CN111580370B

CN111580370B - Method and apparatus for controlling process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: CN111580370B
Application number: CN201910122204.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 艾磊; 杨传义; 须藤和久
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-19
Filing date: 2019-02-19
Publication date: 2022-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-19
Also published as: CN111580370A

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of controlling a process cartridge including a developing roller and a photosensitive drum, the method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring usage data of the process cartridge; an adjusting step of adjusting a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the usage data, wherein the second voltage difference is in a predetermined range. The invention can ensure that the image formed by the image forming device is normal. The invention also provides a device for controlling the processing box, an image forming device and a storage medium.

Description

Method and apparatus for controlling process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and storage medium

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of image formation, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for controlling a process cartridge, an image forming apparatus, and a storage medium.

Background

Image forming apparatuses (e.g., printers, copiers, etc.) include process cartridges including toner cartridges, developing rollers, photosensitive drums, charging rollers, and the like. The toner cartridge stores toner therein. During development (i.e., during the process in which the developing roller conveys the toner in the toner cartridge to the photosensitive drum), a voltage V1 is applied to the developing roller. At the same time, the charging roller with voltage charges the photosensitive drum so that the photosensitive drum is charged with voltage V2, at which time an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The toner conveyed from the developing roller adheres to a portion of the photosensitive drum having the electrostatic latent image. The toner on the photosensitive drum is transferred onto a recording medium (paper sheet), thereby forming (printing) an image on the recording medium. In order to ensure that the formed image is normal, the difference between V2 and V1 must be controlled within a predetermined range (normal range).

The toner cartridge storing the toner is closed, but when left in an environment with high humidity for a long time, moisture inevitably enters the toner cartridge, which leads to a decrease in the fluidity and charging property of the toner, and a change in the performance of each of the key components (e.g., developing roller, photosensitive drum, etc.) in the image forming apparatus, which inevitably leads to a decrease in the image forming quality of the image forming apparatus, and more seriously, affects the normal operation of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, in the related art, a drying agent is generally placed in the process cartridge during transportation and storage of the process cartridge, thereby ensuring drying of the toner and various key components in the process cartridge.

However, in the case of using a drying agent, there is a risk that the process cartridge is overdried (i.e., the toner and various key components in the process cartridge are overdried). In the case where the process cartridge is excessively dried, if the process cartridge is used directly after being sealed in a low-temperature and low-humidity environment, the voltage on critical components (e.g., the developing roller, the photosensitive drum, etc.) is significantly affected, resulting in a difference between the voltage V1 of the developing roller and the voltage V2 of the photosensitive drum being out of a predetermined range, which will inevitably cause image abnormality formed by the image forming apparatus, such as toner adhering to a white portion of the paper, and the like.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to solve the problem that an excessively dried processing box causes image abnormality formed by an image forming device, and provides a method and a device for controlling the processing box, the image forming device and a storage medium.

In order to solve the above technical problem, the present invention provides a method of controlling a process cartridge including a developing roller and a photosensitive drum, the method comprising:

an acquisition step of acquiring usage data of the process cartridge;

an adjusting step of adjusting a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the usage data, wherein the second voltage difference is in a predetermined range.

Wherein the process cartridge with the second voltage difference is used to form an image.

Wherein the usage data includes a rotation time of the photosensitive drum and a number of sheets of paper output during forming an image using the process cartridge,

in the adjusting step, the first voltage value is adjusted to a second voltage value according to the rotation time or the number of sheets.

Wherein, in the adjusting step, the first voltage difference is adjusted to the second voltage difference by performing any one of the following operations in accordance with the rotation time or the number of sheets:

adjusting the first voltage;

adjusting the second voltage;

adjusting the first voltage and the second voltage;

idling the photosensitive drum for a predetermined time.

Wherein the process cartridge includes a first charging device that charges the developing roller and a second charging device that charges the photosensitive drum,

wherein the first voltage is adjusted by adjusting a voltage of the first charging device, and the second voltage is adjusted by adjusting a voltage of the second charging device.

Wherein, before the acquiring step, further comprising:

a determination step of entering the acquisition step when it is determined that the image forming apparatus including the process cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for controlling a process cartridge including a developing roller and a photosensitive drum, the apparatus comprising:

an acquisition unit that acquires usage data of the process cartridge;

an adjusting unit adjusts a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the usage data, wherein the second voltage difference is in a predetermined range.

Wherein an image is formed using the process cartridge with the second voltage difference.

Wherein the usage data includes a rotation time of the photosensitive drum and a number of sheets of paper output during image formation using the process cartridge,

wherein the adjusting unit adjusts the first voltage difference to the second voltage difference according to the rotation time or the number of sheets.

Wherein the adjusting unit adjusts the first voltage difference to the second voltage difference by performing any one of the following operations, based on the rotation time or the number of sheets:

adjusting the first voltage;

adjusting the second voltage;

adjusting the first voltage and the second voltage;

idling the photosensitive drum for a predetermined time.

Wherein the apparatus further comprises:

a determination unit that performs the acquisition unit when it is determined that the image forming apparatus including the process cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition.

The present invention also provides an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge and the device as described above.

The present invention also provides a nonvolatile storage medium on which a program for controlling a process cartridge is stored, the program being executed by an apparatus to implement a method of controlling a process cartridge, characterized by comprising:

an acquisition instruction to acquire use data of the process cartridge;

an adjustment instruction to adjust a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the usage data, wherein the second voltage difference is in a predetermined range.

By the present invention, even in the case where the process cartridge is excessively dried, the image forming apparatus can be ensured to form a normal image while the efficiency of image formation can be improved.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a structural view of a process cartridge in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes, and other advantages and effects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it is not intended that the features of the invention be limited to that embodiment. On the contrary, the invention is described in connection with the embodiments for the purpose of covering alternatives or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The invention may be practiced without these particulars. Moreover, some of the specific details have been left out of the description in order to avoid obscuring or obscuring the focus of the present invention. It should be noted that the embodiments and features of the embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict.

It should be noted that in this specification, like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and thus, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

The terms "first," "second," and the like are used solely to distinguish one from another and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more apparent, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First embodiment

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the image forming apparatus 1 including a device 11 and a process cartridge 12, the device 11 controlling the process cartridge 12 during image formation.

Fig. 2 is a structural diagram of the process cartridge 12 in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the apparatus 11 includes an acquisition unit 111 and an adjustment unit 112, and the process cartridge 12 includes a toner cartridge 121, a developing roller 122, a photosensitive drum 123, and a process cartridge memory 126.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a process cartridge according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 3 and 4.

In step S41, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the use data of the process cartridge 12, wherein the acquisition unit 111 acquires the use data of the process cartridge 12 from the cartridge memory 126. The usage data includes a rotation time T (sec) of the photosensitive drum 123 and the number N (sheets) of paper output during image formation using the process cartridge 12. The number of sheets N refers to, for example, the number of sheets (recording media) on which an image is formed (printed) during image formation using the process cartridge 12.

Next, in step S42, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the first voltage difference D1 between the first voltage V1 on the developing roller 122 and the second voltage V2 on the photosensitive drum 123 to the second voltage difference D2 according to the usage data. Wherein the second voltage difference D2 is in a predetermined range, and the process cartridge 12 with the second voltage difference D2 is used to form an image. The predetermined range is 270 ± 50V, for example, and when D2 is in the range of 270 ± 50V, the image forming apparatus 1 can form a normal image. That is, the second voltage difference D2 in the predetermined range may cause the image forming apparatus 1 to form a normal image.

Specifically, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the first voltage difference D1 to the second voltage difference D2 according to the rotation time T or the number of sheets N. The adjusting unit 112 adjusts the first voltage difference D1 to the second voltage difference D2 by performing any one of the following:

1) adjusting the first voltage V1;

2) adjusting the second voltage V2;

3) adjusting the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2;

4) the photosensitive drum 123 is idled for a predetermined time.

Wherein, as shown in fig. 3, the process cartridge 12 further includes a first charging device 125 for charging the developing roller 122 and a second charging device 124 for charging the photosensitive drum 123, the first voltage V1 is adjusted by adjusting the voltage of the first charging device 125, and the second voltage V2 is adjusted by adjusting the voltage of the second charging device 124. In this example, the second charging device 124 is, for example, a charging roller 124 shown in fig. 2.

Typically, the voltage of the first charging device 125 is-250V and the voltage of the second charging device 124 is-1200V. In the case where the process cartridge 1 is not overdried, the normal first voltage V1 on the developing roller 122 is-250V, and the normal second voltage V2 on the photosensitive drum 123 is-550V.

However, in the case where the process cartridge 12 is overdried, V1 may be changed to-300V, and V2 may be changed to-350V, at which time the first voltage difference D1 between the developing roller 122 and the photosensitive drum 123, which is V1-V2-300V- (-350V) 50V, is apparently out of the above-mentioned predetermined range, thus causing an abnormality in the image formed by the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the first voltage difference may cause an abnormality in an image formed by the image forming apparatus 1.

In order to make the voltage difference of V1 and V2 be in a predetermined range, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the first voltage difference D1 to be the second voltage difference D2 that is in a predetermined range by any one of the following ways. Wherein, as T or N increases, V1 and V2 also change.

1) Adjusting the first voltage V1

When T <50 seconds or N <50 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -50V, so that V1 is adjusted to-50V, where V2 is, for example, -350V, and then the second voltage difference D2 ═ V1-V2 ═ 50V- (-350V)) -300V.

When T <100 seconds for 50 seconds or N <100 sheets for 50 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -100V, so that V1 is adjusted to-100V, and V2 at this time is changed to, for example, -400V as T or N increases, and then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-100V- (-400V)) is 300V.

When T <150 seconds for 100 seconds ≦ T or N <150 sheets for 100 sheets ≦ N, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -150V, so that V1 is adjusted to, for example, -150V, at which V2 changes to, for example, -450V as T or N increases, and then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-150V- (-450V)) is 300V.

When T <200 seconds for 150 seconds or N <200 sheets for 150 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -200V, so that V1 is adjusted to, -200V, and V2 at this time is changed to, for example, -500V as T or N increases, so that the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-200V- (-500V)) is 300V.

In addition, when T ≧ 200 seconds or N ≧ 200 sheets, V1, V2 at this time may have recovered to normal-250V and-550V, respectively, as T or N increases, so the adjustment unit 112 does not adjust the voltage of the first charging device 125, and still uses-250V.

In the process of adjusting the first voltage V1, only the voltage of the first charging device 125 is adjusted, and the voltage of the second charging device 124 is not adjusted.

As can be seen from the above, by adjusting the voltage of the first charging device 125 to adjust the first voltage V1, the voltage difference between V1 and V2 can be adjusted to the second voltage difference D2 with D2 being within the above-described predetermined range, and then the image forming apparatus 1 performs the subsequent image forming operation using the process cartridge 12 with D2, and thus it is possible to ensure that the image forming apparatus 1 forms a normal image.

2) Adjusting the second voltage V2

When T <50 seconds or N <50 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the second charging device 124 (i.e., the charging roller 124) to, for example, -1300V, so that the second voltage V2 is adjusted to-550V, at which time V1 is, for example, -300V, and then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-300V- (-550V)) is 250V.

When T <100 seconds for 50 seconds ≦ T or N <100 sheets for 50 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the charging roller 124 to, for example, -1275V so that the second voltage V2 is adjusted to-540V, at which time V1 changes to, for example, -285V as T or N increases, and then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-285V- (-540V)) is 255V.

When T <150 sec for 100 sec or N < 150N for 100 sec, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the charging roller 124 to, for example, -1250V, so that the second voltage V2 is adjusted to-530V, and V1 at this time is changed to, for example, -270V as T or N increases, and then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-270V- (-530V)) is 260V.

When T <200 seconds for 150 seconds or N <200 sheets for 150 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the charging roller 124 to, for example, -1225V so that the second voltage V2 is adjusted to-520V, at which time V1 changes to, for example, -260V as T or N increases, and then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-260V- (-520V)) -260V.

When T ≧ 200 seconds or N ≧ 200 sheets, V1, V2 at this time may have recovered to normal-250V and-550V, respectively, as T or N increases, so the adjustment unit 112 does not adjust the voltage of the charging roller 124, and still uses the normal voltage-1200V.

In the process of adjusting the second voltage V2, only the voltage of the second charging device 124 is adjusted, and the voltage of the first charging device 125 is not adjusted.

As can be seen from the above, by adjusting the voltage of the charging roller 124 to thereby adjust the second voltage V2, the voltage difference between V1 and V2 can be adjusted to the second voltage difference D2 with D2 being within the above-described predetermined range, and then the image forming apparatus 1 performs the subsequent image forming operation using the process cartridge 12 with D2, and therefore it is possible to ensure that the image forming apparatus 1 forms a normal image.

3) Adjusting a first voltage V1 and a second voltage V2

When T <50 seconds or N <50 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -210V so that V1 is adjusted to-210V, and the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the charging roller 124 to, for example, -1250V so that V2 is adjusted to-530V, then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-210V- (-530V)) -320V.

When T <100 seconds for 50 seconds or N <100 sheets for 50 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -220V so that V1 is adjusted to-220V, and the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the charging roller 124 to, for example, -1225V so that V2 is adjusted to-520V, then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-220V- (-520V)) -300V.

When T <150 seconds for 100 seconds or N <150 sheets for 100 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -230V so that V1 is adjusted to-230V, and the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the charging roller 124 to, for example, -1225V so that V2 is adjusted to-520V, then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-230V- (-520V)) -290V.

When T <200 seconds for 150 seconds or N <200 sheets for 150 sheets, the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the first charging device 125 to, for example, -240V so that V1 is adjusted to-240V, and the adjusting unit 112 adjusts the voltage of the charging roller 124 to, for example, -1225V so that V2 is adjusted to-520V, then the second voltage difference D2-V1-V2-240V- (-520V)) -280V.

In addition, when T ≧ 200 seconds or N ≧ 200 sheets, V1, V2 at this time may have recovered to normal-250V and-550V, respectively, as T or N increases, so the adjustment unit 112 does not adjust the voltage of the first charging device 125 and the voltage of the charging roller 124.

As can be seen from the above, by adjusting the voltage of the first charging device 125 to adjust the first voltage V1 while adjusting the voltage of the charging roller 124 to adjust the second voltage V2, the voltage difference between V1 and V2 can be adjusted to the second voltage difference D2 with D2 within the above-described predetermined range, and then the image forming apparatus 1 performs the subsequent image forming operation using the process cartridge 12 with D2, and therefore it can be ensured that the image forming apparatus 1 forms a normal image.

4) Idling the photosensitive drum 123 for a predetermined time

When T <200 seconds or N <200 sheets, the photosensitive drum 123 is idled for, for example, 200 seconds. After the photosensitive drum 123 has rotated for a time of 200 seconds or more, V1 and V2 have been restored to the above-described normal voltages, that is, the voltage difference therebetween is in a predetermined range, and then the image forming apparatus 1 performs the subsequent image forming operation using this process cartridge 12, so it is possible to ensure that the image forming apparatus 1 forms a normal image.

Here, it can be seen that in the case where the toner in the process cartridge 12, as well as the photosensitive drum 123, the developing roller 124, etc., are excessively dried, the affected V1 and V2 change with the increase of T or N, and V1 and V2 return to the normal voltages in the case where T ≧ 200 seconds or N ≧ 200 sheets. At this time, the adjusting unit 112 does not adjust V1 and V2.

By any of the above-described modes 1) -4), even in the case where the process cartridge 12 is excessively dried, the voltage difference between V1 and V2 in the process cartridge 12 can be adjusted to be in a predetermined range, and then the image forming operation is performed using the process cartridge 12, so that it is possible to ensure that the image forming apparatus 1 forms a normal image.

Second embodiment

Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 'according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the image forming apparatus 1 in the first embodiment in that the image forming apparatus 1' further includes a judgment unit 110. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 6, in step S40, when the determination unit 110 determines that the image forming apparatus 1' including the process cartridge 12 satisfies the predetermined condition, it proceeds to step S41.

The predetermined condition is, for example, that the process cartridge 12 is reloaded into the image forming apparatus 1 ', or that the image forming apparatus 1 ' is turned on and off, or that the image forming apparatus 1 ' is restarted after standby, or that a cover of the image forming apparatus 1 ' is opened and closed once, or that the environment in which the image forming apparatus 1 ' is located is at a low temperature or a low humidity, or the like. In the case where the image forming apparatus 1' satisfies the predetermined condition, the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 in the process cartridge 12 may vary due to overdrying, resulting in a voltage difference therebetween that is not in the above-described predetermined range.

The contents of steps S41 and S42 are the same as in the first embodiment, and thus will not be described in detail here. Through steps S41 and S42, even in the case where the process cartridge 12 is excessively dried, the voltage difference between V1 and V2 in the process cartridge 12 can be adjusted to be in a predetermined range, and then the image forming operation is performed using this process cartridge 12, so it is possible to ensure that the image forming apparatus 1' forms a normal image.

In addition, in step S40, when the judgment unit 110 judges that the image forming apparatus 1' including the process cartridge 12 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, it proceeds to step S43, and in step S43, the image forming operation is performed directly using the process cartridge 12. Since the above steps S41 and S42 do not have to be performed, the efficiency of image formation can be improved.

As can be seen from the above, with the second embodiment, while ensuring that the image forming apparatus 1' forms a normal image, the efficiency of image formation can also be improved.

The present invention also provides a nonvolatile storage medium on which a program for controlling a process cartridge is stored, the program being executed by the above-described apparatus 11 to implement a method of controlling a process cartridge, the program including:

acquiring an instruction, and acquiring use data of the processing box; and an adjustment instruction to adjust a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the usage data.

In the two embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed method and apparatus may be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described apparatus embodiments are merely illustrative, and for example, the division of the units is only one logical functional division, and other divisions may be realized in practice, for example, a plurality of units or components may be combined or integrated into another unit, or some features may be omitted, or not executed.

The nonvolatile storage medium includes: a U-disk, a portable hard disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program codes.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing is a more detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the specific embodiments thereof, and that no limitation of the invention is intended thereby. Various changes in form and detail, including simple deductions or substitutions, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a process cartridge including a developing roller and a photosensitive drum, characterized by comprising:

an acquisition step of acquiring usage data of the process cartridge, the usage data including a rotation time of the photosensitive drum and a number of output sheets during image formation using the process cartridge;

an adjustment step of adjusting a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the rotation time or the number of sheets,

wherein the second voltage difference is in a predetermined range.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the process cartridge with the second voltage difference is used to form an image.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein in the adjusting step, the first voltage difference is adjusted to the second voltage difference by performing any one of the following, based on the rotation time or the number of sheets:

adjusting the first voltage;

adjusting the second voltage;

adjusting the first voltage and the second voltage;

idling the photosensitive drum for a predetermined time.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the process cartridge includes a first charging device that charges the developing roller and a second charging device that charges the photosensitive drum,

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising, prior to the obtaining step:

6. An apparatus for controlling a process cartridge including a developing roller and a photosensitive drum, comprising:

an acquisition unit that acquires usage data of the process cartridge, the usage data including a rotation time of the photosensitive drum and a number of sheets of paper output during image formation using the process cartridge;

an adjusting unit that adjusts a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the rotation time or the number of sheets,

wherein the second voltage difference is in a predetermined range.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cartridge with the second voltage difference is used to form an image.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the adjusting unit adjusts the first voltage difference to the second voltage difference by performing any one of the following, based on the rotation time or the number of sheets:

adjusting the first voltage;

adjusting the second voltage;

adjusting the first voltage and the second voltage;

idling the photosensitive drum for a predetermined time.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said process cartridge includes a first charging device that charges said developing roller and a second charging device that charges said photosensitive drum,

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 6-9, further comprising:

a determination unit that acquires the usage data of the process cartridge when it is determined that an image forming apparatus including the process cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition.

11. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a process cartridge and the device according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

12. A non-volatile storage medium, characterized in that a program for controlling a process cartridge is stored on the non-volatile storage medium, the program being executed by the apparatus according to any one of claims 6-10 to implement a method of controlling a process cartridge, the program comprising:

an acquisition instruction to acquire use data of the process cartridge, the use data including a rotation time of the photosensitive drum and a number of output sheets during image formation using the process cartridge;

and an adjustment instruction for adjusting a first voltage difference between a first voltage on the developing roller and a second voltage on the photosensitive drum to a second voltage difference according to the rotation time or the number of sheets, wherein the second voltage difference is within a predetermined range.