EP0532308A2 - Sous-ensembles remplaçables pour machines électrostatographiques de reproduction - Google Patents

Sous-ensembles remplaçables pour machines électrostatographiques de reproduction Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0532308A2
EP0532308A2 EP92308204A EP92308204A EP0532308A2 EP 0532308 A2 EP0532308 A2 EP 0532308A2 EP 92308204 A EP92308204 A EP 92308204A EP 92308204 A EP92308204 A EP 92308204A EP 0532308 A2 EP0532308 A2 EP 0532308A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
machine
toner
sub
assembly
cassette
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP92308204A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0532308B1 (fr
EP0532308A3 (en
Inventor
Eric John Le Sueur
Shelley May Taylor
Krzysztof Jerzy Less
Robin Ashley Collins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Xerox Corp
Original Assignee
Xerox Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Xerox Corp filed Critical Xerox Corp
Publication of EP0532308A2 publication Critical patent/EP0532308A2/fr
Publication of EP0532308A3 publication Critical patent/EP0532308A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0532308B1 publication Critical patent/EP0532308B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1875—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. lifetime of the cartridge
    • G03G21/1878—Electronically readable memory
    • G03G21/1889—Electronically readable memory for auto-setting of process parameters, lifetime, usage
    • 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
    • G03G2215/00025—Machine control, e.g. regulating different parts of the machine
    • G03G2215/00029—Image density detection
    • G03G2215/00033—Image density detection on recording member
    • G03G2215/00037—Toner image detection
    • G03G2215/00042—Optical detection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1606—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for the photosensitive element
    • G03G2221/1615—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for the photosensitive element being a belt
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/1663—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts having lifetime indicators
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/18—Cartridge systems
    • G03G2221/1823—Cartridges having electronically readable memory
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
    • G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
    • G03G2221/18—Cartridge systems
    • G03G2221/183—Process cartridge
    • G03G2221/1838—Autosetting of process parameters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electrostatographic reproducing machines and, in particular, to machines which incorporate replaceable sub-assemblies.
  • Replaceable sub-assemblies, or cartridges, for use in electrostatographic copiers and printers are known.
  • the machine photoreceptor and its supporting hardware are assembled into a process unit which can be removed from the machine and replaced by a new unit as required.
  • developer cartridges and toner supply cartridges can be provided.
  • Each cartridge has an identification/memory chip in the form of an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Progammable Read Only Memory) integral therewith, which is electrically connected with the machine when the cartridge is inserted.
  • EEPROM Electrically Erasable Progammable Read Only Memory
  • the EEPROM ensures that only authorized cartridges are used in the machine, and it also maintains a running count of the number of images made while a cartridge is in use so that a cartridge can be disabled when it reaches the end of its life.
  • US-A-4 500 195 describes a replaceable unit for an image forming apparatus, comprising a photosensitive drum, a toner supply cartridge and a toner recovery container.
  • a replaceable unit for an image forming apparatus, comprising a photosensitive drum, a toner supply cartridge and a toner recovery container.
  • a replaceable sub-assembly for an electrostatographic reproducing machine does not necessarily remain in place in a machine continuously for the whole of its useful life. For example, if a different colour of toner is required, a sub-assembly may be removed and temporarily replaced by another.
  • the present invention is concerned in particular with subassemblies which incorporate a developer device and is directed towards enabling the best performance to be obtained from such a sub-assembly regardless of how often it is removed from a machine or how many different machines the sub-assembly is used in throughout its life.
  • the present invention provides a replaceable sub-assembly for an electrostatographic reproducing machine, the sub-assembly including a developer device for developing, with toner, a latent image on a circulating imaging member and being provided with a programmable memory arranged to be connected with the machine when the sub-assembly is inserted therein and thereby to receive and store an input from the machine representing the usage of the sub-assembly, the memory indicating said usage to the machine to adjust one or more operating parameters of the machine in dependence on that usage.
  • the memory may be arranged to receive an input representing the number of images developed, or an input representing the image area on which toner is deposited by the developer device, while the sub-assembly is inserted in a machine.
  • the operating parameter that is adjusted may be the relationship between toner usage by the developer device and operation of a toner dispensing means which dispenses toner to the developer device.
  • the present invention further provides an electrostatographic reproducing machine comprising a circulating imaging member, means for generating a latent image on the imaging member; a developer device for developing the latent image with toner, and means for dispensing toner to the developer device from a toner supply, wherein the developer device forms part of a sub-assembly which can be removed from, and replaced in, the machine, the subassembly being provided with a programmable memory which is connected with the machine when the sub-assembly is inserted therein, thereby to receive and store an input from the machine representing the usage of the sub-assembly, the memory indicating said usage to the machine to adjust an operating parameter of the machine in dependence on that usage.
  • Fig. 1 shows a laser printer employing a replaceable sub-assembly in the form of a xerographic cassette 1 which is shown in greater detail in Figs. 2 and 3.
  • a xerographic imaging member in the form of an endless flexible photoreceptor belt is housed within the cassette 1, together with other xerographic process means as described below.
  • a raster output scanner (ROS) 2 provides an imaging beam 3 which is directed at the photoreceptor belt through an imaging slit in the cassette 1 to form an electrostatic latent image on the belt. The image is developed within the cassette and is transferred, at a transfer station 4, to a copy sheet which is fed to that location from one of four supply trays 5, 6, 7 and 8.
  • ROS raster output scanner
  • the transferred image is fused to the copy sheet at a fusing station 9 and the copy sheet may then be delivered from the printer to be collected either in a sample tray 10 on top of the machine or in a stacking tray on the side of the machine.
  • a copy sheet with a fused image on one side only may be put into a trayless duplex path within the machine, to be returned to the transfer station 4 to receive an image on the other side before being delivered from the machine into one of the trays 10, 11.
  • the raster output scanner 2 incorporates a He-Ne laser to generate the imaging beam 3, a conventional rotating polygon device to sweep the beam across the surface of the photoreceptor belt, and an acoustic modulator.
  • the beam is modulated in accordance with input signals received from a remote image source, for example a user interface and keyboard (not shown).
  • a remote image source for example a user interface and keyboard (not shown).
  • the operation of a raster output scanner of that type to generate a latent image on a photoreceptor is well understood and need not be described here.
  • the processing of the image signals from the remote source is handled by an electronic sub-system of the printer, indicated at 15, while operation of the printer generally is under the control of a machine control unit (not shown) which includes one or more microprocessors and suitable memories, for holding the machine operating software.
  • the cassette 1 may be similar to that described in US Patent No. 4 827 308.
  • the photoreceptor belt 20 includes a charge scorotron 21; a developer device 22; a transfer corotron 23 and a cleaning device 24.
  • the charge scorotron 21 is located upstream of the imaging slit in the cassette to deposit a uniform electrostatic charge on the surface of the belt before it is exposed to the imaging beam 3.
  • the developer device 22 is located downstream of the imaging slit to bring developer mixture into proximity with, and thereby develop, the electrostatic latent image on the belt.
  • the developer mixture is a two-component mixture comprising toner and a magnetically-attractable carrier.
  • Toner is transferred to the belt 20 during image development and replacement toner is dispensed periodically, through operation of a toner dispense motor (not shown), from a hopper (not shown)into the housing of the developer device 22.
  • the transfer corotron 23 is located at the transfer station 4 to assist in transferring the developed image from the belt to the copy sheet which enters the cassette at that at that point.
  • the cleaning device 24 removes any residual toner particles from the surface of the photoreceptor belt which is then illuminated by a discharge lamp to remove any electrostatic charge remaining on the belt.
  • the cassette 1 is removable from the printer and can be replaced by another cassette if any of the process elements begins to deteriorate. Alternatively, it can be replaced by a cassette which contains toner of a different colour.
  • the cassette 1 has a memory chip 30, shown in Fig. 3, in the form of an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) mounted in the top cover of the cassette.
  • EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
  • Contact pads 31 are provided on the chip so that, when the cassette is inserted into the printer, the chip is automatically connected to the machine control unit via a terminal block 32 on a part 33 of the printer.
  • the memory 30 receives information from the printer control unit reflecting the usage (and hence the age) of the cassette 1, and stores that information.
  • the memory 30 may receive and store information concerning the number of prints made while the cassette is in position in the printer, that information being retained if the cassette is removed from the printer for any reason.
  • That information is, in turn, utilized to adjust one or more operating parameters of the xerographic system of the printer to take account of the age of the cassette and thereby to enable the output quality of the printer to be maintained and the operating life of the cassette to be prolonged.
  • the operating parameters that may be adjusted in dependence on the information stored in the memory 30 include, for example, photoreceptor charge level, exposure level, developer bias level and the response level of the ADC (automatic density control) system.
  • the ADC system regularly measures the toner density in the prints produced and signals the printer control unit to operate the toner dispensing motor to supply toner to the developer device 22 when necessary.
  • the response of the control unit, and hence the amount of toner dispensed, is determined by the so-called ADC "setpoint" in the machine memory.
  • Automatic density control systems for use in electrostatographic reproducing machines are well known and need not be described in detail here.
  • a known type of automatic density control system comprises means for generating a test patch on the photoreceptor and a sensor for measuring the reflectance of the developed patch to determine the toner density: one such system is described, for example, in US-A- 4 551 004, and a test patch generator suitable for a laser printer of the type shown in Fig. 1 is described in our co-pending Patent Application No. (R/91016).
  • the development characteristics of the developer device 22 may change, leading to, for example, deterioration of the line development performance of the printer even though the solid area development capability may remain constant due to the action of the ADC system. It is however possible to regain the line development performance at the expense of the solid area development (SAD) performance by adjusting the ADC setpoint as the cassette ages, so that the line development performance stays constant with age but the SAD performance changes instead.
  • SAD solid area development
  • the machine control unit is immediately supplied with information concerning the age of the cassette and at regular intervals in the life of the cassette (as monitored by the machine controller in conjunction with the memory device 30), when it is estimated that the line density performance will have drifted away from its intended performance level, the ADC setpoint is adjusted to restore the line development performance. That is illustrated in Fig. 4 which shows the machine control unit 40 with an input from the conventional automatic density sensor 41 and also from the cassette memory 30. The response of the machine control unit to the signal from the sensor 41 is adjusted in accordance with the input from the cassette memory 30 and in turn adjusts the operation of the toner dispensing motor 42.
  • the change in the SAD performance which results from the above-described procedure may, however, be unacceptable. If so, a similar procedure can be used to change other parameters such as the photoreceptor charge level, the exposure level and the developer bias voltage, in dependence on the age of the cassette 1, at the same time as changing the ADC setpoint so that the line development performance and the SAD performance are both satisfactory. More particularly, for any cassette age, it is possible to select values of the ADC setpoint, the photoreceptor charge level, the exposure level and the developer bias voltage such that both the line development performance and the SAD performance meet their requirements. For each additional parameter that is to be adjusted, the appropriate control loop would appear in Fig. 4 in parallel with the loop 42, 22, 41.
  • Another effect that may occur as the cassette 1 ages is that the concentration of toner in the sump of the developer device drops even though the print quality parameters are satisfied. Use of the cassette at such reduced toner concentration levels may cause a shortening of the life of the developer material and thus of the cassette.
  • the adjustment of parameters as described above can also be used to counteract such effects, so that not only are all the print quality parameters at their desired levels for any cassette age, but the toner concentration is also at its desired level, thus prolonging the usable life of the cassette.
  • Such optimum operating parameters may be determined from experimental and theoretical data on a number of sample systems and held as look-up tables or algorithms in the machine control unit.
  • the storing of the age of the cassette in the memory device 30 makes it possible to use such correction tables and algorithms with accuracy and confidence, since the age of the cassette is stored even when the cassette is withdrawn from the machine, and is retrieved by the machine upon re-installing the cassette into the machine.
  • the print count stored in the cassette memory 30 is read and stored in a non-volatile memory (NVM) in the machine control unit 40.
  • NVM non-volatile memory
  • the machine is programmed to update the print count in the cassette memory periodically and, if the machine determines that an update is due, the new value is written back into the cassette memory 30 where it is retained even if the cassette is then removed from the machine.
  • the cassette memory may be updated whenever the machine control unit determines that 200 prints have been made since the cassette memory was previously updated.
  • the machine control unit then examines the cassette print count to determine whether or not it has reached a value at which the operating parameters of the xerographic system should be adjusted.
  • the control unit may, for example, be programmed to adjust the operating parameters when the machine control unit determines that 8000 prints have been made since the previous adjustment. Thereafter, on receipt of a print request, the machine control unit 40 counts the number of prints made and, when a print run is completed, stores the total number of prints made during that run for use in updating the cassette print count as already described. Alternatively, the cassette print count could be updated during, rather than at the end of, a print run.
  • the machine is supplied with information regarding the age of a cassette and can compensate for changes that occur as the development system ages, an improved performance can be achieved together with more efficient use of the available toner in the cassette.
  • the cassette memory 30 could store the number of revolutions of the photoreceptor belt or the number of charge cycles that occur in the cassette, both of which indirectly indicate the number of prints made, or it could store the area coverage (as represented by the number of pixels toned) while the cassette is in use.
  • the cassette memory 30 could be supplied continuously with, and store, information concerning the difference between the intended and the actual charge on the photoreceptor 20 as an indication of the age of the cassette 1.
  • cassette of Figs. 2 and 3 refers to the cassette of Figs. 2 and 3 as being used in a laser printer, that is not essential.
  • a cassette incorporating a memory for storing information concerning the age of the cassette could be used, for example, in an electrostatographic copier which could be of the type described in US-A-4 827 308.
  • the cassette need not be of the type described above.
  • the cassette could, for example, simply be a toner cassette and need not include the photoreceptor of the machine.
  • a cassette of the type described above could be used in a printer of the type described in our co-pending U.K. Patent Application No.9119484.5, in which the number of pixels to be toned in a photoreceptor cycle is used to indicate the amount of toner that should be dispensed to the developer device 22 during that cycle.
  • the toner density monitoring system is used to provide additional control over the amount of toner that is dispensed to the developer device 22 in any given photoreceptor cycle.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Electrophotography Configuration And Component (AREA)
  • Color Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Electrostatic Charge, Transfer And Separation In Electrography (AREA)
EP19920308204 1991-09-11 1992-09-10 Sous-ensembles remplaçables pour machines électrostatographiques de reproduction Expired - Lifetime EP0532308B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB919119483A GB9119483D0 (en) 1991-09-11 1991-09-11 Replaceable sub-assemblies for electrostatographic reproducing machines
GB9119483 1991-09-11

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0532308A2 true EP0532308A2 (fr) 1993-03-17
EP0532308A3 EP0532308A3 (en) 1994-06-15
EP0532308B1 EP0532308B1 (fr) 1997-02-05

Family

ID=10701286

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19920308204 Expired - Lifetime EP0532308B1 (fr) 1991-09-11 1992-09-10 Sous-ensembles remplaçables pour machines électrostatographiques de reproduction

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0532308B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH05197233A (fr)
DE (1) DE69217304T2 (fr)
GB (1) GB9119483D0 (fr)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0784249A2 (fr) * 1996-01-09 1997-07-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images en unité montée dans cet appareil
EP0822469A1 (fr) * 1996-07-31 1998-02-04 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Cartouche de traitement et appareil de formation d'images avec cartouche de traitement détachable
EP0858012A1 (fr) * 1994-08-30 1998-08-12 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images comprenant une unité de traitement
WO1998043136A1 (fr) * 1997-03-26 1998-10-01 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Appareil d'impression ou de copie comportant des unites partielles interchangeables presentant un dispositif d'identification, procede de fonctionnement d'un tel appareil et cartouche de toner pour l'utilisation dudit appareil
EP0877304A2 (fr) * 1997-04-11 1998-11-11 Xerox Corporation Système de gestion de module de fixage dans une imprimante digitale
EP0913737A2 (fr) * 1997-10-28 1999-05-06 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et appareil de recyclage pour recycler d'un unité de formation d'images
DE19812106A1 (de) * 1998-03-19 1999-09-30 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Druck- oder Kopiergerät mit einem Teilaggregat, das eine elektromechanische Identifizierungsanordnung aufweist
FR2778142A1 (fr) * 1998-04-30 1999-11-05 Sagem Cartouche perfectionnee de produit consommable pour imprimante
EP0987608A2 (fr) 1998-09-18 2000-03-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Unité montée de manière amovible dans le corps principal d'un appareil de formation d'images et méthode et appareil de formation d'images
EP1055979A2 (fr) * 1999-05-24 2000-11-29 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et unité de traitement pouvant être montée dans cet appareil
EP1093034A2 (fr) * 1999-10-15 2001-04-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et unité montée de manière amovible dans cet appareil
SG95583A1 (en) * 1996-03-13 2003-04-23 Mita Industrial Co Ltd Developing device for image forming apparatus, toner container insertable into the developing device, and image forming apparatus provided therewith
EP1341055A1 (fr) * 1997-04-11 2003-09-03 Xerox Corporation Méthode pour faire fonctionner un système d'impression et appareil d'impression
GB2389196A (en) * 2002-04-05 2003-12-03 Pbt Internat Ltd A development process cartridge with a re-programmable memory device.
US6807382B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2004-10-19 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and cartridge detachably mountable thereto

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0244104A2 (fr) * 1986-04-15 1987-11-04 Xerox Corporation Unité de traitement pour appareil de formation d'images
EP0262640A2 (fr) * 1986-09-30 1988-04-06 Mita Industrial Co. Ltd. Machine de formation d'images
EP0393627A2 (fr) * 1989-04-18 1990-10-24 Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'impression électrophotographique
EP0395320A1 (fr) * 1989-04-20 1990-10-31 Xerox Corporation Système de contrôle/garantie pour appareils de reproduction électrostatographique utilisant des cassettes remplaçables

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0244104A2 (fr) * 1986-04-15 1987-11-04 Xerox Corporation Unité de traitement pour appareil de formation d'images
EP0262640A2 (fr) * 1986-09-30 1988-04-06 Mita Industrial Co. Ltd. Machine de formation d'images
EP0393627A2 (fr) * 1989-04-18 1990-10-24 Tokyo Electric Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'impression électrophotographique
EP0395320A1 (fr) * 1989-04-20 1990-10-31 Xerox Corporation Système de contrôle/garantie pour appareils de reproduction électrostatographique utilisant des cassettes remplaçables

Cited By (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0858012A1 (fr) * 1994-08-30 1998-08-12 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images comprenant une unité de traitement
EP0784249A2 (fr) * 1996-01-09 1997-07-16 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images en unité montée dans cet appareil
US6163658A (en) * 1996-01-09 2000-12-19 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Process cartridge for storing compressed information detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus including such cartridge
EP0784249A3 (fr) * 1996-01-09 1998-11-11 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images en unité montée dans cet appareil
SG95583A1 (en) * 1996-03-13 2003-04-23 Mita Industrial Co Ltd Developing device for image forming apparatus, toner container insertable into the developing device, and image forming apparatus provided therewith
EP0822469A1 (fr) * 1996-07-31 1998-02-04 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Cartouche de traitement et appareil de formation d'images avec cartouche de traitement détachable
US5963759A (en) * 1996-07-31 1999-10-05 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Process cartridge and image forming apparatus to which process cartridge can detachably be mounted
EP1016935A3 (fr) * 1997-03-26 2000-10-18 Océ Printing Systems GmbH Appareil d'impression ou de copie comportant des unites partielles interchangeables presentant un dispositif d'identification, procédé de fonctionnement d'un tel appareil et cartouche de toner pour l'utilisation dudit appareil
EP1016935A2 (fr) * 1997-03-26 2000-07-05 Océ Printing Systems GmbH Appareil d'impression ou de copie comportant des unites partielles interchangeables presentant un dispositif d'identification, procédé de fonctionnement d'un tel appareil et cartouche de toner pour l'utilisation dudit appareil
WO1998043136A1 (fr) * 1997-03-26 1998-10-01 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Appareil d'impression ou de copie comportant des unites partielles interchangeables presentant un dispositif d'identification, procede de fonctionnement d'un tel appareil et cartouche de toner pour l'utilisation dudit appareil
US6181885B1 (en) 1997-03-26 2001-01-30 Oc{acute over (e)} Printing Systems GmbH Printing or copying appliance with exchangeable part units which have an identification device, method for operating an appliance of this type and toner containers for use in the same
EP0877304A3 (fr) * 1997-04-11 1998-12-30 Xerox Corporation Système de gestion de module de fixage dans une imprimante digitale
US7773239B2 (en) 1997-04-11 2010-08-10 Xerox Corporation System for managing replaceable modules in a digital printing apparatus
US7649638B2 (en) 1997-04-11 2010-01-19 Xerox Corporation System for managing replaceable modules in a digital printing apparatus
US6940613B1 (en) 1997-04-11 2005-09-06 Xerox Corporation System for managing replaceable modules in a digital printing apparatus
EP0877304A2 (fr) * 1997-04-11 1998-11-11 Xerox Corporation Système de gestion de module de fixage dans une imprimante digitale
EP1341055A1 (fr) * 1997-04-11 2003-09-03 Xerox Corporation Méthode pour faire fonctionner un système d'impression et appareil d'impression
EP0913737A3 (fr) * 1997-10-28 1999-07-28 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et appareil de recyclage pour recycler d'un unité de formation d'images
EP0913737A2 (fr) * 1997-10-28 1999-05-06 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et appareil de recyclage pour recycler d'un unité de formation d'images
US6205298B1 (en) 1997-10-28 2001-03-20 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus, and recycle processing apparatus for recycling image forming unit
DE19812106A1 (de) * 1998-03-19 1999-09-30 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Druck- oder Kopiergerät mit einem Teilaggregat, das eine elektromechanische Identifizierungsanordnung aufweist
DE19812106C2 (de) * 1998-03-19 2003-08-28 Oce Printing Systems Gmbh Druck- oder Kopiergerät mit einem Teilaggregat, das eine elektromechanische Identifizierungsanordnung aufweist
FR2778142A1 (fr) * 1998-04-30 1999-11-05 Sagem Cartouche perfectionnee de produit consommable pour imprimante
WO1999056962A1 (fr) * 1998-04-30 1999-11-11 Sagem S.A. Cartouche perfectionnee de produit consommable pour imprimante
EP0987608A3 (fr) * 1998-09-18 2002-05-08 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Unité montée de manière amovible dans le corps principal d'un appareil de formation d'images et méthode et appareil de formation d'images
EP0987608A2 (fr) 1998-09-18 2000-03-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Unité montée de manière amovible dans le corps principal d'un appareil de formation d'images et méthode et appareil de formation d'images
US6718144B2 (en) 1999-05-24 2004-04-06 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and process unit mountable to image forming apparatus
EP1055979A3 (fr) * 1999-05-24 2002-01-09 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et unité de traitement pouvant être montée dans cet appareil
EP1055979A2 (fr) * 1999-05-24 2000-11-29 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et unité de traitement pouvant être montée dans cet appareil
US6754454B1 (en) 1999-05-24 2004-06-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus capable of discriminating a service life of detachably mounted process unit
US6807382B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2004-10-19 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and cartridge detachably mountable thereto
US6694107B2 (en) 1999-10-15 2004-02-17 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and cartridge detachably mountable thereto
US6608975B2 (en) 1999-10-15 2003-08-19 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and cartridge detachably mountable thereto
US6597876B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2003-07-22 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and cartridge detachably mountable thereto
US7058319B2 (en) 1999-10-15 2006-06-06 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus and cartridge detachably mountable thereto
EP1093034A2 (fr) * 1999-10-15 2001-04-18 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et unité montée de manière amovible dans cet appareil
EP1093034A3 (fr) * 1999-10-15 2002-06-19 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil de formation d'images et unité montée de manière amovible dans cet appareil
GB2389196A (en) * 2002-04-05 2003-12-03 Pbt Internat Ltd A development process cartridge with a re-programmable memory device.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0532308B1 (fr) 1997-02-05
GB9119483D0 (en) 1991-10-23
EP0532308A3 (en) 1994-06-15
DE69217304D1 (de) 1997-03-20
DE69217304T2 (de) 1997-07-17
JPH05197233A (ja) 1993-08-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5272503A (en) Replaceable sub-assemblies for electrostatographic reproducing machines
US5204698A (en) Toner monitoring in an electrostatographic digital printing machine
US6577823B2 (en) Method of detecting life of image bearing member, image forming apparatus and cartridge
US5235384A (en) Image forming apparatus with replaceable process units
EP0532308B1 (fr) Sous-ensembles remplaçables pour machines électrostatographiques de reproduction
EP1055979B1 (fr) Appareil de formation d'images et unité de traitement pouvant être montée dans cet appareil
EP0430690B1 (fr) Système de détection du niveau de toner
JP3559630B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
EP1220051B1 (fr) Appareil de formation d'images, ensemble de remplacement pour un appareil de formation d'images et puce de circuit intégré associée
US20040141763A1 (en) Post-launch process optimization through customer replaceable unit memory look-up table
EP1363172A2 (fr) Procédé d'optimisation d'une machine après sa mise en service par programmation de la mémoire d'une unité remplaçable par l'utilisateur
US5436703A (en) Development unit for electrostatographic printing having a spillover barrier for used developer material
US6654568B2 (en) Image forming apparatus, image bearing member life detecting method, and process cartridge detachably attachable to image forming apparatus
JPH09106227A (ja) プロセスカートリッジ及び画像形成装置
US6546214B2 (en) Image forming apparatus comprising storing means for storing a parameter regarding an accumulation operation amount of the apparatus or of a cartridge detachably mountable to the apparatus
JPH09120245A (ja) プロセスカートリッジ及び画像形成装置
JPH0361947B2 (fr)
US6181886B1 (en) Toner replenishment and collection apparatus and method
US5181070A (en) Process cartridge and image forming apparatus using such cartridge
EP1363171A2 (fr) Procédé d'optimisation de l'utilisation d'un sous-ensemble remplaçable après sa mise en place, par programmation d'une unité mémoire remplaçable par l'utilisateur placée dans un autre sous-ensemble remplaçable
US20070127935A1 (en) Image forming apparatus to which cartridges are detachably mountable
JPH09258620A (ja) 画像形成装置
JP4776979B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
JPH03161782A (ja) 画像形成装置
JPH09190068A (ja) 画像形成装置、プロセスカートリッジ及び現像装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19941215

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19950713

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69217304

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19970320

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20110922

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20110907

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20110907

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69217304

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 69217304

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20120909

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20120911

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20120909