JP2000137416A - Image forming device and processing cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device equipped with a processing cartridge being excellent in recycling property, and being made possible to prevent the improper processing cartridge from the use at a low cost. SOLUTION: This processing cartridge is identified whether the processing cartridge is provided with the appropriate specification being preliminarily set by this image forming device, based on oscillation of an oscillator 60 equipped by the processing cartridge. In such a manner, the processing cartridge other than being preliminarily aimed, the so-called pirated edition processing cartridge can be prevented from being used. Moreover, by adopting this processing cartridge, the image forming device provided with the stable operation can be provided, with a simple circuit structure, being free from care with malfunctioning as a result of a leakage current, as compared to the conventional method for identifying whether the processing cartridge is provided with the appropriate specification utilizing the memory.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge, and more particularly to a developing means for visualizing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor with a developer and a detachable housing containing the developer. And an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, having a specific process cartridge, a specific signal detected by a detecting unit when the image forming apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and a format of a preselected process cartridge stored in a storage unit. And a process cartridge that is determined to be an appropriate cartridge by comparing the specific signal corresponding to the process cartridge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, an electrostatic image forming apparatus for copying an image on transfer paper by electrophotography has been widely used. In this electrostatic image forming apparatus, a light image is projected onto a positively or negatively uniformly charged photoreceptor corresponding to an image to be copied, and a charge pattern is generated on the photoreceptor surface in accordance with the pattern. Obtain a latent image of charge. Next, a toner charged to the opposite polarity to the charge pattern of the latent image is supplied from the process cartridge, and the toner is attracted to the charge pattern of the latent image and developed. Transfer paper is superimposed on the developed toner image, and a charge having a polarity opposite to the charge held by the toner is applied from the back surface,
The toner is electrostatically attracted to the transfer paper surface and transferred. Thereafter, heat or pressure is applied to the transfer paper to fix the transferred toner image and copy the image.

Here, the toner in the process cartridge is consumed every time the image forming process is performed by the image forming apparatus, and when the toner is exhausted, the image forming process cannot be performed. Therefore, in such an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge is detachable, and when the toner in the process cartridge runs out, the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge.

Generally, in the case of this type of image forming apparatus, it is desirable to use a genuine process cartridge whose performance is guaranteed by the manufacturer according to the specifications and structure. However, because process cartridges are consumables, they are very easy to imitate, and despite the fact that genuine process cartridges are supplied to the market, many pirated process cartridges that are not guaranteed by the manufacturers are on the market.

The pirated process cartridge not only does not sufficiently exhibit the performance of the image forming apparatus, but also tends to cause defects in the copied image such as an image defect and toner scattering. However, it is difficult for the user to understand that the problem is caused by the use of the pirated process cartridge, which has caused a trouble.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION For this reason, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
As described in Japanese Patent No. 22479, there is a method in which a barcode is attached to a process cartridge and a barcode reader for reading the barcode is provided in the image forming apparatus to prevent use of a pirated process cartridge. However, in this method, an expensive sensor must be used as a configuration for reading a barcode, which causes a significant increase in cost of the image forming apparatus.

Further, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-185311, a process cartridge is provided with a logo mark type uneven pattern shape, and an image forming apparatus is provided with a detection switch for discriminating the uneven pattern shape. There is also a method for preventing the use of the process cartridge. However, in this method, when supplying cartridges to image forming apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of types of logo mark switches, so that the cost of the process cartridge is increased, and the image forming apparatus is greatly reduced. Cost increase.

Further, a method of discriminating a process cartridge by pressing a switch via an actuator can be considered, but in this method, the process cartridge is easily imitated. Also, when supplying a process cartridge to image forming apparatuses of a plurality of manufacturers, a switch or the like must be prepared as the number of supplied cartridges increases. Cause an increase.

Further, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-69139, a memory storing information such as a serial number unique to the process cartridge is attached to the process cartridge, and the information stored in the memory is previously determined. There is also a method of preventing the use of a pirated process cartridge by comparing the set value with a predetermined value. However, in this method, a circuit configuration for comparing information stored in the memory with a predetermined value set in advance becomes complicated, and a memory such as an EPROM is required, thereby increasing costs. Further, since the process cartridge uses a high-voltage output, a malfunction is likely to occur due to a leak current or the like. In addition, when the process cartridge is to be recycled, the internal storage of the memory must be erased or the memory must be replaced, and this method is inefficient in operation.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image forming apparatus having a process cartridge excellent in recyclability, and capable of preventing use of an inappropriate process cartridge at low cost. Aim.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor with a developer and the developer. In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, which has a detachable process cartridge accommodating a process cartridge, an oscillator that is attached to the process cartridge and outputs a specific signal for specifying the cartridge, and the process cartridge can be loaded. Detecting means provided in the image forming apparatus main body and detecting a specific signal output from the oscillator, storage means for storing a specific signal corresponding to a type of a process cartridge selected in advance, and detection by the detecting means Matching means for matching the specific signal with the specific signal stored in the storage means; It is characterized by having a determining means for determining the appropriateness of the process cartridge, the.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the process cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge is provided with a transmitter, and a specific signal for specifying the cartridge is output from the transmitter. On the other hand, a detection unit for detecting this specific signal is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side. The storage unit stores a specific signal corresponding to a preselected process cartridge, that is, a genuine process cartridge whose performance is guaranteed by the manufacturer.

The collating means collates the specific signal from the process cartridge detected by the detecting means with the specific signal corresponding to the preselected genuine process cartridge stored in the storage means. The determination means determines whether the process cartridge is a genuine process cartridge selected in advance based on the collation result. That is, when the specific signal from the process cartridge detected by the detecting unit matches the specific signal corresponding to the genuine process cartridge stored in the storage unit, the process cartridge is selected as a genuine process selected in advance. It is a cartridge. If they do not match,
It is an unsuitable process cartridge (so-called pirated version) whose performance is not guaranteed by the manufacturer.

In the above description, since the oscillator is used for discriminating the process cartridge, unlike the case of using the conventional memory, there is no fear of malfunction due to leak current, and the conventional memory is used for recycling. There is no need to erase the internal storage or replace the memory as in the case. When supplying a process cartridge to a plurality of manufacturers, the oscillation frequency of the oscillator may be changed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a notifying means for notifying that the process cartridge is inappropriate, and it is determined that the process cartridge is inappropriate according to the determination result. When the determination is made, a notification is made by the notification means.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the determination means determines that the process cartridge is inappropriate, the notification means notifies that the process cartridge is an inappropriate one. Is done. In the notification method, the notification may be performed by emitting a warning sound, or a message may be displayed. Also, a specific pattern indicating that the cartridge is unusable may be output. Thus, use of an inappropriate process cartridge can be prevented.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or the second aspect of the present invention, when an inappropriate process cartridge is determined based on the determination result, an image is formed by the image forming apparatus. The processing is stopped.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the process cartridge is inappropriate, the image forming apparatus does not perform the image forming process. Thus, use of an inappropriate process cartridge can be prevented. The notification by the notification means may be performed together.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an input means for inputting a specific input signal to the oscillator is provided in the image forming apparatus main body, Is characterized in that a specific signal is output when an input signal is input from an input means.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, an input signal is input from the input means to the transmitter. The transmitter receives the input signal and outputs a specific signal. That is, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body,
A specific signal is output from the transmitter.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, the specific signal output from the oscillator changes based on a change in the input signal input from the input means. Features.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of patterns of specific signals are output from the transmitter according to the input signal from the input means. Therefore, by changing the input signal, a specific signal of a complicated combination pattern is output. If the complicated combination pattern does not match, the process cartridge is not determined to be appropriate. Therefore, imitation of the process cartridge can be made difficult. If the change of the input signal is controlled by using the CPU, the input signal can be changed at an arbitrary timing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the specific signal output from the oscillator changes based on a change in the voltage value of the input signal input from the input means. It is characterized by

According to the present invention, when the voltage value of the input signal is changed, a different specific signal is output from the oscillator, and a plurality of patterns of the specific signal can be obtained. This makes it difficult to imitate the process cartridge. Further, such voltage control of the input signal can be easily performed in the CPU.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the specific signal output from the transmitter changes based on a change in the frequency of the input signal input from the input means. It is characterized by

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, when the frequency of the input signal is changed, a different specific signal is output from the oscillator, and a specific signal having a plurality of patterns can be obtained. This makes it difficult to imitate the process cartridge. Further, such frequency control of the input signal can be easily performed by the CPU.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the first to seventh aspects, a specific signal having a different frequency is output from the oscillator for each type of process cartridge. .

According to the present invention, the frequency of the specific signal output from the oscillator differs depending on the type of the process cartridge. In the storage unit, the frequency of the specific signal is stored for each type of the process cartridge selected in advance, and the comparing unit compares the stored frequency with the frequency of the specific signal from the oscillator. . That is, in the image forming apparatus, a plurality of types of process cartridges can be selected in advance,
Their identification is made by the frequency of the specific signal. Further, for each type of the process cartridge, it is also possible to preset the processing conditions of the image forming process based on the characteristics thereof, and according to the type of the process cartridge,
Appropriate image forming processing can be performed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the specific signal output from the oscillator is a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, and the oscillator is a process signal. A pulse signal having a different duty is output for each type of cartridge.

According to the ninth aspect, the oscillator outputs a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency. The specific signal (pulse signal) output from this oscillator has a different duty for each type of process cartridge. In the storage unit, the duty of the specific signal is stored for each type of the process cartridge selected in advance, and the comparing unit compares the stored duty with the duty of the specific signal from the oscillator. . That is, in the image forming apparatus, a plurality of types of process cartridges can be selected in advance, and their identification is performed by the duty of the specific signal. Further, for each type of process cartridge, it is also possible to set processing conditions of image forming processing in advance based on the characteristics thereof,
Appropriate image forming processing can be performed according to the type of the process cartridge.

When the specific signal from the oscillator is changed by the voltage value or the frequency of the input signal by the input means so that the imitation becomes difficult, the duty changes.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a processing amount storing means for storing an image forming processing amount by the process cartridge, and a toner of the process cartridge It has a grasping means for grasping the remaining amount, and a control means for controlling the processing of the image forming apparatus based on the remaining amount of the toner, and the oscillator has a specific signal which is different based on the image forming processing amount stored in the processing amount storing means. And the grasping means grasps the remaining amount of toner based on the specific signal.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the processing amount storing means stores the image forming processing amount of the process cartridge, and the specific signal output from the oscillator changes according to the image forming processing amount. The grasping means grasps the remaining amount of toner based on the change. That is, since the specific signal changes according to the life of the process cartridge (the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge), it is possible to prevent the use of an inappropriate process cartridge and to detect the life of the process cartridge. Conventionally, a sensor is provided to detect the life of such a cartridge. However, this sensor can be omitted, and the cost can be reduced.

The control means controls the processing of the image forming apparatus according to the remaining amount of toner. For example, when the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge is low,
A warning message may be displayed, and when the toner runs out, the process may be stopped and the process cartridge may be replaced. Also,
Since the sensor for detecting the life of the cartridge can be omitted, cost can be reduced.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the specific signal detected by the detecting means when the image forming apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus, and the specific signal stored in the storage means and corresponding to the type of the process cartridge selected in advance. And a process cartridge that is determined to be an appropriate cartridge by comparing the process cartridge with a specific cartridge, and has an oscillator that outputs a specific signal set in advance corresponding to the type of the process cartridge.

According to the eleventh aspect, the oscillator is provided in the process cartridge. The oscillator outputs a specific signal set in advance corresponding to the type of the process cartridge. On the other hand, an image forming apparatus which is used by mounting the process cartridge is provided with a detecting means for detecting a specific signal output from an oscillator. Also, a pre-selected cartridge,
That is, the specific signal corresponding to the type of the cartridge whose performance is guaranteed by the manufacturer is stored in advance in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. The specific signal output from the oscillator is detected by the detection unit in the image forming apparatus, and is compared with the specific signal stored in the storage unit. When the process cartridge matches the specific signal stored in the storage unit, the process cartridge is determined to be a genuine cartridge.

At least one of the detection means, the storage means, and the determination means for determining the specific signal provided in the image forming apparatus can be provided in a host computer or the like connected to the image forming apparatus as required. It is.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus having a process cartridge excellent in recyclability and having an excellent effect of being able to prevent the use of an inappropriate process cartridge at low cost. To do.

[0039]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 2 show an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1
A paper tray 16 is provided below the “0”. For example, B5 size, B4 size, A
Paper 1 of desired size among 4 sizes, A3 size, etc.
8 are provided. A paper feed roller 20 is provided in the paper tray 16 near the paper discharge section. The paper feed roller 20 feeds out the paper 18 supplied to the paper tray 16 one by one. Paper 18 sent out from paper tray 16
Is transported in a predetermined direction by a plurality of transport roller pairs 22.

On one side surface of the image forming apparatus 10, a manual feed tray 24 for manually inserting paper 18 as necessary.
Are arranged. A paper feed roller 20 is provided near the paper discharge section of the manual feed tray 24 in the same manner as the paper tray 16 described above, and can feed out the paper 18 one by one.

On the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10, a predetermined process is performed by being conveyed inside the apparatus (an image forming section 28 described later), and a sheet 18 on which a desired image is formed
Is provided with a discharge tray section 26 from which the paper is discharged. A discharge paper stopper 27 is attached to the discharge tray section 26 in order to correspond to the size of the paper 18 to be discharged. The discharge paper stopper 27 rotates in the direction of arrow b around the fulcrum 25 as a fulcrum. It is possible. The upper cover 29 constituting the paper discharge tray 26 can be opened using the fulcrum 33 as a pivot. In addition, the right structure shown in FIG. 2 of the image forming apparatus 10 and the front cover 12 can be opened. A display plate 13 (not shown) for displaying a message for the user is attached to the front cover 12.

Image data obtained by reading an original with a scanner and performing various image processings is applied to the upper part of the paper tray 16 provided in the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, the optical scanning device 3 irradiates the photoconductor 30 rotating at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow A shown in FIG. 1 with a light beam based on the image processing.
2, a fixing device 14 for fixing a desired image on paper 18
An image forming unit 28 including the above is provided.

The optical scanning device 32 includes a light source, a rotating polygon mirror 3
4. fθ lens, cylindrical mirror, reflection mirror 3
6 and the like. A laser beam emitted from a light source (not shown) is deflected by a rotating polygon mirror 34 and fθ lens, cylindrical mirror, reflection mirror 36
Irradiation is performed on the photoreceptor 30 via the like.

In the vicinity of the photoreceptor 30, a charger 38 for uniformly negatively charging the photoreceptor 30 is provided to remove toner remaining on the photoreceptor 30 without being transferred to the sheet 18 during image transfer. A static elimination lamp (not shown) for neutralizing the photoconductor cleaner 31 and the negatively charged photoconductor 30
And so on. Further, a developing member 46 is provided downstream of the irradiation position of the optical scanning device 32 in the rotation direction (the direction of the arrow A) of the photoconductor 30. The developing member 46 supplies black toner having a negative charge to the photoreceptor 30 to form a toner image (that is, develop). These charger 38, photosensitive member cleaner 31, developing member 4
6, the static elimination lamp, and the like are configured as one process cartridge 44 covered by a casing together with the photoconductor 30. This process cartridge 44
As shown in FIG. 2, the front cover 12 and the upper cover 29 are detachable by opening the cover.

A transfer roller 40 is provided in the vicinity of the photosensitive member 30 and downstream of the developing member 46 in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive member 30 (in the direction of arrow A). This transfer roller 4
0 can switch between positive charging and negative charging. When the sheet 18 is charged positively,
When the toner image is conveyed between the transfer roller 40 and the transfer roller 40, the toner image is transferred to the sheet 18. When the toner is negatively charged, the toner adhered to the transfer roller 40 is moved to the photoconductor 30 by electrostatic force, and the transfer roller 40 is cleaned.

Further, a peeling member 42 is disposed downstream of the transfer roller 40 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 30. The peeling member 42 is negatively charged, and the photosensitive member 3
The sheet 18 adhered to the sheet 18 and conveyed is peeled off by electrostatic force, and is conveyed to the fixing device 14 disposed downstream of the sheet 18 in the conveying direction.

The fixing device 14 includes a heating roller 48 having a built-in heater 49 and a pressure roller 50. In the fixing device 14, the sheet 18 on which the toner image is transferred is
A predetermined image is formed on the sheet 18 by performing a fixing process on the sheet 18.

A discharge roller 52 is provided above the fixing device 14.
Is arranged. The sheet 18 on which the image has been formed after the process in the fixing device 14 is completed is discharged from the discharge port 54 to the above-described discharge tray 26 by the discharge roller 52.

Next, regarding the process cartridge 44,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. An oscillator 60 is embedded on the lower surface of the process cartridge 44. An oscillation circuit 62 is mounted on the base of the oscillator 60,
It is chipped and molded. That is, the transmitter 6
Since 0 is very small and is covered with an insulator, imitation is difficult. The oscillator 60 has a connector 64.
A is also provided, and this connector 64A is attached so as to protrude from the lower surface of the process cartridge 44.

A power supply terminal 66A,
Oscillator input signal terminal 68A and oscillator output signal terminal 70
A is provided. The power supply terminal 66A, the oscillator input signal terminal 68A, and the oscillator output signal terminal 70A are connected to the oscillation circuit 62A. That is, power is supplied to the oscillation circuit 62 from the power supply terminal 66A, and a predetermined signal (oscillator control input signal) is input from the oscillator input signal terminal 68. An output signal from the oscillation circuit 62 is output to an oscillator output signal terminal 70.

When a predetermined voltage is applied from the power supply terminal A66, the oscillation circuit 62 oscillates at a predetermined frequency (hereinafter referred to as "oscillation frequency") and outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the oscillation frequency. This pulse signal is a specific signal for specifying the process cartridge. Also, the oscillation circuit 6
2 outputs a pulse signal having a different frequency depending on whether or not a predetermined signal (oscillator control input signal) is input from the oscillator input signal terminal 68A. That is, the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 62 varies depending on whether or not the oscillator control input signal is input.

FIG. 5 shows a timing chart based on ON / OFF of the oscillator control input signal with time taken on the horizontal axis. 5A shows a waveform of a signal output from the oscillator output signal terminal 70A, FIG. 5B shows a power supply voltage supplied from the power supply terminal 66A to the oscillation circuit 62, and FIG. 5C shows a power supply voltage supplied from the oscillator input signal terminal 68A to the oscillation circuit. 62 shows an oscillator control input signal input to 62.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the power supply voltage is not supplied (t1), there is no output from the oscillation circuit 62. When the power supply voltage is supplied and the oscillator control input signal is not input (t2), the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 62 is the frequency f1, and a pulse signal of the frequency f1 is output from the oscillator output signal terminal 70. When the oscillator control input signal is input (t3), the oscillation circuit 62
Changes to the frequency f2, and a signal of the frequency f2 is output.

The frequency f2 differs depending on the specifications of the process cartridge 44 (own products, products of other companies, etc.). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the process cartridge 44 has the A specification, the oscillation frequency f2 is equal to the frequency f.
21 and the process cartridge 44 is of the B specification instead of the A specification, the oscillation frequency f2 is equal to the frequency f22.
It is. Therefore, the frequency f of the process cartridge
2 allows the specification of the process cartridge 44 mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 to be confirmed.

At a position (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the connector 64A when the process cartridge 44 of the image forming apparatus 10 is mounted at a predetermined mounting position, a connector 64B is provided. As shown in FIG. 14, the connectors 64A and 64B are in a male-female relationship, and the connection direction of the connectors 64A and 64B matches the mounting / removing direction of the process cartridge 44. Connector 64B has connector 6
4A, a power supply terminal 66A, an oscillator input signal terminal 68A,
And power supply terminal 6 corresponding to oscillator output signal terminal 70A
6B, an oscillator input signal terminal 68B, and an oscillator output signal terminal 70B are provided. The power supply terminal 66B is connected to a power supply 88, and the oscillator input signal terminal 68B and the oscillator output signal terminal 70B are connected to a controller 76 built in the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, when the process cartridge 44 is mounted at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 10, the power supply terminal 66
A, an oscillator input signal terminal 68A, and an oscillator output signal terminal 70A are connected to a power supply 88 of the image forming apparatus 10 and a controller 76 built in the image forming apparatus 10. The controller 76 controls the image forming apparatus 10.
Is controlled.

The controller 76, as shown in FIG.
AM78, CPU80, ROM82, I / O port 84
Are connected by a bus 86.

The aforementioned frequency f2 corresponding to each specification of the process cartridge 44 suitable for the image forming apparatus 10 is stored in the ROM 82.

The output side of the I / O port 84 is connected to the oscillator input signal terminal 68B. The CPU 80 outputs an oscillator control input signal to the oscillator 60 via the oscillator input signal terminals 68B and 68A at a predetermined timing.

A power supply 88 is also connected to the output side of the I / O port 84, and the CPU 80 controls the output from the power supply 88 to the oscillator 60.

An oscillator output signal terminal 70 B is connected to the input side of the I / O port 84, and receives a pulse signal from the oscillator 60. The CPU 80 determines whether the process cartridge 44 is usable by comparing the frequency of the pulse signal with the frequency f2 stored in the ROM 82 in advance, and according to the result, determines whether the process cartridge 44 is usable. Controls processing.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.

In the image forming apparatus 10, when an image formation is instructed, the photosensitive member 30 is uniformly charged negatively by the charger 38, and the laser beam emitted from the optical scanning device 32 should be formed on the paper 16. Illuminated corresponding to the image. As a result, a latent image is formed on the photoconductor 30. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 30 is developed by the developing device 46 with black toner. That is, in the photoconductor 30 negatively charged by the charger 38, a portion irradiated with the laser beam emitted from the optical scanning device 32 is positively charged to form a latent image, and the photoconductor 30 is positively charged. The toner is developed by attaching toner having a negative charge to a portion (latent image). The developed toner image is transferred to the sheet 18 by the transfer roller 40. The sheet 18 to which the toner image has been transferred is subjected to a fixing process by the fixing device 14 to form an image, and the discharge tray 26
Is discharged.

Next, the flow of control by the controller 76 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When the process cartridge 44 is mounted at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 10, power is supplied to the process cartridge 44 (step 150), and the oscillation circuit 6
2 oscillates, and a pulse of frequency f1 is input to the controller 76 via the oscillator output signal terminals 70A and 70B. When the input of this pulse is confirmed by the controller 76, it is recognized that the process cartridge 44 is mounted at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 10 (step 152).

When the mounting of the process cartridge 44 is confirmed, in step 154, an oscillator control input signal is output from the controller 76, and the oscillator input signal terminal 68
A and 68B are input to the oscillation circuit 62. When the oscillator control input signal is input, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 62 changes to the frequency f2. Therefore, a pulse signal of the frequency f2 is input to the controller 76 via the oscillator output signal terminals 70A and 70B.

In step 156, the frequency f2 of the pulse signal input from the oscillation circuit 62 and the image forming apparatus 10
And RO for each process cartridge 44 specification
The frequency stored in M82 is compared. If the frequency f2 is equal to the frequency stored in the ROM 82, the mounted process cartridge 44 is replaced with a process cartridge 44 of a specification that can be used in the image forming apparatus 10.
, And the process proceeds to step 158.

In step 158, normal image forming processing by the image forming apparatus 10 is performed. The image forming process continues to be performed until the end of the image forming process is instructed (step 160).

In step 156, if the frequency f2 is R
If it is determined that the frequency is not equal to the frequency stored in the OM 82, the mounted process cartridge 44
It is determined that the process cartridge 44 cannot be used in the image forming apparatus 10, and the process proceeds to step 162.

In step 162, a message notifying that the process cartridge 44 is unusable is displayed on the display panel 13, the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped, and the process is terminated.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the process cartridge 44 is moved to the image forming apparatus 1 by the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 60 provided in the process cartridge 44.
A value of 0 indicates whether the process cartridge 44 has a usable specification set in advance. As a result, it is possible to prevent the use of a process cartridge that is not preset, that is, a so-called pirated process cartridge.

Further, the use of the process cartridge 44 has a simpler circuit structure and a lower leakage current than the conventional method of identifying whether or not the process cartridge 44 can be used by using a memory. Image forming apparatus 1 with stable operation without fear of malfunction due to current
0 can be provided.

(Second Embodiment) A second embodiment in which the form of the process cartridge 44 is different from that of the first embodiment will be described below. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 8 shows the structure of the process cartridge 44. As in the first embodiment, the process cartridge 44 includes a chip-shaped and molded oscillator 6.
0 is buried. A connector 64A and an oscillation circuit 62 are mounted on the base of the oscillator 60, and the connector 64A is mounted so as to protrude from the lower surface of the process cartridge. A power supply terminal 66A, an oscillator input signal terminal 68A, and an oscillator output signal terminal 70A are provided on the connector 64A. This power terminal 66A,
Oscillator input signal terminal 68A and oscillator output signal terminal 70
A is connected to the oscillation circuit 62. That is, power is supplied from the power supply terminal 66A to the oscillation circuit 62, and a predetermined signal (oscillator control input signal) is input from the oscillator input signal terminal 68A. The output of the oscillation circuit 62 is output to an oscillator output signal terminal 70A.

When a predetermined voltage is applied from the power supply terminal 66A, the oscillation circuit 62 oscillates at a predetermined frequency (hereinafter referred to as "oscillation frequency") and outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the oscillation frequency. This oscillation frequency differs depending on whether or not a predetermined signal (oscillator control input signal) is input from the oscillator input signal terminal 68 as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 5). That is, when the power supply voltage is supplied, the oscillation circuit 62
Outputs a pulse signal of frequency f1, and when an oscillator control input signal is input, the oscillation circuit 62 outputs a pulse signal of frequency f2.

The counter value input / output signal terminal 72A is also provided on the connector 64A. The counter value input / output signal terminal 72A is connected to the counter 7 on the oscillator 60.
4 is connected. The counter 74 counts the number of sheets 18 on which the image forming process has been performed by the image forming apparatus 10. In the case of a new process cartridge 44, the value of the counter 74 is 0. The counter 74 is connected to the oscillation circuit 62. Oscillator circuit 62
When the oscillator control input signal is input to the counter 74, the counter 74 changes the frequency f2 of the output signal of the oscillation circuit 62 according to the count number.

More specifically, the frequency f2 of the signal output from the oscillation circuit 62 is divided into the following three patterns according to the count of the counter 74. When the count number of the counter 74 is sufficiently smaller than the number of sheets on which the new process cartridge 44 can perform image forming processing (hereinafter, referred to as “set number”), the oscillation circuit 62 outputs a signal of the frequency fa (f2 = fa). ). When the count of the counter 74 approaches the set number, the oscillation circuit 62 outputs a signal of the frequency fb (f2 = fb). When the number of counters reaches the set number, the oscillation circuit 62 outputs a signal of the frequency fc (f2 = fc).

As in the first embodiment, a connector 64B is provided at a position corresponding to the connector 64A when the process cartridge 44 of the image forming apparatus 10 is mounted at a predetermined mounting position. The connector 64B has a power supply terminal 66A, an oscillator input signal terminal 68A, an oscillator output signal terminal 70A, and a power supply terminal 66B corresponding to the counter value input / output signal terminal 72A, an oscillator input signal terminal 68B, an oscillator output signal terminal 70B, and a counter value. Input / output signal terminals 72B are provided. The power supply terminal 66B is connected to a power supply 88, and the oscillator input signal terminal 68B, the oscillator output signal terminal 70B, and the counter value input / output signal terminal 72B are connected to a controller 76 built in the image forming apparatus 10. I have. Therefore,
When the process cartridge 44 is mounted at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 10, the power supply terminal 66A, the oscillator input signal terminal 68A, the oscillator output signal terminal 70A, and the counter value input / output signal terminal 72A are connected to the power supply 88 of the image forming apparatus 10.
And the controller 76. The processing of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled by the controller 76.

The controller 76, as shown in FIG.
AM78, CPU80, ROM82, I / O port 84
Are connected by a bus 86.

The above-mentioned frequencies fa, fb, and fc corresponding to the process cartridges 44 having specifications usable in the image forming apparatus 10 are stored in the ROM 82, respectively.

On the output side of the I / O port 84, an oscillator input signal terminal 68B and a counter value input / output signal terminal 7
2B is connected. The CPU 80 outputs an oscillator control input signal to the oscillator input signal terminal 68B at a predetermined timing. Further, the CPU 80 inputs a counter signal to the counter 74 via the counter value input / output signal terminals 72A and 72B each time the image forming process is performed by the image forming apparatus 10. The counter 74 counts the number of times of this counter signal input via the counter value input / output signal terminal 72.

A power supply 88 is also connected to the output side of the I / O port 84, and the CPU 80 controls the output supplied from the power supply 88 to the oscillator 60.

An oscillator output signal terminal 70 B is connected to the input side of the I / O port 84, and receives a pulse signal from the oscillator 60. The CPU 80 determines whether the process cartridge 44 is usable and determines the state of the process cartridge 44 by comparing the frequency of the pulse signal with the frequencies fa, fb, and fc stored in the ROM 82 in advance. At the same time, the processing of the image forming apparatus 10 is controlled according to the result.

Next, the flow of control by the controller 76 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

When the process cartridge 44 is mounted at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 10, power is supplied to the process cartridge 44 (step 200), and the oscillation circuit 6
2 oscillates, and a pulse of frequency f1 is input to the controller 76 via the oscillator output signal terminals 70A and 70B.
When the input of this pulse is confirmed by the controller 76, it is recognized that the process cartridge 44 is mounted at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 10 (step 2).
02).

When the mounting of the process cartridge 44 is confirmed, an oscillator control input signal is output from the controller 76 at step 204 and the oscillator input signal terminal 68
A and 68B are input to the oscillation circuit 62. When the oscillator control input signal is input, the oscillation frequency of the oscillation circuit 62 changes to the frequency f2. Therefore, a pulse signal of the frequency f2 is input to the controller 76 via the oscillator output signal terminals 70A and 70B.

At step 210, the frequency f2 and the RO
The frequency fa stored in M82 is compared. If the frequency fa is equal to the frequency f2, it is determined that the mounted process cartridge 44 is a process cartridge 44 that can be used in the image forming apparatus 10 and that there is a sufficient amount of remaining toner, and the process proceeds to step 212.

In step 212, normal image forming processing by the image forming apparatus 10 is performed. Next, at step 214, a counter value input signal is output from the controller 76, and the count number of the counter 74 is increased. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 230.

If it is determined in step 210 that the frequency f2 is not equal to the frequency fa, the process proceeds to step 22.
Move to 0.

At step 220, the frequency f2 and the RO
The frequency fb stored in M82 is compared. If the frequency f2 is equal to the frequency fb, the mounted process cartridge 44 is a process cartridge 44 that can be used in the image forming apparatus 10, but it is determined that the remaining amount of toner is small, and the process proceeds to step 222.

In step 222, a message notifying that the remaining amount of toner is low is displayed on the display plate 13, and the normal image forming process by the image forming apparatus 10 is performed. Next, at step 224, the controller 7
6 outputs a counter value input signal, and the counter 74 counts up. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 230.

In step 230, it is determined whether or not to end the image forming process. If the image forming process is to be performed subsequently, the process returns to step 200 and the subsequent steps are repeated.

If it is determined in step 220 that the frequency f2 is not equal to the frequency fb, the process proceeds to step 24.
Move to 0.

At step 240, the frequency f2 and the RO
The frequency fc stored in M82 is compared. If the frequency f2 is equal to the frequency fc, the mounted process cartridge 44 is a process cartridge 44 that can be used in the image forming apparatus 10, but it is determined that there is no remaining toner, and the process proceeds to step 242.

In step 242, since there is no remaining amount of toner on the display plate 13, a message urging replacement of the process cartridge 44 is displayed and the image forming apparatus 10
Is stopped, and the process ends.

On the other hand, in step 240, the frequency f
If it is determined that the frequency 2 is not equal to the frequency fc, that is, if the frequency f2 does not match the frequencies fa, fb, and fc, the mounted process cartridge 44 is a process cartridge that cannot be used in the image forming apparatus 10. It is determined that there is, and the process proceeds to step 244.

In step 244, a message notifying that the process cartridge 44 is unusable is displayed on the display panel 13, the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 10 is stopped, and the process is terminated.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the process cartridge 44 is driven by the image forming apparatus 1 by the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 60 provided in the process cartridge 44.
0 indicates whether the process cartridge is a process cartridge of a usable specification set in advance. This allows
It is possible to prevent the use of a process cartridge that is not preset, that is, a pirated process cartridge.

The use of the process cartridge 44 has a simpler circuit structure and a smaller leakage current than the conventional method of using a memory to determine whether or not the process cartridge can be used. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus with a stable operation without worrying about malfunction due to the above.

A counter 74 is provided to count the number of sheets processed by the image forming apparatus 10, and the oscillation frequency of the oscillator 60 is changed in accordance with the counted number. Thus, by changing the oscillating frequency of the oscillator 60 according to the use state (remaining amount of toner) of the process cartridge 44, the use state of the process cartridge 44 can be grasped only by detecting this frequency. Therefore, the sensor provided for detecting the life of the conventional process cartridge 44 can be eliminated, and the cost can be reduced.

In the first and second embodiments, the frequency of the signal output from the oscillator 60 is changed by the oscillator control input signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 11, the voltage of the power supply voltage supplied to the oscillator 60 is controlled by the controller 76 using the oscillator 60 in which the frequency of the signal output changes in accordance with the value of the voltage supplied from the power supply 88. , The frequency of the signal output from the oscillator may be changed.

Further, it is assumed that an AC power supply is supplied to the oscillator 60. As shown in FIG. 12, the oscillator 60 changes the frequency of a signal to be output in accordance with the frequency of the voltage supplied from the power supply 88. The frequency of the signal output from the oscillator may be changed by changing the frequency of the power supply voltage supplied to the oscillator 60 by the controller 76.

As shown in FIG. 13, the duty ratio of the output pulse signal is changed in accordance with the oscillator control input signal, the value of the voltage supplied from the power supply 88, or the frequency of the voltage supplied from the power supply 88. Oscillator 60 may be used. In this case, the duty ratio is stored in the ROM 82 instead of the frequency, and the controller 76 controls the processing of the image forming apparatus 10 based on the duty ratio of the pulse signal output from the oscillator 60.

In this embodiment, since the process cartridge 44 is mounted from above the image forming apparatus 10, the oscillator 6 is mounted on the lower end of the process cartridge 44.
However, in the case of the image forming apparatus 10 in which the front cover 12 is opened and the process cartridge 44 is inserted / removed, the oscillator 60 is provided at the end of the process cartridge 44 as shown in FIG. Good.

[0105]

As described above, the present invention has an excellent effect that a process cartridge having excellent recyclability can be provided, and an unsuitable process cartridge can be prevented from being used at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus when a process cartridge according to first and second embodiments is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus when a process cartridge according to the first and second embodiments is removed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of an oscillator according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a flow of an electric signal of a controller according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing that the frequency of the oscillator is varied by controlling the oscillator control signal, where (A) is a pulse signal waveform output from the oscillator,
(B) is the ON / OFF of the power supply voltage supplied to the oscillator,
(C) shows ON / O of the oscillator input signal input to the oscillator.
Indicates FF.

FIG. 6 is an example of an oscillator output waveform indicating that the frequency of the oscillator differs depending on the specifications of the process cartridge,
(A) shows the waveform output from the oscillator of the process cartridge of the A specification, and (B) shows the waveform output from the oscillator of the process cartridge of the B specification.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating control by a controller according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of an oscillator according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a flow of an electric signal of a controller according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating control by a controller according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing that the frequency of the oscillator is varied by controlling the power supply voltage of the oscillator according to another embodiment, where (A) is a pulse signal waveform output from the oscillator, and (B) is a timing chart. This shows the power supply voltage supplied to the oscillator.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing that the frequency of the oscillator is varied by controlling the power supply voltage of the oscillator according to another embodiment, where (A) is a pulse signal waveform output from the oscillator, and (B) is a timing chart. This shows the power supply voltage supplied to the oscillator.

FIG. 13 is an example of a waveform of a signal output from the oscillator indicating that the duty ratio of the output pulse signal of the oscillator in another embodiment is variable.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic configuration diagrams of a connector, wherein FIG. 14A shows a connector attached to a process cartridge, and FIG.
Denotes a connector attached to the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a process cartridge according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 image forming apparatus 30 photoreceptor 44 process cartridge 46 developing member (developing means) 60 oscillator 74 counter (processing amount storage means) 80 CPU (detection means, collation means, determination means, grasping means, control means) 82 ROM (storage means) )

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H027 DA27 DA50 DD02 DE04 EF06 EJ01 GA05 GB03 2H071 BA13 BA20 BA34 CA01 DA08 DA32 2H077 AA02 BA09 DA15 DA24 DB10 DB21 GA13

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, comprising: developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor with a developer; and a detachable process cartridge containing the developer. An oscillator that is attached to the process cartridge and outputs a specific signal for specifying the cartridge; and a detecting unit that is provided in an image forming apparatus main body that can be loaded with the process cartridge and detects a specific signal output from the oscillator. Storage means for storing a specific signal corresponding to a type of a process cartridge selected in advance; collation means for collating the specific signal detected by the detection means with a specific signal stored in the storage means; Determining means for determining whether or not the process cartridge is appropriate based on a result of the checking by the checking means. An image forming apparatus comprising: And a notifying means for notifying that the cartridge is an unsuitable process cartridge. When the discrimination result indicates that the cartridge is an unsuitable process cartridge,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification is performed by the notification unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus stops the image forming process when it is determined that the cartridge is an inappropriate one based on the result of the determination. Image forming device. 4. An image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an input unit for inputting a specific input signal to the oscillator, wherein the oscillator outputs a specific signal when an input signal is input from the input unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a specific signal output from the oscillator changes based on a change in an input signal input from the input unit. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a specific signal output from the oscillator changes based on a change in a voltage value of the input signal input from the input unit. . 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a specific signal output from the transmitter changes based on a change in a frequency of the input signal input from the input unit. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a specific signal having a different frequency is output from the oscillator for each type of the process cartridge. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specific signal output from the oscillator is a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency, and the transmitter outputs a pulse signal having a different duty for each type of process cartridge. An image forming apparatus according to claim 7. 10. A processing amount storage unit for storing an image forming processing amount by the process cartridge, a grasping unit for grasping a remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge, and a control unit for controlling a process of the image forming apparatus based on the remaining amount of toner. Having the oscillator outputs a different specific signal based on the image forming processing amount stored in the processing amount storage means,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the grasping unit determines the remaining amount of the toner based on the specific signal. 11. When a specific signal detected by the detecting means when the image forming apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus is compared with a specific signal stored in a storage means and corresponding to a type of a process cartridge selected in advance, an appropriate signal is checked. A process cartridge that is determined to be a suitable cartridge, comprising: an oscillator that outputs a specific signal set in advance corresponding to the type of the process cartridge.