CN1308777C - Image forming device and control method, developing device, storage medium - Google Patents

Image forming device and control method, developing device, storage medium Download PDF

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Publication number
CN1308777C
CN1308777C CNB031594425A CN03159442A CN1308777C CN 1308777 C CN1308777 C CN 1308777C CN B031594425 A CNB031594425 A CN B031594425A CN 03159442 A CN03159442 A CN 03159442A CN 1308777 C CN1308777 C CN 1308777C
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China
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mentioned
developer
pick
unit
developing apparatus
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Expired - Fee Related
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CNB031594425A
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CN1495568A (en
Inventor
小山正一
铃木浩一
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Canon Inc
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Canon Inc
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Publication of CN1495568A publication Critical patent/CN1495568A/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0856—Detection or control means for the developer level
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
    • G03G15/08—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing using a solid developer, e.g. powder developer
    • G03G15/0822—Arrangements for preparing, mixing, supplying or dispensing developer
    • G03G15/0848—Arrangements for testing or measuring developer properties or quality, e.g. charge, size, flowability
    • G03G15/0856—Detection or control means for the developer level
    • G03G15/0862—Detection or control means for the developer level the level being measured by optical means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/55—Self-diagnostics; Malfunction or lifetime display
    • G03G15/553—Monitoring or warning means for exhaustion or lifetime end of consumables, e.g. indication of insufficient copy sheet quantity for a job
    • G03G15/556—Monitoring or warning means for exhaustion or lifetime end of consumables, e.g. indication of insufficient copy sheet quantity for a job for toner consumption, e.g. pixel counting, toner coverage detection or toner density measurement
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/01—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies
    • G03G2215/0167—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies single electrographic recording member
    • G03G2215/0174—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes for producing multicoloured copies single electrographic recording member plural rotations of recording member to produce multicoloured copy
    • G03G2215/0177—Rotating set of developing units

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)

Abstract

The image forming apparatus, to which a developing apparatus for developing a latent image on an image bearing member corresponding to image information is detachably attachable, includes, a first detection device for detecting an amount of developer in the developing apparatus; a second detection device for detecting a utilized amount of the developer in the developing apparatus based upon the image information, and a processing unit for judging a utilized amount level of the developing apparatus based upon results of detection of the first detection device and the second detection device, wherein the processing unit judges the utilized amount level of the developing apparatus using the result of detection of the first detection device and the result of detection of the second detection device until the result of detection of the first detection device reaches a predetermined value, and judges the utilized amount level of the developing apparatus using the result of detection of the first detection device after the result of detection of the first detection device has reached the predetermined value. Consequently, it becomes possible to detect the residual amount of developer with high accuracy.

Description

Image processing system and control method thereof, developing apparatus
Technical field
The present invention relates to the image processing system that image information that bases such as printer are sent by external unit forms image, particularly relate to a kind of replacing that under network environment, needs to notify user's consumables (developer) or additional image processing system and image processing system control method, developing apparatus, be installed in the storage medium on the developing apparatus.
Background technology
In image processing system as shown in figure 15, the formation method of coloured image is described.At first, developer with developing apparatus 151Y, 151M, 151C, the 151K of all kinds that are maintained in the developing apparatus selection mechanism portion 150 are had develops with visual to the sub-image that the image information of sending of all kinds is formed on photosensitive drums 2 by optical unit 9 bases.Visual image repeatedly is transferred to ring-type image carrier 5, on ring-type image carrier 5, forms multicolor image.After this, the transfer materials P of selection and paper supply is transported between ring-type image carrier 5 and transfer printing and the conveying belt 6 in transfer materials maintenance body (to call paper supply tray in the following text) 12～16, and the multicolor image on the ring-type image carrier 5 is transferred to transfer materials P.Be transferred to the multicolor image on the transfer materials P, by fixation unit 7 hot photographic fixing to transfer materials P.After this, carry transfer materials P, it is discharged to upper tray portion 19 or bottom discharge tray portion 20.In addition, when forming monochrome image, form above-mentioned multiple image with monochromatic image developer.
Describe the excess detection method of developer below in detail.
As the detection method of surplus developer, up to the present, some technical schemes are disclosed.
For example, known have a following proposal, detects the method (for example Japanese kokai publication hei 5-6092 communique) of surplus developer by the static capacity that developer had in the developing apparatus that detects general use that is:, use ultrared LED and be subjected to light (photoreception) with optical sensor to reflected light or see through light and detect and detect the method (for example Japanese kokai publication hei 7-140776 communique) of surplus developer according to the light intensity that is subjected to that is detected, thereby the image information when forming according to image is inferred the consumption of developer and is detected the method (for example TOHKEMY 2001-318566 communique) of surplus developer.
In addition, in the surplus developer detection method of using optical system,, must be useful on the light path that does not have developer that light is passed through in order to detect surplus developer.That is, before surplus developer reaches the level of a certain degree using developer, only do not see through, so, be difficult to detect all the other quantitative changeizations.Therefore, be filled to from the developer maximum in the time that developer exhausts, detecting surplus developer one by one and change and be unusual difficulty.In addition, in the surplus developer detection method of the antenna formula of the static capacity in detecting developing apparatus, with above-mentioned opposite, be filled to developer exhaustion from the developer maximum in the time to the fixed amount, can very accurately carry out the detection of static variable quantity, but to the situation that is lower than fixed amount, static capacity becomes minimal value at developer exhaustion.Therefore, more after a little while, the variation that detect its static capacity one by one also is the comparison difficulty at surplus developer.Though, the scheme (for example TOHKEMY 2001-228698 communique) that the somebody has proposed to use above-mentioned 2 schemes and defective is separately remedied, but, it or not the developing apparatus of fixing, for example, in the image processing system with portable developing apparatus maintenance body, bigger variation takes place in the static capacity in the developing apparatus along with moving of developing apparatus, so, exist the situation that can not obtain above-mentioned effect fully.
Yet, image information when forming according to above-mentioned image is inferred in the detection method that detects surplus to the consumption of developer, when the consumption efficiency that forms developer between the state of the image formation unit after durable at the state of initial image formation unit and image exists than big difference, can produce the problem that is difficult to infer best developer exhausting amount.
In addition, in developing apparatus, form at the state of initial image formation unit and image between the state of the image formation unit after durable, the deterioration of the electrical characteristics of the developer in the consumption efficiency of developer and the developing apparatus, the wearing and tearing of developing material limiting member can produce bigger variation, so, the fault of the quality badness of image or the leakage of developer etc. etc. may take place.,, form in the device for this reason, not only need to consider the surplus of developer, but also will consider the deterioration of developer, the deterioration of developer carrier at multicolor image in order to prevent above-mentioned fault in advance, thus the life-span of detection developing apparatus.
Summary of the invention
The present invention is conceived to this point and finishes, and its purpose is to provide a kind of can accurately detect the image processing system of surplus developer and control method, developing apparatus and the storage medium of image processing system.
In addition, the object of the present invention is to provide a kind of image processing system of the use amount that can detect developing apparatus when bringing into use and control method, developing apparatus and the storage medium of image processing system.
The invention provides a kind of image processing system, wherein, the developing apparatus that is used for the sub-image on the image carrier corresponding with image information is developed can be installed and removed, and it is characterized in that, comprise: the 1st pick-up unit, predict the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus according to image information; The 2nd pick-up unit detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus; And processing unit, according to the testing result of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit and the testing result of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit, determine the reveal competence of the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, above-mentioned processing unit, at the 1st surplus developer that predicts by above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by detected the 2nd surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 1st surplus developer with corresponding to the different reveal competence of the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 2nd surplus developer.
The invention provides another image processing system, wherein, comprising the developing apparatus that is used for developer carrier that the sub-image on the image carrier is developed can install and remove, and it is characterized in that, comprise: the 1st pick-up unit, detect the use amount of the developer carrier of above-mentioned developer; The 2nd pick-up unit detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus; And processing unit, according to the testing result of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit and the testing result of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit, determine the reveal competence of the use amount of above-mentioned developing apparatus, above-mentioned processing unit, by the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the use amount of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to reveal competence by the use amount of the detected above-mentioned developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit, with corresponding to the different reveal competence of reveal competence by the detected above-mentioned surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit.
The invention provides a kind of control method of image processing system, the developing apparatus that is used for the sub-image on the image carrier corresponding with image information is developed in above-mentioned image processing system can be installed and removed, described image processing system has the 1st pick-up unit of predicting the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus according to image information, and the 2nd pick-up unit that detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, it is characterized in that, comprise: the 1st determining step, judge that the 1st surplus developer that predicted by above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit is whether below predetermined value; Whether the 2nd determining step is judged by detected the 2nd surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit more than predetermined value; And determining step, at the 1st surplus developer that predicts by above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by detected the 2nd surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 1st surplus developer with corresponding to the different reveal competence of the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 2nd surplus developer.
The invention provides the control method of another image processing system, comprising the developing apparatus that is used for developer carrier that the sub-image on the image carrier is developed in above-mentioned image processing system can install and remove, described image processing system has the 1st pick-up unit of the use amount that detects above-mentioned developer carrier, and the 2nd pick-up unit that detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, it is characterized in that, comprise: the 1st determining step, judge by the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit whether below predetermined value; Whether the 2nd determining step is judged by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit more than predetermined value; And determining step, by the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the use amount of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to by the reveal competence of the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit with corresponding to the different reveal competence of reveal competence by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit.
The invention provides a kind of developing apparatus that can on image processing system, install and remove, comprising: developer reservoir with developer; Developer carrier is used for the sub-image on the image carrier is developed; Storage medium, store the information of the reveal competence of the use amount that is used for definite above-mentioned developing apparatus, it is characterized in that above-mentioned storage medium, storage area with the relevant information of the use amount of the storage area of the storage information relevant and storage and above-mentioned developer carrier with above-mentioned developer level.
Other purpose of the present invention is clear and definite by also reading following detailed description of the invention with reference to accompanying drawing.
Description of drawings
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of an example of the structure of expression surplus developer pick-up unit of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is the constructed profile that expression is used for the breviary structure of image processing system of the present invention.
Fig. 3 is the constructed profile that the developing apparatus of expression embodiment 1,3 keeps the breviary structure of body.
Fig. 4 is the figure of the optical detection waveform of expression embodiment 1,3.
Fig. 5 is the figure of the relation of the expression light transmission time of embodiment 1,3 and surplus developer.
Fig. 6 is the process flow diagram of order of the developer detection method that is realized by pixel counts of expression embodiment 1.
Fig. 7 is the figure of the relation of the expression pixel counts of embodiment 1 and surplus developer.
Fig. 8 A is the figure of the surplus level that obtains of the testing result of detect being judged by surplus developer of expression embodiment 1.
Fig. 8 B is the process flow diagram that surplus developer detects the order of the surplus judgement of judging that is used for of expression embodiment 1.
Fig. 9 A is the figure of the surplus level that obtains of the testing result of detect being judged by surplus developer of expression embodiment 2.
Fig. 9 B is the process flow diagram that surplus developer detects the order of the surplus judgement of judging that is used for of expression embodiment 2.
Figure 10 is the process flow diagram of the developing apparatus life of components Calculation Method example of expression embodiment 3.
Figure 11 is that expression is as the rotational time of the development sleeve roller of the developing apparatus member of embodiment 3 and the figure of life relation.
Figure 12 A is the figure of the life level that obtains of the testing result of being judged by the developing apparatus life tests of expression embodiment 3.
Figure 12 B is the process flow diagram that expression is used for the order of life tests judgement.
Figure 13 A is the figure of the life level that obtains of the testing result of being judged by the developing apparatus life tests of expression embodiment 4.
Figure 13 B is the process flow diagram that expression is used for the order of life tests judgement.
Figure 14 is the block diagram of the structure example of expression image processing system control part of the present invention and ROM210.
Figure 15 is the constructed profile of breviary structure of the image processing system of expression prior art example.
Figure 16 is the figure of attachment state of the developer of expression Text Mode and graphic model.
Figure 17 only represents by Text Mode and is only printed the minimizing mode of developer of 10000 occasion by graphic model.
Embodiment
Below, the embodiment of the control method of image processing system of the present invention, developing apparatus and image processing system is described.Wherein, the structure that is recorded in present embodiment is an example, and scope of the present invention is not limited in this.
(embodiment 1)
At first, an example of the breviary of image processing system used in the present invention shown in Figure 2.
The image processing system of present embodiment is developer is attached to being exposed portion of image carrier and carries out visual discharged-area development system, is that the developer carrier that carried the negative charging developer is contacted with image carrier and the single component image processing system that develops.At first, the image processing system that uses Fig. 2 explanation to use in the present invention.
As main function, has photosensitive drums 100, optical unit 101, charged roller 102, primary transfer roller 103, intermediate transfer body jockey pulley 104, intermediate transfer body driven roller 105, intermediate transfer body clearer 107, rotary type developing device keeps body 150, rotary type developing device keeps body driving mechanism 161,4 developing apparatus 15a～d, rotary type developing device reference position detecting sensor 131 (below be designated as home sensor), conveying belt 121, fixation unit 126, paper supply tray 200, manual feed trays 124, concentration and Time Pick-off Units 130,2 transfer rolls 120, exit roller 162, discharge tray 125, and top discharge tray 128 etc.
The following describes the summary of the operation before printing.At first, make the surface of photosensitive drums 100 charged equably (for example-600V) by the charged roller 102 that is disposed on the photosensitive drums 100 by desired polarity.Then, according to the picture synchronization signal being benchmark and view data that slave controller is sent is used optical unit 101 and made exposure on the photosensitive drums 100 by laser L, on photosensitive drums, form electrostatic latent image thus.Make visual one of electrostatic latent image handle example as being used to, for example, for being formed at electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drums 100 with image formation unit 151a by Y (Huang), (for example-300V) electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drums 100 is developed, on photosensitive drums 100, form visual developer picture by add predetermined voltage at development sleeve roller 152 by developer.
After this, the developer on the photosensitive drums 100 is looked like to be transferred to the intermediate transfer body, keep image by primary transfer roller 103.
Equally, for M (magenta), C (green grass or young crops), Bk (deceiving), utilize the developing apparatus 151b～151d that uses of all kinds successively, sleeve and the developer pair sub-image corresponding with each view data by each developing apparatus on photosensitive drums 100 develop, thereby carry out the formation of developer picture.Carry out above-mentioned operation to of all kinds, will form image and remain in the intermediate transfer body successively.
Maintenance developer picture of all kinds on the intermediate transfer body, owing to carry out transfer printing at preset time, so, on the intermediate transfer body, multiple developer is looked like to develop.On the other hand, after forming development that look carries out by last image and finishing,, make 2 transfer rolls 120 contact intermediate transfer body driven roller 105 with intermediate transfer body clearer 107 via the intermediate transfer body at preset time.After touching the intermediate transfer body, at each roller plus high-pressure (for example, at preset time, to (for example+1000V) be applied to transfer roll 120 2 times as the transfer printing high pressure of opposite polarity (for example positive polarity) with developer, in addition, the voltage that clearer 107 is similarly added positive polarity (for example+1000V and square-wave voltage (for example 1KHZ, 2KVpp)), to middle transfer article driven roller 105 add such as with the voltage of primary transfer roller 103 identical polar same potential, wait the conveying of transfer materials.
In addition, for this developer picture of transfer printing in the other necessary schedule time, by paper feed roller 125, or take out transfer materials by paper feed roller 123 from manual feed trays 124 from paper supply tray 200.The transfer materials that takes out temporarily stops at registration roller 122, and the image that waits the final look on the intermediate transfer body forms and finishes.
After the image of final look forms end, by the desired time, by the conveying once more of registration roller 122 beginning transfer materials.The transfer materials that is transferred is transported to 2 transfer rolls that contacted 120And between the intermediate transfer body by 105 drivings of intermediate transfer body driven roller, the multiple developer picture of the polychrome on the intermediate transfer body is transferred on the transfer materials by the potential difference (PD) of the bias voltage that is added on intermediate transfer body driven roller 105 and 2 transfer rolls 120 outward.After this, removed by intermediate transfer body clearer 107 at the developer that residues in after the transfer printing on the intermediate transfer body, or recharge, turn back to photosensitive drums 100 by recharging the remaining developer that makes on the intermediate transfer body, the scraper plate that is touched photosensitive drums 100 reclaims.The remaining developer that is reclaimed by scraper plate is stored into waste developer zone 108 by not shown driving.In addition, by other predetermined process, make the remaining developer that is attached to clearer 107 be recycled to photosensitive drums 100.
After the transfer printing on the transfer materials finished, clearer 107 and 2 transfer rolls 120 left from middle transfer article driven roller 105, got ready for subsequent images forms.
Photosensitive drums 100 after being cleaned makes the surface of photosensitive drums 100 charged equably according to desired polarity via charged roller 102 once more, for ensuing sub-image forms and developing procedure is got ready.In addition, the middle developing body that has been cleaned for remaining developer is like this too.
On the other hand, make developer as the transfer materials of transfer printing from conveying belt 121 by fixing roller 126 make developer as photographic fixing to transfer materials.The transfer materials of developer after as photographic fixing is discharged to top discharge tray 128 or bottom discharge tray 125.
In addition, manual feed trays 124 can open and close according to user's needs, and, can make pallet self flexible corresponding to the size of transfer materials.About discharge tray 125, also can similarly make the sub-strut bar of discharge tray flexible.In addition, top discharge tray 128 also can make not shown spacing guide flexible corresponding to the size of transfer materials.In addition, concentration and Time Pick-off Units 130, are controlled the concentration of developer picture of all kinds the time or the schedule time of the heating so that this coloured image is formed the device energized.In addition, about the time, read reference position on the not shown intermediate transfer body, the device of the benchmark when forming as detected image by the reflection or the optical devices of transmission.In the present invention, being used as with concentration sensor and Time Pick-off Units that a concentration and Time Pick-off Units 130 put down in writing, can certainly be unit separately.
More than be to be used for the summary that coloured image of the present invention forms the printing operation of device.
Fig. 1 is the block diagram of an example of structure of the surplus developer pick-up unit of expression embodiment of the present invention.
In Fig. 1, surplus developer pick-up unit as present embodiment, by using optical profile type surplus developer detection mode and pick-up unit in the lump, can be filled at the developer in developing apparatus in the time that exhausts, progressively detect surplus developer, thereby detect the use amount level of developing apparatus, wherein, this pick-up unit is to use image to form information 230 by counting by CPU241 to carry out the pick-up unit that the pixel count of the developer image information of image generation is inferred developer exhausting amount.In Fig. 1, for simplicity, express 1 among 4 developing apparatus 15a～15d of Fig. 2.
Fig. 3 is the figure that the developing apparatus of representing the image processing system that uses in the present embodiment keeps body.
In the image processing system of present embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the light guide member of being made by transparent resin or glass 207,208 is set respectively on each developing apparatus 151a～151d, developer 205 is filled by configuration developer receptacle portion 206 in developer receptacle portion 206 between this light guide member 207,208.In addition, corresponding to light guide member 207,208, be provided with respectively and make the transparency window 203,204 of light transmission to developer receptacle portion 206.CPU241 by the 1st pick-up unit, be surplus that the optical profile type pick-up unit carries out developer when detecting, at first make LED221 luminous.
The light that sends from LED221 incides transparency window 203 via above-mentioned light guide member 207.The light that sees through developer receptacle portion 206 incides light guide member 208 via transparency window 204.The luminous intensity corresponding signal levels of the light that use optical sensor 222 makes and sees through turns back to CPU241.
Describe optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit in detail here.The optical profile type pick-up unit is operated by above-mentioned a series of method.But in order to judge surplus developer, and judge the transit dose of light.That is,, detect surplus developer by the time that sees through of inciding the light in the developing apparatus is monitored.
In Fig. 4, represented detected light and the time relation of seeing through.More for a long time,, can not in developing apparatus 151a～151d, see through at surplus developer, cut off and be developed agent from the light of LED221 even stir by puddler 171.As a result, light can not arrive optical sensor 222.Yet, when surplus developer tails off,, the light from LED221 is little by little passed through in developing apparatus 151a～151d via the stirring of puddler 171, the result, light arrives optical sensor 222.Monitor by transit dose (seeing through the time), measure surplus developer the light that in this developing apparatus 151a～151d, passes through.The transit dose of light (see through time) is to judge the time that the detection signal SNS according to pulse type is lower than desired threshold value.
In Fig. 4, the order that the time that sees through of light press A＜B＜(C+D) becomes big, and therefore, surplus developer is pressed the said sequence minimizing.And, after this detection signal SNS is imported into the A/D port of the CPU241 in as shown in Figure 1 the image processing system control part 240, by CPU241 to the detection signal that is transfused to be less than or equal to desired threshold value during time measure, and with this data storage in RAM243.Then, by the table of measuring with the surplus developer that is stored in ROM242 in advance compare, computing, calculate surplus developer.
In Fig. 5, represented the relation of light transmission time and surplus developer.At surplus developer more than or equal to 50% o'clock because light is difficult to see through, so, can not detect the variation of surplus developer.
On the other hand, be less than or equal at 25% o'clock, can carry out the detection of surplus developer exactly at surplus developer.If the light transmission time, then surplus developer was respectively 25%, 15%, 0% in each scope of Ta, Tb, Tc.In addition, developing apparatus 151a～151d is kept the rotation of body 150 and is configured to same position by developing apparatus, similarly the sequentially determining surplus developer.
Below, use Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 that the estimation method of the developer exhausting amount when image forms is described.
The consumption of developer and the pixel of image (pixel) count value increase pro rata, so surplus developer in contrast.For this reason, applicable fixing equation, therefore, applicable following equation carries out the supposition of developer exhausting amount.
Equation is as follows.Wherein, P C: the pixel counts value; W: surplus developer; W I: initial developer filling amount; W Dot: the developer exhausting amount of 1 pixel; T k: transfer efficiency.
W＝W i-(P C×W dot×T k) ……(1)
Infer developer exhausting amount according to aforesaid equation, carry out the detection of surplus developer corresponding to the consumption of this supposition.
When the beginning image formed, the beginning surplus developer detected (S600).When the beginning surplus developer detects, by the counting (S601) of the CPU in the image processing system according to the image information starting pixel of sending here.According to the count value of calculating by above-mentioned picture counting number, use aforesaid equation (1) to calculate (S602).Carry out comparison (S603) with desired reference value.Then, determine surplus developer level (S604) according to comparative result.
The relation of Fig. 7 remarked pixel count value and surplus developer W.
Transverse axis is pixel counts value P CSurplus developer W is along with pixel counts value P CIncrease and linearity reduces (linear).Surplus developer changes the demonstration of surplus developer near desired threshold value the time.
Yet, in the testing result that obtains by the pick-up unit that above-mentioned developer exhausting amount is inferred, the transfer efficiency T under each environment when carrying out image formation kOr according to developer exhausting amount W DotVariation and the straight slope that shown by Fig. 7 may not be consistent.Therefore, can think may not be consistent with the consumption of reality the latter half of of rectilinear of Fig. 7.
For example, developer exhausting amount is graphic model (solid image) or Text Mode and difference according to image.Because the difference of the developer exhausting amount of this pattern, the error of calculation of the latter half in life-span is become big.As the synoptic diagram of the consumption of toner, in Figure 16, represented the attachment state of the developer of Text Mode and graphic model.This Figure 16 has represented that the consumption of the developer (toner) of 1 point under Text Mode increases this state.Figure 17 has only represented by Text Mode and the minimizing mode of the developer when only printing 10000 occasion by graphic model.As known in the figure, for example in filling in life-span of 10000 of handle box of toner of 500g, be about ± 10% according to the error of calculation of the pattern of pixel counts mode.Promptly, in taking in the handle box of more developer, particularly when having printed the image of more graphic model, even the aggregate-value of pixel counts is more, the actual less situation of toner use amount can take place, so only according to pixels counting mode is difficult to detect one by one and exactly surplus developer.
Therefore, 2 pick-up units of above-mentioned explanation, the surplus detection for developer exists merits and demerits respectively.But, the CPU241 of image processing system control part 240 is according to each result by the detected surplus developer of each pick-up unit, decide the surplus of developer, one by one or by the desired time, the ROM210 that the information stores of surplus developer is had to developing apparatus 151a～151d.
Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B are that the expression surplus developer detects the figure that judges, have represented an example and the example of wanting the selection of canned data that surplus developer shows.
Fig. 8 A is the table of expression by the surplus level of the detected surplus developer of each pick-up unit.% in the table shows the surplus of expression developer.Fig. 8 B is the process flow diagram that expression is used for the order of the judgement that surplus developer detects.
CPU241 in the image processing system control part 240 according to 2 detected information of detection mode of explanation before thus, carries out the judgement (S801) that the surplus of developer detects.Then, testing result is updated to each fiducial value M: from surplus level, the N of optical profile type pick-up unit: from the surplus level (S802) of the pick-up unit of inferring developer exhausting amount.If in step 803 (S803) among M=B and N=A, B, C, the D any, then CPU241 is surplus level (S806) with the surplus level of N.During in N=E, F, G, H any one, whether judge in step 804 (S804) M=B by CPU241.When M=B, then CPU241 is the surplus level (S807) of developer with D.If the detection level of optical profile type pick-up unit is B in step 804 (S804), that is, the result who detects in optical profile type be developer surplus than the surplus of being scheduled to for a long time, sequential transfer.In the testing result of the supposition pick-up unit of above-mentioned developer exhausting amount, according to transfer efficiency Tk under each environment or developer exhausting amount W DotVariation, as mentioned above, particularly when printing the image of more graphic model, can the generation error between pixel counts value and actual consumption of toner, so, make the surplus developer level continue to remain on the zone of predetermined horizontal D.
In step 804 (S804) during non-M=B, any one in step 805 (S805) among M=E, F, G, the H is the surplus level (S808) of developer with the surplus level of M.
After this, as the testing result of above-mentioned 2 pick-up units, the use amount level of judging is arrived ROM210 as the nonvolatile memory in developing apparatus 151a～151d as the information stores of relevant adopted surplus developer level.For this reason, no matter change developing apparatus, can both store the surplus developer of this developing apparatus exactly according to the information of the ROM210 in developing apparatus 151a～151d when, so, can tackle any situation.
In addition, in the present embodiment,, but in fact, use the surplus corresponding to show that (number percent) shows to the user with each letter by letter representation surplus level.
As mentioned above, according to present embodiment, by optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit being set and, when surplus developer is big, adopting testing result via the consumption of toner speculating type of pixel counts via such 2 pick-up units of the developer exhausting amount estimating unit of pixel counts; And at surplus developer more after a little while, adopt the testing result of optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit, therefore, can be linearly and detect surplus developer 100%～0% one by one.In addition, even at developer more after a little while, also can show surplus developer exactly, so, with respect to such as the replacing of the developing apparatus of the such parts in return of the image processing system that uses in the present embodiment etc., can improve usability.
In the present embodiment, show the surplus developer level with 8 grades.But be not limited thereto, also can be beyond 8 grades.
(embodiment 2)
Below, according to the embodiment of Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B explanation embodiments of the invention 2.The breviary structure of the image processing system of present embodiment is identical with the breviary structure of above-mentioned example 1 described image processing system, so, the explanation of omitting Fig. 2.In addition, 2 kinds of detection methods of surplus developer are identical with embodiment 1, so, omit its explanation.
Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B have represented an example and the example of wanting the selection of canned data that surplus developer shows.
Fig. 9 A is the table of expression by the surplus level of the surplus developer of each pick-up unit detection.% in the table shows the surplus of expression developer.Fig. 9 B is the process flow diagram that expression is used to carry out the order of the judgement that surplus developer detects.CPU241 in the image processing system control part 240 according to by above-mentioned 2 detected information of pick-up unit, carries out the judgement (S901) of the surplus detection of developer.In step 902 (S902), testing result is updated to each fiducial value M: from surplus level, the N of optical profile type pick-up unit: from the surplus level of the pick-up unit of inferring developer exhausting amount.If in step 903 (S903) among N=A, B, the C any, then CPU241 is surplus level (S906) with the surplus level of N.When N=D, whether judge in step 904 (S904) M=B by CPU241.If M=B, then CPU241 is the surplus level (S907) of developer with C.
If the detection level of optical profile type pick-up unit is B in step 904 (S904), that is, the result who detects in optical profile type be developer surplus than the surplus of being scheduled to for a long time, sequential transfer.In the testing result of the speculating type pick-up unit of above-mentioned developer exhausting amount, according to the transfer efficiency T under each environment kOr developer exhausting amount W DotVariation, as mentioned above, particularly when printing the image of more graphic model, can the generation error between pixel counts value and actual consumption of toner, so, make the surplus developer level continue to remain on the zone of predetermined horizontal C.
If non-M=B, N=D in step 904 (S904), the level of M=D in step 905 (S905) then, the surplus level with M in step 908 (S908) is the surplus level of developer.
After this, as the testing result of above-mentioned 2 pick-up units, the use amount level of judging is arrived ROM210 as the nonvolatile memory in developing apparatus 15a～d as the information stores of relevant adopted surplus developer level.For this reason, no matter change developing apparatus, can both store the surplus developer of this developing apparatus exactly according to the information of the ROM210 in developing apparatus 15a～d when, so, can tackle any situation.
In addition, in the scope of the horizontal A～C of surplus, with the data stationary of optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit in B.Why like this, be because with 1 different from the embodiment that initially measures, as in the scope of A～C, not carry out optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit mensuration.Above-mentioned optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit is just begun to measure when the surplus level reaches D by the pick-up unit according to the developer exhausting amount speculating type of pixel counts.In addition, in above-mentioned optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit, when the surplus level becomes D, the pixel counts of pick-up unit of the developer exhausting amount speculating type of above-mentioned pixel counts is stopped.
Detect by the above-mentioned surplus developer that carries out selectively, can alleviate the load of CPU.
In addition, in the present embodiment, by letter representation surplus level.But, in fact use the surplus corresponding to show that (number percent) shows to the user with each letter.
More than, according to above-mentioned present embodiment, by such 2 pick-up units of the consumption of toner estimating unit that optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit and pixel counts are set, when surplus developer is big, carry out detection via the consumption of toner speculating type of pixel counts; And at surplus developer more after a little while, carry out the detection of optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit.Carry out selectively surplus developer according to surplus developer and detect by above-mentioned, can be linearly and detect surplus developer 100%～0% one by one.In addition, even at developer more after a little while, also can show surplus developer exactly, so, with respect to such as the replacing of the developing apparatus of the such parts in return of the image processing system that uses in the present embodiment etc., can improve usability.In addition, in the present embodiment, show the surplus developer level with 8 grades.But be not limited thereto, also can be beyond 8 grades.
Certainly, except the combination of the embodiment of above explanation,, also can obtain same effect about using other combination of present embodiment.
In addition, certainly, except that the condition enactment that in embodiment 2, uses,, also can obtain same effect about using other condition enactment of present embodiment.
(embodiment 3)
In embodiment 3, the use amount of the developer carrier of use developing apparatus detects the developer exhausting amount estimating unit of the pixel counts mode that replaces the foregoing description 1,2, is optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit and such 2 pick-up units of use amount pick-up unit of developer carrier and the embodiment that it is had an effect of combination embodiment 1,2.Optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit is same formation, so, association based on context, the explanation of omitting the part of its repetition.
In present embodiment 3, by using optical profile type surplus developer detection mode in the lump and detecting the device of its use amount (rotational time) when the developer carrier (development sleeve roller) that drives by CPU241 as developer carrier, can detect the use amount of developing apparatus one by one.In addition, in Fig. 1, for simplicity, represented 1 among developing apparatus 151a～151d of Fig. 2.
Label 210 among Fig. 1 is memory chip (memory tag), by storage with the nonvolatile memory of the relevant information of the detected surplus developer of surplus developer pick-up unit and the information of being correlated with etc. with to constituting with the data communication of CPU241 and the communication control unit of controlling in the read-write of storer with the rotation of development sleeve roller.
In the storer 300 in memory chip 210, as shown in figure 14, the regional 300c that is provided with the regional 300b of regional 300a, the storage of the storage developer roll rotation information relevant surplus developer detection information relevant and stores the developer roll life-span reduction coefficient information of being correlated with the coefficient of the rotational time of the development sleeve roller described later that is used for converting with the surplus developer that detects by the surplus developer pick-up unit with the rotational time of development sleeve roller.In addition, the zone that also has storage various use amount information relevant etc. with the member that uses in the image processing system.
The estimation method of the rotational time of the development sleeve roller during below according to Figure 10, the formation of Figure 11 key diagram picture.
Figure 10 is the process flow diagram of use amount Calculation Method example of the developer carrier of expression embodiment 3, is the process flow diagram of a series of orders before the use amount of the developer carrier when being illustrated in detection the rotational time of development sleeve roller 152 being inferred.
Development sleeve roller 152 in the developing apparatus is rotated control by the CPU in the image processing system (Fig. 1 241), for its rotational time, can be managed by CPU.At first, the rotational time of development sleeve roller is measured, and begins to carry out when sending rotate command by CPU (S1000).Send during stirring of rotate command developer when image forms or in the developing apparatus etc.When sending rotate command (S1000), the beginning roller drives (S1001).According to the number of revolutions of in step 1002 (S1002), being inferred, the rotational time T in this roller driving is measured.Soon afterwards, send rotation when ceasing and desisting order from CPU, the development sleeve roller stops to drive (S1003).After this, when the rotate command of the development sleeve roller that sends this, be judged as bias voltage to developer and add that control or bias voltage are non-to add control (S1004), carry out the calculating (S1005, S1006) of conversion time in life-span.Added-time outside step 1006 (S1006) bias voltage is non-, when rotated between T multiply by 0.6, be owing to hang down about 4 one-tenth approximately than the outer added-time of bias voltage when the deterioration of the outer added-time developer of non-bias voltage and the wearing and tearing of development sleeve roller.So, the relative rotational time of development sleeve roller, with 0.6 as the convert coefficient of time of use amount.Yet, non-0.6 fixing by present embodiment of this coefficient, but different because of the material of developer roll and the particle diameter of nip pressure, developer etc., so, certainly, also can be the coefficient value in addition of an example shown in the present.
In step 1007 (S1007), rotation driving time that converts and aggregate-value are before this added up to calculating in step S1005, S1006.According to adding up to the rotation driving time that calculates, the use amount of decision developer carrier in step 1008 (S1008).
Figure 11 is that expression is as the rotational time of the development sleeve roller of developer carrier and the figure of life relation.
If the residual life of the developer carrier that does not make development sleeve roller when rotation as yet of original state is 100%, as shown in Figure 11, along with the process of the rotational time of development sleeve roller, the life-span reduces.In the present embodiment, for the judgement of the use amount level of carrying out developing apparatus and consider this parameter.
Illustrated straight line on 20% position of the latter half of the rectilinear of Figure 11 is the point of in the present invention being specified the 1st warning the life-span of developer carrier.
Therefore, by above-mentioned 2 pick-up units, obtain the surplus detection of developer and the use amount testing result of developer carrier, the CPU241 of image processing system control part 240 is according to the use amount level that is decided developing apparatus by detected each result of each pick-up unit, one by one or by the desired time, the memory chip 210 that the information stores relevant with the use amount level of developing apparatus had to developing apparatus 15a～d.
Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B are the figure of the judgement of expression developing apparatus use amount level, have represented demonstration example and example of wanting the selection of canned data of a developing apparatus use amount level.
Figure 12 A has represented the table by the use amount under the number of revolutions of the gentle development sleeve roller of excess water of the surplus developer of each pick-up unit detection.% shows the use amount that is used for representing surplus developer and developer carrier (development sleeve roller) in the table.Figure 12 B is the process flow diagram of the order of the expression use amount level that is used to judge developing apparatus.
CPU241 in the image processing system control part 240 is according to carrying out the judgement (S1201) of developing apparatus use amount level by above-mentioned 2 the detected information of pick-up unit that illustrate previously.In step 1202 (S1202), testing result is updated to each fiducial value M: from surplus level, the N of optical profile type pick-up unit: the use amount level of the use amount pick-up unit of developer carrier.In step 1203 (S1203) when among M=B and N=A, B, C, the D any one, CPU241 with the surplus level of N as developing apparatus use amount level (S1206).During in N=E, F, G, H any one, whether judge in step 1204 (S1204) M=B.Under the occasion of M=B, with the use amount level (S1207) of D as developing apparatus.
Sequential transfer is to step 1204 (S1204) etc.Promptly, the use amount horizontal dimension of developing apparatus is held in D, the testing result of the use amount pick-up unit of above-mentioned developer carrier by a large amount of occasions of printing of printing model with the image of printing low printing rate under, although surplus developer is more, also transfers to development sleeve roller as developer carrier and carried out occasion more than or equal to the rotation of above-mentioned number of revolutions level.In this case, if judge the use amount level of developing apparatus according to the number of revolutions of development sleeve roller, so, even also residual have enough developers, the use amount level of developing apparatus also will demonstrate near life-span (replacing period) horizontal state.Therefore, the use amount level with developing apparatus is maintained D.In addition, an example during as the image of printing low printing rate, fecund is born in only 1 occasion for colored text image (for example underscore etc. image) of main printing.
In addition, surplus level at the optical profile type pick-up unit is M=B, is under the also enough states of surplus developer, when the number of revolutions of developer carrier (development sleeve roller) under the occasion more than the predeterminated level, when the use amount horizontal dimension of developing apparatus is held in predeterminated level D, because developer is more than predetermined surplus, so, even how to a certain degree the number of revolutions of sleeve roller, its deterioration is also few, and the problem relevant with the life-span that number of revolutions causes etc. do not take place.
The worsening reason of this sleeve roller is that the adjuvant that is contained in toner is attached to the sleeve roller, thereby makes the friction force of the developing blade of contact sleeve become big.Under the state that developer is Duoed than predetermined surplus, though the rotation of sleeve roller, at the also non-cohesive basically adjuvant of sleeve roller.As a result, the friction with developing blade increases and worsens.
When the non-M=B of step 1204 (S1204), any one in step 1205 (S1205) among M=E, F, G, the H.In step 1208 (S1208), adopt the use amount level of the surplus level of M as developing apparatus.
After this, as the information of relevant adopted developing apparatus use amount level, store development sleeve roller rotation information, surplus developer detection information, developer roll life-span reduction coefficient information (with reference to Figure 14) in the interior memory chip of developing apparatus 151a～151d 210 storer.For this reason, no matter change developing apparatus when, all according to the information of the storer in the memory chip in developing apparatus 151a～151d 210, the use amount level of storing this developing apparatus exactly, so, can tackle any situation.
For example, under the occasion of after pulling down developing apparatus, installing once more, because the memory stores the memory chip 210 of developing apparatus in has above-mentioned information, so, can hold the state of developing apparatus exactly and can not carry out the detection of mistake.
In addition, in the present embodiment, by letter representation surplus level.But, in fact show that by the surplus corresponding (number percent) shows to the user with each letter.
More than, according to above-mentioned present embodiment, by using such 2 pick-up units of use amount pick-up unit of the developer carrier that optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit and development sleeve roller rotational time detect in the lump, when surplus developer is big, adopt the testing result of the use amount pick-up unit of developer carrier; And at surplus developer more after a little while, adopt the testing result of optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit.By above-mentioned, can be linearly and the use amount 100%～0% of developing apparatus one by one.In addition, even at developer more after a little while, also can represent to consider the use amount level of the developing apparatus of surplus developer accurately, so, with respect to such as the replacing of the developing apparatus of the such parts in return of the image processing system that uses in the present embodiment etc., can improve usability.
In addition, by using above-mentioned 2 pick-up units in the lump, to prevent since the development sleeve roller rotation that takes place under all problems that when the toner surplus is few, take place and the situation about exceeding schedule time all problems were caused surpasses the developer life-span, the bad or device internal contamination of image etc. takes place that the user is sustained a loss, thereby can detect the developer life-span exactly.
In addition, in the present embodiment, show the surplus developer level with 8 grades.But be not limited thereto, also can be beyond 8 grades.
(embodiment 4)
Below, according to the embodiment of Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B explanation present embodiment 4.The breviary structure of the image processing system of present embodiment is identical with the image processing system of explanation in embodiment 1, so, the explanation of omitting Fig. 2.In addition, the use amount pick-up unit that the rotational time of optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit and developer carrier (development sleeve roller) detects, because same as the previously described embodiments, so, its explanation omitted.
Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B are the figure of judgement of use amount of the developing apparatus of expression embodiment 4.Example and an example of wanting the selection of canned data of having represented the use amount demonstration of a developing apparatus.
Figure 13 A has represented the table by the use amount level of the surplus developer level of each pick-up unit detection and developer carrier.In table, the % demonstration is used to represent developing apparatus use amount level.
Figure 13 B is the process flow diagram of the order of the expression use amount level that is used to judge developing apparatus.CPU241 in the image processing system control part 240 is according to carrying out the judgement (S1301) of developing apparatus use amount level by above-mentioned 2 detected information of pick-up unit.In step 1302 (S1302), testing result is updated to each fiducial value M: from surplus level, the N of optical profile type pick-up unit: the use amount level of the use amount pick-up unit of developer carrier.When among N=A, B, the C any one, CPU241 is with the surplus level of the N use amount level (S1306) as developing apparatus in step 1303 (S1303).When N=D, whether judge in step 1304 (S1304) M=B.Under the occasion of M=B, with the use amount level (S1307) of C as developing apparatus.
Sequential transfer is to step 1304 (S1304) etc.Promptly, the use amount horizontal dimension of developing apparatus is held in D, the testing result of the use amount pick-up unit of above-mentioned developer carrier (development sleeve roller) by a large amount of occasions of printing of printing model with the image of printing low printing rate under, although surplus developer is more, also transfers to the development sleeve roller and carried out occasion more than or equal to the rotation of above-mentioned number of revolutions level.In this case, if judge the use amount level of developing apparatus according to the number of revolutions of development sleeve roller, so, even also residual have enough developers, the use amount level of developing apparatus also will demonstrate near life-span (replacing period) horizontal state.Therefore, the life level (use amount) with developing apparatus is maintained C.In addition, an example during as the image of printing low printing rate, fecund is born in only 1 occasion for colored text image (for example underscore etc. image) of main printing.
When the non-M=B of step 1304 (S1304), N=D, the level of M=D in step 1305 (S1305).In step 1308 (S1308), adopt the life level of the surplus level of M as developing apparatus.
In addition, surplus level at the optical profile type pick-up unit is M=B, is under the also enough states of surplus developer, when the number of revolutions of developer carrier (development sleeve roller) under the occasion more than the predeterminated level, when the use amount horizontal dimension of developing apparatus is held in predeterminated level D, because developer is more than predetermined surplus, so, even how to a certain degree the number of revolutions of sleeve roller, its deterioration is also few, and the problem relevant with the life-span that number of revolutions causes etc. do not take place.
The worsening reason of this development sleeve roller is that the adjuvant that is contained in toner is attached to the sleeve roller, thereby makes the friction force of the developing blade of contact sleeve become big.Under the state that developer is Duoed than predetermined surplus, though the rotation of development sleeve roller, at the also non-cohesive basically adjuvant of sleeve roller.Developer is used, if lack than predetermined surplus, adheres to adjuvant on the development sleeve roller morely, and the result increases and worsens with the friction of developing blade.
After this, as the information of relevant adopted developing apparatus use amount level, store development sleeve roller rotation information, surplus developer detection information, developer roll life-span reduction coefficient information (with reference to Figure 14) in the interior memory chip of developing apparatus 151a～151d 210 storer.For this reason, no matter change developing apparatus,, store the relevant information of the use amount level of this developing apparatus exactly all according to the information of the storer in the memory chip in developing apparatus 151a～151d 210 when, so, can tackle any situation.
In addition, in the scope of the horizontal A～C of surplus, with the data stationary of optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit in B.Why like this, be because with different from the embodiment 1 that initially measures, in the scope of A～C, do not carry out the mensuration of optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit.Above-mentioned optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit just begins to measure when the testing result of the use amount level detection device of developer carrier reaches D.In addition, when the surplus level of above-mentioned optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit is D, the counting of number of revolutions of the use amount level detection device of developer carrier is stopped.
Detect by above-mentioned use amount of carrying out surplus developer detection and developer carrier selectively, can alleviate the load of CPU.
In addition, in the present embodiment, by letter representation surplus level.But, in fact use the surplus corresponding to show that (number percent) shows to the user with each letter.
More than, according to above-mentioned present embodiment, by such 2 pick-up units of the use amount level detection device that optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit and developer carrier are set, when surplus developer is big, adopt the testing result of the use amount horizontal detection mode of developer carrier; And at surplus developer more after a little while, adopt the testing result of optical profile type surplus developer detection mode.Select according to surplus developer by above-mentioned, and judge the use amount level of developing apparatus, can be linearly and the use amount 100%～0% of developing apparatus one by one.In addition, even more after a little while, also can represent the use amount level of developing apparatus exactly at developer, so, with respect to such as the replacing of the developing apparatus of the such parts in return of the image processing system that uses in the present embodiment etc., can improve usability.
In addition, by using above-mentioned 2 pick-up units in the lump, to prevent since the development sleeve roller rotation that takes place under all problems that when the toner surplus is few, take place and the situation about exceeding schedule time all problems were caused surpasses the developer life-span, the bad or device internal contamination of image etc. takes place that the user is sustained a loss, thereby can detect the developer life-span exactly.
In the present embodiment, with 8 grades of use amount levels that show developing apparatus.But be not limited thereto, also can be 8 grades of ranks in addition.
Certainly, except the combination of the embodiment of above explanation,, also can obtain same effect about using other combination of present embodiment.
In addition, certainly, except that the condition enactment that in embodiment 4, uses,, also can obtain same effect about using other condition enactment of present embodiment.
In addition, be stored in the information of the memory storage that each developing apparatus has, also can store certainly, and not only be above-mentioned information with each testing result.
According to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention 1 or embodiment 2, can be linearly and detect surplus developer 100%～0% one by one.In addition, even, also can show surplus developer accurately when developer when being a small amount of.
In addition, according to the abovementioned embodiments of the present invention 3 or embodiment 4, can be linearly and detect the use amount level 100%～0% of developing apparatus one by one.In addition, even, also can show the use amount of developing apparatus accurately when developer when being a small amount of.
The invention is not restricted to the foregoing description, can comprise the variation of same technological thought.

Claims (15)

1. image processing system, wherein, the developing apparatus that is used for the sub-image on the image carrier corresponding with image information is developed can be installed and removed, and it is characterized in that, comprising:
The 1st pick-up unit is predicted the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus according to image information;
The 2nd pick-up unit detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus; And
Processing unit according to the testing result of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit and the testing result of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit, is determined the reveal competence of the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus,
Above-mentioned processing unit, at the 1st surplus developer that predicts by above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by detected the 2nd surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 1st surplus developer with corresponding to the different reveal competence of the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 2nd surplus developer.
2. image processing system according to claim 1 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit is an optical detection apparatus.
3. image processing system according to claim 1 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned developing apparatus has memory storage, is used to store the information of the testing result of the testing result of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit or above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit.
4. image processing system according to claim 3 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned memory storage is can contact with the main body of above-mentioned image processing system or the Nonvolatile memory devices of non-contacting communication.
5. the control method of an image processing system, the developing apparatus that is used for the sub-image on the image carrier corresponding with image information is developed in above-mentioned image processing system can be installed and removed, described image processing system has the 1st pick-up unit of predicting the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus according to image information, and the 2nd pick-up unit that detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, it is characterized in that, comprising:
The 1st determining step judges that the 1st surplus developer that predicted by above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit is whether below predetermined value;
Whether the 2nd determining step is judged by detected the 2nd surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit more than predetermined value; And
Determining step, at the 1st surplus developer that predicts by above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by detected the 2nd surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 1st surplus developer with corresponding to the different reveal competence of the reveal competence of above-mentioned the 2nd surplus developer.
6. image processing system, wherein, comprising the developing apparatus that is used for developer carrier that the sub-image on the image carrier is developed can install and remove, and it is characterized in that, comprising:
The 1st pick-up unit detects the use amount of the developer carrier of above-mentioned developer;
The 2nd pick-up unit detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus; And
Processing unit according to the testing result of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit and the testing result of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit, is determined the reveal competence of the use amount of above-mentioned developing apparatus,
Above-mentioned processing unit, by the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the use amount of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to by the reveal competence of the use amount of the detected above-mentioned developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit with corresponding to the different reveal competence of reveal competence by the detected above-mentioned surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit.
7. image processing system according to claim 6 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit is an optical detection apparatus.
8. image processing system according to claim 7 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit is judged the use amount of above-mentioned developer carrier by the duration of runs of detecting above-mentioned developer carrier.
9. image processing system according to claim 6 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned developing apparatus has memory storage, is used to store the information of the testing result of the testing result of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit or above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit.
10. image processing system according to claim 9 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned memory storage is for contacting with the main body of above-mentioned image processing system or the Nonvolatile memory devices of non-contacting communication.
11. the control method of an image processing system, comprising the developing apparatus that is used for developer carrier that the sub-image on the image carrier is developed in above-mentioned image processing system can install and remove, described image processing system has the 1st pick-up unit of the use amount that detects above-mentioned developer carrier, and the 2nd pick-up unit that detects the surplus developer of above-mentioned developing apparatus, it is characterized in that, comprising:
Whether the 1st determining step is judged by the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value;
Whether the 2nd determining step is judged by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit more than predetermined value; And
Determining step, by the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit below predetermined value, and by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit when predetermined value is above, with the reveal competence of the use amount of above-mentioned developing apparatus, be defined as with corresponding to by the reveal competence of the use amount of the detected developer carrier of above-mentioned the 1st pick-up unit with corresponding to the different reveal competence of reveal competence by the detected surplus developer of above-mentioned the 2nd pick-up unit.
12. the developing apparatus that can install and remove on image processing system comprises: the developer reservoir with developer; Developer carrier is used for the sub-image on the image carrier is developed; Storage medium, the information of storing the reveal competence of the use amount that is used for definite above-mentioned developing apparatus is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned storage medium, the storage area with the relevant information of the use amount of the storage area of the storage information relevant and storage and above-mentioned developer carrier with above-mentioned developer level.
13. developing apparatus according to claim 12 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned storage medium, the storage area that also has the operation coefficient information of the use amount that storage is used to obtain above-mentioned developer carrier.
14. developing apparatus according to claim 12 is characterized in that,
Also comprise the pick-up unit that is used to detect above-mentioned developer level.
15. developing apparatus according to claim 14 is characterized in that,
Above-mentioned detection device is an optical profile type surplus developer pick-up unit.
CNB031594425A 2002-09-24 2003-09-23 Image forming device and control method, developing device, storage medium Expired - Fee Related CN1308777C (en)

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JP5493417B2 (en) * 2009-03-23 2014-05-14 セイコーエプソン株式会社 Toner deterioration determination method and image forming apparatus
JP6168921B2 (en) * 2013-08-30 2017-07-26 キヤノン株式会社 Image forming apparatus, control method, and program

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