CN100504655C

CN100504655C - Image forming apparatus and method of determining update of identification information

Info

Publication number: CN100504655C
Application number: CNB2005100901935A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田中博
Original assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Current assignee: Seiko Epson Corp
Priority date: 2004-08-13
Filing date: 2005-08-11
Publication date: 2009-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-11
Also published as: JP2006053412A; JP4508773B2; CN1734374A

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a developing rotary unit configured to attach a plurality of developing cartridges, the developing cartridges respectively having cartridge storage portions for respectively storing identification information about the corresponding developing cartridges, a communicating unit that communicates with the cartridge storage portions, a storage unit configured to store the identification information, and a control unit that reads the identification information from the cartridge storage portions of all the developing cartridges through the communicating unit and writes the read identification information into the storage unit so as to update the identification information stored in the storage unit when a power supply of the image forming apparatus is turned ON or a body cover for the developing rotary unit is closed.

Description

The method of image processing system and definite update of identification information

Technical field

The present invention relates to passing through such as color printer or facsimile recorder and use the image processing system of electrofax technology formation image and the method for definite update of identification information, more specifically, relate to wherein be used for storing the box storage area that comprises about the identification information of the information in serviceable life is set at can be from the image processing system of the Delevoping cartridge of image processing system dismounting.

Background technology

In general, the image processing system such as the color printer that uses the electrofax technology comprises the image processing system that is made of Electrifier frame, photoreceptor; Be used for charhing unit to the outer surface charging of Electrifier frame, photoreceptor; The outer surface that is used for selectivity exposure Electrifier frame, photoreceptor is to form the exposing unit of electrostatic latent image; With the Delevoping cartridge that is used for latent electrostatic image developing is become toner image.The development rotary body has the general cylindrical shape shape and is rotatably supported, this development rotary body is set at the position with the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor next-door neighbour, and the Delevoping cartridge (after this being called " box ") of four kinds of colors (yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C and black K) replacedly is installed on the development rotary body.

And, box storage compartment (after this being called the box storer) is separately positioned in the box, and box memory storage identification information, utilize described identification information, can discern the toner color of the box that is contained in the housing, amount, driving time, printing number and the manufacturing time of residue toner respectively individually.Each box is communicated by letter with the control module of the operation that is used to control image processing system (after this being called main body) by communication unit, and the identification information Be Controlled unit that is written to each box storer reads, and is stored in the mainframe memory.Nonvolatile memory usually is used to be arranged on the storer in each box.

Then, when scheduled event takes place, the control module of main body upgrade residue toning dosage, the driving time in box and the number that is printed when whenever once developing about the box information in serviceable life, and by communication unit and box memory communication, so that current identification information is write the box storer.

The technology of communicating by letter as the storer with the control module of main body side that are used to realize each box, known the method (for example, referring to JP-A-2002-296984 and JP-A-2000-187415) of carrying out the read/write of box storer by antenna part in non-contacting mode has been arranged.

Because box can be replaced, thus a kind of using method can also be proposed, wherein, for example in the time will printing in a large number, box in the use is removed and stores, and new box is mounted printing in a large number, and same box is removed and old Storage Box is reinstalled.In such using method, necessary is, will write the box storer and makes about the identification information in serviceable life and current data consistent about the current data of the identification information in serviceable life before taking out box.Reason is that when reinstalling, the information about serviceable life of reading from the box storer is inaccurate.Therefore, the management in accurate serviceable life of carrying out box is impossible.

And, in JP-A-2002-296984, when box will be removed, the control module of main body and box memory communication, and the current data of box write the box storer.And, in JP-A-2000-187415, when box is installed recently, the box memory communication of the control module of main body and such box of installing, and read the identification information of writing the box storer.

In the image processing system of this type, replace position (installing/dismounting position) and be pre such position, on this position, box can normally be taken out from the development rotary body, and when the operation be scheduled in the operation part in main body, the control module rotation development rotary body of main body places the replacement position with the box that appointment is removed.As a result, the user operates, and is used to open the lid of main body and takes out desirable box, and new box is installed to development rotary body and close cap, can replace box like this.By in operation part, carry out be used to provide take out box and open and close lid instruction with sequence of operations, the control module of main body can identify box and normally be replaced.

Like this, under normal condition, box can not be taken out from the development rotary body.Have such possibility, promptly because user's faulty operation when being rotated when the development rotary body carries out initialization process in printing or when switching on, the lid of main body may be opened or the power supply of main body may be turned off.Under these circumstances, the rotation of development rotary body is stopped.But under some situation that the lid of main body is opened or the power supply of main body is turned off, the box that is used for certain color may be parked in the installation and removal position therein.

At this moment, can suppose that the user takes out the box that is positioned at the replacement position, and another box that is used for same color is installed.The replacement of considering box is abnormal, and the control module of common main body can not detect the box that is used for this color and be replaced.

In the case, that manage by the control module of main body, relevant this moment with the box that is removed about the identification information of the box that is used for this same color, and inconsistent with the identification information of writing the box storer of the box of installation recently.Therefore, if print under this state subsequently, existence can not be carried out the problem of accurate management in serviceable life to box.

For example, will be to being described as the amount in the identification information about the residue toner of one of the information in serviceable life, and there are the following problems.For example, suppose that above-mentioned situation takes place, and the box that is used for the Y color is removed, and the amount of residue toner that is used for the box of Y color is 1%.At this moment, the control module of main body stores the amount of relevant with the box that is used for the Y color 1% residue toner.On the other hand, suppose that the amount of the residue toner of the box that is used for the Y color of installation is 90% recently.

Upgrade the amount of the residue toner of the box that is used for the Y color when as mentioned above, the control module of main body develops at every turn.But, be 1% by the amount of the relevant residue toner of the stored box of the control module of main body with being used for the Y color.The control module of main body upgrades the amount that remains toner from 1% when therefore, developing each time.When the incident that is updated takes place the identification information of box storer wherein, comprise that the current identification information about the information in serviceable life is written to the box storer of the box that is used for the Y color.When the amount of residue toner was 0%, box was judged as empty, was provided for the user so change the request of the box that is used for the Y color.Therefore, in the case, although the residue toner has sufficient amount, the box that is used for the Y color of An Zhuaning also is judged as sky recently.Therefore, the problem that exists the box be used for the Y color not to be used.

On the contrary, the amount of supposing the residue toner of the box that is used for the Y color that is removed is 90%, and the amount of the residue toner of the box of being installed recently that is used for the Y color is 1%, and then the control module of main body is thought the toner that still remains q.s at the box of being installed recently that is used for the Y color.In fact, the amount of residue toner is very little.Therefore, under the situation that printing is proceeded, there is the problem that the situation that wherein print image is fuzzy takes place.

Along band ground, in JP-A-2002-296984, under the situation that the instruction that is used to take out box is provided, identification information always is written to the box storer.Therefore, actual taking-up of the stand-by period box that need grow of user.More specifically, in the image processing system of this type, the position that the control module of main body can be removed with the position and the box of box memory communication is usually determined.Under the situation that the instruction that is used to take out certain box is provided, carry out such operation, be used at first rotating the development rotary body and move to the position of communicating by letter that to carry out with the control module of main body with the box that appointment is removed, and current identification information is write the box storer of same box from the control module of main body, rotated the development rotary body then so that same box is moved to extracting position.Actual this same box that takes out needs long time.

On the other hand, when carrying out such operation when being provided for taking out the instruction of a certain box, the user wishes to take out rapidly this same box.For this purpose, under the situation that the instruction that is used to take out box is provided, preferably, rotate the development rotary body immediately, thus box is moved to extracting position.Therefore, can shorten box is taken out in the operation that is used to be provided for to take out the instruction of box from execution to reality period of reservation of number.But, under these circumstances, as mentioned above, there is such possibility, the identification information of promptly writing the box storer of the box that is removed like this may not be current.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, first purpose of the present invention provides the method for updating of a kind of image processing system and a kind of definite identification information, it is in the time can not discerning box when the cell controller of main body and be replaced, for example be opened or power supply when being turned off when body cover in development rotary body rotary course, under the situation that box is replaced, also can carry out accurate management in serviceable life for box.

In addition, second purpose of the present invention provides the method for updating of a kind of image processing system and a kind of definite identification information, and it can judge immediately when the instruction that is used to take out is provided whether current identification information is written to the box storer of box.

And, second purpose of the present invention provides the method for updating of a kind of image processing system and a kind of definite identification information, its current identification information is written to and can takes out box under the situation of box storer to shorten user's stand-by period, and it is under situation about not being written into based on the current identification information of the result of described judgement, at the box storer of current identification information being write box and after current identification information being write the box storer of the box that is removed like this, can take out this same box.

In order to realize top purpose, according to the present invention, provide a kind of image processing system, comprising:

Development rotary body unit, it is configured installs a plurality of Delevoping cartridges, and described Delevoping cartridge has the box storage compartment respectively, and described box storage compartment is respectively applied for the identification information of storage about the Delevoping cartridge of correspondence;

Communication unit, it is communicated by letter with described box storage compartment;

Storage element, it is configured and stores described identification information; With

Control module, when the power supply of described image processing system is switched on or the body cover that is used for described development rotary body unit when being closed, described control module reads described identification information and the identification information that is read is write the described storage element from the described box storage compartment of all described Delevoping cartridges by described communication unit, is stored in described identification information in the described storage element with renewal.

According to the present invention, a kind of image processing system also is provided, comprising:

Control module, when the power supply of described image processing system is switched on or the body cover that is used for described development rotary body unit when being closed, described control module reads described identification information by described communication unit from the described box storage compartment of all described Delevoping cartridges, relatively the identification information that is read be stored in the described identification information in the described storage element and determine whether to use the update of identification information that is read to be stored in described identification information in the described storage element based on the result of described comparison.

Preferably, described identification information comprises the information about the amount of the residue toner of each Delevoping cartridge.

Control module, when the power supply of described image processing system is switched on or the body cover that is used for described development rotary body unit when being closed, described control module determines whether that Delevoping cartridge is arranged in the replacement position of described development rotary body unit and determines whether to upgrade the described identification information that is stored in described storage element based on described definite result.

Preferably, described control module reads described identification information by described communication unit from the described box storage compartment that is positioned at described replacement position, and identification information that is relatively read and the described identification information that is stored in the described storage element.Whether described control module is updated based on the described identification information that the result of described comparison determines to be stored in the described storage element.

According to the present invention, a kind of method for updating of definite identification information also is provided, comprising:

Read identification information by communication unit from the box storage compartment of all Delevoping cartridges;

The information that is read is written in the storage element of image processing system, is stored in described identification information in the described storage element with renewal,

Wherein, when the power supply of described image processing system be switched on or described image processing system be used to develop the body cover of rotary body unit when being closed, carry out described process and the said write process of reading; And

Wherein, described development rotary body unit comprises a plurality of described Delevoping cartridges, and described Delevoping cartridge has described box storage compartment respectively, and described box storage compartment is respectively applied for the identification information of storage about the Delevoping cartridge of correspondence.

Compare the identification information in information that is read and the storage element that is stored in image processing system,

Based on the structure of described comparison procedure, determine whether to use the update of identification information that is read to be stored in described identification information in the described storage element,

Wherein, when the power supply of described image processing system be switched on or described image processing system be used to develop the body cover of rotary body unit when being closed, carry out described process, described comparison procedure and the described deterministic process of reading; And

Determine whether that Delevoping cartridge is arranged in the replacement position of the development rotary body unit of image processing system;

Result based on the described deterministic process of described replacement position determines whether to upgrade the identification information in the storage element that is stored in described image processing system,

Wherein, when the power supply of described image processing system is switched on or the body cover that is used for described development rotary body unit of described image processing system when being closed, carry out the described deterministic process of described replacement position and the described deterministic process of described renewal; And

Preferably, described method also comprises:

Read described identification information by communication unit from the described box storage compartment that is positioned at described replacement position; And

Compare identification information that is read and the described identification information that is stored in the described storage element,

Wherein said deterministic process is carried out based on the result of described comparison procedure.

Therefore, by above-mentioned structure and method, when power supply is switched on or body cover when being closed, the identification information about the Delevoping cartridge of each color in the storage compartment is upgraded by force.As a result, in the time can not discerning Delevoping cartridge when control module and be replaced, for example be opened or power supply when being turned off when body cover in development rotary body unit rotary course, under the situation that Delevoping cartridge is replaced, also can carry out accurate management in serviceable life for box.

By above-mentioned structure and method, can be only to being judged as the identification information that the Delevoping cartridge that is replaced really upgrades storage element about Delevoping cartridge.As a result, can avoid between the information of actual amount of residue toner about the information of the amount of residue toner and in of managing, producing error by storage element about Delevoping cartridge.Therefore, under the situation that Delevoping cartridge is replaced in the time can not discerning Delevoping cartridge when control module and be replaced, also can carry out accurate management in serviceable life for box.

By top structure and method, can judge whether replace with high precision.

By above-mentioned structure and method, be switched on when power supply or body cover exists under the situation that is placed in the Delevoping cartridge of replacing the position when being closed, can suppose that this Delevoping cartridge is replaced.Like this, can upgrade the identification information about Delevoping cartridge of storage element.As a result, under the situation that Delevoping cartridge is replaced in the time can not discerning Delevoping cartridge when cell controller and be replaced, also can carry out accurate management in serviceable life for box.

Development rotary body unit, it is configured installs a plurality of Delevoping cartridges, and described Delevoping cartridge has the box storage compartment respectively;

Communication unit, it is communicated by letter with described box storage compartment; With

Storage element, it is configured the identification information that stores about the amount of the residue toner in each Delevoping cartridge,

Wherein, described storage element comprises first storage area that is used to store current residual quantity of toners information and is used to store second storage area that formerly writes residual quantity of toners information.

Preferably, described image processing system also comprises:

Receiving element, its reception is used to take out the instruction of described Delevoping cartridge; With

Control module, described control module determine to be stored in described first storage area for by the described current residual quantity of toners information of the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction whether be stored in described second storage area in corresponding about formerly writing residual quantity of toners information by the specified described Delevoping cartridge of described instruction described

Wherein, when described current residual quantity of toners information and the described residual quantity of toners information that formerly writes when corresponding, move to replacement position in the described development rotary body unit by the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction; And

Wherein, when described current residual quantity of toners information and the described residual quantity of toners information that formerly writes when not corresponding, after being stored in by the described identification information in the described box storage compartment of the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction with described current residual quantity of toners information updating, move to described replacement position by the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction by described communication unit.

Reception is used to take out the instruction of any Delevoping cartridge;

Determine to be stored in described first storage area about by the current residual quantity of toners information of the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction whether be stored in described second storage area in about by the specified described Delevoping cartridge of described instruction formerly to write residual quantity of toners information corresponding;

When described current residual quantity of toners information and the described residual quantity of toners information that formerly writes when corresponding, will move to replacement position in the described development rotary body unit by the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction; And

When described current residual quantity of toners information and the described residual quantity of toners information that formerly writes when not corresponding, after being stored in by the described identification information in the described box storage compartment of the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction with described current residual quantity of toners information updating, will move to described replacement position by the specified Delevoping cartridge of described instruction by communication process.

In above-mentioned structure and method, whether the information that is written to first storage area and second storage area by judgement is consistent with each other, therefore can judge whether current residual quantity of toners information is write the box storage compartment easily and immediately.

In above-mentioned structure and method, when current residual quantity of toners information was written to the box storage compartment of the specified Delevoping cartridge of instruction, therefore this same Delevoping cartridge was taken out immediately.As a result, can shorten user's stand-by period.In addition, under the situation that current residual quantity of toners information is not written into, current residual quantity of toners information is written to the box storage compartment of Delevoping cartridge, takes out then.As a result, current residual quantity of toners information can be write the box storage compartment of the Delevoping cartridge that is removed like this.

Description of drawings

By the detailed description for preferred illustrative embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, above-mentioned purpose of the present invention and advantage will become clearer, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows the view of the critical piece of structure printer;

Fig. 2 A shows the exemplary view of the stop position of development rotary body unit to 2C;

Fig. 3 shows the view of the electronic structure of printer;

Fig. 4 A and 4B are the views that is used to explain the structure of box storer;

Fig. 5 is used for explaining having current residual quantity of toners information storage district and being assigned to the view that is used for storing about a zone of the mainframe memory of the information of the amount of the residue toner of each box in two storage areas that preceding write residual quantity of toners information storage district;

Fig. 6 shows the process flow diagram of the processing of cell controller in printing;

Fig. 7 is used to explain according to the present invention when power supply be switched on or the process flow diagram of first embodiment of the processing that body cover will be carried out when being closed;

Fig. 8 is used to explain according to the present invention when power supply be switched on or the process flow diagram of second embodiment of the processing that body cover will be carried out when being closed;

Fig. 9 is used to explain according to the present invention when power supply be switched on or the process flow diagram of the 3rd embodiment of the processing that body cover will be carried out when being closed;

Figure 10 is used to explain according to the present invention when power supply be switched on or the process flow diagram of the 4th embodiment of the processing that body cover will be carried out when being closed; And

Figure 11 is the process flow diagram that is used to explain the operation when the instruction that is used to take out the box that is used for a certain color is received by taking out operation part.

Embodiment

Below with reference to accompanying drawing image processing system (for example, color printer) according to the embodiment of the invention will be described.Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram that typically shows the critical piece that constitutes color printer 10.In Fig. 1, show vertical direction with arrow.

Printer 10 is along the sense of rotation as the photosensitive unit 20 of the latent image carrier that is used to carry sub-image, comprise charhing unit 30, exposing unit 40, development rotary body unit 50, first transfer printing unit 60, intermediate transfer member 70 and cleaning unit 75, and comprise: second transfer printing unit 80; Fixation unit 90; Display unit 95 is made of liquid crystal panel etc., is used for notifying to user report; And control module 100, each that is used for controlling these unit is also controlled the operation of printer 10.Control module 100 will be described below.

Photosensitive unit 20 has the right cylinder conducting base and is formed on photographic layer on the outer surface of conducting base, and can be around the central shaft rotation, and the supposition photoreceptor turns clockwise as illustrated in fig. 1.

Charhing unit 30 is the equipment that is used for Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 chargings, and exposing unit 40 is the equipment that is used for forming on the photoreceptor 20 that is recharged by irradiating laser sub-image.Exposing unit 40 has semiconductor laser, polygon mirror (polygon mirror) and F-θ lens, and based on the laser that shines through ovennodulation to the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 that has charged from the picture signal of control module 100 inputs.

Development rotary body unit 50 has as the rotary body 55 of rotor and four boxes of being installed on the rotary body 55.Rotary body 55 can be around turning axle 50a rotation, and four

boxes

51,52,53 and 54 can be replaced port by the box that will be described below respectively and are mounted and dismantle.

And, being used for storing and comprising that the box storer about the identification information of the information in serviceable life such as the amount of residue toner is set at each predetermined portions of

box

51,52,53 and 54, this is not illustrated in Fig. 1.Control module 100 can by the antenna in the predetermined portions that is arranged on printer 10 124 wirelessly with each box memory communication.It is desirable to, the box storer should be the nonvolatile memory that also can preserve data under the state that power supply is turned off or printer 10 is disassembled therein.EEPROM or the ferroelectric memory such as flash memory (ferroelectric RAM) can be used to this nonvolatile memory.

First transfer printing unit 60 is to be used for being transferred to equipment on the intermediate transfer member 70 with being formed on monochromatic toner image on the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, when the toner of four kinds of colors during, on intermediate transfer member 70, will form the image of full-color toner by stack and transfer printing successively.

Intermediate transfer member 70 is endless belt (endless belt), and intermediate transfer member 70 is to be rotated and to drive with sensitization unit 20 substantially the same peripheral speeds.Synchronously with read sensor RS be set at intermediate transfer member 70 near.Be used to detect the reference position of intermediate transfer member 70 synchronously with read sensor RS, and obtain along the synchronizing signal Vsync of the inferior direction of scanning vertical with main scanning direction.Synchronously has the light receiving unit that is used for radiative Optical Transmit Unit and is used to receive light with read sensor RS.When the light from light emitting units emitting passes hole the precalculated position that is formed on intermediate transfer member 70, produce pulse signal with read sensor RS synchronously.Intermediate transfer member 70 every rotations once produce a pulse signal.

Second transfer printing unit 80 is the equipment that is used for being formed on the recording medium that monochromatic toner image on the intermediate transfer member 70 or full-color toner image be transferred to for example paper, film or cloth and so on.

Fixation unit 90 is to be used for and will to be transferred to monochromatic toner image on the recording medium or the full-color toner image photographic fixing recording medium to for example paper, forms the equipment of permanent image thus.

Cleaning blade 76 forms and is resisted against on the surface of Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 by rubber.After toner image was transferred on the intermediate transfer member 70 by first transfer printing unit 60, cleaning blade 76 scrapings and removal remained in the toner on the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20.

Photosensitive unit 75 is set between first transfer printing unit 60 and the exposing unit 40, and has Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, charhing unit 30, cleaning blade 76 and be used to hold the used toner holding portion of the toner that blade 76 wipes off of being cleaned.

Then, will the operation of such printer of constructing 10 be described schematically.At first, when print command was provided, Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 and intermediate transfer member 70 were rotated under the control of control module 100.Then, detect the reference position of intermediate transfer member 70 synchronously with read sensor RS, so the output pulse.This pulse signal is sent to control module 100.After this, control module 100 is based on the received following operation of pulse signal control.

Photoreceptor 20 utilization is rotated in charge position and is recharged unit 30 and charges constantly.Utilize the rotation of Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, the zone that has been recharged of Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 arrives exposure position, so form sub-image corresponding to the image information of first color of for example yellow Y by exposing unit 40 in this zone.Utilize the rotation of Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, the sub-image that is formed on the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 arrives developing location.At this moment, rotary body 55 is rotated by the control of control module, is moved to position with respect to Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 so be used for yellow box, and develops with yellow developer by being used for yellow box.As a result, on Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, form yellow toner image.

Utilize the rotation of Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, the yellow toner image that is formed on the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 arrives first transfer position, and is transferred to intermediate transfer member 70 by first transfer printing unit 60.In the case, apply opposite polarity first transfer voltage that polarity and toner are charged to first transfer printing unit 60.Meanwhile, second transfer printing unit 80 separates with intermediate transfer member 70.

Repeat above-mentioned processing for second color, the 3rd color and the 4th color, then superimposed on intermediate transfer member 70 corresponding to the toner image of each color of picture signal separately, and therefore be transferred.As a result, on intermediate transfer member 70, formed full-color toner image.

Utilize the rotation of intermediate transfer member 70, the full-color toner image that is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 arrives second transfer position, and is transferred on the recording medium by second transfer printing unit 80.Recording medium is transported to second transfer printing unit 80 from paper supply tray 92 by paper feed roller 94 and registration roller 96.And when transfer operation will be carried out, second transfer printing unit 80 was compressed against on the intermediate transfer member 70, and in addition, second transfer voltage is applied in.

Be transferred to full-color toner image on the recording medium and heated by fixation unit 90 and pressurize, and by photographic fixing to recording medium.On the other hand, after Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 had been crossed first transfer position, the toner blade 76 that is cleaned that adheres to the surface was wiped off, and thought that charging forms next sub-image and prepares.The toner of being wiped off is collected in the used toner holding portion like this.

Then, will the stop position of development rotary body unit 50 be described.Fig. 2 A shows the exemplary view of the stop position of development rotary body unit 50 to 2C.In 2C, 58 expression boxes are replaced port at Fig. 2 A, and 51a, 52a, 53a and 54a represent to be used for the developer roll of

box

51,52,53 and 54 respectively, and 51b, 52b, 53b and 54b represent to be used for the box storer of

box

51,52,53 and 54 respectively.In the following description, supposition is used for the toner that box 51,52,53 and 54 holds C, M, K and Y respectively.

In the case, by the control of control module 100, development rotary body unit 50 along the direction opposite with Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 by rotation of inverse clock ground and driving.Three kinds of positions, promptly position of readiness, developing location (communication position) and removed position are determined.Position of readiness is that printer does not carry out determined position under the armed state of image processing operations therein, and the developer roll of all boxes is held and separates with Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 and any in addition box can not be replaced the position that port 58 takes out by the box shown in Fig. 2 A.

And when the electrostatic latent image on the Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 will be formed by selected toner, developing location was determined.Shown in Fig. 2 B, the developer roll (in the example of Fig. 2 B, being arranged on the developer roll 51a in the box 51) one of in the box is relative with Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, and predetermined development bias voltage is applied in, so form electrostatic latent image by toner.At developing location, any one in the box can not be replaced port 58 by box and be removed equally.

Developing location is also as the communication position that is used for other

boxes.Box storer

51b, 52b, 53b and 54b are set at the end on

box

51,52,53 and 54 surfaces respectively.As mentioned above,

box storer

51b, 52b, 53b and 54b store the identification information about the information in serviceable life of box that comprises such as the amount of residue toner.

When development rotary body unit 50 is placed in developing location shown in Fig. 2 B, the box storer of one of other boxes that is different from the box that is placed in developing location is (in the example of Fig. 2 B, the storer 54b of box 54) be placed in be arranged on printer 10 main bodys in the relative position of antenna 124, and can carry out communicating by letter between control module 100 and this box storer by antenna 124.In Fig. 2 B, be placed on the counterclockwise of box of developing location first, in other words, just the box of the color that had been developed before the color that is being developed is placed in communication position.This is hinting that developing location is arranged to the communication position that is used for other boxes.

In other words, the relation of the position between the box storer of each box, Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20 and the antenna 124 is determined in the mode that developing location is set to communication position.

Therefore, in the state shown in Fig. 2 B, the developer roll 51a by box 51 carries out the development of cyan C color for Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20, and control module 100 can be write current identification information the box storer 54b of box 54 simultaneously.Like this, utilize this structure, current identification information can be written to the box storer of the box of the color that just had been developed before the color that is being developed.

Then, the replacement position will be described.Only when being used to mount and dismount the operation of box, just can take to replace the position.When development rotary body unit 50 is placed in when replacing the position, appear at box one of in the box and replace in the port 58, shown in Fig. 2 C, and can replace port 58 by box and be removed.Fig. 2 C shows and wherein is used for the state that yellow box 54 appears at box replacement port 58.And box can be replaced port 58 by box and be installed recently.Replacing the position, the developer roll that is arranged in all boxes is placed in the position that is provided with away from Electrifier frame, photoreceptor 20.Therefore, when development rotary body unit 50 is placed in the replacement position, only can take out a box that appears in the box replacement port 58.Therefore, can prevent that the user is owing to careless installation and removal box damages device.

And the body position sensor 106 (body position will be called HP after this) that is used for detecting the body position of development rotary body unit 50 is set at printer 10, and sensor 106 is not illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2.

With reference to figure 3, the electronic structure of printer 10 will be explained.Fig. 3 shows according to box structure of the present invention.Because be used to control the piece of photosensitive unit 75 and be used to control the piece of exposing unit 40 dispensable in the present invention, so they are not illustrated.

Control module 100 comprises two controllers, i.e. cell controller 101 and image process controller 102.These two controllers 101 and 102 both all have CPU respectively.

Image process controller 102 has the function that receives various data, described various data for example are the view data that the application software by the external computer system such as the personal computer (not shown) generates, and described image process controller 102 has the function of the YMCK data that the RGB data-switching as the red, green and blue of view data become to produce Huang, magenta, green grass or young crops of the view data that is used to print and deceive.And image process controller 102 has each the function of point value that the view data that prints based on the YMCK that is used for such generation is counted color YMCK.Then, image process controller 102 point value that will be used for each color image of the view data that prints with color YMCK and YMCK is transferred to cell controller 101.Point value shows the quantity that will be formed on the point on the recording chart when printing like that as is well known.

Cell controller 101 control charhing units 30, exposing unit 40, first transfer printing unit 60, photosensitive unit 75, second transfer printing unit 80, fixation unit 90 and display unit 95, and based on the various signal controlling development rotary bodies unit 50 such as the picture signal that is used to print from image process controller 102 inputs.In Fig. 3, rotary body drive part 107 is illustrated as being used to drive the parts of development rotary body unit 50.Development rotary body unit 50 is by step motor drive.

Cell controller 101 management three storeies, i.e. ROM 103, RAM 104 and mainframe memories 105.ROM 103 stores the various programs that are used to control printer 10, and RAM 104 is used for storing provisionally about the various information of printer 10 and is used as working storage.Mainframe memory 105 will be described by the back.

And cell controller 101 receives from the signal that takes out operation part 206.Taking-up operation part 206 is used to select will be by 50 boxes that take out from development rotary body unit.

And a detection signal is input to cell controller 101 from HP sensor 106.In addition, cell controller 101 monitoring power supply switch (not being illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2) 108 and body cover open and close the state of detector switches (not being illustrated) 109 in Fig. 1 and 2, and detect the making operation of power supply if any and detect the opening and closing operation of body cover (not being illustrated) if any in Fig. 1 and 2.

In addition, cell controller 101 can be by transmission/receiving unit 123 and main body side antenna 124 and the

box storer

51b, 52b, 53b and the 54b radio communication that are arranged in the

box

51,52,53 and 54 that is installed to development rotary body unit 50.Transmission/receiving unit 123 has the function of the data that data that modulation sent from cell controller 101 and rectification receive from the box storer.As mentioned above, the box storer that can communicate by letter with cell controller 101 is placed in communication position.

With reference to figure 4A and 4B, will the structure of box storer be described, comprise the transmission of data and receive structure.Fig. 4 A shows the perspective view of the structure of box storer 54b, and Fig. 4 B is the block scheme that is used to explain the inner structure of box storer and transmission/receiving unit.To be described being arranged on the box storer 54b that is used for yellow box 54, and described description also goes for

other box storeies

51b, 52b and 53b.

As the predetermined location relationship between compartmentalized box for holding assorted fruits and candies storer 54b and the main body side antenna 124, for example the phase mutual edge distance is less than 10mm, and then information can be sent each other and receive with contactless state.Box storer 54b has very little size and thickness on the whole, and also can adhere on the object as seal with having adhering either side.Box storer 54b is called as storer label (tag), and has had all kinds to be put on the market.

Capacitor 54d that is used for resonance and antenna 54e that box storer 54b has planar coil as non-contact IC chip 54c, forms by the etching metallic coating, and these are installed on the plastic foil and with the transparent cover sheet and cover.

Non-contact IC chip 54c has rectifier 54f, signal analysis part RF (RadioFrequency radio frequency) 54g, control section 54h and memory cell 54i.Memory cell 54i is the nonvolatile memory that can carry out electric read/write, for example is NAND type flash ROM, and the information that can store the information that is written into and can be stored from external read.The antenna 54e of box storer 54b and the antenna of main body side 124 mutual radio communications, and read the information that is stored among the memory cell 54i and writing information in memory cell 54i.In addition, the high-frequency signal that produces in the transmission/receiving unit 123 of control module 100 is sensed as high frequency magnetic field by the antenna 124 of main body side.This high frequency magnetic field is absorbed by the antenna 54e of box storer 54b, and by rectifier 54f rectification, becomes direct supply thus, is used for each circuit of driving IC chip 54c.

Comprise that the identification information about the information in serviceable life of box such as the amount of residue toner is stored among the memory cell 54i of box storer 54b, and upgrade by cell controller 101 when scheduled event takes place each.

Mainframe memory 105 is used to store about

box

51,52,53 that is installed to development

rotary body unit

50 and 54 identification information.It is desirable to, mainframe memory 105 should be can be at the nonvolatile memory of also preserving data when printer power supply is turned off.

When the schedule time takes place, cell controller 101 is operated, be used for writing mainframe memory 105, (for example upgrading then about the information in serviceable life of box from the box memory read identification information of each box and with same identification information, the amount of the residue toner in each box, the driving time when at every turn developing or print number), and with the box memory communication so that current identification information is write the box storer.

In addition, for example, when the schedule time takes place, cell controller 101 is operated, be used for when new box is installed to development rotary body unit 50 and the box memory communication of this box, read the identification information that is stored in the box storer and same identification information is stored in the mainframe memory 105, (for example upgrade then about the information in serviceable life of box, the amount of the residue toner in each box, the driving time when at every turn developing or print number), and with the box memory communication so that current identification information is write the box storer.

Mainframe memory 105 stores about

box

51,52,53 that is installed to development

rotary body unit

50 and 54 identification information, and when developing as mentioned above at every turn, and the information that cell controller 101 upgraded about serviceable life for example remains the amount of toner.Particularly, comprise current residual quantity of toners information storage part (after this being called current toner district) and formerly write the residual quantity of toners information storage that two storage areas of (after this being called write area formerly) partly are assigned to the zone that is used for storing about the information of the amount of the residue toner of each box, as shown in Figure 5.These two storage areas are provided with the district that is respectively applied for four

boxes

51,52,53 and 54.

The district that formerly is used for the box of each color in the write area is the district that is used to store about the information of the amount of residue toner, described information is when the close time of upgrading identification information takes place, write each box storer, more specifically, the information of the memory cell of box storer.When printing, so the toner of employed color reduces in printing.In the case, cell controller 101 calculates the amount of the employed toner of each color in printing based on the point value that is sent from image process controller 102, and, calculate the amount that after current the printing, remains toner.Obtain current residual quantity of toners like this, and the zone that is used to store current residual quantity of toners is current toner district.

For in order to obtain the calculating of current residual quantity of toners, for example, preferably, deduct amount at current employed toner from the amount of the residue toner of write area formerly of being stored in.And having known has the various methods of calculating the amount of used toner based on point value.Preferably, use the method for any known.

Be used for storing zone for mainframe memory 105 about the information of the amount of the residue toner of each box, because two storage areas, be current toner district and formerly write area be set up, so when the user provides a certain box of taking-up, can determine current identification information immediately, particularly, whether the current amount of residue toner is written to the box storer of this same box, as from following description obviously as can be known.In addition, can determine whether this box is replaced really.

Then, will identification information be write the box storer with reference to schematically main description of figure 6.Fig. 6 shows the process flow diagram of the processing of cell controller 101 in printing, wherein supposition, and the identification information of box storer is to develop with the incident that is updated.More specifically, suppose that when developing, the identification information of box storer is updated at every turn.

When receiving the view data that is used to print and print start signal from image process controller 102, cell controller 101 is arranged in developing location by the box that rotary body drive part 107 will be used for first color, and carries out the development (step S10) of first color.When the development of first color finished, cell controller 101 was by rotary body drive part 107 rotation development rotary body unit 50 (step S11), and the box that will be used for next color (second color in the case) is arranged in developing location.At this moment, () box is placed in communication position to a last color in the case, first color, shown in Fig. 2 B.Therefore, under this state, cell controller 101 second color of developing, and, with the box memory communication of the box of a last color, write box storer (step S12) to read from mainframe memory 105 about the current identification information of this box and with this identification information.As a result, the identification information of box storer is updated to current identification information.This is as the processing of the described renewal of step S12 about the identification information of the development of a last color.Certainly, this identification information also comprises such as the amount of residue toner and the information about serviceable life the driving time.

Similarly, the renewal of the identification information in the box storer of the box of the development of the 3rd color and second color, and the renewal of the identification information in the box storer of the box of the development of the 4th color and the 3rd color is when finishing, step S13 place is judged to be "Yes", and cell controller 101 is by rotary body drive part 107 rotation development rotary body unit 50 (step S14), to upgrade the processing (step S15) about the identification information of the development of a last color.More specifically, in the case, the box that carries out the development of the 4th color is placed in communication position, current identification information is write the box storer of same box.Cell controller 101 places position of readiness (step S16) with development rotary body unit 50, handles thus and finishes.

Though print number in the foregoing description is 1, preferably, many with situation about being printed under corresponding to number, first color on first page should be developed at step S10, and step S11 should be repeated subsequently to the processing of S13.

For the amount of the residue toner in each box, mainframe memory 105 comprises having current toner district and two storage areas of write area formerly, as mentioned above.To the step S12 of Fig. 6 and step 15 about in the renewal of identification information of box storer of box of a color, use the method in these two storage areas about the information of the amount of residue toner, will be described.At this, will the amount of residue toner only be described.

For example, suppose that a certain color (that is, the Y color) is developed, cell controller 101 is based on the amount of the residue toner the box of the Y color of point value calculating after this develops of the Y color that sends from image process controller 102.This is current residual quantity of toners, and cell controller 101 at first will write the zone that is used for the Y paint box in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 about the information of current residual quantity of toners.At this moment, the information about the zone that is used for the Y paint box in the write area does not formerly change.

Then, next color is developed.At this moment, the Y paint box is placed in communication position.Therefore, cell controller 101 is in the box memory communication of Y paint box, read the information of amount with the zone that is used for the Y paint box from the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 about the residue toner, and the box storer of will this same information writing the Y paint box, and then, same information is write the zone that is used for the Y paint box in the write area formerly, to upgrade the information about the amount of residue toner in the zone that is used for the Y paint box in the write area formerly.

For the renewal of the amount of residue toner in the renewal of the identification information of the box storer of the box that is used for a color of the step S12 of Fig. 6 and S15, aforesaid operations is repeated.

From the front as can be known, for the box that is used for a certain color, the zone of the box that is used for this same color in mainframe memory 105, being written to current toner district about the information of the amount of residue toner and be written under the corresponding to each other situation of information about the amount of residue toner in zone of the box that is used for this same color of write area formerly, infer current identification information and be written to the box storer.

And, but therein under some situation that the identification information of box storer will be updated at every turn when developing as mentioned above, in mainframe memory 105, be written to the box that is used for a certain color in the current toner district the zone about the information of the amount of residue toner and to be written to the information about the amount of residue toner in zone of the box that is used for this same color of write area formerly not consistent each other.To provide a description this.

To remain the current amount of toner for the step S12 in Fig. 6 or S15, promptly write and be used for a box storer of box that has developed color, write end when writing timing and arrive based on the zone of the calculating of the current amount of the residue toner of the point value that is sent from image process controller 102 and the current amount that will the remain toner box that is used for this same color to the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 in the amount of last residue toner after once developing.

But, be not constant with the timing that point value sends to cell controller 101 from image process controller 102.In some cases, the timing that point value is sent to cell controller 101 is delayed for some reason, these reasons for example are, this moment, the treatment capacity of image process controller 102 was very big, and before arriving to the timing that writes of box storer, the current amount of residue toner can not be written to the zone of the box that is used for this same color in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105.

In these cases, when the identification information of box storer will be updated, cell controller 101 write the information about the amount of residue toner in the current toner district that writes mainframe memory 105 to this same box storer that is used for same color.

After the identification information of box storer is updated, cell controller 101 obtains information about the current amount of residue toner based on the point value of this same color that is sent from image process controller 102, and the zone of will be described writing the box that is used for this same color in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 about the information of the current amount that remains toner.At this moment, do not carry out any processing for the zone of the box that is used for this same color in the write area formerly.Therefore, at this moment, about the information in the current toner district that is used for this same color and not consistent each other about the information of write area formerly.

For example, the box of Y color will be considered to be used for.Supposed that before the development of Y color the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in mainframe memory 105 in the current toner district is all represented by A about the both information of the amount of residue toner about the information of the amount of residue toner and the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in write area formerly.Therefore, supposed that before developing the information about the current amount of residue toner is written to the box storer of Y paint box.

Suppose after the development of Y color to be delayed from the transmission of the Y color dot numerical value of image process controller 102, and before the timing that writes to the box storer of Y paint box arrives, the current amount of the residue toner after the Y color development can not be written to the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105, but the information about the amount of residue toner that will be written to the box storer of Y paint box this moment is represented by the A in the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in the current toner district that writes mainframe memory 105.

When writing of box storer finished, so cell controller 101 is write A in the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in the write area formerly of mainframe memory.After the identification information of the box storer that is used for the Y color is updated, then, cell controller 101 obtains after last the development information about the current amount of the residue toner the Y paint box based on the point value of the Y color that is sent from image process controller 102.(A '＜A) situation under, cell controller 101 is with current residual quantity of toners information A ' writes the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 at A '.At this moment, do not carry out any processing for the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in the write area formerly.Therefore, formerly the information about the amount of residue toner in the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in the write area is retained as A.

In other words, at this moment, the information of amount about the residue toner that is written to the box storer of Y paint box is A, and the information about the amount of residue toner that is written to the zone of the box that is used for the Y color in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 is A ', and the amount about the residue toner that is written to the zone of the box that is used for the Y look in the write area formerly is A.

Can find from top description, the zone that is used for a certain color in being written to current toner district about the information of the amount of residue toner and be written under the not corresponding to each other situation of information of amount about the residue toner in zone of the box that is used for this same color of write area formerly of mainframe memory 105, current identification information is not written to the box that is used for this same color.

Except the amount of residue toner, also comprise about driving time and the information of printing number about the information in the identification information of box about serviceable life.In the renewal of the step S12 of Fig. 6 and the identification information among the S15, other information about serviceable life except the amount of residue toner always are updated to current information.Reason is as follows.Other information about serviceable life except the amount of residue toner, for example driving time and printing number can directly be calculated by cell controller 101.Therefore, after developing, these information are written to the presumptive area that is used for the box of this same color in the mainframe memory 105 before can reaching in the timing that writes to the box storer.

Like this, can obtain based on the point value that is sent from image process controller 102, can directly calculate by cell controller 101 about other information in serviceable life simultaneously about the information in the information in serviceable life of box about the amount of residue toner.At this point, in some cases, be different from other information about serviceable life about the information of amount of residue toner.

Based on top structure,, will be described four embodiment with regard to peculiar operation for the present invention.All embodiment that will be described below detect at cell controller 101 and carry out when body cover that power supply was switched on or detected printer main body 10 is closed.

More specifically, as mentioned above, when can not discerning box when the control module of main body and being exchanged, for example when main body cover rotation in development rotary body unit the time or when power supply is opened when being turned off, under the situation that box is replaced, the present invention can carry out the accurate management in serviceable life for box.Therefore, preferably, when body cover is closed or power supply when being switched on, make that the identification information of the identification information of mainframe memory 105 and box storer is consistent.Therefore, when the body cover that is switched on or detects printer 10 when power supply was closed, cell controller 101 was carried out the processing that will be described below.

＜the first embodiment 〉

Fig. 7 shows the process flow diagram according to the processing in the first embodiment of the present invention.When the state-detection that detects by energized switch 108 energized or open and close detector switch 109 according to body cover is judged to be under the situation that is at step S20 place when body cover is closed), cell controller 101 control rotary body drive parts 107 are with rotation development rotary body unit 50 (step S21).When HP sensor 106 receives detection signal, then HP is detected (step S22).When detecting HP, cell controller 101 control rotary body drive parts 107 are to move to first box communication position (step S23).Cell controller 101 pre-determines as in four

boxes

51,52,53 and 54 of first box any one.

As a result, cell controller 101 can be carried out with the communicating by letter of box storer of first box.Therefore, cell controller 101 and box memory communication are to read all identification informations (step S24) that are written to the box storer.When the box storer reads identification information, all identification informations that cell controller 101 will read are like this write being used in the mainframe memory and are write zone (step S25) about the identification information of first box.The information of amount about the residue toner that reads from the box storer is written to the current toner district of the color that is used for first box and write area formerly.

As a result, all identification informations about first box in the mainframe memory 105 are updated, and be set to first box in those zones of box storer have identical content.

When being updated about the identification information of first box in the mainframe memory 105, then cell controller 101 is controlled rotary body drive part 107 subsequently, with rotation development rotary body unit 50 (step S26), thus with next box, the box that promptly is used for second color moves to communication position (step S27).

As a result, cell controller 101 can be carried out with the communicating by letter of box storer of the box that is used for second color.Therefore, cell controller 101 and box memory communication are to read the identification information (step S28) that is written to the box storer.When the box storer reads identification information, all identification informations that cell controller 101 will read are like this write the zone (step S29) that is used to write about the identification information of the box of second color.Similarly, the information of amount about the residue toner that reads from the box storer is written to the current toner district of the box that is used for this color and write area formerly.

When the box for the box of the 3rd color and the 4th color had all carried out above-mentioned processing, being judged to be of step S30 place was.Therefore, cell controller 101 end process.

As mentioned above, first embodiment is based on the consideration that the improper replacing of box is carried out, and does not consider the judgement whether improper replacing of box is carried out really.Power supply be switched on or the pent situation of body cover under, the identification information about the box that is used for each color in the mainframe memory 105 is used the identification information that reads from the box storer to upgrade by force.And in the time can not discerning box when cell controller 101 and be replaced, for example be opened or power supply when being turned off when body cover in the rotary course of development rotary body unit 50, under the situation that box is replaced, also therefore can carry out accurate management in serviceable life to box.

＜the second embodiment 〉

Processing according to first embodiment, the identification information about the box that is used for each color in the mainframe memory 105 is used the identification information that reads from the box storer of box to upgrade by force, and be used for storing about the current toner district in the zone of the mainframe memory 105 of the information of the amount of the residue toner of each box and formerly the content in the write area about the information of the amount of residue toner also be updated to the information that reads from the box storer about the amount of residue toner.

But, as mentioned above, be written to the box storer about the information of the amount of residue toner not always corresponding to the current information of amount about the residue toner in the current toner district that is written to mainframe memory 105.According to first embodiment, in some cases, the content in the current toner district in the mainframe memory 105 is updated to the situation of old information about the amount of residue toner by following generation.

For easy understanding, suppose the improper replacing of not carrying out box but finish and finish and power supply is turned off with normal condition.At this moment, for a certain box, there is such possibility, in the update of identification information after once developing on promptly before power supply is turned off, passing on of point value from this color of image process controller 102 may be delayed, and the current amount of residue toner can not be written to the zone of the box that is used for this same color in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 before regularly reaching to writing of box storer.In the case, the information of amount about the residue toner that is written to the box storer equals to be written to the information of write area formerly.

According to first embodiment, when energized under this state, be used in the mainframe memory 105 the current toner district of this same color and formerly the content of write area all be rewritten as the information of amount that reads from the box storer about the residue toner, and be updated thus.Therefore, the information of amount about the residue toner that is written to current toner district this moment is the old information of incorrect amount about the residue toner.

In other words, under these circumstances, there is such possibility, between actual amount, may has slight error by the amount of the residue toner of mainframe memory 105 management and the residue toner in the box.When such situation is repeated repeatedly, can increase by the error between the actual amount of the amount of the residue toner of mainframe memory 105 management and the residue toner in the box.

Second embodiment is used to the situation of avoiding such, and will be described below with reference to process flow diagram shown in Figure 8.Be switched on the state-detection that makes power supply therefore be switched on or open and close detector switch 109 according to body cover when body cover is closed (being judged to be under the situation that is of step S40 place) when detecting power switch 108, cell controller 101 control rotary body drive parts 107 are with rotation development rotary body unit 50 (step S41).When receiving detection signal from HP sensor 106, HP is detected (step S42).When detecting HP, cell controller 101 control rotary driving parts divide 107, at first a box is moved to communication position (step S43).The color that be moved to the box of communication position this moment is pre-determined by cell controller 101.

As a result, cell controller 101 can be carried out with the communicating by letter of box storer of first box.Therefore, cell controller 101 and box memory communication are to read all identification informations (step S44) that are written to the box storer.The reason that reads all identification informations be box may be replaced and when box is replaced in the mainframe memory 105 all identification informations about this box will be updated.

When the box storer reads identification information, cell controller 101 judges whether boxes are replaced (step S45) really.

By will identification information that step S44 reads from the box storer and mainframe memory 105, comparing by the identification information that box write corresponding to this same color, come to judge at step S45 whether box is replaced.For the information that will be used to compare, the necessary information that can clearly distinguish with another box that is used for same color that is to use.For this reason, preferably, use as the information in the identification information about serviceable life about the characteristic information of each box.

Though comprise about the information in serviceable life and information, driving time and printing number about the amount of residue toner preferably, to use information, so that judge at step S45 whether box is replaced about the amount of residue toner.Reason is as follows.Though the consumption of toner is very little in development, the difference of the consumption of toner also can be represented as the amount about the residue toner in development.For this reason, be assigned with than the bigger bit number of bit number that is used to represent driving time or print number.By using information, therefore can judge at step S45 whether box is replaced with high precision about the amount of residue toner.

In the mainframe memory 105 corresponding to be used for first color box write comprises the information of two classes about the amount of residue toner about the information of the amount of residue toner, that is, be written to current toner district the residue toner amount and be written to the amount of the residue toner of write area formerly.When step S44 from the identification information that the first box storer reads about the information of the amount of residue toner be written to current toner district about the information of the amount of residue toner or be written under the corresponding to situation of information about the amount of residue toner of write area formerly, judge that first box is not replaced.When in the identification information about the information of the amount of residue toner be written to current toner district about the information of the amount of residue toner and be written under the not corresponding to situation of information about the amount of residue toner of write area formerly, judge that first box is replaced.

Obviously, when the identification information that reads from the first box storer about under the information of the amount of residue toner and the corresponding to situation of information of amount that is written to current toner district about the residue toner, may judge that replacement also is not carried out.

And, but the identification information that reads from the first box storer about the information of the amount of residue toner and the information of amount that is written to current toner district about the residue toner not consistent with the corresponding to situation of information that is written to write area formerly about the amount that remains toner under, can judge, for first box power supply be switched on or body cover be closed before in the renewal of identification information after once developing, transmission from the point value that is used for this same color of image process controller 102 has been delayed, and the current amount of residue toner can not be written to the zone of the box that is used for this same color in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 before being used for reaching to the timing that writes of box storer, the current information of amount about the residue toner in the renewal of the identification information after development subsequently is written to the box storer, as mentioned above.Therefore, even judgement is not also replaced, can not have problems yet.

When step S45 judges that first box has been replaced, cell controller 101 will cover the zone (step S46) that is used to the mainframe memory 105 to write about the identification information of the box of first color at the identification information that step S44 is read from the first box storer.At this moment, the information of amount about the residue toner that reads from the box storer is written to the current toner district of first box that is used for this color and write area formerly.As a result, the identification information about the box of this same color is updated in mainframe memory 105.

Whether on the other hand, when when step S45 judges that first box is not replaced, processing procedure proceeds to step S47, judge in step S47 for all four boxes processing and finish.

Therefore, when the processing that is used for first box finishes, so cell controller 101 repeats processing from step S43 to step S47 for second, third and the 4th box.When finishing processing for all four boxes, processing is moved to end.

As mentioned above, in a second embodiment, judge whether box is replaced.Only, upgrade the identification information about box of mainframe memory 105 for being judged as the box that is replaced.Therefore, can prevent between the actual amount of the amount of the residue toner of being managed by mainframe memory 105 and the residue toner in the same box, to produce error.And, be used as about the information of amount of residue toner and be used to the information of judging whether box has been replaced.As a result, can judge to replace whether be carried out with high precision.

The result, be equally in the time can not discerning box when cell controller 101 and be replaced, for example be opened or power supply when being turned off when body cover in development rotary body unit 50 rotary courses, under the situation that box is replaced, also can carry out accurate management in serviceable life for box.

＜the three embodiment 〉

In the 3rd embodiment, under the situation that has the box that may be replaced, used the identification information that from the box storer of box, reads to upgrade by force about the identification information of box in the mainframe memory 105, and will be described with reference to the process flow diagram among the figure 9.

When detecting that power switch 108 is switched on and therefore power supply is switched on or when the condition judgement body cover according to body cover opening and closing switch 109 is closed (under the situation that being judged to be of step S50 is), cell controller 101 control rotary body drive parts 107 are with rotation development rotary body unit 50 (step S51).At this moment, rotary body drive part 107 is fed to stepper motor and rotation development rotary body unit 50 with driving pulse.In the case, cell controller 101 is fetched the driving pulse that divides 107 outputs from rotary driving part, and begins the quantity of driving pulse is counted when the instruction that is used to begin to rotate is provided to rotary body drive part 107.

Then, from HP sensor 106 output detection signals.Based on the driving pulse quantity of being counted when receiving detection signal (step S52) from HP sensor 106 when the instruction that is used to rotate is provided to rotary body drive part 107, cell controller 101 is judged the color (step S53) that whether has any box to be placed in to replace the position and judge box if any.

More specifically, a HP appears in the once rotation of development rotary body unit 50, and the position of the box of each color in the development rotary body unit 50 is determined and is deposited in the cell controller 101.And the rotation number of development rotary body unit 50 also is deposited in the cell controller 101 in a driving pulse.Therefore, the quantity of the driving pulse that cell controller 101 can be when being provided to rotary body drive part 107 certainly the instruction that is used to begin to rotate be counted when detecting HP obtains the rotation number of rotary body unit 50 of developing, and can judge the color that whether has any box to be placed in to replace the position and can judge this box if any.

When there is not the box that is placed in the replacement position in 101 judgements of step S53 cell controller, this processing finishes.Be placed in the replacement position if judge the box that is used for a certain color, the box that is used for this same color is moved to communication position (step S54), and read all identification informations (step S55) from the box storer of box, and the identification information that is read like this is written to being used in the mainframe memory 105 and writes zone (step S56) about the identification information of the box that is used for this same color.Like this, this processing is moved to end.

Step S28 in the processing of step S55 and S56 and Fig. 7 is identical with the processing of S29.And, in the processing at step S56 place, when the identification information that reads from the box storer will be written to mainframe memory 105, the information of amount about the residue toner that reads from the box storer was written to the current toner district of the box that is used for this color and write area formerly.

As mentioned above, in the 3rd embodiment, if when power supply is switched on or body cover exists when being closed and is placed in the box of replacing the position, the hypothesis that has been replaced based on this box then, the identification information about this box in the mainframe memory 105 is upgraded by force by the identification information that the box storer from box reads.

As mentioned above, according to the 3rd embodiment, be equally in the time can not discerning box when cell controller 101 and be replaced, for example be opened or power supply when being turned off when body cover in development rotary body unit 50 rotary courses, under the situation that box is replaced, also can carry out accurate management in serviceable life for box.

＜the four embodiment 〉

In the 3rd above-mentioned embodiment, when power supply is switched on or body cover is placed in that the box of replacing the position is considered to be exchanged when being closed, and the identification information about this box of mainframe memory 105 is used the identification information that reads from the box storer of box to upgrade by force.Yet, in the case, there is such possibility, promptly owing in the described identical reason of the beginning of second processing configuration, for being placed in the box of replacing the position, between the actual amount of the amount of the residue toner of being managed by mainframe memory 105 and the residue toner in the box, may produce error.

The 4th embodiment is used to the situation of avoiding such, and the process flow diagram that is used for this processing is shown in Figure 10.The processing of step S60, S61, S62, S63, S64 and S65 is identical with the processing of step S50, S51, S52, S53, S54 and S55 among Fig. 9 respectively among Figure 10, and the processing of step S66 and S67 is identical with step S45 and the processing of S46 among Fig. 8 respectively among Figure 10.

Therefore, will carry out repetition and concise and to the point description for the processing among Figure 10.Power switch 108 is switched on and therefore power supply is switched on or when the condition judgement body cover that opens and closes switch 109 according to body cover is closed (under the situation that being judged to be of step S60 is), cell controller 101 rotates development rotary body unit 50 (step S61) when detecting.At this moment, cell controller 101 is fetched the driving pulse that divides 107 outputs from rotary driving part, and begins the quantity of driving pulse is counted when the instruction that is used to begin to rotate is provided to rotary body drive part 107.

Then, receive detection signal (step S62) from HP sensor 106.Based on when the instruction that is used to rotate is provided to rotary body drive part 107 to the driving pulse quantity of when HP sensor 106 receives detection signal, being counted, cell controller 101 is judged the color (step S63) that whether has any box to be placed in to replace the position and judge box if any.

When 101 judgements of step S63 cell controller are placed in the replacement position without any box, this processing finishes.Be placed in the replacement position if judge the box that is used for a certain color, the box that is used for this same color is moved to communication position (step S64), and reads all identification informations (step S65) from the box storer of box.

When the box storer reads identification information, cell controller 101 judges whether boxes are replaced (step S66) really.

By will identification information that step S65 reads from the box storer and mainframe memory 105, comparing, judge whether box is replaced really at step S66 corresponding to the identification information that this box write.As mentioned above, be used to the information that to be used for comparing about the information of amount of residue toner.

Therefore, if step S65 from the identification information that the box storer reads about the information of the amount of residue toner be written to current toner district about the information of the amount of residue toner or be written under the corresponding to situation of information about the amount of residue toner of write area formerly, cell controller 101 judges that being placed in the box of replacing the position is not replaced, if and from the identification information that the box storer reads about the information of the amount of residue toner be written to current toner district about the information of the amount of residue toner and to be written to the information about the amount that remains toner of write area formerly not consistent, judge that this box is replaced.

When judging that at step S66 box has been replaced really, then cell controller 101 will cover the mainframe memory 105 identification information (step S67) about the box that is used for this same color at the identification information that step 65 is read from the box storer.At this moment, the information of amount about the residue toner that reads from the box storer is written to the current toner district of the same box that is used for this color and write area formerly.As a result, the identification information about the box of this same color is updated in mainframe memory 105.

On the other hand, when when step S66 judges that this same box is not replaced, cell controller 101 finishes this processing.

Therefore, in the 4th embodiment, if be switched on or body cover has when being closed box to be placed in to replace the position, judge then whether this box is replaced really at power supply.Only under the situation that box has been replaced really, the identification information of mainframe memory 105 is updated.This is based on such consideration, and promptly box always is not replaced, even be switched on or body cover exists when being closed and is placed in the box of replacing the position when power supply.

As mentioned above, in the 4th embodiment, if be switched on or body cover exists when being closed and is placed in the box of replacing the position when power supply, this box may be replaced, and, judge whether this box is replaced really.If judge that box is replaced, then the identification information about box of mainframe memory 105 is updated.Therefore, can prevent between the actual amount of the amount of the residue toner of being managed by mainframe memory 105 and the residue toner in this same box, to produce error.And, be used as about the information of amount of residue toner and be used to detect the information whether box has been replaced.As a result, can judge to replace whether be carried out with high precision.

Then will the fifth embodiment of the present invention be described with reference to Figure 11.Be operated so that the instruction of the box that takes out a certain color to be provided when taking out operation part 206, this operation shown in Figure 11 is carried out.

The user is provided for the instruction of the box of Y color by taking-up operation part 206.At this moment, cell controller 101 receives the control signal that instruction that indication is used to take out the box of Y color is provided from taking out operation part 206.When receiving this control signal, cell controller 101 just judges that at step S21 the instruction that is used to take out is provided, and subsequently, the information in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 relatively about the zone of the box that is used for the Y color about the area information of the box that is used for the Y color and write area formerly, and judge they whether (step S22) consistent with each other.

If they are consistent with each other (at step S22 for being), then the box of Y color may be removed really, is written to the box storer of the box of Y color because comprise the current identification information of the current amount that remains toner.In the case, cell controller 101 control rotary body drive parts 107 move to replacement position (step S23) with the box with the Y color.As a result, the user can take out the box of Y color, and the new box of Y color can be installed.

But if their (are not at step S22) not consistent with each other, the current amount that then remains toner is not written to the box storer of the box of Y color.As a result, be set to really as compartmentalized box for holding assorted fruits and candies and be removed, then can not realize the accurate management in serviceable life of this same box.Therefore, in the case, cell controller 101 control rotary body drive parts 107 move to communication position (step S24) with the box with the Y color, and communicate with the box storer of the box of Y color, upgrade the identification information (step S25) of box storer thus.

At this moment, cell controller 101 with the zone that is used for the Y paint box in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105 about the residue toner amount information as the residue toner amount write.Therefore, the identification information of box storer is updated to the current information that comprises about the information of residue toner.And when upgrading the identification information of box storer, cell controller 101 is the information about the amount of the residue toner that is used for the Y paint box in the current toner district of mainframe memory 105, writes the zone that is used for the Y paint box in the write area formerly.As a result, for the Y color, the information in the zone that is used for the Y paint box in the information in the zone that is used for the Y paint box in current toner district and the write area formerly is consistent.

When the identification information of box storer was updated, cell controller 101 control rotary body drive parts 107 moved to replacement position (step S26) with the box with the Y color.As a result, the user can take out the box of Y color, and the new box of Y color can be installed.

As mentioned above, according to this operation, be written at current identification information under the situation of the box storer of specifying the box that is removed, this box is set to and is taken out immediately, so user's stand-by period can be shortened.And under the situation that current identification information is not written into, box is set to after current identification information is written to the box storer of this box and is removed, so current identification information can be written to the box storer of the box that is removed like this.

Though the incident that is used to upgrade the identification information that is written to the box storer has been carried out top description for the situation of developing, it only is exemplary rather than restriction.

Though have illustrated and described the present invention at particularly preferred embodiment, be apparent that for those skilled in the art, can carry out variations and modifications based on instruction of the present invention.Obviously such variation and modification is in spirit of the present invention, scope and the purpose that is limited by claims.

The application comprises its content in this application at this by reference based on Japanese patent application No.2004-235762 that submitted on August 13rd, 2004 and the Japanese patent application No.2004-261968 that submitted on September 9th, 2004.

Claims

1. image processing system comprises:

Development rotary body unit, it is configured installs a plurality of Delevoping cartridges, and described Delevoping cartridge has the box storage compartment respectively, and described box storage compartment is respectively applied for the identification information of storage about the described Delevoping cartridge of correspondence;

2. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control module reads described identification information by described communication unit from the described box storage compartment that is positioned at described replacement position, and identification information that is relatively read and the described identification information that is stored in the described storage element; And

Whether wherein said control module is updated based on the described identification information that the result of described comparison determines to be stored in the described storage element.

3. the method for updating of a definite identification information comprises:

Wherein, when the power supply of described image processing system is switched on or the body cover that is used for the described development rotary body unit of described image processing system when being closed, carry out the described deterministic process of described replacement position and the described deterministic process of described renewal; And

Wherein, described development rotary body unit comprises a plurality of described Delevoping cartridges, and described Delevoping cartridge has the box storage compartment respectively, and described box storage compartment is respectively applied for the identification information of storage about the Delevoping cartridge of correspondence.

4. method as claimed in claim 3 also comprises:

The described deterministic process of wherein said renewal is carried out based on the result of described comparison procedure.