JPH10198236A - Color image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve usability by providing replaceable consumables with a non-volatile memory, storing the attribute information of the consumables and changing the information. SOLUTION: By a CPU 14 incorporated in the signal processing part 4 of a printer engine, a control signal is exchanged between a printer controller by executing serial communication 15. Besides, the communication is executed among the memories 203-206 for the respective developing units of M, C, Y and Bk, the memory for a photoreceptor drum 207 and the backup memory 230 by the CPU 14. In the memories 203-206, color information, a reutilizing frequency, the name of a maker, an ID number, the threshold value of a service life and the counter value of the service life are stored. In the memory 207, the name of the maker, the ID number, the threshold value of the service life and the counter value of the service life are stored. The counter value of the service life is the information counted up based on the number of printed sheets used by the developing unit and up-dated every print. Then, when the counter value of the service life becomes over the threshold value of the service life, the service life is informed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic or electrostatic recording type color image forming apparatus such as a color printer or a color copying machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, printers have been colorized and used as various means of expression for users. In particular, color page printers using the electrophotographic method have been receiving attention in terms of quietness, high quality image quality, and high-speed printing.

A color laser beam printer, which is one of the color page printers, scans a photoreceptor with a laser beam in a main scanning direction, performs first development using a first toner, and then performs transfer. A step of transferring onto a recording medium such as a recording paper on a drum;
Subsequently, a multicolor image is formed and recorded by the same second, third, and fourth steps using the above toner.

[0004] Through these four steps, an image is formed with toners of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and K (black), and these are multiplex-transferred to a recording medium to form a color image. Is generally known in an electrophotographic color laser beam printer.

FIG. 2 shows a recording method of a multicolor image in such a conventional full-color laser beam printer.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a conventional full-color printer, and FIG. 23 shows the flow of various signals handled by the full-color printer shown in FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 22, a photosensitive drum 1201 rotating in a direction indicated by an arrow at a constant speed is connected to a charger 1204.
Thus, it is charged to a predetermined polarity and a predetermined voltage. Then
The recording paper P is fed one by one from a paper feed cassette 1215 by a pickup roller 1214 at a predetermined timing. When the leading end of the recording paper P is detected by the detector 1202, the laser light L deflected by the image signal VDO (8 bits for each color component of each pixel) is emitted from the semiconductor laser 1205.
The light is emitted toward the polygon mirror 1207 driven by the scanner motor 1206,
After being reflected by the lens 1208 and the mirror 120
9, the photosensitive drum 1201 is guided to the photosensitive drum 1201,
Scan over 01.

On the other hand, a signal from the detector 1202 (hereinafter, referred to as a signal)
TOPSNS) is output to the image forming unit 1250 shown in FIG. 23 as a vertical synchronization signal. Further, the detector 121
When the laser beam L is detected by the image forming unit 7, a beam detect (hereinafter referred to as BD) signal serving as a horizontal synchronizing signal is transmitted to the image forming unit 1.
250. Then, the image signal VDO is sequentially transmitted to the semiconductor laser 1205 in synchronization with the BD signal.

The scanner motor 1206 is a reference oscillator 1
Signal S2 from a frequency divider for dividing signal S1 from
Motor control circuit 1 so as to rotate at a constant speed in accordance with
225.

The photosensitive drum 1 is synchronized with the BD signal.
201 is exposed by scanning, and then the first electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 1203Y having yellow toner, and a yellow toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1201.

On the other hand, immediately before the leading end of the recording paper P fed at a predetermined timing reaches the transfer start position, a predetermined transfer bias having a polarity opposite to that of the toner is applied to the transfer drum 1216, and a yellow toner image is formed. Is transferred onto the recording paper P, and at the same time, the recording paper P is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the transfer drum 1216.

Next, the laser light L
A second electrostatic latent image is formed by the scanning of, and the second electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 1203M having magenta toner. The magenta toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1201 is transferred to the recording paper P by aligning the top of the magenta toner image with the previously transferred yellow toner image by the TOPSNS signal.

Similarly, the third electrostatic latent image is developed and developed by the developing device 1203C having cyan toner, and the cyan toner image is aligned with the previously transferred image. Is transferred to the recording paper P, and then the fourth electrostatic latent image is developed.
The image is developed by 3K, the black toner image is aligned with the previously transferred image, and transferred to the recording paper P.

As described above, one page of VDO is provided for each process.
The signals are sequentially output to the semiconductor laser 1205. In addition, the untransferred toner image is scraped off by the cleaner 1210 in each transfer step.

Thereafter, when the leading end of the recording paper P on which the four color toner images have been transferred approaches the position of the separating claw 1212, the leading end of the recording paper P comes into contact with the surface of the transfer drum 1216, and the recording is performed. Until the rear end of the paper P separates from the transfer drum 1216, the paper P keeps contacting the transfer drum 1216, and then separates and returns to the original position. Then, the charge accumulated on the recording paper P is eliminated by the neutralizer 1211, thereby facilitating the separation of the recording paper P by the separation claw 1212 and at the same time reducing the aerial discharge during the separation of the recording paper.

The image developed last is supplied to the fixing roller 121.
3 and is discharged to a discharge tray 1229.

The image forming unit 1250 shown in FIG.
Means the semiconductor laser 1205,
It is a generic term for all elements except the scanner motor 1206, polygon mirror 1207, detectors 1202 and 1217.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the TOPSNS signal and the VDO signal. In FIG. 24, A1 indicates a printing operation of the first toner color (Y), and A2 indicates a second printing operation.
Printing operation of toner color (M), A3 is third toner color (C)
A4 is a printing operation of the fourth toner color (K). The sections A1 to A4 correspond to a one-page color printing operation.

Next, the image signal processing will be described. FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a conventional full-color printer device 1302. In the figure, a host interface 1303 receives print information 1307 from an external device, for example, a host computer 1301, transmits a control signal 1308 included in the received print information to the printer control unit 1304, and converts an image signal 1309 included in the received print information into an image. Send to processing unit 1305. Then, the semiconductor laser 1306 is driven by the output signal of the image processing unit 1309. The printer control unit 1304 controls the control signal 131.
0 controls the image processing unit 1305.

FIG. 26 shows the image signal processing section 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a 305. The color processing unit 1351 shown in FIG. 26 receives a 24-bit RGB image signal from the host interface 1303 shown in FIG. 25, and converts an input RGB signal into a corresponding YMCK signal sequentially at a predetermined timing. That is, the input RGB signal is converted into the above-mentioned 8-bit VDO signal indicating the Y signal, the M signal, the C signal, and the K signal at some times.

FIG. 27 is a timing chart of the color signal conversion processing executed by the color processing unit 1351. FIG.
7, A1, A2, A3, and A4 indicate printing operations for the same toner colors as described with reference to FIG. Further, R1, G1, and B1 in FIG. 27 indicate that the same RGB signal is used for the printing operation for each toner color.
Also, the color designation signal of 2 bits indicates which color component each printing operation is printing. Further, “B” in each numerical value of the color designation signal in FIG. 27 indicates that the numerical value is expressed in binary.

Now, referring to FIG.
The Y, M, C, and K VDO signals from the G.51
Γ-corrected in 352, output as an 8-bit signal,
Next pulse modulation unit (hereinafter, referred to as PWM unit) 1353
Is input to In the PWM unit 1353, the 8-bit image signal is latched by the latch 1354 in synchronization with the rising edge of the image clock (VCLK). Then, the latched digital data is converted into a corresponding analog voltage by the D / A converter 1355, and the analog comparator 135
Enter 6

On the other hand, the image clock (VCLK) is also input to a triangular wave generator 1358, where it is converted to a triangular wave and input to an analog comparator 1356.

The analog comparator 1356 receives the triangular wave signal from the triangular wave generator 1358 and the D / A comparator 1
355, and outputs a pulse-width modulated signal. This pulse width modulated signal is
The signal is inverted by the inverter 1357 to obtain a PWM signal.

FIG. 28 is a timing chart of various signals related to the above-described PWM signal generation process.

Therefore, the 8 input to the PWM unit 1353
When the bit image data takes the maximum value “FF (H)”, the widest PWM signal is output, while the minimum value “0” is output.
0 (H) ", the narrowest PWM signal is output.

[0027]

As described above,
Although the functions of the printer itself have evolved, the functions and manageability of consumables are not yet sufficient. For example, regarding the life of consumables, the method of detecting the life of the photosensitive drum cartridge has only been able to detect the life of the photosensitive drum cartridge roughly, for example, by measuring the potential of the drum surface. Therefore, the warning to the user is only a binary notification of whether the life is sufficient or not by turning on a warning lamp on a display panel of the printer body.

Next, regarding the manageability of consumables, conventionally, there has been no idea of assigning a unique ID number to each consumable, and therefore, once a consumable has reached the end of its life, the consumable is put into the printer body again. As a result, annoying things such as notice after printing may occur.

Further, after the life of the consumable is notified, the printer sometimes stops even when it is necessary to continue using the printer, such as during automatic operation at night.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a color image forming apparatus using replaceable consumables with good usability.

[0031]

The above object is achieved by a color image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, the present invention is interchangeable in a color image forming apparatus that forms an image on a photoreceptor in accordance with an image signal input from an external device and prints the image on a recording medium with a multicolor recording agent. A non-volatile memory means is provided on a consumable item, and the attribute information of the consumable item is stored in the memory means, and the attribute information is changed.

Preferably, the replaceable consumable includes:
This is a unit in which a recording agent is enclosed. According to another aspect,
The replaceable consumable is preferably a unit having a photoconductor mounted thereon.

It is preferable that the change of the attribute information is performed by a computer which is an external device. According to another aspect, it is preferable that the change of the attribute information is performed by operating means arranged on the apparatus main body.

Preferably, the attribute information is life information of the consumable. According to another aspect, it is preferable that the attribute information is identification information of the consumable.

Preferably, the contents stored in the non-volatile memory means are updated after a predetermined number of printing operations. According to another aspect, the content stored in the non-volatile memory means is that if a print operation is not performed during a period in which the apparatus main body is turned on,
Preferably, it is not updated.

Preferably, the nonvolatile memory means is provided with a readable / writable area. Preferably, said non-volatile memory means is an EEPROM.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a color image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 shows a typical embodiment of the present invention, which has a resolution of 600 dots / inch (dpi) and multi-valued data in which each pixel of each color component is represented by 8 bits. A color laser printer (hereinafter, referred to as a CLBP or a printer) that performs image recording based on the information is shown.

In the printer 1 shown in FIG.
The recording paper P, which is a recording medium fed from 01, is gripped at its leading end by a gripper 103f.
3 is held on the outer periphery. At this time, the detector 8 detects the leading end of the recording paper P, and a vertical synchronization signal (described later) is generated based on the detection signal. The latent images formed in the respective colors by the optical unit 107 on the image carrier (hereinafter, referred to as photosensitive drums) 100 are color developing units Dy, Dc, Dm, and D having yellow, cyan, magenta, and black toners.
b, and is transferred to the recording paper P on the outer periphery of the transfer drum a plurality of times to form a multicolor image. Thereafter, the recording paper P is separated from the transfer drum 103 and the fixing unit 1
04, and the paper is discharged from the paper discharge unit 105 to the paper discharge tray 106.
Is discharged.

The developing units Dy, Dc, Dm, and Db of the respective colors are:
The developing device selection mechanism 108 has rotatable support shafts at both ends thereof, each rotatable about the shaft. As a result, the attitude of each of the developing devices Dy, Dc, Dm, and Db can be maintained constant even if the developing device selection mechanism 108 rotates about the rotation shaft 110 for developing device selection. After the selected developing device is moved to the developing position, the developing device selecting mechanism 1
Reference numeral 08 denotes an integral part of the developing device, in which the selection mechanism holding frame 109 is pulled toward the photosensitive drum 100 by the solenoid 109a around the fulcrum 109b, and moves toward the photosensitive drum 100.

Next, the color image forming operation of the printer having the above configuration will be specifically described.

First, the photosensitive drum 1 is charged by the charger 111.
Is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity, and for example, a latent image of M (magenta) color is developed on the photosensitive drum 100 by exposure with the laser beam L by a developing device Dm of M (magenta) color. Is formed on the first toner image.

On the other hand, the recording paper P is fed at a predetermined timing, and a transfer bias voltage (+1.8 kV) of the opposite polarity (for example, positive polarity) to the toner is applied to the transfer drum 103, and the first The toner image is transferred to the recording paper P, and the recording paper P is electrostatically attracted to the surface of the transfer drum 103. Thereafter, the M (magenta) toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 100 is removed by the cleaner 112, and the photosensitive drum 100 is ready for the next color latent image forming and developing process.

Next, a second C (cyan) latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 100 by the laser beam L, and then the second latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 is developed by the C (cyan) developing unit Dc. A second toner image whose image is C (cyan) is formed. Then, the C (cyan) second toner image is transferred onto the recording paper P in accordance with the position of the M (magenta) first toner image previously transferred onto the recording paper P. In the transfer of the second color toner image, a transfer bias voltage of +2.1 kV is applied to the transfer drum 103 immediately before the recording paper P reaches the transfer portion.

Similarly, third and fourth latent images of Y (yellow) color and Bk (black) color are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 100, and each is sequentially developed by the developing units Dy and Db, and is recorded. The third and fourth toner images of Y (yellow) and Bk (black) colors are sequentially transferred in alignment with the toner image previously transferred onto the paper P. In this way, four color toner images are formed on the recording paper P in an overlapping state. In the transfer of the third color and the fourth color toner images, the transfer drum 103 is applied with +2.5 kV and +3.0 kV immediately before the recording paper P reaches the transfer portion.
Is applied.

The reason why the transfer bias voltage is increased each time such a color toner image is transferred is to prevent a decrease in transfer efficiency. The main cause of the decrease in the transfer efficiency is that when the recording paper P separates from the photosensitive drum 100 after the transfer, the surface of the recording paper P is charged to the opposite polarity to the transfer bias by air discharge (when the recording paper P is loaded). The surface of the transfer drum is also slightly charged), and this charge is accumulated for each transfer, and the transfer electric field decreases for each transfer when the transfer bias voltage is constant.

In the transfer of the fourth color, when the leading edge of the recording paper reaches the transfer start position (including immediately before and after), the transfer of the fourth toner image is performed at an effective AC voltage of 5.5 kV (frequency is 500 Hz). The DC bias voltage of the same polarity and the same potential as the transfer bias applied at that time is applied to the charger 111 while superimposing a DC bias voltage of +3.0 kV. As described above, when the leading end of the recording paper P reaches the transfer start position during the transfer of the fourth color, the charger 11
The operation of 1 is for preventing transfer unevenness. In particular, in the transfer of a full-color image, even if slight transfer unevenness occurs, it is easy to notice as a color difference, so it is necessary to apply a predetermined bias voltage to the charger 111 to perform a discharging operation as described above. Becomes

Recording paper P on which four color toner images are superimposed and transferred
When the leading end of the recording paper P approaches the separation position, the leading end of the separation claw 113 comes into contact with the surface of the transfer drum 103 to separate the recording paper P from the transfer drum 103. The tip of the separation claw 113 keeps contact with the surface of the transfer drum.
Leaves 03 and returns to the original position. As described above, the charger 115 operates from the time when the leading end of the recording paper reaches the transfer start position of the final color (the fourth color) to the time when the trailing end of the recording paper leaves the transfer drum 103, and the accumulated charge (toner) on the recording paper. (The opposite polarity), thereby facilitating the separation of the recording paper by the separation claw 113 and reducing air discharge during separation. When the rear end of the recording paper P reaches the transfer end position (the exit of the nip formed by the photosensitive drum 100 and the transfer drum 103), the transfer bias voltage applied to the transfer drum 103 is turned off (ground voltage). To

At the same time, the bias voltage applied to the charger 111 is turned off. Next, the separated recording paper P is transported to the fixing device 104, where the toner image on the recording paper is fixed, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 106.

Next, an image forming operation by laser beam scanning will be described.

In FIG. 1, the optical unit 107 includes a detector 9, a semiconductor laser 120, a polygon mirror 121,
It comprises a scanner motor 122, a lens 123 and a mirror 125. When the recording paper P is fed and the leading end thereof is conveyed to the transfer drum 103, the light beam L modulated by the image signal VDO for one page is synchronized with the recording paper P.
Is emitted toward the polygon mirror 121 rotated by the scanner motor 122, and the emitted light beam L is transmitted by the lens 123 and the mirror 125 to the photosensitive drum 10.
It is led to 0. When the light beam L is detected, the light beam L is detected by the detector 9 disposed on the main scanning axis, and a BD (beam detection) signal serving as a horizontal synchronization signal is output. As a result, the photosensitive drum 100 is scanned and exposed by the light beam L in synchronization with the BD signal, and an electrostatic latent image is formed.

The color laser beam printer of this embodiment outputs an image at a resolution of 600 dots / inch (dpi) through the above-described image forming process.

As input data of this apparatus, color image data (for example, data represented by RGB components) generated by a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a host)
Alternatively, image data generated by another image data generation device (still image recorder) or the like and stored in some storage medium may be considered. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus is provided with a printer controller 2 that receives image information from a host and generates image data, and a signal processing unit 4 that processes the image data.

In the embodiment described below, the description will be made as color image data sent from the host.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the printer 1 receives and develops image information 5 in a predetermined description language sent from the host computer 1000, and converts this into YMCB in which each color component is composed of 8 bits (D0 to D7).
k) Printer controller 2 outputting as image signal 6
And the printer engine 3. Alternatively, the host 1000 may send out bit data such as RGB read by an image reader or the like as the image information 5, and in this case, the printer controller 2 performs processing without interpreting this.

Various signals for image formation other than the image signal 4 are transmitted and received between the printer controller 2 and the printer engine 3 in the form of serial communication. These signals include a page (sub-scanning direction) synchronization signal (PSYN) transmitted from the printer engine 3 to the print controller 2.
C), a synchronization signal (LSYNC) in the main scanning direction, a 1-bit attribute signal (PHIMG) sent from the printer controller 2 to the printer engine 3, and a data transfer clock (VCLK). Here, the attribute designation signal (PHIM
G) is a signal for specifying the line density of the image output from the printer, and 600 d when PHIMG = “L”
pi.

The printer controller 2 converts the image signal 6 into an 8-bit signal of each color component together with a 1-bit attribute designation signal (PHIMG) together with a data transfer clock (VCL).
Output in synchronization with K).

FIG. 3 shows a printer engine 3 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the reference clock from the reference oscillator 10 included in the optical unit 107 is frequency-divided by the frequency divider 11 so that the phase difference between the frequency-divided clock and the feedback signal from the scanner motor 122 becomes a predetermined phase difference. The rotation of the scanner motor 122 is transmitted to the polygon mirror 121 by the motor control circuit 12 (incorporating a known phase control circuit (not shown)).
1 is rotated at a constant speed.

On the other hand, the transfer drum 103 is rotated at a constant speed by a drive motor (not shown), the leading end of the recording paper P on the transfer drum 103 is detected by the detector 8, and the vertical synchronizing signal (VSYNC) is output to the signal processing unit 4 Is output to And
The vertical synchronization signal (VSYNC) defines the leading edge of each color image. After the vertical synchronizing signal (VSYNC) is output, the BD signal generated by the detector 9 is used as the horizontal synchronizing signal (HSYNC), and the image signal (VDO) is sequentially transmitted to the semiconductor laser 120 in synchronization with the BD signal. You.

The CPU 14 incorporated in the signal processing unit 4
Performs serial communication 15 with the printer controller 3, exchanges control signals, and synchronizes the operations of the printer controller 2 and the printer engine 3.

The CPU 14 also stores the developing device memories 203 to 206 of M, C, Y, and Bk and the photosensitive drum memory 20.
7 and the backup memory 230 through serial communication line 2
02 is communicated. Developing device memory 203
Reference numeral 206 denotes an EEPROM attached to each color developing unit.
The photosensitive drum memory 207 is an EEPROM mounted on the photosensitive drum cartridge.

The timings of the above-described vertical synchronizing signal (VSYNC), horizontal synchronizing signal (BD), and image signal (VDO) in the image forming process are as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the signal processing section 4. In FIG. 1, the signal processing unit 4 is roughly divided into a line memory 20, a tracking pattern processing unit 53, and a halftone processing unit using PWM.

The line memory 20 stores the multivalued image data (D0 to D7) sent from the printer controller 2 and the attribute designation signal (PHIMG) in a data transfer clock (V
CLK), and then read out by the image clock (PCLK) of the printer engine 3.

The PWM intermediate processing unit includes a γ correction unit 21, a D / A conversion unit 22, comparators 23 and 24,
It is composed of triangular wave generators 26 and 27 and a selector 28. Then, the multi-valued image data from the line memory 20 is γ-corrected by the γ correction unit 21, converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 22, and then converted into analog signals.
4 positive input terminal (+). On the other hand, a negative input terminal (-) of each of the comparators 23 and 24 has a triangular wave generator 26 for generating a triangular wave signal based on the image clock (PCLK) and a 1/2 PCLK clock obtained by dividing the image clock (PCLK).
27 output signals are input.

Then, each of the comparators 23 and 24
By comparing these two signals, a signal having a pulse width corresponding to the multi-valued image is generated. From the comparator 23, the resolution is 60
On the other hand, a PWM signal for generating an image of 0 dpi
The comparator 24 outputs a PWM signal for forming an image having a resolution of 300 dpi. Output signals of these two comparators 23 and 24 are input to a selector 28.

When PHIMG = “H”, the selector 28 operates according to the input attribute designation signal (PHIMG).
PWM signal from the comparator 24 (resolution 300 dp
i), and PHIMG = ”
When L ", the PWM signal from the comparator 23 (used for forming an image with a resolution of 600 dpi) is selected and sent to the laser drive unit 121 as an image signal (VDO).

FIG. 6 is a time chart of various control signals related to the PWM signal generation process performed by the signal processing unit 4 when there is no screen angle.

FIGS. 7 to 9 are diagrams for explaining specific examples of the serial communication line 202 between each of the memories 203 to 207 and the CPU 14. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an interface circuit in the signal processing section 4.

In the figure, 211, 212 and 213 are digital transistors. Reference numeral 210 denotes a PNP type power transistor, which is connected to a resistor 2 from a port PO of the CPU 14.
When "Low" is output via the signal group 14, the signal group 2
Power is supplied to the VCC line 02. The CPU 14
When it is detected that the user has opened the printer door, the port PO is set to “High”, the VCC supplied to each memory is opened, and the power is turned off. VCC of the signal 202 is a power supply to an EEPROM as a memory, CS is a chip selector signal, SCK is a clock signal for serial communication, DI is input data to the EEPROM, and DO is an EEPROM.
Represents the output signal from the ROM.

Of the above signals, VCC, SCK, DI,
DO and GND are common buses for each memory, and CS is an independent signal line for each memory (203 to 207) (output from port P1 to port P5 of CPU 14).
And C in the backup memory 230 in the signal processing unit.
The S signal is output from the port P6 of the CPU 14. still,
215 and 216 are resistors.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a circuit around the magenta developing device memory 203. This circuit is composed of an electric board, and is incorporated in a developing cartridge as shown in FIG. 8, 220 is a digital transistor, 217 to 219, 221 to 223 are resistors, 2
24 to 226 are capacitors. This circuit configuration is common to all of the cyan developing device memory, the yellow developing device memory, the black developing device memory, and the photosensitive drum memory.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for reading from and writing to the EEPROM 203. This EEP
Output of data to PROM 203 is performed by serial communication. The data structure of the serial communication is composed of an operation code "2" bit representing the content of a start "1" bit instruction, an address and data.

FIG. 11A shows the state at the time of reading.
When the main control CPU 14 sends a start, an operation code and an address in synchronization with the clock SCK, data is output from the serial data output terminal DO in synchronization with the clock SCK. FIG. 2B shows a write operation, in which a start, an operation code, an address, and data transmitted from the main CPU 14 in synchronization with the clock SCK are written from the serial data input terminal DI.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the magenta developing device. In the figure, the magenta developing device Dm includes a developing unit 22.
7, a memory circuit board 228, an EEPROM 203, and a connector 229. In the connector 229, signals of the CPU 14 in the signal processing unit 4 and the EEPROM 203 are connected.

Next, the contents stored in each memory will be described. FIG. 11 shows a memory map of the EEPROM of the developing device memory. Each developing device memory (512 bits × 2) has color information (specify any one of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black), the number of reuses, a manufacturer name, and an ID.
A number (a unique number of the developing device), a threshold value of the life, and a life counter which starts after the start of use are stored.

Of these, color information, manufacturer name and ID
The number is information stored as read-only during manufacturing. As for the number of reuses, in the case of a developing unit capable of refilling toner, the memory content is updated at a refilling factory.
The life counter counts up according to the number of prints using the developing device, and is information updated for each print. Further, the life threshold is for notifying the life when the life counter exceeds the life threshold.

FIG. 12 shows a photosensitive drum memory map. The photosensitive drum memory (512 bits × 2) stores a manufacturer name, an ID number (a unique number of the photosensitive drum), a life threshold, and a life counter. Among these, the manufacturer name and the ID number are information stored as read-only at the time of manufacture. The life counter counts up based on the number of prints using the developing device, and is information updated for each print. Further, the life threshold is for notifying the life when the life counter exceeds the life threshold.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart focusing on memory access during the period from when the power of the printer is turned on to when the power is turned off.

First, when the power is turned on (S231),
First, the backup memory 2 that stores the previous state
Then, the contents of No. 30 are compared with the contents of the developing device memories 203 to 207 (S232). Next, if the comparison results match, it is determined that the developing device and the photosensitive drum are the same as the previous one, and the printing operation is performed. If not, the contents of the backup memory 230 are updated (S237),
At the same time, it is determined which consumable item (developing device, photosensitive drum) has been replaced based on the contents that do not match, and the user is notified (S238). The contents to be compared are the manufacturer name car name and ID number in FIG. 11, and the manufacturer name and ID number in FIG. The notification method will be described later.

Next, it is monitored that printing has been performed (S233), and every time printing is performed, for example,
The developing device and photosensitive drum print life thresholds are written into the developing device memory and photosensitive drum memory at the time of manufacture, and the life count is incremented each time one sheet is printed (S
239). Also, the fact that the front door has been opened is constantly monitored (S234), and when it is detected that the front door has been opened, the process starts from the comparison in step S232. When the power supply for printing is turned off (S235), these sequences end (S236).

Next, a notification method will be described. Broadcasting methods are roughly divided into the following three methods. (A) Information is sent to the print controller via the serial communication 15 and displayed on the host computer 1000 as a user terminal via the network 5 from there. (B) The information is sent to the printer controller via the serial communication 15 and the information is sent to and displayed on the display panel 208 (see FIG. 2) of the printer. (C) The information is printed and printed out. Or
Print out the information on the power-on page.

FIG. 14 shows the monitor 1 using the notification method (A).
001 shows an example displayed. As shown in FIG. 14, by notifying the user terminal, when a common printer is used by a plurality of terminals, it is possible to know the status of the printer consumables even at a terminal physically separated from the printer. Becomes possible.

The notification may be made not only when the consumable is replaced but also when the user wants to know the consumable information at the terminal.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which information is displayed on the printer display 208 by the notification method (B). As shown in FIG. 15, when displayed on the printer display panel, the user can check the state of the consumables immediately when the consumables are replaced. For example, when a used developing unit is replaced, the remaining life can be recognized on the display.

FIG. 16 shows an example of printing out by the notification method (C). If the information is printed out as shown in FIG. 16, the information remains as a history.

Next, a method of changing the information content stored in the memory will be described. The user operates a keyboard or the like of the host computer 1000 as a user terminal, sends information to the printer controller via the network 5 from here, and writes data to consumables in the engine via the serial communication 15.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which this changing method is performed by the host computer 1000. As shown in FIG. 17, the image quality does not have to be ensured by automatic driving at night or the like,
If the user absolutely wants to use the printer, the life detection level (lifetime threshold) of the photosensitive drum can be temporarily changed, so that the operation can be continuously performed even during nighttime unattended operation. . Further, an operation button may be provided in the printer instead of the host computer, and the threshold value may be changed via the printer controller.

In the present embodiment, the memory has been described by taking the EEPROM as an example. However, another nonvolatile memory may be used. C
EEPROM with PU and EEPROM integrated into one chip
The built-in CPU may be mounted on the consumable. In this case, communication between the signal processing unit and the CPU 14 can be further simplified.

A sensor is provided on the printer main body side,
A method of attaching an information carrier such as a magnetic tape or a bar code to the consumables side may be used.

Regarding the method of calculating the remaining life, in addition to simply counting the number of prints, more accurate detection may be performed by combining a conventional optical sensor or potential sensor, and the result may be written to the memory of the consumable item.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the non-volatile memory is mounted on the consumables such as the respective color developing units and the photosensitive drums, the information on the consumables is stored in the memory, and the information is notified to the user. In addition, by making the information changeable, usability can be improved.

Embodiment 2 Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a user-readable / writable area is provided in each memory such as a developing device memory and a photosensitive drum memory, and the user information is stored in the area.

Here, the contents stored in each memory will be described. FIG. 18 shows a memory map of the EEPROM of the developing device memory. Each developing unit memory (512 bits x
In 2), color information (specify any of magenta, cyan, yellow, and black), number of reuses, manufacturer name, ID number (specific number of the developing device), life threshold, and use start After that, a life counter which starts after that and user information (user identification code) are stored. Among them, the color information, the manufacturer name, and the ID number are read-only information stored at the time of manufacturing. As for the number of reuses, in the case of a developing unit capable of refilling toner, the memory content is updated at a refilling factory. The life counter counts up according to the number of prints using the developing device, and is information updated for each print. Further, the life threshold is for notifying the life when the life counter exceeds the life threshold. The user information can be freely read and written from the host computer. The user can easily identify the cartridge by writing his / her name here.

FIG. 19 shows a memory map of the photosensitive drum memory. The photosensitive drum memory (512 bits × 2) stores a manufacturer name, an ID number (a unique number of the photosensitive drum), a life threshold, and life counter user information. Among them, the manufacturer name and the ID number are information stored at the time of manufacturing. The life counter counts up based on the number of prints using the developing device, and is information updated for each print. Further, the life threshold is for notifying the life when the life counter exceeds the life threshold. User information can be freely read and written from the host computer.

For reading the user information, the information is sent to the print controller via the serial communication 15 and is displayed on the monitor of the host computer 1000 as the user terminal through the network 5 (see FIG. 2).

FIG. 20 shows the monitor 1 using the notification method (A).
001 shows an example displayed. As shown in FIG. 20, by notifying the user terminal of the cartridge identification information, it becomes possible to know who the consumable item belongs to when a common printer is used by a plurality of terminals. This information may be such that the user can view the consumables information on the terminal when he / she wants to know.

Next, a method of changing the information stored in the memory will be described. The user operates a keyboard or the like of the host computer 1000, which is a user terminal, to send information to the printer controller via the network 5 and write user information data to consumables in the engine via the serial communication 15.

FIG. 21 shows an example in which this changing method is performed by the host computer 1000. As shown in FIG. 21, by writing the user information, it is possible to easily recognize where the user's consumables are.

In the present embodiment, the memory has been described by taking the EEPROM as an example. However, another nonvolatile memory may be used. In addition, an EEPROM in which the CPU and the EEPROM are integrated into one chip
The CPU with built-in ROM may be mounted on the consumable. In this case, communication between the signal processing unit and the CPU 14 can be further simplified.

A sensor is provided on the printer main body side,
A method of attaching an information carrier such as a magnetic tape or a bar code to the consumables side may be used.

In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied particularly to a full-color image forming apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is applied to a two-color or three-color multi-color image forming apparatus, and further to a single-color image forming apparatus. Of course, it can be applied to the device.

[0104]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, replaceable consumables are provided with non-volatile memory means, and the memory means stores attribute information of the consumables, and By changing the information, usability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a flow of information inside a host computer and a printer according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a flow of an engine signal inside the printer of FIG. 2;

4 is a block diagram showing signals for forming an image inside the printer of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing control of a PWM signal inside the printer of FIG. 2;

6 is a diagram showing the multi-valued image data and PWM in the printer shown in FIG. 2;
It is a figure showing the relation of a signal.

FIG. 7 shows a CPU in the printer of FIG. 2 and EE in consumables.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing signal lines on the CPU side between PROMs.

8 is a diagram showing a CPU in the printer shown in FIG. 2 and EE in consumables.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating signal lines on a consumable part between PROMs.

9 is a diagram showing a CPU in the printer shown in FIG. 2 and EE in consumables.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing signals between PROMs and reading and writing of data in the EEPROM.

FIG. 10 illustrates a photosensitive drum cartridge and an EEPROM.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage (RAM area) in the developing device cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a storage example (RAM area) of data of the photosensitive drum cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a part that reads and writes a memory in a consumable according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example on the host computer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display example on a printer display panel according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a test print image according to the first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a modification example on the host computer of the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of storing data (RAM area) in a developing device cartridge according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a storage example (RAM area) of data of the photosensitive drum cartridge according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a display example on the host computer according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a setting example on a host computer according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a conventional image forming apparatus.

23 is a block diagram showing image forming control and mechanical control of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing signals transmitted from a controller of the apparatus in FIG. 23.

25 is a block diagram showing a flow of information inside the host computer and the printer in FIG. 23.

26 is a block diagram showing a signal flow of an engine inside the printer of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing signals for forming an image inside a printer of a conventional example.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating control of a PWM signal inside a printer according to a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 100 photosensitive drum (photoconductor mounting unit) 203 magenta developing device memory (memory device) 204 cyan developing device memory (memory device) 205 yellow developing device memory (memory device) 206 black developing device memory (memory device) 207 photosensitive drum memory ( Memory means) Dm Magenta developing unit (consumables / recording agent enclosing unit) Dc Cyan developing unit (consumables / recording agent enclosing unit) Dy Yellow developing unit (consumables / recording agent enclosing unit) Db Black developing unit (consumables / consumable unit) Recording agent enclosing unit) P Recording paper (recording medium)

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A color image forming apparatus which forms an image on a photoreceptor in accordance with an image signal input from an external device and prints the image on a recording medium using a recording agent of a plurality of colors. A non-volatile memory means provided thereon, wherein the attribute information of the consumable is stored in the memory means, and
A color image forming apparatus characterized by changing the attribute information. 2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replaceable consumable is a unit in which a recording agent is sealed. 3. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the replaceable consumable is a unit on which a photoconductor is mounted. 4. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change of the attribute information is performed by a computer as an external device. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change of the attribute information is performed by operating means arranged on the apparatus main body.
Color image forming apparatus. 6. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information is life information of the consumable. 7. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information is identification information of the consumable. 8. A color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contents stored in said nonvolatile memory means are updated after a predetermined number of printing operations have been performed. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contents stored in said non-volatile memory means are not updated when a printing operation is not performed during a period in which the apparatus main body is turned on. Color image forming apparatus. 10. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said nonvolatile memory means is provided with a readable / writable area. 11. The nonvolatile memory means includes an EEPROM.
2. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the color image forming apparatus is an OM.