JP2000019803A - Consumables unit, image forming device using the same and reusing system and method of the system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To keep information on a consumables unit by packaging a memory on the side of the consumables unit and to efficiently reuse the memory by keeping the information on the service condition of the number of recycling and writing times, etc., of the memory. SOLUTION: A process cartridge which can be attached/detached to/from a color laser beam printer is provided with a memory for storing functional information for the use of the cartridge. The memory is provided with a region 507 for recording a cumulative using time for showing the service condition of the cartridge and a region 501 for storing the information for showing the number of the recycling times of the memory as the information for showing the memory service condition of the memory. In the color laser beam printer, the cumulative using time of the region 507 is updated on the basis of the using time of the cartridge. When the cartridge is used for recycling, it is decided whether the recycling of the memory is possible or not based on the number of the recycling times stored in the region 501.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a consumable unit which can be attached to and detached from a data processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus using the same, and a system and method for reusing such a consumable unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a consumable unit detachable from a main body has been known. For example, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photoreceptor and a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photoreceptor are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus main body. A process cartridge system is adopted.

Examples of this type of image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile machine, and an electrophotographic word processor. In these apparatuses, a process cartridge is a unit in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body. Alternatively, at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit, and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge to be detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Are integrated into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.

According to this process cartridge system,
Since the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a service person, the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, the process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

In particular, in a color laser beam printer, a process cartridge (photosensitive drum cartridge) in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning unit and a waste toner container are integrated, and magenta, cyan, yellow,
Maintenance-free operation is realized by making the developing cartridges of each color containing black toner detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

In such an image forming apparatus, for example, when the functions of the components incorporated in the process cartridge are deteriorated due to long-term use, the entire process cartridge is replaced. This replacement operation requires only opening the image forming apparatus main body with one touch, taking out the old process cartridge from the inside of the apparatus main body, and attaching a new process cartridge to the apparatus main body.

Some of such process cartridges include a memory IC such as an EEPROM.

FIG. 23 shows an example of data contents stored in a memory provided in the photosensitive drum cartridge. In FIG. 23, a manufacturing date 601 is a date when the photosensitive drum cartridge is manufactured, a manufacturing number 602 is a manufacturing number which is a unique number of the photosensitive drum cartridge, and a process parameter 603 is a parameter such as a drum sensitivity. And the lifetime threshold time 604 indicates the usable time of the photosensitive drum cartridge. The cumulative use time 605 is the total time during which the photosensitive drum cartridge has been used.

The printer body equipped with such a photosensitive drum cartridge updates the cumulative use time 605 according to the use time of the cartridge, and compares the life threshold time 604 stored in the memory with the cumulative use time 605. If the cumulative usage time exceeds the life threshold time, it is determined that the life has expired, and the user is notified of that. Updating of the data stored in the accumulated use time 605 is performed, for example, when the power of the printer is turned off or every fixed number of prints.
In general, the cumulative use time accumulates the actual print use time of the photosensitive drum, and is not simply the time from power-on to power-off. The update of the accumulated use time is performed every predetermined number of prints and when the power is turned off. The reason why the cumulative usage time is updated every predetermined number of prints is to cope with a power failure or the like.

[0010]

However, the above-described image forming apparatus has the following disadvantages. That is, in the case of a consumable unit such as a cartridge, after collecting used cartridges, reusable parts are recycled. However, a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM has a limited number of writes. Generally, since the memory usage is not managed, recycling was not possible, or only very inefficient recycling was possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to mount a memory on a consumable unit side to hold information on the consumable unit and to store information on the memory. An object of the present invention is to efficiently reuse the memory until the life of the memory by retaining information on the usage status.

[0012]

A consumable unit according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object has, for example, the following configuration. That is, a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from the data processing device, including a memory for recording unit information indicating the use state of the unit, wherein the memory stores memory use information indicating the memory use state of the memory. It has a region which was made.

Further, a recycling method according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object has, for example, the following steps. In other words, this is a reuse method in a reuse system for a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from a data processing device, and reads out memory use information stored in a memory attached to the consumable unit and indicating a use state of the memory. A reading step; and a determining step of determining whether the memory can be reused based on the memory usage information read in the reading step.

Further, according to another reuse method of the present invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a method for reusing a consumable unit which can be attached to and detached from a data processing apparatus, comprising the steps of: A reading step of reading data from each of a plurality of unit usage information storage areas for storing unit usage information indicating a usage status of a consumable unit provided in a memory attached to the memory; Determining whether the memory can be reused based on whether there is an unused storage area in the unit usage information storage area.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a reuse system realizing the above-described reuse method, and a computer-readable memory storing a control program for causing a computer to realize the reuse method.

[0016]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a color laser beam printer (hereinafter simply referred to as a "printer") which is a typical example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. The color laser beam printer 1 has a resolution of 600 dots / inch (dpi), and performs image recording based on multi-valued data in which each pixel of each color component is represented by 8 bits. In some embodiments described below, the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is used.

The color laser beam printer 1 is a color laser beam printer that temporarily transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 71 to the intermediate transfer unit 66 and then collectively transfers the toner image from the intermediate transfer unit 66 to the transfer paper P. is there.

That is, in FIG.
Is driven in a direction indicated by an arrow by driving means (not shown), and is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by a roller charger 72. Next, a signal according to the yellow image pattern is input, and based on this signal, the exposure device 73
The laser beam is applied to the photosensitive drum 71,
A latent image is formed thereon.

Further, when the photosensitive drum 71 moves in the direction of the arrow, the developing devices 74a, 74b, 7 supported by the support 75 are provided.
Of the 4c and 74d, the support 75 is rotated so that the developing device 74a containing yellow toner, for example, faces the photosensitive drum 71, and the latent image is visualized by the developing device 74a. Next, the developed toner image is transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt 66 which is an intermediate transfer member.

The intermediate transfer belt 66 has three support rollers 6
As 1 to 63 rotate, they move in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Further, a primary transfer roller 64 is provided on the photosensitive drum facing portion inside the intermediate transfer belt 66, and a predetermined bias is applied from a high voltage power supply (not shown), and the toner on the photosensitive drum 71 is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 66. Transcribed.

The above steps are further performed by the developing devices 74b, 74c, and 74d in the order of magenta, cyan, and black, so that four color toner images are formed on the intermediate transfer belt 66.

The four color toner images are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 6
6 in synchronism with the movement of the sheet feeding device 76 and the conveying means 77
Secondary transfer roller 65 on transfer paper P conveyed through
Are collectively transferred. Further, the transfer paper is melted and fixed by the heat and pressure fixing device 78 to obtain a color image.

The charging roller 72, the photosensitive drum 71,
And a cleaning device 79 are configured as an integral process cartridge 90, and the mounting guide 8
0 indicates that it is removable. Each of the above-described four color developing units 74a to 74d is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body, similarly to the process cartridge. With these configurations, the user can easily perform the replacement and maintenance of the above-described members, which has been conventionally performed by a service person.

The exposure device 73 mainly includes a semiconductor laser, a laser driving circuit, a polygon mirror, a scanner motor, a return mirror, and a BD detection circuit. When a print start command is sent from a printer controller (not shown), driving of the scanner motor is started, and when steady rotation is reached, a yellow image signal is transferred from the printer controller. When the semiconductor laser is turned on based on the image signal toward the polygon mirror that is rotating steadily, the laser beam is irradiated on the photosensitive drum 71 via the polygon mirror and the return mirror. When the laser beam is emitted, the laser beam is detected by a detector arranged on the main scanning axis, and a BD signal serving as a horizontal synchronization signal is output. As a result, the photosensitive drum 71 is scanned and exposed in synchronization with the BD signal by the laser light, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 71.

After the above steps are repeated for the four colors to transfer the four color images to the intermediate transfer unit 66, the recording paper P is fed, and the image formed on the intermediate transfer unit 66 is secondarily transferred to the recording paper P. It is transcribed.

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

The input data of this apparatus includes color image data (for example, data represented by RGB components) generated by a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as “host”), and other image data generation apparatuses (still image data). For example, image data generated by a recorder or the like and stored in some storage medium can be considered. For this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the apparatus is provided with a printer controller 2 for receiving image information from a host and generating image data, and a signal processing unit 4 for processing the image data. I have.

In some embodiments described below, color image data sent from a host is considered as input data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, a printer 1 includes a host computer (hereinafter, referred to as a host) 10.
00 is received and expanded, and each color component is composed of 8 bits (D0 to D0).
7) a printer controller 2 which outputs the YMCBk image signal 6;
And a printer engine 3 for recording a color image on recording paper in an electrophotographic manner based on the Alternatively, the host 1 may send out bit data such as RGB read by an image reader or the like as image information 5, and in this case, the rasterization processing to the image data by the printer controller 2 becomes unnecessary.

Various image signals other than the image signal 6 are transmitted and received between the printer controller 2 and the printer engine 3 in the form of serial communication. These image signals include a page (sub-scanning direction) synchronization signal (PSYN) transmitted from the printer engine 3 to the printer controller 2.
C), a synchronization signal (LSYNC) in the main scanning direction, and a data transfer clock (VCLK). The printer controller 2 outputs an image signal 6 composed of 8 bits for each color component.
Is output in synchronization with the data transfer clock (VCLK).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of the printer engine 3 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, a reference clock from a reference oscillator 10 included in the exposure device 73 is divided by a frequency divider 11. Division cycle 1
The scanner motor 122 is rotated at a constant speed by the motor control circuit 12 (built-in a known phase control circuit not shown) so that the phase difference between the divided clock from 1 and the feedback signal from the scanner motor 122 is made a predetermined phase difference. You. Then, the rotation of the scanner motor 122 is transmitted to the polygon mirror 121 to rotate the polygon mirror 121 at a constant speed.

On the other hand, when the intermediate transfer unit 66 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown) and reaches a predetermined position, the detector 8 generates a vertical synchronization signal (VSYNC). The vertical synchronizing signal (VSYNC) defines the leading edge of each color image. After the vertical synchronizing signal (VSYNC) is output, the BD signal generated by the detector 9 is used as the horizontal synchronizing signal (HSYNC), and the image signal (VDO) is sequentially transmitted to the semiconductor laser 120 in synchronization with the BD signal. Is done.

The CPU 14 incorporated in the signal processing unit 4 performs serial communication with the printer controller 2 via the communication line 15 to exchange control signals and synchronize the operations of the printer controller 2 and the printer engine 3. The CPU 14 communicates with each of the developing device memories 203 to 206, the photosensitive drum memory 207, and the backup memory 230 via the serial communication line 202. The developing device memories 203 to 206 are EEPROMs attached to the developing devices of the respective colors, and the photosensitive drum memory is a process cartridge, that is, an EEPROM attached to the photosensitive drum cartridge.

The timings of the above-described vertical synchronizing signal (VSYNC), horizontal synchronizing signal (HSYNC), and image signal (VDO) in the image forming process are as shown in FIG. That is, the vertical synchronization signal (VSYNC) defines the leading end position of the image for each color, and the horizontal synchronization signal (HSYNC).
C) defines the leading end position of each horizontal line of the image. The horizontal synchronization signal (HSYNC) is a vertical synchronization signal (VSYNC).
C), and the image signal (VDO) is a horizontal synchronization signal (H
SYNC).

FIG. 5 is a diagram focusing on the exchange of signals between the signal processing unit 4, the black developing unit memory 206, and the photosensitive drum memory 207.

In FIG. 5, the photosensitive drum cartridge side (CR
One of the connectors 196 on the G side) has a connector fitting surface, and the other has an IC socket shape. The connector 196 is attached to the photosensitive drum cartridge 90 with the photosensitive drum memory 207 (EEPROM 207) inserted into the socket. . The CPU 1 of the signal processing unit 4 is fitted with the main body side connector 195 attached to the printer main body.
4 is sent a signal.

Vcc1 supplied to EEPROM 207
Reference numeral 81 denotes a configuration that can be turned on / off by the CPU 14, and the power supply is turned on when the VCCON of the CPU port is "LOW", and the power supply is turned off when the power supply is "High". The CPU 14 turns on the power supply during the read operation or the write operation of the EEPROM, and the clock signal 182 during the read operation.
In synchronization with the clock signal 182, the data signal 184 is read out to the EEPROM and written in the memory. Signal 186
Is a photosensitive drum presence / absence detection signal, which is monitored by the CPU 14 and is "LOW" when there is no photosensitive drum cartridge;
gh ”, it is determined that the photosensitive drum cartridge is present. When the photosensitive drum cartridge is inserted into the main body and the connectors are fitted to each other, the presence / absence detection signal is output from the V of the EEPROM.
cc is returned, and becomes “High”.

The CRG connector 198 is attached to a black developing cartridge with the black developing device memory 206 (EEPROM 206) inserted. The exchange of signals is the same as in the case of the photosensitive drum cartridge described above.

Both EEPROMs 207 and 206 have D
It is an IC in the form of an ip and has CRG side connectors 196 and 19
8 is connected directly. FIG. 6 shows a Dip-shaped EEPRO.
It is an example of the pin arrangement of the M-IC.

FIG. 7 shows a photosensitive drum cartridge 90,
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which the above-described EEPROM 207 and a cartridge-side connector 196 are attached. The photosensitive drum cartridge 90 mainly includes the photosensitive drum 71, a waste toner container 84, an EEPROM 207, a cartridge-side connector 196, and a screw 360 for connecting the connector 196 to the cartridge.

FIG. 8 shows the cartridge connector 196.
(Or 198) and the main body side connector 195 (or 197)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the shapes of the EEPROM and the EEPROM 207 (or 206). As shown in FIG.
6 is fixed to the connector mounting portion 354 of the photosensitive drum cartridge 90 by screws 360. The main body side connector 195 is fixed to the mounting portion 358 of the main body by a screw 356.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the cartridge side connector 196 (or 198) and the main body side connector 195 (or 197) shown in FIG.

The cartridge-side connector 19 of this embodiment
Reference numeral 6 denotes a connector contact (contact terminal) 3 therein.
52, and is configured to be in contact with the IC 207.
The cartridge connector 196 is fixed to the cartridge. On the other hand, the image forming apparatus main body side connector 196 opposite thereto is fixed to a connector mounting portion 358 which is a part of the image forming apparatus main body with small screws 356. However, the connector 1 mounted on the cartridge side
Since the cartridge 96 is securely fixed to the cartridge, it is necessary to prevent a displacement at the time of fitting the cartridge and the image forming apparatus main body between the connectors 196 and 195. It is necessary to fix the image forming apparatus main body side connector 195 to the connector mounting portion 358 of the image forming apparatus main body so as to be movable (floating). The cross-sectional view shown in FIG.
Although 56 is fixed to the connector mounting portion 358 of the image forming apparatus main body, the small screw 356 and the small screw hole 357a provided in the image forming apparatus main body side connector 195 absorb the above-described displacement. The size is such that a gap is formed between the small screw 356 and the screw 356 so as to have a margin.
Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body side connector 195 is mounted by screwing the small screw 356 into the female screw 358a so as to be movable with respect to the connector mounting portion 358 of the image forming apparatus main body.

The cartridge-side connector 196 is made of a synthetic resin, and has a hollow fitting portion 353b at the tip end from the root-side outer wall 353a having a hollow rectangular cross section. An IC mounting portion 353c for connecting between opposing walls is integrally formed in a hollow portion of the cartridge side connector 196. Alternatively, it is attached to the outer wall portion 353a and the fitting portion 353b by fitting. Its cross section is T-shaped as shown in FIG. Then, the root side outer wall portion 353a and the fitting portion 353b
A terminal mounting space 353d communicating with the outside at the top and bottom of the figure is provided between the two opposing sides of the IC mounting portion 353c. IC
A contact 352 is arranged along the mounting portion 353c, and the lower end of the contact 352 in FIG.
It is away from c to both sides. In the IC 207, a chip body 351a is disposed immediately above the IC mounting portion 353c with a gap therebetween, and the lead wire 351b of the IC 207 enters the terminal mounting space 353d from above and is in pressure contact with the contact 352.

The image forming apparatus main body side connector 195 is provided with a rectangular box-shaped fitting part 357c integrally with the mounting part 357b provided with the small screw hole 357a and fixed to the image forming apparatus main body side connector 195. Contact 355
Is connected to a contact 359. The contact 355 is in contact with the opposed inner surface of the fitting portion 357c. When the cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the inner periphery of the fitting part 353b of the cartridge side connector 196 is fitted to the outer periphery of the fitting part 357c of the image forming apparatus main body side connector 195, and the contact part 352c of the cartridge side contact 352 is provided.
Is pressed against the image forming apparatus-side contact 355 and deforms in a direction in which the tip approaches, to conduct to the connector. Contact 359
Is connected to a cable connector (not shown) so that a signal can be transmitted to another unit (the signal processing unit 4 in this example).

FIG. 10 shows an EEPROM 207 mounted on the photosensitive drum cartridge 90 according to the first embodiment.
This is the data content. In FIG. 10, an area A 508 is an area to be written by using a tool of a factory when a cartridge is assembled at a factory, and is not referred to by the printer. An area B 509 is an area to be written using a tool of a factory when a cartridge is assembled in a factory, and is an area where only reading is performed in a printer. An area C 510 is an area to be reset using a tool of a factory when a cartridge is assembled at a factory, and is an area where reading and writing are performed by a printer.

In FIG. 10, the number of recycles 501 stores the number of reuses of the memory, and the first use date 502 stores the date when the memory was first mounted on the cartridge at the time of factory assembly. .

The serial number 503 stores a serial number unique to the cartridge, the manufacturing date 504 stores the date when the cartridge was manufactured, and the process parameter 505 stores parameters such as drum sensitivity. The life threshold time 506 stores the usable time of the photosensitive drum cartridge. The cumulative use time 507 stores the total time during which the cartridge has been used.

The operation of the printer when a cartridge having a memory having the above data configuration is mounted will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to a memory mounted on a cartridge on the printer side according to the first embodiment.

When it is time to update the accumulated time, the printer proceeds from step S101 to step S102, and updates the data of the accumulated use time 507. Then, in step S103, the life threshold time 506 is set.
Is compared with the data stored in the cumulative use time 507, and if the cumulative use time exceeds the life threshold time, it is determined that the life has expired and the user is notified to that effect ( Steps S104 and S105). The update timing of the data stored in the accumulated use time 507 may be, for example, when the power of the printer is turned off or every fixed number of prints.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the memory of the used and collected photosensitive drum cartridge. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of memory contents after the memory shown in FIG. 11 is reused and mounted on a cartridge, and writing is performed at a factory. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a memory recycling process according to the first embodiment.

First, when the cartridge is collected,
The data recorded in the memory recycle count 501 is referred to (step S201). In the example of FIG. If the number of recycles a is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the memory is discarded (steps S202 and S20).
5). On the other hand, if the number of recycling times a is equal to or less than the predetermined number, it is determined that recycling is possible. At the time of recycling, in step S203, a value obtained by adding 1 to the value at the time of collection, that is, a + 1 is written. The first use date 502 holds the value at the time of collection, that is, the original value (b / c / d). Also, the production number 503, the production date 504, the process parameter 50
5. For the life threshold time 506, new data is written. Further, in step S204, the cumulative use time 507 is reset to 0 hour.

In this embodiment, the number of recycles is 50
Although the method of counting up 1 and the cumulative use time 507 has been described, it is also possible to write data as a threshold value and count down, and when it becomes “0”, it is determined that the life has expired.

In the first embodiment, the photosensitive drum cartridge 90, which is a process cartridge, has been described as an example. However, an EEPROM is similarly attached to a developing toner cartridge containing magenta, cyan, yellow, and black toners. You may. Further, it may be attached to a user exchange unit such as the fixing device 78 or the intermediate transfer unit 66. As explained above, the first
According to the embodiment, the number of times of reuse is stored in the memory, and whether or not the memory can be reused is determined based on the stored number. Therefore, the memory can be reused reliably and efficiently.

[Second Embodiment] FIGS. 15 to 17 are diagrams for explaining the data structure of a memory according to a second embodiment. The EEPR mounted on the photosensitive drum cartridge 90 will be described.
The contents of the OM 207 are shown. In the figure, area B 5
Reference numeral 37 denotes an area to be written by using a tool of a factory at the time of assembling the cartridge at a factory. A C area 538 is an area for setting a predetermined value using a tool of a factory when assembling a cartridge at a factory, and is an area for reading and writing in a printer. At the time of factory setting, the cumulative use time 535 is set to 0 hours, and the cumulative write count 536 is set.
Is 0 when the memory is used for the first time, and is the value at the time of collection when the memory is recycled.

The production number 531, the production date 532, the process parameter 533, and the life threshold time 534 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The cumulative use time 535 stores the total time during which the cartridge has been used.

As in the first embodiment, in the printer body, the data of the life threshold time 534 and the accumulated use time 53
If the cumulative use time exceeds the life threshold time by comparing with the data of No. 5, it is determined that the life is over and the user is notified. The update of the data stored in the accumulated use time 535 is as follows.
For example, this process is performed when the power of the printer is turned off or every fixed number of prints.

The cumulative number of times of writing 536 stores the total number of times of writing in the memory. That is, the count is incremented in synchronization with the update of the data within the accumulated use time 535. As described above, the cumulative write count 535
Is different from the cumulative use time 535, the previous data is retained at the time of recycling, and the data is counted up from there.

The above-described processing on the printer side includes updating the cumulative use time 535 and the cumulative write count 536 in step S102 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
This is realized by updating.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the memory of the used and collected photosensitive drum cartridge. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of memory contents after the memory shown in FIG. 16 is reused, mounted on a cartridge, and written at a factory. When the cartridge is collected, first, the data of the cumulative writing number 536 is referred to. If this value is equal to or less than a predetermined number, it is determined that recycling is possible. If the number of times is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the discard is performed. And
At the time of recycling, the accumulated write count 536 is held at the value at the time of collection. New data is written for the manufacturing number 531, the manufacturing date 532, the process parameter 533, and the life threshold time 534. In addition, cumulative use time 5
35 resets to 0 hours.

The processing at the time of the recycling described above is different from the processing of step S201 in the flowchart shown in FIG.
6 may be read. According to the above-described second embodiment, whether or not re-use is possible is determined based on the value of the accumulated write count 536, so that reliable and efficient re-use can be performed.
In particular, since the number of times the frequently used cumulative use time is written to the storage area 535 can be referred to, a more reliable determination can be made. ,

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 18 is a view for explaining an example of the data configuration of a memory according to the third embodiment. FIG.
8 shows the contents of the EEPROM 207 mounted on the photosensitive drum cartridge 90. In FIG.
An area B 565 is an area to be written by using a tool of a factory at the time of assembling a cartridge at a factory, and is an area for reading only in a printer. The C area 566 is an area for setting a predetermined value by using a tool of a factory when a cartridge is assembled in a factory, and is an area for reading and writing in a printer. Cumulative use time 560 of C area 566
564 are all set to 0 hours when the present memory is incorporated into the first cartridge.

The production number 531, the production date 532, the process parameter 533, and the life threshold time 534 are the first
This is the same as the embodiment. Also, the number of recycling is 555
Similarly to the first embodiment, this is an area in which the number of times of recycle of the memory is written at the time of factory shipment. Therefore, the procedure of the recycling process in the factory is the same as the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. However, step S203
Then, the data in the B area is updated, and the processing in step S204 is unnecessary.

On the other hand, the operation on the printer side is as follows. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to a memory mounted on a cartridge on the printer side according to the third embodiment. The printer refers to the number of recycles 555 in the memory 207 when the power of the main body is turned on (step S111). Here, it is determined whether or not the number of times of recycle referred to is equal to or less than a predetermined number. If the number of times exceeds the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S116 to notify that fact. Note that the determination in step S112 overlaps with the determination in step S202 at the time of factory shipment, and thus can be omitted.

If the number of recycles is equal to or less than the predetermined number, in step S113, based on the read number of recycles, one of the cumulative use times 560 to 564 is used.
Identify the area of cumulative usage time to be used. For example, if the number of recycles 555 is one, the accumulated use time 1 is used, and if the number of recycles 555 is two, the accumulated use time 2 is used. In the same manner, cumulative use times 1 to 5 are selected in accordance with the content of the number of recycles 555. In the third embodiment, recycling is allowed up to five times.

Next, in step S114, an update timing of the accumulated use time is waited for. The update timing of the accumulated time is the same as in the first and second embodiments. If it is time to update the accumulated time, the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, the cumulative use time data stored in the cumulative use time area corresponding to the number of recycling is updated. Then, in step S116, the life of the process cartridge is determined based on whether or not the accumulated update time updated in step S115 has reached a predetermined value, and if the life has expired, the user is notified to that effect. (Step S117).

According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, generally, the life of the EEPROM is 100,000 times for each address. In the third embodiment, the address of the read-only content on the printer side is not changed at the time of recycling, and the address of the area to be written on the printer side, that is, the area for storing the accumulated use time, is changed according to the number of recycling. Therefore, the smaller the writing capacity is, the more the number of recycles can be increased. In the third embodiment described above, the storage area for the accumulated use time is changed for each recycling, and five storage areas (560 to 564) for the accumulated use time are reserved in FIG. It is possible to recycle. However, the storage area of the accumulated use time may be changed for each recycle. For example, an area of the accumulated use time 560 may be used when the number of uses is 1 to 5 times, and an area of the accumulated use time 561 may be used when the number of uses is 6 to 10 times. This makes it possible to recycle 25 times in five areas as shown in FIG. In this case, the configuration may be such that the storage area is selected as described above according to the number of uses (the number of recycles 555) in step S113 in FIG.

[Fourth Embodiment] FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the data configuration of a memory according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 shows the contents of the EEPROM 207 mounted on the photosensitive drum cartridge 90. In FIG. 20, an area B 575 is an area to which a cartridge is written using a tool at the time of assembling the cartridge at a factory, and is an area where only reading is performed in the printer. In this area, after writing information at the time of the first installation into the cartridge,
Do not change the value when recycling. The C area 576 is an area for setting a predetermined value using a tool of a factory when a cartridge is assembled in a factory, and is an area for reading and writing in the printer. Note that the cumulative use times 570 to 574 of 570 are all set to 0 hour when the present memory is incorporated into the first cartridge.

The process parameters 533 and the life threshold time 534 are the same as in the first embodiment. Unique number 567
Is a number unique to the memory, and is a number unique to the cartridge. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure at the time of the recycling process according to the fourth embodiment. In the recycling process, first, in step S211, the C area 576 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not an unused area exists in the accumulated use time 570 to 574. If there is an unused area, it can be recycled, and this processing ends. On the other hand, after the cartridge is collected, the accumulated usage time is 570
With reference to 574, if data has been written in all, it is determined that the memory has been recycled four times, and the process proceeds to step S213 to notify the fact and discard the memory.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printer relating to the memory mounted on the process cartridge according to the fourth embodiment. The printer stores the data of the unique number 567 stored in the memory of the mounted cartridge until the cartridge is taken out. Then, when the power is turned on, the printer body refers to the unique number 567 of the memory 207 (S121), and determines whether there is a history of using a cartridge of the unique number in the past (step S122). If there is a history of using the cartridge of the specific number in the past, it is determined that the cartridge is being used, and among the cumulative use times 570 to 574, the data (other than 0) and the number (address) is the most. A young area (the cumulative use time 570 having the smallest number (address)) is determined as a write area for the cumulative use time (step S123). On the other hand, if there is no history of using the cartridge with the unique number in the past, it is determined that the cartridge is a new cartridge that has been recycled, and the unique number is stored in a memory whose contents are not volatilized even when the power supply of the printer is turned off (step S12
4). Then, of the cumulative use times 570 to 574, an area where the data is 0 and the number (address) is small (the cumulative use time 570 has the smallest number (address)) is determined as the write area of the cumulative use time (step S125). .
For example, if there is no history of using the cartridge of the specific number in the past and the cumulative use times 570 to 574 are all 0, the cumulative use time 570 is determined as the write area of the cumulative use time.

Thereafter, the processing of steps S101 to S105 described in the first embodiment is performed. However,
The update of the cumulative use time in step S102 is performed for any of the areas 570 to 574 of the cumulative use time determined in step S123 or step S125.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the cumulative use time updated on the printer side is used as information on reuse. Therefore, at the time of recycling, there is no need to write data to the memory 207 at the factory, and management can be simplified.

The data control of the memory according to each of the above embodiments is performed by detachably forming the image forming apparatus main body.
The present invention can be suitably applied to a fixing unit other than the process cartridge, an intermediate transfer unit, and the like.

As described above, according to the above embodiments, the memory is mounted on the connector of the process cartridge (photosensitive drum cartridge) or another unit, and in addition to the information on the unit, the number of times of recycle of the memory, By writing the number of times of writing, the following contents can be realized. (1) Since the memory IC is mounted on the process cartridge, it is possible to store information on the process cartridge such as the remaining life, and it is possible to perform unit management with high usability and reliability. (2) By storing the usage status of the memory (recycle count, write count, first use date) in the memory IC, the memory IC can be efficiently reused over the life of the memory. Note that the “first use date” is a measure of the elapsed time from the date of manufacture for the unit. For example, the cumulative use time, which is the actual operation time, and the elapsed time since manufacture are used for determining the life of the photosensitive drum, and the “first use date” is the basis for determining the life based on the elapsed time.

Further, as shown in the third and fourth embodiments, among the memory contents, there are a plurality of areas which are sequentially updated by the printer main body, and the areas are determined according to the number of recycles. Such effects can be obtained. (3) In general, the life of a memory IC is defined by tens of thousands of times for each address. Therefore, if the update area is changed by the number of recycles, if the use area is within the tens of thousands of write times in one use. Recycling is possible without storing the number of times of writing. (4) As in the fourth embodiment, by providing a plurality of areas of the accumulated use time and associating the use state of these areas with the reuse state of the memory, the reuse process can be simplified.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine) comprising one device Device).

Further, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A memory is mounted on the consumable unit side to hold information on the consumable unit and information on the usage status of the memory, such as the number of recycles and the number of times of writing, so that the memory can be efficiently used until the end of its life. Can be reused.

[0084]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a color laser beam printer which is a typical example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printer 1 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed functional configuration of a printer engine 3 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating timings of the above-described vertical synchronization signal, horizontal synchronization signal, and image signal in an image forming process.

FIG. 5 shows a signal processing unit 4 and a black developing device memory 206;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing signal exchange between the signal processing unit 4 and the photosensitive drum memory 207.

FIG. 6 shows a Dip-shaped EEPRO employed in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pin arrangement of an M-IC.

FIG. 7 shows a photosensitive drum cartridge 90 and an EEPROM.
FIG. 207 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which a cartridge 207 and a cartridge-side connector 196 are attached.

FIG. 8 shows a cartridge connector 196 (or 198).
And main body side connector 195 (or 197) and EEPROM
FIG. 207 is a diagram showing a shape of 207 (or 206).

9 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge-side connector 196 (or 198) and the main-body-side connector 195 (or 197) shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing data contents of an EEPROM 207 mounted on the photosensitive drum cartridge 90 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a memory of a used and collected photosensitive drum cartridge according to the first embodiment.

12 is a diagram showing an example of memory contents after the memory shown in FIG. 11 is reused and mounted on a cartridge, and writing is performed at a factory.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to a memory mounted on a process cartridge on the printer side according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a memory recycling process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating data contents of an EEPROM 207 mounted on the photosensitive drum cartridge 90 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of contents of a memory of a used and collected photosensitive drum cartridge according to the second embodiment.

17 is a diagram showing an example of memory contents after the memory shown in FIG. 16 is reused, mounted on a cartridge, and written at a factory.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of a memory according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to a memory mounted on a process cartridge on the printer side according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration of a memory according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a memory recycling process according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to a memory mounted on a process cartridge on the printer side according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of general data content stored in a memory provided in a photosensitive drum cartridge.

Claims (22)

[Claims] 1. A consumable unit which is attached to and detached from a data processing device, comprising a memory for recording unit information indicating a use state of the unit, wherein the memory uses a memory indicating a memory use state of the memory. A consumable unit having an area for storing information. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data processing apparatus is an image forming apparatus that forms an image in accordance with an image signal input from an external device, and the consumable unit is a process that forms part of an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus. The consumable unit according to claim 1, wherein the consumable unit is a cartridge. 3. The consumable unit according to claim 1, wherein the memory use information indicates the number of times the memory is reused. 4. The consumable unit according to claim 1, wherein the memory use information indicates the number of times the unit information in the memory has been updated in the data processing device. 5. The consumable unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of areas for storing the unit information. 6. An image forming apparatus for forming an image by mounting the consumable unit according to claim 1. 7. A method of reusing a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from a data processing device, wherein the memory is used to indicate a use state of the memory stored in a memory attached to the consumable unit. A reusing method comprising: a reading step of reading information; and a judging step of judging whether the memory can be reused based on the memory use information read in the reading step. 8. An initialization step of initializing unit use information indicating a use state of a consumable unit stored in the memory when the memory is determined to be reusable in the determination step. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein
Reuse method described in. 9. The memory use information indicates the number of reuses of the memory, and the initialization step initializes the unit use information when it is determined in the determination step that the memory can be reused. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the number of reuses indicated by the memory use information is updated. 10. The memory usage information indicates the number of updates of unit usage information stored in the memory and indicating the usage status of the consumable unit. In the data processing device, the unit usage information is updated. The method according to claim 8, further comprising an updating step of updating the number of updates indicated by the memory use information stored in the memory. 11. The data processing device, wherein: a determining step of determining, based on the memory usage information, an area for recording and updating unit usage information indicating a usage status of the consumable unit; The method according to claim 7, further comprising an updating step of updating the unit usage information in an area. 12. A method for reusing a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from a data processing apparatus, wherein the reusable unit includes a memory mounted on the consumable unit and indicates a use state of the consumable unit. A reading step of reading data from each of the plurality of unit usage information storage areas for storing unit usage information; and determining whether there is an unused storage area in the plurality of unit usage information storage areas in the reading step. A determination step of determining whether the memory can be reused based on the determination. 13. The data processing apparatus, wherein a determination is made as to which of the plurality of unit use information storage areas is to be used, based on a data storage state in the plurality of unit use information storage areas of the memory. 13. The reuse method according to claim 12, further comprising: a step; and recording means for recording a use state of the unit using the unit use information storage area determined in the determination step. 14. A system for reusing a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from a data processing device, wherein the reading unit reads out memory use information stored in a memory mounted on the consumable unit and indicating a use state of the memory. Means for determining whether or not the memory can be reused based on the memory usage information read by the reading means. 15. An apparatus further comprising initialization means for initializing unit use information stored in the memory and indicating usage status of a consumable unit when the determination means determines that the memory is reusable. 15. The reuse system according to claim 14, wherein: 16. The memory usage information indicates the number of times the memory is reused, and the initialization means initializes the unit usage information when the determination means determines that the memory can be reused. The reuse system according to claim 15, wherein the number of reuses indicated by the memory use information is updated. 17. The memory usage information represents the number of updates of unit usage information stored in the memory and indicating the usage status of the consumable unit. In the data processing device, the unit usage information is updated. 16. The reuse system according to claim 15, further comprising updating means for updating the number of updates indicated by the memory use information stored in the memory. 18. The data processing apparatus, wherein the determining unit determines, based on the memory usage information, an area in which unit usage information indicating the usage status of the consumable unit is to be recorded and updated; The reuse system according to claim 14, further comprising: updating means for updating the unit usage information in an area. 19. A method for reusing a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from a data processing apparatus, wherein the reusable unit includes a memory mounted on the consumable unit and indicates a usage status of the consumable unit. Reading means for reading the data from each of the plurality of unit usage information storage areas for storing the unit usage information; and determining whether or not the plurality of unit usage information storage areas have an unused storage area by the reading means. A determination unit for determining whether the memory can be reused based on the reuse system. 20. A data processing apparatus, wherein a determination is made as to which of the plurality of unit usage information storage areas is to be used, based on a data storage status in the plurality of unit usage information storage areas of the memory. 20. The reuse system according to claim 19, further comprising: a unit; and a recording unit that records a use state of the unit using the unit use information storage area determined by the determination unit. 21. A computer-readable memory for storing a control program for reusing a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from a data processing device, wherein the control program is installed in the consumable unit. A code of a reading step of reading memory use information indicating a use state of the memory stored in the memory, and a code of a determination step of determining whether the memory can be reused based on the memory use information read in the read step A computer readable memory comprising: 22. A computer readable memory for storing a control program for realizing reuse of a consumable unit that can be attached to and detached from a data processing device, the control program comprising: a memory mounted on the consumable unit. A code for a reading step for reading data from each of a plurality of unit use information storage areas for storing unit use information indicating a use state of a consumable unit provided in the plurality of units; A code for a determining step of determining whether or not the memory can be reused based on whether or not the information storage area has an unused storage area.