see FIG. 10). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 260, the process proceeds to step 264.

  In the next step 264, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 4x”. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 266 and the control code No. Operation control based on 4x (see FIG. 11) is executed. If a negative determination is made in step 264, the process proceeds to step 268.

  In the next step 268, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 5”. The operation control based on 5 (see FIG. 12) is executed. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 268, the process proceeds to step 272.

  In the next step 272, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 6”. 6 is executed (see FIG. 13). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 272, the process proceeds to step 276.

  In the next step 276, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 7”. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 278 where the control code No. 7 is executed (see FIG. 14). If a negative determination is made in step 276, the process proceeds to step 280.

  In the next step 280, it is determined whether or not the read control code is “No. 8”. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 282 and the control code No. The operation control based on 8 (see FIG. 15) is executed. If a negative determination is made in step 280, it is determined that the read control code is “No. 9”, the process proceeds to step 284, and the control code No. Operation control based on 9 (see FIG. 16) is executed.

  8 shows the control code No. in step 254 of FIG. 1 is a control subroutine.

  In step 300, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, and then in step 302, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, and the flow proceeds to step 304. In step 304, it is determined whether or not a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 305 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 304, the process proceeds to step 306 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 306, the process returns to step 304 and the above process is repeated. If an affirmative determination is made in step 306, the process proceeds to step 308, print processing is executed, and the process proceeds to step 310. In step 310, after notifying that the power is turned off, the process proceeds to step 312 to turn off the power and the process ends.

  9 shows the control code No. in step 258 in FIG. 2 is a control subroutine.

  In step 314, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, and then in step 316, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode, and the flow proceeds to step 318. In step 318, it is determined whether a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 320 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 318, the process proceeds to step 322 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 322, the process returns to step 318 and the above process is repeated. If the determination in step 322 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 324 to execute print processing.

  10 shows the control code No. in step 262 of FIG. 3 is a control subroutine.

  In step 326, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, and then in step 328, the standby mode is entered, and step 330 is entered. In step 330, it is determined whether or not a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 332 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 330, the process proceeds to step 334 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 334, the process returns to step 330 and the above process is repeated. If the determination in step 334 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 336, and the printing process is executed with the fixing temperature fixed at the lower limit.

  11 shows the control code No. in step 266 of FIG. This is a 4x control subroutine.

  In step 338, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, then in step 340, the standby mode is entered, and then step 342 is entered. In step 342, it is determined whether a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 344 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 342, the process proceeds to step 346 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 346, the process returns to step 342 and the above process is repeated. If an affirmative determination is made in step 346, the process proceeds to step 348 to determine whether or not the user designated tray is the corresponding tray. If an affirmative determination is made in step 348, the process proceeds to step 350, a tray change message is displayed, and the process proceeds to step 352. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 348, the process proceeds to step 352. In step 352, print processing is executed.

  12 shows the control code No. in step 270 of FIG. 5 is a control subroutine.

  In step 354, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, and then in step 356, the standby mode is entered, and then step 358 is entered. In step 358, it is determined whether or not a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 360 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 358, the process proceeds to step 362 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 362, the process returns to step 358 and the above process is repeated. If the determination in step 362 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 364, where it is determined whether the number of print instructions exceeds the set number. If an affirmative determination is made in step 364, the process proceeds to step 366, an instruction is given to interrupt the printing process for a set time for each set number of sheets during printing, and the process proceeds to step 368. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 364, the process proceeds to step 368. In step 368, print processing is executed.

  13 shows the control code No. in step 274 of FIG. 6 is a control subroutine.

  In step 370, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, and then in step 372, the standby mode is entered, and step 374 is entered. In step 374, it is determined whether or not a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 376 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 374, the process proceeds to step 378 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 378, the process returns to step 374 and the above process is repeated. If an affirmative determination is made in step 378, the process proceeds to step 380, and the printing process is executed at a reduced printing speed.

  14 shows the control code No. in step 278 of FIG. 7 is a control subroutine.

  In step 382, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, and then in step 384, the standby mode is entered, and step 386 is entered. In step 386, it is determined whether a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 388 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 386, the process proceeds to step 390 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 390, the process returns to step 388 and the above process is repeated. If an affirmative determination is made in step 390, the process proceeds to step 392 to determine whether or not a double-sided printing instruction is given. If an affirmative determination is made in step 392, the process proceeds to step 394, a message for changing to single-sided printing is displayed, and the process proceeds to step 396. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step 392, the process proceeds to step 396. In step 396, print processing is executed.

  15 shows the control code No. in step 282 of FIG. 8 is a control subroutine.

  In step 400, notification that the product is a recall target product is performed, and then in step 402, the standby mode is entered, and then step 404 is entered. In step 404, it is determined whether a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 406 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 404, the process proceeds to step 408 to determine whether there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 408, the process returns to step 404 and the above process is repeated. If the determination in step 408 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 410 to execute the printing process without using the internal hard disk.

  16 shows the control code No. in step 284 of FIG. 9 is a control subroutine.

  In step 412, notification is made that the product is a recall target product, and then in step 414, the standby mode is entered, and then step 416 is entered. In step 416, it is determined whether a release code has been input. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 418 to return to normal operation, and this routine ends.

  If a negative determination is made in step 416, the process proceeds to step 420 to determine whether or not there is a print instruction. If a negative determination is made in step 420, the process returns to step 416 and the above process is repeated. If the determination in step 420 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 422, and the printing process is executed with the transfer voltage fixed at the lower limit.

  In the second embodiment, the flow of selecting only one control code has been described, but a plurality of control codes may be combined and executed.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the printer 10 (image forming apparatus) is used as a product and the toner cartridges 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K are used as consumables. Not only 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K, but also a storage medium such as CRUM92 may be attached to another part as long as it is a part that needs to be replaced periodically.

  The product is not limited to a printer (image forming apparatus), and the same effect can be obtained if a relationship between another product (particularly an electrical appliance) and its consumables is established. For example, a vacuum cleaner and a dust filter pack, an air cleaner and a filter, etc. are mentioned.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printer 10A Printer engine part 10B Loading part 11Y, 11M, 11C, 11K Toner cartridge 12Y, 12M, 12C, 12K Image formation unit 13Y, 13M, 13C, 13K Toner supply path 36 Control unit 60 Fixing device 70 Main control part 72 CPU
74 RAM
76 ROM
78 I / O
80 bus 82 UI
82M display surface 88 print control management unit 92 CRUM (toner type discrimination means)
94 Information reading / writing unit (toner type discrimination means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Conveyance control part 102 Scan exposure control part 104 Development control part 106 Transfer control part 108 Fixing control part 132 Image formation execution control part 134 Recall target product identification information extraction part 136 Verification / discrimination part 138 Self-product identification information memory 140 Recall Processing execution instruction unit 142 Operation prohibition instruction output unit 144 Notification control unit 146 Operation cancellation control unit 148 Recall notification content information memory 150 Cancellation code reception unit 152 Operation cancellation instruction output unit

Claims (7)

It can be attached to and detached from the product body, is attached to consumables that are consumed and need to be replaced as the product body is used, and can store at least recall information of the product body that uses the consumables Storage medium,
An information reading means provided on the product main body side for reading information stored in the storage medium when the consumable is mounted;
Discrimination means for discriminating whether or not the product body corresponds to a recall target product from the information read by the information reading means;
An informing means for informing so as to prompt a contact to a recall originator when it is determined as a recall target product by the determining means;
Recall target product location determination system. An image forming apparatus that forms a latent image based on image data, develops the latent image by supplying a developer, transfers the developer image formed by the development to a recording sheet, and outputs the image. And
A storage medium detachably attached to the apparatus main body, attached to a cartridge having at least the developer, and capable of storing recall information of at least the apparatus main body using the cartridge;
An information reading means provided on the apparatus main body side for reading information stored in the storage medium when the cartridge is mounted;
A discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not the apparatus main body corresponds to a recall target product from the information read by the information reading unit;
An informing means for informing so as to prompt a contact to a recall originator when it is determined as a recall target product by the determining means;
An image forming apparatus.   The notification means uses at least one of printing of the recall information on the recording paper, display of the recall information on the apparatus main body interface panel, and transmission of the recall information to an external terminal that can be the output source of the image data. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. When the discrimination means determines that the product is to be recalled, the prohibition means for prohibiting the image forming operation and the prohibition of the image forming operation by the prohibiting means are canceled on the condition that the manufacturer recognizes that the product is the recall target product The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a release unit . 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a mode transition unit that forcibly shifts to a preset safe operation mode in which a minimum necessary image forming process can be executed when the determination unit determines that the product is to be recalled . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The storage medium can store defect content information of the recall target product in addition to information specifying the recall target product, and restricts the operation of the apparatus main body based on the defect content information. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a portion where operation is prohibited is selected . At least the recall information of the product body that uses the consumable is stored in a storage medium that is detachable from the product body and is attached to the consumable that is consumed and needs to be replaced as the product body is used. , A recall target product location determination program for determining whether the product body corresponds to a recall target product,
  When the consumable is mounted on the product body side, the information stored in the storage medium is read,
  From the read information, determine whether the product body corresponds to a recall target product,
  A program for determining the location of a product to be recalled, which causes a computer to notify the user of a call to a recall source when the product is identified as a product to be recalled.

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