JP2001242752A - The recycling method and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a recycling method and an image forming device which do not generate disadvantages, such as generation of image degradation, fault of a recycling unit or the like, or increase in a degree of exhaustion, when the quality and the performance of the unit change according to recycling contents. SOLUTION: After performing one of a plurality of recycling contents about a recycling unit 61 mountable on the image forming device 1, and executed recycling content is written in a nonvolatile memory 200 provided in the recycling unit. When the recycling unit 61 is mounted on the image forming device 1, the image forming device sets image forming conditions according to the recycling content written in the nonvolatile memory. As a result, even when the quality and the performance of the recycling unit change with the performed recycling content, the setting change of image forming conditions at the side of the image forming device can be performed accordingly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a copying machine,
The present invention relates to a recyclable component unit used for an image forming apparatus such as a printer, that is, a recycling method of a recycling unit and an image forming apparatus used in the recycling method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, life information, consumption information, failure information, attribute information, and the like of a recycle unit such as a process cartridge used in an image forming apparatus and consumables in the unit are used.
The identification information and the like are stored in an image forming apparatus, a management device connected to the image forming apparatus, and a non-volatile memory provided in a unit and the like, and are used as information for managing the unit and consumables. (For example, JP-A-11-157174, JP-A-11-119606).
JP-A-10-239979, JP-A-10-133
529, JP-A-9-120247, JP-A-9-80
987, JP-A-6-75442, JP-A-10-19
No. 8236).

Further, there is known a system for setting the content of unit recycling such as replacement, replenishment, cleaning and repair of consumables by using life information and consumption information of the consumables (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-216689). issue).

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the content of the recycling executed in the unit is uniquely set using the life information and the consumption information of the consumables.

[0005] Further, assuming that the quality and performance of the recycling units are the same,
This is to uniformly set the image forming conditions on the remounted image forming apparatus. For this reason, when various different recycling contents are set for the recycling unit according to the user needs, or when the recycling contents vary from recycling manufacturer to manufacturer, the quality and performance of the unit vary depending on the recycling contents executed, The image forming conditions on the image forming apparatus side may not be optimal for the recycling unit. In such a case, if the image forming apparatus is operated as it is, there arises a problem that the image is deteriorated, the recycle unit and other components are broken down, and the degree of wear is increased.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such a technical background, and even if the quality and performance of the unit are changed depending on the content of recycling, image deterioration occurs,
An object of the present invention is to provide a recycling method and an image forming apparatus that do not cause a disadvantage that a recycling unit or the like breaks down or a degree of wear increases.

[0007]

An object of the present invention is to execute one of a plurality of recycle contents (hereinafter, also referred to as a recycle process) for a recycle unit which can be mounted on an image forming apparatus, and After writing to the non-volatile memory provided in the recycling unit, the recycling unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus is solved by a recycling method characterized in that image forming conditions are set according to the contents of recycling written in the nonvolatile memory.

According to this recycling method, even if the quality and performance of the recycle unit change depending on the content of the executed recycle, the image forming conditions on the image forming apparatus are changed accordingly, and the recycle unit is suitable for the recycle unit. Image formation is performed under the image forming conditions.

Here, the image forming condition is a concept including both the control condition for image forming and the image forming mode.

[0010] In the above description, the recycle contents include the replenishment amount of the replenished specific consumables, the presence or absence of replenishment of the specific consumables, the presence or absence of replacement of specific parts, the type of replaced parts if replaced, and the presence or absence of cleaning of specific parts. It is preferable to include at least one of the following. This results in effective recycling.

The image forming conditions to be set include at least one of a process parameter, the presence / absence or execution frequency of a photoreceptor cleaning operation, the presence / absence or execution frequency of image stabilization processing, and a life threshold value of a recycle unit.
It is good to be one. Since these conditions are important conditions for image formation, setting them makes it easy to set image forming conditions suitable for the recycling unit.

An example of the recycling unit is a process cartridge.

[0013] Further, when the recycle contents are executed for the recycle unit, the process parameters of the image forming apparatus are written in the non-volatile memory in accordance with the use environment data of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus sets. A configuration may be adopted in which process parameters written in the memory are adopted as image forming conditions to be performed. In this case, since the usage tendency of the apparatus can be grasped from the usage environment data, a process parameter corresponding to this can be written into the nonvolatile memory and reflected when setting image forming conditions by the image forming apparatus. Thus, settings can be made according to each user.

Here, the use environment data of the image forming apparatus includes at least one of the number of times of recycling, environmental temperature, humidity, print mode, black-and-white ratio, and type of paper used. There are parameters relating to at least one of the following surface potential, charging voltage, developing bias, transfer voltage, toner supply value, sensor correction value for automatic image density control, threshold value for automatic image density control, and gamma data correction value.

[0015] Further, the object is to provide a recycle unit recycled with predetermined contents, a nonvolatile memory provided in the recycle unit and storing the recycle contents executed for the recycle unit, Image forming condition setting means for setting an image forming condition according to the recycling content stored in the memory;
The invention is also solved by an image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

According to this image forming apparatus, since the image forming conditions are set according to the recycle contents stored in the non-volatile memory of the recycle unit, the quality and performance of the recycle unit vary depending on the executed recycle contents. Also, the image forming conditions can be changed accordingly, and the image can be formed under the image forming conditions suitable for the recycled unit.

In this image forming apparatus, the recycle contents include the replenishment amount of the replenished specific consumables, the presence or absence of the replenishment of the specific consumables, the presence or absence of replacement of the specific parts, the type of the replaced parts if replaced, and the specific parts. It is desirable to include at least one of the presence or absence of cleaning in that effective recycling can be performed.

The image forming conditions to be set are at least one of a process parameter, the presence or absence or execution frequency of the cleaning operation of the photosensitive member, the presence or absence or execution frequency of the image stabilization process, and the life threshold value of the recycle unit.
In the case where the number is one, it is easy to set image forming conditions suitable for the recycling unit.

[0019]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a laser printer to which the present invention is applied.

The printer body 1 has a cabinet-integrated front loading cassette type configuration, and a photosensitive drum 10 is installed at a substantially central portion thereof so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow a. Around the photosensitive drum, a first charging charger 11, a magnetic brush type
A developing device 12, a second charging charger 13, a second developing device 14, also of a magnetic brush type, a transfer roller 15, a cleaning device 16 for residual toner, an eraser lamp 17 for residual charge, and the like are provided. The image data emits light from the first laser element 2 and the second laser element 3, is scanned by the laser beam scanning system 4, is adjusted by the fθ lens 5, and the first exposure is reflected by the reflection mirrors 6 and 7. , Photosensitive drum 1
Exposure is performed immediately after the first charging process on 0. The second exposure is reflected by the reflection mirrors 8 and 9, and is exposed immediately after the second charging process on the photosensitive drum. Since the printing process using these elements is well known, the description is omitted.

On the other hand, automatic paper feed cassettes 21, 22, 23 and 24 are provided in four stages below the printer main body 1, and an optional automatic paper feed unit 25 of an elevator type is installed on the cabinet side. . The size and capacity of the paper loaded in each cassette and paper feed unit are detected by each of the sensors SE11 to SE15. Sheets are selectively fed one by one from each cassette and its respective feed units by respective feed rollers 26-30. In the drawing, the lines extending from each cassette indicate the paper passing path, and the paper from the first and second stages of the cassette and the automatic paper feed unit are indicated by transport rollers 3.
The sheet is conveyed to the timing roller 34 by the first and second rollers 32 and held there. Also, the sheets from the third and fourth stages of the cassette and the automatic paper feed unit 25 are transported to the timing roller 34 by the transport rollers 30, 31, 32, and are held there. Further, the paper fed in the manual feed mode is transported by the paper feed roller 42 to the timing roller 34, where it is held. The paper fed from each cassette or the like is sent to the transfer section in synchronization with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 10. After the toner image is transferred, the paper
The toner is conveyed to the fixing device 36 by the conveyor belt 35, where the toner is heated and fixed. Then, the toner is discharged from the discharge roller 37 to the outside of the main body, and is introduced into the sheet reversing unit 50.

The paper reversing unit 50 is provided with rollers 39, 40, 41, etc. for executing double-sided printing for printing on the other side of the single-sided printed paper or composite printing for printing over the same side. And a face-up discharge (non-reversal mode) for directly transporting the paper to the paper discharge tray 59 and a face-down discharge (reversal mode) for reversing the front and back. It also has a function to process. In order to achieve the above functions, the sheet reversing unit 50 has a receiving roller 51, a sending roller 52, forward / reverse switching rollers 53 and 54, and a switchback passage 58. Switching claws 56, 5
Reference numeral 7 denotes a solenoid (not shown) which can switch the rotation angle between two positions.

In the non-reversing mode, the sheet is guided from the receiving roller 51 on the upper surface of the switching claw 56, and sent out from the sending roller 52 to the sheet tray 59 in a face-up state. In the reversing mode, the sheet is guided from the receiving roller 51 on the left side surface of the switching claw 56, and the forward end of the roller 54 causes the leading end of the sheet to move to the switchback path 58.
Reach up to. When the trailing edge of the paper reaches the reversal point P,
The rollers 53 and 54 are switched to reverse rotation. Here, the sheet is guided by the right side of the switching claw 56 with the rear end up to that point as the leading end, and is sent out from the feed roller 52 to the sheet tray 59 in a face-down state.

On the other hand, in the two-sided printing mode, the sheet is conveyed to the switchback path 58 in the same manner as in the reversing mode, and when the rear end of the sheet reaches the reversing point P, the roller 54 is switched to the reverse rotation. Here, the sheet is guided by the lower left surface of the switching claw 57 with the rear end up to that point as the leading end, and is fed from the re-feed roller 55 to the re-feed path 38. In the composite print mode, the paper
Is guided by the left upper surface of the switching claw 57 from the
5 to the re-feeding path 38.

A front cover 62 is provided on the front surface of the laser printer main body 1 as shown in FIG. 2, and at least a process cartridge described later is shielded from an external user by the front cover 62.
Further, the open / close state of the front cover 62 can be detected by the sensor SE16.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a process cartridge 61 as a recycling unit installed in the laser printer main body of FIG. The process cartridge 61 includes the photosensitive drum 10 and the first charging charger 1 shown in FIG.
1. A unit in which the first, second developing device 14, transfer roller 15, and cleaning device 16 are integrated.
Non-volatile memory (simply called memory) inside
Is built in. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state when the process cartridge 61 of FIG. Sensor SE
The mounting status of the process cartridge 61 on the main body 1 can be detected by the reference numeral 17. Guide member 6
Reference numeral 3 is used as a guide for attaching and detaching the process cartridge 61 to and from the main body.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main body 1 is provided with a microswitch SE17 as a pair of sensors, and the process cartridge 61 is provided with protrusions 117a and 117b opposed thereto. I have. When the process cartridge 61 is mounted on the main body 1, the micro switches SE1 of the protrusions 117a and 117b
The presence or absence of the attachment can be determined by pressing the button 7. The data transfer connectors 60a and 60b are connected to the main body 1 and the process cartridge 61, respectively.
And are mutually connected when the process cartridge 61 is mounted on the main body 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the entire system of the laser printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

On the printer side, a control processor 100 for controlling the main body, a control processor 101 for controlling the laser beam optical system, a control processor 102 for controlling the paper feed option if there is one, and a control processor 102 if there is a paper discharge option A control processor 103 for controlling it is included. The print information is transmitted from the host computer 110 to the image creation controller 112 via the host interface 111. The image creation controller 112 transmits image information to be printed to the optical system control processor 101 via the video line 113 and transmits a print mode to the interface control processor 115 via the control line 114. The interface control processor 115 communicates with the processors 100 to 103 via the serial interface 116 in various modes. Further, the interface control processor 115 operates the operation panel display unit 1 on the printer main body.
17 is turned on and off. The operation panel display unit 117 displays the content of the instruction externally based on the instruction from each processor. That is, the operation panel display unit 1 (not shown)
17 shows the number of times the process cartridge 61 has been used
A key is provided which can be instructed to read out and display from the memory 200 composed of a PROM. By using this key, the user can know the number of times the process cartridge 61 has been used, that is, its life, and the like. .

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing input / output data to the printer main unit control processor 100 for controlling the printer main unit 1.

The input data to the printer control processor 100 includes “cover input”, “detection of process cartridge attachment”, “detection of new process cartridge”, “read process cartridge data”, “input of each process”, “other inputs”. , And the output data are "process cartridge new product release output", "process cartridge data writing", "each process output", and "other outputs".

Since the process cartridge 61 can be replaced when the cover is opened and closed, which is a cover open / closed detection signal, it is necessary to check whether the process cartridge 61 has been replaced by detecting whether the cover is open or closed. Can be. “Process cartridge 61 attachment detection” detects that the process cartridge 61 is attached.

"Detection of new process cartridge" detects whether the mounted process cartridge 61 is new. For example, a state in which a fuse is attached to the process cartridge 61 is detected as a new one.

"Read process cartridge data"
Reads the contents of the memory 200 mounted on the process cartridge 61.

The "process inputs" are various inputs necessary for controlling the image forming process, and include, for example, inputs of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a photoconductor surface potential, an image density, a black and white ratio (BW ratio), and the like. is there.

"Other inputs" are cassettes 21 to 23
The input is from a sensor for detecting the size of the paper and the presence or absence of the paper, a paper sensor for each unit used for paper passing conveyance, and the like.

On the other hand, the "process cartridge new article release output" as output data is, for example, a state in which a fuse is attached to the process cartridge 61 as a new one.
This output blows the fuse.

The "write data of the process cartridge" is an output for writing the contents to the memory 200 mounted on the process cartridge 61.

"Each process output" refers to various outputs required for controlling the image forming process.
g, an output for controlling an image forming process such as setting of a developing bias Vb, an output for controlling toner supply, and the like.

The "other outputs" are the outputs of the motors and the outputs of the respective clutches used for the sheet passing conveyance.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of the recycling process of the process cartridge 61.

As shown in the figure, in the recycling process, first, a process for recycling is performed on the printer side (step I). Next, a first recycling step or a second recycling step is performed on the process cartridge 61 removed from the printer at a recycling factory (step II). Then, the recycled process cartridge 61 is mounted on a printer, and the post-recycling process is performed in the printer (step II).
I). Hereinafter, each step will be described. [Step I: Recycling Pre-Processing in Printer] Here, an operation of writing data for recycling into the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61 is performed. In the memory 200, usage environment data, consumables state data, quality required level data at the time of recycling, data of process parameters, recycling management data, recycling process data, recycling completion data, and the like are written.

The use environment data is used for determining customization of process parameters (this will be described later). Examples of usage environment data include humidity / temperature,
These are data such as black and white ratio (BW ratio), trouble occurrence status, total count value, type of paper used, and print mode. These data show unique trends for each user. Therefore, by analyzing and comprehending these data, it is possible to set process parameters for matching the image forming conditions to the user's tendency after recycling.
It can be done at a recycling factory.

The consumables data includes a counter value (for example, the degree of toner consumption in the developing tank, the traveling distance of the photosensitive drum, etc.) indicating the consumption status such as the number of used parts and the operating time of each part, the use start date of each part, etc. Data. These data are used for extracting and selecting a recycling process in a recycling factory (this point will be described later).

The quality requirement level data at the time of recycling is
Data such as image quality priority, cost priority, durability priority, etc.
These data are also used for extracting and selecting a recycling process at a recycling factory.

The process parameters are one or more parameters used for controlling the process of electrophotography, such as the surface potential of the photosensitive drum, the charging voltage Vg, the developing bias Vb, the transfer voltage Vtr, and the printing. There are a toner supply value for each type, a sensor correction value for automatic image density control (also called AIDC), an AIDC threshold value, an ATDC control parameter, a γ (gamma) data correction value, a cleaning threshold value, and parameters relating to fog margin. The data relating to these parameters is rewritten when the process cartridge 61 is customized and recycled.

The recycling management data is used for various managements at a recycling factory, and includes a user ID,
Printer ID, location ID, manufacturer ID, consumable ID,
Data such as toner product information.

The recycle process data is data indicating the content of each component to be recycled, and the recycle completion data is data indicating the recycled content of each component.

The recycle process data is written only when the recycle process (recycle content) is determined in the printer main body 1, but not when the recycle factory determines the recycle process.

The recycle process in the printer main body 1 is determined as follows.

That is, when it is determined that the process cartridge 61 to be recycled has reached the end of its life due to toner empty, photoconductor life, and the like, the printer main unit control processor 100 assumes in advance according to the state data of the process cartridge 61. A plurality of recyclable processes that can be performed are extracted from the plurality of recyclable processes.

Table 1 shows specific examples.

[0053]

[Table 1]

In Table 1, with respect to the counter value of the photosensitive drum 10, A1 which is a level at which image quality deteriorates occurs
~ B1 and B1 which is a level at which image quality degradation occurs and may damage the apparatus.
Regarding the counter values of the developing unit, A2 to B2 which are levels at which image quality deteriorates, and B2 to B2 which are levels at which image quality deteriorates and may damage the apparatus.
And divided into

Then, consider four states corresponding to the combinations of the respective counter values. Then, for each state, a recycling process that gives priority to image quality,
The printer main body control processor 100 of the printer automatically extracts a recycling process in which cost is considered in priority, a recycling process in which durability is considered in priority, and four recycling processes in a case where management is not performed.

For example, when the counter value of the photosensitive drum of the process cartridge 61 to be recycled is A1-B
In the state where the counter value of the developing unit is A2 to B2, if image quality is considered with priority, replacement is performed early so that image quality does not deteriorate, and the photosensitive drum is replaced with a normal product. The recycling step S1 is performed in which the developing tank is cleaned, the developing sleeve is replaced with a normal product, and the toner is supplied in a normal amount. When cost is considered with priority, replacement is not performed at the image quality deterioration level, so the photoconductor drum is not replaced, the developing tank is not cleaned, the developing sleeve is not replaced, and the toner is supplied in the normal amount. The recycle step S2 is performed. When the durability is considered with priority, the recycling step S3 is performed in which the photosensitive drum is not replaced, the developing tank is not cleaned, the developing sleeve is not replaced, and a large amount of toner is supplied. If not managed, a recycling step S10 in which nothing is performed is extracted.

When the counter value of the photosensitive drum is A1
B1 and the counter value of the developing unit is B
In the cases of Nos. 2 and 3, in addition to the recycling step S1 in the case where the image quality is prioritized and the recycling step S10 in which nothing is performed, the recycling step S4 in the case where the cost is prioritized (the photosensitive drum is not replaced, and the developing tank is cleaned). The developing sleeve is replaced with a normal product. The toner is replenished in a normal amount. The recycling step S5 in the case of giving priority to durability (the photosensitive drum is not replaced, the developing tank is cleaned, and the developing sleeve is a high-durability product) Replacement, replenish toner in large quantities) are extracted.

Further, the counter value of the photosensitive drum 10 is B1 with a high degree of wear, and the counter value of the developing unit is A2.
B2, the recycling step S1 in the case where the image quality is prioritized, the recycling step S10 in which nothing is performed, and the recycling step S6 in the case where the cost is prioritized (the photosensitive drum is replaced with a normal product. The cleaning is not performed, the developing sleeve is not replaced, and the toner is replenished in a normal amount. The recycle step S7 in the case of giving priority to durability (the photoconductor is replaced with a highly durable product, the developing tank is not cleaned, and the developing sleeve is replaced) Without replacement, and replenish the toner in large amounts).

In the state where the counter value of the photosensitive drum 10 is B1 where the degree of wear is severe and the counter value of the developing unit is B2 where the degree of wear is more severe, the recycling process S1 in the case of giving priority to the image quality, In addition to the recycling step S10 in which nothing is performed, the recycling step S8 in the case of cost priority (replace the photosensitive drum with a regular product, clean the developing tank, replace the developing sleeve with a regular product, use a regular amount of toner. Replenishment), and the recycling process S9 (replace the photosensitive drum with a highly durable product, clean the developing tank, replace the developing sleeve with a highly durable product, and replenish a large amount of toner) when durability is prioritized, respectively. Is done.

In the example shown in Table 1, the switching to the high durability product is performed only when the use of the normal product is completed. The counter value is determined by weighting the normal product and the highly durable product so that the values of the levels of deterioration and damage are equal, and the values in Table 1 are obtained by weighting the counter values of the memory. is there.

As described above, 4 divided by each counter value
For each of the four states, four recycling steps are extracted.

The recycling steps S1 to S10 may be set in advance and stored in a storage medium such as a ROM (not shown).

Next, on the operation panel display section 117 of the printer main body 1 or on the screen of the host computer, the user or the service person is asked whether the quality is required, that is, whether to prioritize image quality or cost, durability, or not to manage. To select.
For example, "Please select the required quality level for recycling from the following.

1. Image quality priority 2. Cost priority 3. 3. Durability priority "Not managed" is displayed and made to be selected. The selection of the required quality level may be performed in advance, or may be performed immediately after the life determination.

When the quality request level is selected, the printer main body control processor 100 of the printer main body 1 performs the corresponding recycling process (S1 to S) selected from the four types.
10) into the process cartridge 61.
Is written as recycle process data in the memory of. When “not managed” is selected, a data value representing an irregular product (not managed) is recorded as recycling process data. This may be selected when the recycler entrusts the recycling process.

It should be noted that the quality requirement level is not limited to the above, and for example, “energy saving priority” may be set. Further, the type of the part to be replaced (for example, a high-quality dedicated part, a low-price part, etc.) may be written.

Thereafter, as a recycle preparation operation, a compulsory consumption operation process of the life target component is performed for each component in order to prevent erroneous recycling. In the forced consumption operation process, for example, in the case of toner empty, all remaining toner is moved to the waste toner box. If it is determined that the photosensitive drum 10 is to be replaced, the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 may be scratched, or the photosensitive drum 10 may be damaged.
When the rotation of the photosensitive drum is stopped, the photosensitive drum is fatigued by the laser beam, or in the stopped state, the maximum output of the transfer plus is output to the photosensitive drum to destroy the photosensitive layer. When it is determined that the developing sleeve is to be replaced, the developing blade voltage is kept OFF in the rotating state to cause filming of the developing sleeve or to damage the developing sleeve.

After the completion of the compulsory consumption operation of the life target component, a message “Please recycle the process cartridge” is displayed on the panel to urge the user to perform the recycling process.

In addition to the recycling process data, the above-mentioned use environment data, consumables status data, quality required level data at the time of recycling, process parameter data, recycling management data, etc. are written in the memory. deep.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation up to the forcible operation control of the process cartridge 61 described above. In the following description and drawings, steps may be abbreviated as #.

First, in # 1, the process cartridge 61
After performing the life detection control, it is determined in # 2 whether the life is reached. If it is not the life (NO in # 2), the process returns to # 1.
If it is determined that the life has expired (YES in # 2), information writing control such as usage environment data is performed in # 3.

Next, after the selection process of the recycle process is performed in # 4, the cartridge forced consumption operation control is performed in # 5, and the process ends.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the cartridge life detection control # 1.

At step # 11, it is determined whether toner empty has been detected or whether the counter value has exceeded a predetermined value. When the toner empty is detected or when the counter value becomes equal to or more than the predetermined value (YES in # 11), the process cartridge 61 is determined to have reached the end of life in # 12, and then the process returns. Otherwise (NO in # 11), the process returns.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the recycle process selection control process # 4 of FIG.

At step # 41, based on each counter value, a plurality of recycling steps in a state corresponding to the counter value are extracted. Here, it is assumed that four recycling processes S1, S2, S3, and S10 when the counter values of the photoconductors in Table 1 are A1 to B1 and the counter values of the developing units are A2 to B2.

Next, at # 42, the quality request level is determined. First, it is determined in # 43 whether or not "image quality priority". If "image quality priority" (YES in # 43), the recycle process data S1 is determined in # 44. If not "image quality priority" (NO in # 43), it is determined whether or not "cost priority" in # 45. If "cost priority" (YE at # 45)
S), Recycle process data S2 is determined in # 46.
If it is not “cost priority” (NO in # 45), # 47
It is determined whether or not “durability priority”. If the priority is "durability" (YES in # 47), the recycle process data S3 is determined in # 48. If it is not "Durability priority"(#
(NO at 47), Recycle process data S10 at # 49
To determine.

After determining any one of the recycle steps S1 to S10, the contents of the recycle step are written in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61 at # 50, and the process returns.

The timing of writing the recycle process data and other data may be written when the cover is opened or the power is turned off. The extraction and selection of the recycling process at this time may be determined and written based on the state at that time. In this way, optimal recycling can be performed even if the product is recycled before the end of its life.

Thus, the processing on the printer side is completed. [Step II: Recycling process at recycling plant]
The process cartridge 61 which has reached the end of its life is taken out of the printer and sent to a recycling factory.

At the recycling factory, the following processing is performed on the collected process cartridge 61.

First, the collected data stored in the memory 200 inside the process cartridge 61 is collected. The collection of the stored data is performed by connecting the internal memory 200 and the reproduction component management device by wire using the connector 60b for data transfer of the process cartridge 61.

First, when the irregular product information is recorded in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61, the following process (1) is performed. (1) Since the data content stored in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61 is not data that can be used for recycling, the operator actually performs printing and visually determines the image quality of the printed product, and replaces / cleans parts. I do. In this case, the recycle process is terminated without writing the recycle process data to the process cartridge 61.

On the other hand, if the information on the irregular product is not recorded in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61,
The following process (2) or (3) is performed. (2) First Recycling Process This process is performed when a recycling process is selected on the printer side. The above process cartridge 6
In accordance with one of the recycling process data of S1 to S10 written in the first memory 200, the replacement / cleaning work of the photosensitive drum, the developing tank, and other parts is displayed and confirmed on the screen of the part reproduction management device. I do.

Then, a recycle process according to the recycle process data is executed. In other words, if the process cartridge 61 is disassembled to some extent, the replacement of the photosensitive drum 10, the cleaning of the developing tank, the replacement of the developing sleeve, and the replenishment of the toner are written, the replacement, the cleaning, and the replenishment of the toner according to the filling amount. The recycle process actually performed is written in the memory 200, and the process is completed. The written recycle process should basically match the content of the recycle process of S1 to S10 shown in Table 1. If they do not match, as described later, printing is prohibited when the process cartridge 61 is remounted in the printer. (3) Second Recycling Step Processing This processing is performed when the recycling process is not extracted and selected on the printer side, and the recycling factory is extracted and selected. First, a plurality of recycling steps are extracted based on consumables data written in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61.

For example, the same extraction as shown in Table 1 may be performed. The remaining life of the component is determined by using the data of the traveling distance of the photosensitive drum 10, and a recycling process of cleaning / replacement of the component is extracted, and a recycling process of toner replenishment is extracted from the data of the toner consumption degree. . These extracted recycling steps are selected based on the user's quality requirement level data written in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61. If the quality requirement level data of the user is
If the data is not written in the first memory 200, the user's quality request level data may be obtained from the user's order slip or the remanufactured parts management device.

Then, according to the selected recycling process, the photosensitive drum 200 is replaced, the developing tank is cleaned, the developing sleeve is replaced, and toner is replenished. I do.

When the processes (2) and (3) are completed, the completion is also input to the reproduction component management device.

Finally, a work for providing a means for indicating that the product is new or the recycling is completed is performed, and the recycling process is completed. This means may be a method of attaching a fuse that is not blown when new,
Further, a method of writing a new item in the memory inside the process cartridge 61 may be used.

If it is determined from the use environment data and the quality requirement level data written in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61 that the process parameters need to be set (customized) according to each user, the use environment data The content of the recycle is partially changed or the value of the process parameter is changed in accordance with the process, and the result is written into the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61.

A specific example will be described with reference to Table 2.

[0092]

[Table 2]

For example, as shown in Table 2, when there is a request for high image quality from the use environment data written in the memory 200 (state EX1), a recycling process using the high image quality toner B for toner filling is performed. And Vb
It is written in the memory 200 that each process parameter such as / Vg, Vtr, AIDC, ATDC, γ curve, and fixing condition should be a parameter for the high quality toner B. When the average BW ratio is high (state EX
2) Since it is estimated that toner consumption is intense, the memory 200 should increase the toner filling amount in the recycling process and set the γ curve gently so as to obtain halftone image quality.
Write it in When the average BW ratio is low and there are many intermittent printings (state EX3), the toner C is filled with the toner C with little deterioration in the recycling process, and the parameters to be used for the toner C are written in the memory 200. When a large amount of high-resistance paper is used (state EX4), a normal recycling process is performed, Vtr is set in a high-resistance table, and a numerical value for high-resistance paper is used. When used in a low-temperature and low-humidity environment (state EX5), Vb / Vg, V
The fact that the tr, AIDC, and γ curves should be set to low humidity and low temperature is written in the memory 200. 5 recycling times
When the number of times has been exceeded but it is still usable and it is to be extended (state EX
6) Write in the memory 200 that Vb / Vg and AIDC should be extended. [Step III: Post-Recycling Process in Printer] The process cartridge 61 that has been recycled in the recycling factory according to the procedure described in Step II is reinstalled in the printer main body 200.

Printer main body control processor 1 of printer
00 sets the conditions for image formation based on the executed recycle process data written in the memory 200 of the remounted process cartridge 61, or based on the process parameters written in the memory 200. The specific procedure is as follows.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for reading data written in the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61 at the recycling factory.

First, in # 61, it is checked whether there is a data read request. The data read request is issued at the timing when a new process cartridge 61 is detected, when the cover 62 of the printer body 1 is opened or closed, or when the printer is turned on.

If there is a data reading request (YES in # 61), in S62, the memory 200 of the process cartridge 61 is accessed and various data stored therein are taken into an internal RAM (not shown).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for determining and determining image forming conditions of the printer based on the data taken into the internal RAM.

In # 71, it is determined whether the process cartridge 61 is new. If new (YE at # 71)
S) In # 72, control parameters corresponding to each component are set. If it is not a new product (NO in # 71), it is determined in # 72 whether the product is a regular recycled product. If it is a regular recycled product (YES in # 72), the process proceeds to # 75. If it is not a regular recycled product (NO in # 73), C1 is applied to the image forming condition C in # 74.

In # 75, it is checked whether or not the recycling process selected by the printer and the actually performed recycling process match, and if they do not match (N in # 75,
O) In # 76, the printing operation is prohibited. Note that this determination is not performed for a selected and selected recycling process at the recycling factory.

If they match (YES in # 75), #
At 77, it is determined whether or not the component A (for example, the photosensitive drum) has been replaced. If exchanged (Y at # 77
ES), after applying A1 as the image forming condition A in # 78, proceed to # 81. . If not replaced (# 77
In step # 79, it is checked whether the component B (for example, the developing tank) has been cleaned. If cleaning has not been completed (NO in # 79), the process proceeds to # 78. If the cleaning has been completed (YES in # 79), A2 is applied as the image forming condition A in # 80, and the process proceeds to # 81.

In step # 81, it is checked whether the consumable B (for example, toner) has been replenished. If replenished (# 8
In step # 82, B1 is applied as the image forming condition B. If not replenished (NO in # 81), #
At 83, B2 is applied as the image forming condition B.

The basic concept of the above-described processing is based on which condition (parameter) of the image forming control of the printer is affected by replacement / cleaning of each component in the process cartridge 61 and the like. And B are to be set. For example, when the image forming condition A is the charging voltage value of the photosensitive drum, the charging voltage value is data indicating whether the photosensitive drum 10 in the process cartridge 61 has been replaced, and the developing tank in the process cartridge 61 is cleaned. Or not.
Although the flow chart shown in FIG. 12 does not describe whether or not the developing sleeve is replaced, the flow chart shown in FIG. 12 is an example, and the image forming condition may be determined based on the same concept.

Table 3 shows an example of the image forming conditions thus determined.

[0105]

[Table 3]

In Table 3, when the recycling process selected and determined by the printer does not match the recycling process actually performed in the recycling factory, S1 to S9
Printing is prohibited in any of the recycling processes. It should be noted that printing is permitted in the recycling process in which the management in S10 is not performed. Further, in the recycling process of S1 to S10, the process parameters, the cleaning execution frequency, the image stabilization execution frequency, and the cartridge life threshold are determined in accordance with the presence / absence of replacement of each component, the presence / absence of cleaning, and the presence / absence of toner replenishment. Each image forming condition is set to an optimal one.

In the process parameters, the extension setting is a setting for performing printing so as not to cause mechanical damage even if the image quality is lowered to some extent, and the protection setting (S10) is to divide the image quality to prevent the occurrence of mechanical damage. This is the setting that is kept to a minimum.

In the cleaning execution frequency, the periphery of the photosensitive drum becomes dirty when the image quality is deteriorated.
Perform frequent cleaning. If any recycling cannot be managed (S10), the frequency of cleaning is increased to prevent mechanical damage.

In the image stabilization execution frequency, when the image is easily deteriorated, the life is shortened to prevent mechanical damage. If it is not possible to manage any recycling (S
In 10), the frequency of execution of image stabilization is increased to prevent mechanical damage.

In the cartridge life threshold, when the image is easily deteriorated, the life is shortened to prevent mechanical damage. If any recycling cannot be managed (S10), the life is shortened so that mechanical damage can be reliably prevented.

When the process cartridge 61 is new, the image forming conditions are determined as shown in Table 3 in accordance with the type of the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve mounted thereon and the amount of toner.

Thus, the image forming conditions of the printer are changed and set according to the contents of the executed recycling process.

When the recycle contents include the customized process parameters, the printer reads the process parameter data as shown in Table 2 directly written in the memory 200 of the re-installed process cartridge 61. , The parameter is set preferentially.

Note that even if the process parameters are not customized, the S
Image forming conditions such as those shown in Table 3 corresponding to the recycling steps 1 to S10 may be directly written, and the printer may read the image forming conditions and set them as they are when remounting. For example, it is assumed that a toner having good characteristics is newly developed and the toner is replenished in a recycling process. In this case, the printer must change to image forming conditions suitable for the toner. However, after recycling is completed, the image forming conditions are written in the memory of the process cartridge 61, and the printer reads the image forming conditions to obtain a new image. The formation conditions are easily set.

Further, the image forming conditions are not limited to those shown in Table 3, and the image forming conditions such as image density by laser intensity modulation, image quality by changing the γ table, toner save mode, etc. May be added. Instead of the cleaning execution frequency and the image stabilization execution frequency, it may be simply set as to whether or not to execute the cleaning and whether or not to perform the image stabilization. Further, the number of image forming conditions may be one instead of plural. Further, as image forming conditions,
The image forming mode may be set as an image forming condition in accordance with not only control conditions for image formation such as process parameters but also the content of recycling. For example,
When the toner having a small charge amount is replaced, the image quality mode may be set to a binary mode.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing image forming operation control of the printer.

At step # 91, it is determined whether or not an image formation request has been received by pressing a print button or the like. If not (NO in # 91), the process returns. If it occurs (YE at # 91)
S), Vb / Vg output control processing of # 92, toner supply control processing of # 93, cleaning operation control processing of # 94,
Each of a component life detection control process # 95, an image forming process control process # 96, and an image stabilization control process # 97 is executed.

The Vb / Vg output control processing of # 92 is shown in FIG.
This is a process of outputting the image forming conditions set in the second image forming condition determination control process via the printer main body control processor 100. The toner supply control process of # 93 is a process of supplying the toner consumed when image formation (printing) is performed to the developing roller.

In the cleaning operation control process of # 94, the toner is left on the photosensitive drum 10 or the transfer roller 15 due to the difference between the size at which the image is formed and the actual size of the paper. This is a control in which a cleaning process is performed at intervals between sheets or between printings or between printings so as not to transfer the image to the paper.
In this cleaning operation control process, it is also assumed that the cycle of the cleaning operation is determined from the recycle process data and the like read in the detection of the recycle data. For example, when a cartridge in which the developing sleeve is not replaced is used, toner spills or fogging are greater than those of a new cartridge. Therefore, the cleaning operation cycle of the new cartridge is changed every 100 sheets, and the cleaning operation cycle is changed every 30 sheets. And so on. This interval may be changed according to the recycling process data. For example, assuming that the cleaning operation cycle at the time of a new article is every 100 sheets, if the recycling process is not regular, the operation cycle is every 10 sheets.

In the component life detection control process of # 95, for example, the rotation time of the photosensitive drum and the number of prints of the developing roller are counted, and when the count value becomes XXX, the life is determined. If it is determined that the life has expired, the value of the counter and the environmental data at that time (average temperature,
(Average humidity) and the image forming conditions such as the developing bias and the charging voltage value are written in the memory of the process cartridge 61.

In the image forming process control process of # 96, the image forming process of electrophotography is controlled. Each process such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, and charge removal is controlled as needed. At this time, the image forming process is performed using the image forming conditions set in the image forming condition determining process.

The image stabilization control process of # 97 is a control for providing a stable image even when there is an environmental change such as an internal temperature such as during paper passing. As an example, a patch image is formed on a photosensitive drum. The process parameters are adjusted and various process parameters are adjusted by detecting the density. For example, when the process cartridge 61 in which the photosensitive drum 10 has not been replaced is used, an abnormal image may be created due to environmental changes even during printing. Therefore, it is usually necessary to perform image stabilization control before printing. For example, it may be performed between images. Further, even when the image stabilization control is performed during printing, the frequency may be increased.

In the above embodiment, a printer is used as an image forming apparatus. However, the present invention may be applied to a copying machine and other image forming apparatuses.

[0124]

According to the recycling method of the present invention, even if the quality and performance of the recycle unit change depending on the content of the executed recycle, the setting of the image forming conditions on the image forming apparatus can be changed accordingly. Thus, image formation can be performed under image forming conditions suitable for the recycled unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of image deterioration, failure of the recycle unit and the like, and increase in the degree of wear due to the change in quality and performance of the unit depending on the content of recycling.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the image forming conditions are set according to the recycle contents stored in the non-volatile memory of the recycle unit, the quality of the recycle unit is determined by the executed recycle contents. Even if the performance changes, the image forming conditions can be changed accordingly, and the image can be formed under the image forming conditions suitable for the recycled unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a laser printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an open / closed state of a front cover in the laser printer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating a structure of a process cartridge stored in the laser printer of FIG. 1;

4 is an external perspective view showing a state when the process cartridge of FIG. 3 is attached to and detached from a main body.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the laser printer of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing input / output data to a printer main body control processor.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flow of a process cartridge recycling process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation from a process cartridge life detection control to a forced consumption operation control.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of a process cartridge life detection control process in the flowchart of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a recycle process selection control process in the flowchart of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for reading data written in a memory of a process cartridge at a recycling factory.

FIG. 12 is based on data taken into an internal RAM.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining and determining image forming conditions of a printer.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating image forming operation control of the printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Printer main body (image forming apparatus) 10 Photoconductor drum 61 Process cartridge 100 Printer main body control processor 200 ..... Non-volatile memory

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Naohiro Yonezu 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hideki Hino Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 2-3-1-13 Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Shinichi Asai 2-3-1-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Hanamoto Osaka 2-13, Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. F term (reference) 2C087 AA09 BB16 BD53 CA03 DA02 2H027 DA02 DA04 DA11 DA14 DC01 DC02 DD07 EA01 EA03 EA05 EA06 HB05 HB11 HB13 HB15 HB19 HB17 2H071 BA04 BA13 BA17 BA19 BA20 BA22 BA33 BA36 DA06 DA08 DA09 DA13 DA15

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A recycle unit that can be mounted on an image forming apparatus executes one of a plurality of recycle contents, and writes the executed recycle contents into a nonvolatile memory provided in the recycle unit. A recycling method, wherein the recycling unit is mounted on an image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus sets an image forming condition in accordance with the content of the recycling written in the nonvolatile memory. 2. The recycling content includes the replenishment amount of the replenished specific consumables, the presence or absence of replenishment of the specific consumables, the presence or absence of replacement of a specific part, the type of replaced part if replaced, and the presence or absence of cleaning of the specific part. The recycling method according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the following. 3. The image forming condition to be set is at least one of a process parameter, the presence or absence or execution frequency of a photoreceptor cleaning operation, the presence or absence or execution frequency of image stabilization processing, and a life threshold value of a recycling unit. The recycling method according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The recycling method according to claim 1, wherein the recycling unit is a process cartridge. 5. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recycle unit executes said recycle contents and writes a process parameter of said image forming apparatus into said nonvolatile memory in accordance with use environment data of said image forming apparatus. 2. The recycling method according to claim 1, wherein a process parameter written in the memory is adopted as an image forming condition to be formed. 6. The use environment data of the image forming apparatus includes:
The recycling method according to claim 5, wherein the recycling method is at least one of the number of times of recycling, environmental temperature, humidity, printing mode, black and white ratio, and type of paper used. 7. The process parameters include a surface potential of a photoconductor, a charging voltage, a developing bias, a transfer voltage, a toner supply value, a sensor correction value for automatic image density control, a threshold value for automatic image density control, and gamma data correction. The recycling method according to claim 5, wherein the parameter is a parameter relating to at least one of the values. 8. A recycle unit recycled with predetermined contents, a nonvolatile memory provided in the recycle unit and storing the recycle contents executed for the recycle unit, and a non-volatile memory stored in the non-volatile memory. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming condition setting unit that sets an image forming condition according to the content of the recycling. 9. The contents of the recycling include the replenishment amount of the replenished specific consumables, the presence or absence of replenishment of the specific consumables, the presence or absence of replacement of the specific parts, the type of replaced parts if replaced, and the presence or absence of cleaning of the specific parts. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, comprising at least one of the following. 10. The image forming condition to be set is at least one of a process parameter, the presence / absence or execution frequency of a photoreceptor cleaning operation, the presence / absence or execution frequency of an image stabilization process, and a life threshold value of a recycle unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said recycling unit is a process cartridge.