JP2005195900A - Image forming device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device and method capable of obtaining excellent images at least within a predetermined period by suppressing damages to the device even when a process cartridge, not a genuine part, is used. <P>SOLUTION: A trial period is set even when the process cartridge is recognized as not a genuine product, and it is made possible to put the ungenuine process cartridge into use within a limited period. Further, excellent images can be obtained by optimizing the image forming conditions sheet by sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method using a detachably mounted cartridge, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus and an image forming method optimized for a specific cartridge.

  Conventionally, in image forming apparatuses and image forming systems such as printers, copiers, and facsimile machines, cartridges that can replace recording materials such as toner and consumables such as photoconductors are known for the purpose of realizing easy maintenance. It has been.

  By making it easy for the user to replace the cartridge, it becomes easier for the image forming apparatus to operate stably without having the service person periodically inspect the apparatus. Since there are cases where the trouble can be solved by exchanging the battery, there are many cases where the trouble can be dealt with by the user.

Several methods have been proposed to determine whether or not a process cartridge is genuine. The process cartridge is configured to be detachable from the main unit, a nonvolatile memory is installed in the process cartridge, and synchronous serial communication is performed. There is a method of obtaining a recognition number (or ID number) stored in a non-volatile memory by performing the comparison and making a comparison (Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc.).
JP 2001-22230 A JP 2002-287579 A

  When a non-genuine process cartridge is used, the machine is damaged by using a supply different from the genuine product. In addition, when a manufacturer collects used process cartridges and recycles them for reuse, they cannot be regenerated due to different materials, or due to chemical changes that occur when unexpected materials are mixed in. It may cause various environmental destruction. Furthermore, an invention has been proposed in which the machine is stopped when it is recognized as a process cartridge other than a genuine product, but it not only dissatisfies the user but also touches the antitrust law.

  In addition, non-genuine process cartridges are sometimes supplied as pirated copies by supplying only toner from another manufacturer. In this case, compared to genuine toner, there are many parts that cannot be grasped as characteristic values such as environmental influences, changes in characteristics over time, electrostatic characteristic values, etc. There is no guarantee that the characteristics of the machine will continue to be maintained, and in the worst case, the machine will be destroyed.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to minimize damage to a machine and to continue to provide a good image when it is recognized as a process cartridge other than a genuine product. Another object is to provide environmentally friendly products without hindering reuse by recycling.

  In order to solve the above problems, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention detects that the process cartridge having the nonvolatile memory is detachable from the image forming apparatus and is not a genuine process cartridge. A trial period is set to limit a period during which a process cartridge that is not a genuine product can be used.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, the image forming apparatus further performs an operation for prompting replacement with a genuine process cartridge.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product cartridge, a use record of the process cartridge which is not a genuine product is further recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, the image forming condition is optimized every time one image is output.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, the image forming apparatus further performs an operation for prompting replacement with a genuine process cartridge.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product cartridge, a use record of the process cartridge which is not a genuine product is further recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side.

  The image forming method of the present invention sets a trial period when an image forming apparatus having a non-volatile memory and a removable process cartridge detects that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, and sets the trial period. It is characterized by limiting the period in which the can be used.

  The image forming method of the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, it is further urged to replace it with a genuine process cartridge.

  The image forming method of the present invention is characterized in that, when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product cartridge, a use record of the process cartridge that is not a genuine product is recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side.

  The image forming method of the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, the image forming condition is optimized every time one image is output.

  The image forming method of the present invention is characterized in that when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, it is further urged to replace it with a genuine process cartridge.

  The image forming method of the present invention is characterized in that, when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product cartridge, a use record of the process cartridge that is not a genuine product is recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side.

  According to the present invention, when a non-genuine process cartridge is used, a supply different from the genuine product is used, so that damage to the machine can be minimized and a good image can be continuously provided. Can do.

  Further, since the machine is not stopped when it is recognized as a process cartridge other than a genuine product, the machine can be continuously operated while the user orders the toner.

  In addition, if the user continues to use a non-genuine process cartridge and the machine fails, the machine operation will be stable if the non-genuine process cartridge usage record is left in the non-volatile memory inside the machine. This will be reference information for analysis when not.

  Further, when there is a contract that does not guarantee a machine failure when a process cartridge other than a genuine product is used, the manufacturer can take an appropriate response to a user who violates the contract.

  Further, according to the present invention described above, as a result, the process cartridge used by the user becomes a genuine product, and when the manufacturer collects the used process cartridge and recycles and reuses it, the process cartridge is recycled due to different materials. There is no possibility that it will not be possible to cause environmental damage due to chemical changes that occur due to contamination of unexpected materials. As a result, recyclability increases.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  The present invention is realized by a printer, a copying machine using an electrophotographic process, and a multifunction machine having an extended function such as FAX. In this embodiment, a color copying machine will be described as an example. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration in which the engines of the color copying machine are simply summarized. Although this embodiment will be described with reference to a color copying machine, it can also be realized with a monochrome copying machine.

<Device configuration>
The engine of the color copying machine includes a scanner unit 13 for reading a document, an electrophotographic process unit for forming a toner image, a fixing unit 10 for fixing a toner image, a paper feeding unit 11 for storing and transporting transfer paper, A writing unit 12 is provided for forming a latent image of image data on the photoreceptor.

  The scanner unit 13 for reading the original is provided with a lamp 14 for illuminating the original, and the reflected light of the original by the lamp is imaged on the CCD 17 via the mirror 15, the lens 16 and the like, and the image data is converted into an electric signal. The

  The electrophotographic process unit is a part that forms a toner image and transfers the toner image to a sheet. In this embodiment, an image is formed for each of the four colors of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black used for image formation. A description will be given by using an engine of a so-called tandem type color copying machine in which a unit is configured.

First, the magenta image forming unit will be described.
Around the magenta photosensitive member 1M, a magenta charging roller 2M, a magenta developing device 3M, a magenta photosensitive member cleaning device 4M, and a magenta static elimination lamp 5M are arranged in this order. These image forming units constitute a magenta process cartridge 8M. Further, a magenta nonvolatile memory 101M is mounted on the magenta process cartridge. Even if all these units are not integrated, it is desirable that at least the magenta photosensitive member 1M and the magenta developing device 3M are integrated.

  Similarly, cyan, yellow, and black image forming units are arranged side by side in the transfer unit 6. Further, the descriptions relating to the image forming unit and the process cartridge are the same, and will be omitted.

  Inside the transfer unit 6, a magenta photoreceptor 1M, a cyan photoreceptor 1C, a yellow photoreceptor 1Y, a black photoreceptor 1K and a transfer belt are sandwiched between a magenta transfer roller 7M, a cyan transfer roller 7C, a yellow transfer roller 7Y, Each of the black transfer rollers 7K is disposed. A transfer belt cleaning device 9 is disposed around the transfer unit 6.

  The paper supply unit 11 stores transfer paper on which a toner image is transferred, and conveys the transfer paper to the transfer unit 6. In order to match the leading edge of the paper and the leading edge of the image, the paper is conveyed at a timing by a registration roller (not shown).

  The fixing unit 10 is a device for fixing the toner image transferred on the paper, and the paper on which the toner image is transferred in the transfer unit 6 is conveyed and sent to the fixing unit 10.

  The writing unit 12 includes at least a semiconductor laser for each color that carries and outputs image data corresponding to each color processed by the image data processing unit, a polygon scanner equipped with a polygon mirror that deflects laser light at an equal angular velocity, And an optical element having an fθ characteristic for correcting so that the laser beam deflected at a constant angular velocity is deflected at a constant velocity on the photosensitive drum of the electrophotographic process section, and for each color that generates a synchronization signal for each line. It is formed from a synchronization detector. When the controller instructs the start of image formation, the polygon scanner starts rotating, the main motor is driven, and the photoconductor and the fixing roller start rotating. A latent image is formed by writing, as laser light, bitmap data developed in the control unit onto a photoconductor uniformly charged in advance by a charging roller, and the latent image is visualized with toner.

  This visualization operation is performed by each of the magenta, cyan, yellow, and black image forming units, and is sent in a time corresponding to the interval between the photoconductors, and the laser beam is output to be conveyed by the transfer belt. The toner images of four colors of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black are superimposed so that there is no color shift on the transfer paper. Then, this transfer sheet is conveyed to a fixing unit and subjected to a fixing process.

  Since there is residual toner on the magenta photoreceptor 1M, cyan photoreceptor 1C, yellow photoreceptor 1Y, and black photoreceptor 1K, the magenta photoreceptor cleaning device 4M, cyan photoreceptor cleaning device 4C, and yellow photoreceptor cleaning device. 4Y is cleaned by the black photoconductor cleaning device 4K, and is discharged by the magenta charge removal lamp 5M, the cyan charge removal lamp 5C, the yellow charge removal lamp 5Y, and the black charge removal lamp 5K.

  Further, the toner adhering to the transfer belt is cleaned by the transfer belt cleaning device 9. Further, a transfer belt neutralizing device (not shown) is disposed between the transfer belt cleaning device 9 and the magenta transfer portion (between the magenta photosensitive member 1M and the magenta transfer roller 7M) so that the surface potential of the transfer belt is equalized. Set to potential.

<Description of control unit>
Next, control will be described. The control unit is connected to motors that drive each component.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the control unit includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, a RAM 104, a nonvolatile memory 105, and an I / O expander I / O expander 107 connected to a CPU bus 106. A communication device 108 that communicates with the nonvolatile memory 109 mounted on the process cartridge 110 is also connected to the CPU bus 106.

  An operation unit 101 that displays the state of the image forming apparatus and performs various settings is connected to the CPU 102. The connection between the CPU 102 and the operation unit 101 is shown as an example in the case where the CPU 102 and the operation unit 101 are connected by serial communication with a CPU (not shown) that controls the operation unit 101, but the I / O control signal from the I / O expander of the control unit is shown. In this connection, a method of directly controlling the operation unit may be used.

  Communication is performed between the nonvolatile memory 109 in the process cartridge 110 and the communication device 108 connected to the CPU bus 106 to obtain various information of the process cartridge 110.

  In the case of a color image forming apparatus, since there are magenta, cyan, yellow, and black process cartridges, the communication between each nonvolatile memory and the communication device connected to the CPU bus is the number of wires to be connected and the communication speed. In view of the fact that it can be improved, a synchronous serial communication system using a serial bus connection is good in terms of efficiency.

  The process cartridge 110 and the main body are detachable, and are electrically connected at a signal line connecting portion including a power source and a ground between the communication device 108 connected to the CPU bus 106 and the nonvolatile memory 109 in the process cartridge 110. Detachable. Since the user attaches and detaches the process cartridge 110, in order to protect the data in the non-volatile memory 109, communication is stopped and It is necessary to shut off the power supply.

<Explanation of trial period setting operation>
Each step (abbreviated as S) will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
[S10] It is determined whether the process cartridge being used is a genuine product. If it is a genuine product, repeat the discrimination.
[S11] If the process cartridge being used is not a genuine product, the process proceeds to this step. A display for prompting replacement of the cartridge is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
[S12] After that, in order to allow image formation to such an extent that the machine does not break even if parts other than genuine products are used, the number of possible image formation is defined as 100. (There is a problem if this number is too large or too small, and an appropriate value is set in advance.)
[S13] After that, when the process cartridge is used for image formation and image formation is performed, the control is branched according to this condition determination. If image formation has not been performed, the determination of the actual condition is repeated.
[S14] If image formation has been performed, the number of possible image formations is decremented by 1, and the process proceeds to the next step.
[S15] If the remaining number of image formations is less than one, the process proceeds to S16, and if there is one or more remaining, the process proceeds to step S13.
[S16] If it is used more than this, it will damage the opportunity, so that effect is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit and the machine is stopped.
[S17] After that, it is determined that the genuine cartridge has been replaced.
[S18] When the product is replaced with a genuine product, a recovery operation such as process control control for making the image forming conditions appropriate is performed, and the process returns to the determination step of S10.

  If the cartridge is replaced with a non-genuine cartridge immediately after the operation of S18, 100 times of image formation will be performed again, leaving a record that a non-genuine cartridge was used in the non-volatile memory of the machine body. deep. If use records other than genuine products remain, if the image forming operation with non-genuine cartridges is prohibited, multiple image forming operations with non-genuine cartridges cannot be performed, resulting in damage to the machine. If a process cartridge other than a genuine product is purchased by mistake, it can be operated without stopping the operation of the machine as long as a genuine process cartridge is ordered.

  In addition, when a process cartridge that is not a genuine product is mounted, the display prompting the replacement can be continued so that the user can be aware that the cartridge is installed incorrectly and that the cartridge must be replaced immediately. .

<Description of operation for optimizing imaging conditions>
FIG. 3 shows an operation for performing process control (optimization of image forming conditions) when a process cartridge other than a genuine product is used in comparison with a case where a genuine product is used. Hereinafter, each step will be described.
[S20] It is determined whether or not the process cartridge being used is a genuine product.
[S21] If the genuine product is recognized in S20, the process proceeds to this step and the warning display is canceled.
[S22] A copy operation request with a genuine process cartridge mounted is determined in this step. If there is no copy request, the process returns to the process cartridge determination step of S20.
[S23] When there is a copy request, the data of the number of copies is stored in N.
[S25] A copy operation is performed.
[S26] The copy number counter (N) is decremented by 1.
[S27] The copy number counter (N) is compared with 1. If it is greater than 1, the process proceeds to S25 and the copy operation is repeated. If it is smaller, the copying operation is terminated, and the process returns to the process cartridge determination step of S20.
[S31] If it is determined in S20 that the product is not a genuine product, the process proceeds to this step, and displays that the operation cannot be guaranteed if the process cartridge is continuously used as it is.
[S32] In this step, a copy operation request in a state where a non-genuine process cartridge is mounted is determined. If there is no copy request, the process returns to the process cartridge determination step of S20.
[S33] When there is a copy request, the number of copies of data is stored in N.
[S34] Process control is performed. Because this operation uses non-genuine process cartridges, it cannot be guaranteed that the image forming conditions are balanced in terms of the electrophotographic process for image forming operations. To prevent it.
[S35] A copy operation is performed.
[S36] The copy number counter (N) is decremented by 1,
[S37] Whether the copy number counter (N) is smaller than 1 is compared. However, as in the case of the transition from S33 to S34, it is necessary to perform process control. If it is smaller than 1, the copying operation is terminated, and the process returns to the process cartridge determination step in S20.

  The process control is implemented by connecting the I / O expander of FIG. 1 to motors, clutches, and the like that drive the components shown in FIG. 4 and inputting input signals from the sensors and performing predetermined control. .

  By controlling the process to maintain the image quality by executing process control control that makes the image forming conditions appropriate, even if toner with slightly different characteristics is used, the machine will normally not break for a short period of time. Are expected to be output. However, it is very difficult to cope with differences in the environment in which the machine body is installed, the frequency with which the machine is used, the difference in the quality required for each image, etc., and guarantees that stable images will continue to be output. I can't. Depending on the characteristics of the toner, the toner may blow out when the adjustment range such as the development bias that the machine assumes is exceeded, or due to the difference in the amount of charge charged by the toner itself (difference from the genuine product). Toner scattering may occur. Considering this, if the process control interval is made shorter than the normal interval, the damage to the machine can be reduced.

  Therefore, the timing for performing so-called process control for maintaining the image quality every time it is set is performed at the minimum interval at which the machine can operate. For example, process control is performed each time a transfer sheet is discharged, and stable image formation is performed regardless of the characteristics of the toner itself even if the image forming conditions are far from the image forming conditions. To do.

  The normal interval for performing the process control is an interval that can guarantee that the same image continues to be output even if images are repeatedly formed under the same imaging conditions, and is set to about 50 to 100 sheets. Accordingly, the process control execution interval shorter than the normal interval is an interval shorter than the above-described interval, and is at least one sheet interval.

  The use of non-genuine toners can lead to unpredictable results, resulting in damage to the machine, which is a serious problem. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to solve the problem that the machine is broken by using a cartridge that is not genuine by chance.

  The operation of using non-genuine toner is an operation for minimizing damage to the machine. However, it is troublesome for the user and greatly reduces the productivity of the copying operation. As a result, the user uses genuine toner and does not destroy the machine. Also, in such a state, when a non-genuine process cartridge is installed, a display prompting the user to replace the cartridge with the wrong cartridge and the cartridge must be replaced as soon as possible. If it continues, it becomes clear that the machine is operating normally, and it is possible to avoid making an erroneous service call.

  In addition, when a non-genuine unit is used, history data is left in the non-volatile memory of the machine body. The history data includes, for example, the usage period (date and time) of the process cartridge to be used, the number of times of image formation (including color information in the case of color), the number of prints, machine abnormal operation history, and paper jam. History etc.

  The present invention can be applied to a printer, a color printer, a copying machine, a color copying machine, a printing apparatus having a composite function by an extended function, and the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a control part. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus when a process cartridge that is not a genuine product is mounted. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement in the case of using process cartridges other than a genuine product, performing process control. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

101 Operation unit 102 CPU
103 ROM
104 RAM
105 Non-volatile memory 106 CPU bus 107 I / O expander 108 Communication device 110 Process cartridge

Claims (12)

  If a process cartridge with a non-volatile memory is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and it is detected that it is not a genuine process cartridge, a trial period can be set and a non-genuine process cartridge can be used. An image forming apparatus having a limited period.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, an operation for prompting replacement with a genuine process cartridge is further performed.   3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product, a use record of a process cartridge that is not a genuine product is further recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected that the cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, the image forming condition is optimized every time one image is output.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, an operation for prompting replacement with a genuine process cartridge is further performed.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product cartridge, a use record of the process cartridge which is not a genuine product is further recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side.   In an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge having a non-volatile memory is removable, when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, a trial period is set to limit the period in which the process cartridge that is not a genuine product can be used. An image forming method.   8. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, replacement with a genuine process cartridge is further urged.   9. The image forming method according to claim 8, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product cartridge, a use record of the process cartridge which is not a genuine product is further recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side.   8. The image forming method according to claim 7, wherein when it is detected that the cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, the image forming condition is optimized every time one image is output.   11. The image forming method according to claim 10, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine process cartridge, replacement with a genuine process cartridge is further urged.   12. The image forming method according to claim 11, wherein when it is detected that the process cartridge is not a genuine product cartridge, a use record of the process cartridge which is not a genuine product is further recorded in a nonvolatile memory on the main body side.

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