JP2003122103A - Image forming device and developer container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device and a developer container capable of providing exact information on the consumption of developer to a user and also backing up specified information. SOLUTION: A memory 46 as a storage part is provided in a toner box 45 attached to the image forming device 1, and information such as the version of the toner box 45 or the kind of toner is stored in the ROM area of the memory 46, read out in specified timing and also collated with the contents of the memory 47a of the device 1 so as to judge the propriety of the combination of the toner box 45 with the device 1. And, the exact toner consumption and the exact number of printable sheets for every printing considering the combination of the toner box 45 with the device 1 are calculated and provided to the user.

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 developer container capable of providing a user with accurate information regarding a consumption state of a developer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a means for notifying a user of information regarding the consumption of a developer of an image forming apparatus, an indication of the percentage of the total amount of the developer contained in a developer container, In many cases, a display such as that the remaining amount of the developer has become less than a predetermined amount is displayed. By referring to these displays, the user can know the approximate time when the developer should be replenished. There were many.

However, the user who uses the image forming apparatus prints, for example, "the remaining amount of the developer has become 10% or less of the total" or the like, and how many sheets are actually printed with the remaining developer. Since it is not easy to recognize whether or not it is possible, it was not possible to accurately grasp the developer replenishment timing. Since the replenishment time is erroneously grasped, the remaining amount of the developer may run out at an unexpected time, and the work may be interrupted / stopped, resulting in reduced work efficiency.

In view of this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-198146 discloses an image formation in which a storage element is mounted in a developer container, and information about consumption of the developer such as the remaining printable number is stored in the storage element. A device is disclosed.

According to this image forming apparatus, it is possible to provide the user or the like with detailed information relating to the amount of developer consumed by using various information stored in the storage element mounted in the developer container. It is said to be.

[0006]

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus including the configuration described in the above publication, the storage element mounted in the developer container is such that the model name of the image forming apparatus main body and the destination are stored. Since the data is not stored, information on whether the image forming apparatus is for general use or for dealers, and information on the area in which the image forming apparatus is used, etc. No consideration has been given to the factors unique to each image forming apparatus that influence the state.

That is, the remaining printable sheet number is not calculated in consideration of the usage state of the image forming apparatus.
That is, since the amount of developer used per printing sheet differs depending on the usage status of the device such as the model name of the main body of the image forming apparatus and the destination, and the amount of toner at the time of shipping differs, the same development is performed. There is a difference in the remaining printable number even with the amount of the agent.

For this reason, in the conventional image forming apparatus which does not consider the usage status peculiar to each apparatus, the remaining printable sheet number cannot be calculated accurately, and the user cannot accurately grasp the developer supply timing. is there.

Further, since the information on the usage status stored in the image forming apparatus is not backed up, when the information on the usage status is damaged due to an abnormality in the image forming apparatus, the usage status is concerned. The information could not be restored.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a developer container capable of providing a user with accurate information regarding the consumption of the developer and backing up predetermined information.

[0011]

The present invention has the following configuration.

(1) An image forming apparatus having a display means for displaying consumption information regarding the remaining amount of the developer, including the amount of the developer consumed for each printing which is uniquely determined by each device. It is characterized in that the printable number is calculated as the consumption information based on the unique information indicating the usage state information of the developer and the update information indicating the remaining amount of the developer which is updated for each printing. .

In this configuration, when displaying the consumption information of the developer including the remaining amount of the developer to the user, the model information including the model and version of the image forming apparatus and the print density during normal use are displayed. And information indicating the usage status of the image forming apparatus, such as the font of characters and the ratio of photo printing to character printing,
In consideration of the above, the printable number is calculated from the value of the update information indicating the remaining amount of the developer, and the calculated printable number is displayed to the user. The error between the calculated value of the number of sheets that can be printed and the actual number of sheets that can be printed is very small, which prevents the user from making a mistake in the developer replenishment timing, and prevents the work efficiency from deteriorating due to this mistaken replenishment timing. It

(2) The unique information and the update information are
It is characterized in that the data is written in a storage unit provided in a developer container that is detachably attached.

In this configuration, since the unique information and the update information held by the image forming apparatus are also written in the storage section of the developer container mounted in the image forming apparatus, the correct printable number of sheets is obtained. Since the information necessary for calculating is backed up, it is possible to prevent the loss of valuable information even when an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus. Even when the developer container is detached from the image forming apparatus and is attached again, the image forming apparatus calculates the correct printable number by referring to the information held in the storage unit, Provided to users.

(3) The unique information includes model information for specifying the model of the developer container to be mounted,
It is characterized in that the suitability of the mounted developer container is judged using the model information.

In this structure, the image forming apparatus has in advance information about the developer container to be mounted by itself, and the developer container itself is used when mounting the developer container by using this information. It is determined whether or not the combination of the image forming apparatus and the developer accommodating container is determined, and thus the combination of the image forming apparatus and the developer accommodating container is physically identified by, for example, forming a special shape at the joint between the image forming apparatus and the developer accommodating container. This eliminates the need for it and prevents deterioration of an image due to mounting an incompatible developer container.

(4) The developer accommodating container detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, the model information for identifying the model of the developer accommodating section in each different region, and the image forming apparatus to be attached is uniquely determined. A storage unit that stores unique information indicating the usage state of the developer including the amount of the developer consumed for each print, and update information indicating the remaining amount of the developer that is updated for each print. And transmitting / receiving means for transmitting the model information to the image forming apparatus and transmitting / receiving the unique information and the update information to / from the image forming apparatus.

In this structure, the storage unit provided in the developer container transmits the model information of the developer container to the image forming apparatus when it is mounted in the image forming apparatus. It will provide the information needed to determine the suitability of the drug container.

The storage unit stores the unique information and the update information, and transmits and receives the unique information and the update information to and from the image forming apparatus. It is used as a backup memory, and when the mounted image forming apparatus changes, by sending the update information to the changed image forming apparatus,
Information necessary for the image forming apparatus to calculate the number of printable sheets is provided.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a document table 2 on which a document or the like is placed, a scanner optical system 3 for reading image data of a document on the document table 2, and a predetermined printing on a sheet based on the image data from the scanner optical system 3. The image forming unit 4 is provided.

The scanner optical system 3 includes a light source 11, reflecting mirrors 12a, 12b, and 12c, an image forming lens 15, and a photoelectric conversion element (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 16. The light source 11 irradiates the document with predetermined light. Reflector 1
Reference numerals 2a, 12b, and 12c denote CCD 16 while keeping the optical path length of the reflected light from the original document constant, as described later.
Lead to. The imaging lens 15 CCs the reflected light from the document.
Form an image on D16. The CCD 16 converts the reflected light from the imaged original into a predetermined electric signal.

In this structure, the first mirror base 13 having the light source 11 and the reflecting mirror 12a mounted thereon scans the document table 2 from one end to the other at a predetermined speed V to read the image data of the document. At this time, this first mirror base 1
In response to 3, the second mirror base 14 equipped with the reflecting mirrors 12b and 12c scans from one end of the document table 2 to the center at a speed of V / 2 to keep the optical path length of the reflected light of the document constant. .

The image forming section 4 includes a photoconductor 22 and a main charger 2.
6, a laser scanner unit 21, a developing device 24, a transfer charger 25, a paper feed cassette 27, a pickup roller 28, a registration roller 29, a fixing device 30, and a paper discharge roller 31.

The paper feed cassette 27 contains the paper on which an image is to be formed. The pickup roller 28 takes out the sheets from the sheet cassette 27 one by one. Registration roller 2
Reference numeral 9 conveys the paper 5 taken out from the paper feed cassette 27 to an image forming position A located between the transfer charger 25 and the photoconductor 22 at a predetermined timing, and forms a toner image on the photoconductor 22 and the paper 5. Align.

The main charger 26 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor 22 to a predetermined potential. Laser scanner unit 21
Exposes the surface of the photoconductor 22 based on the image data of the document provided from the scanner optical system 3 to form a predetermined electrostatic latent image. The developing device 24 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor 22 by exposure to form a toner image as a visible image. The transfer charger 25 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor 22 to a sheet.

The fixing device 30 heat-fixes the toner image transferred onto the sheet 5. The paper discharge roller 31 receives the paper 5 on which the fixed image is formed from a paper discharge tray 32 outside the image forming apparatus 1.
To discharge.

The developing device 24 comprises a developing roller 41, stirring rollers 42 and 43, a layer thickness regulating member 44 for regulating the toner layer thickness, a toner box 45, and an IC chip 6. Further, the developing device 24 has a unit structure, and can be pulled out to the front side in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the figure, and a new developing device 24a can be used as necessary.
Can be exchanged for.

Further, in the developing device 24, the toner box 45 can be replaced in the pulled-out state, and the toner is supplied by replacing the toner box 45. The toner box 45 is a developer container which is a characteristic part of the present invention, and the IC chip 6 constitutes a storage part of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection state between the toner box 45 and the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in the figure,
When the developing device 24 to which the toner box 45 is attached is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the substrate 48a on which the IC chip 6 is mounted and the main C arranged inside the image forming apparatus 1 are mounted.
The board 48b on which the PU 47 is mounted is configured to be electrically and mechanically connected to each other via the connector 50.

As a result, the IC chip 6 is supplied with power from the substrate 48b on the apparatus main body side via the power supply line 51, and is grounded via the GND line 52 to be in an operable state. Further, the clock of the image forming apparatus 1 is supplied to the IC chip 6 from the main CPU 47 via the clock line 53. Further, it becomes possible to transmit and receive predetermined information described later between the IC chip 6 and the main CPU 47 via the data line 54.

As described above, when the toner box 45 is housed in the image forming apparatus 1 together with the developing device 24, the IC chip 6 receives an image through the connector 50 provided at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus 1. Although transmission / reception with the forming apparatus 1 is possible, the connector 50 and lines such as the data line 54 constitute the transmitting / receiving means of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the memory 46 of the IC chip 6 and the memory 47a accessed by the main CPU 47 of the image forming apparatus 1.

The IC chip 6 is provided with a memory 46, and each address of the memory 46 and each address of the memory 47a correspond to each other, and information on the toner box 45 and information on toner consumption are stored.

For example, in this embodiment, the memory 4
6 and the memory 47a at the address 0001, information about the amount of toner consumed for one printing is stored. Information about the toner storage amount of the toner box 45 is stored in the address 0002.

Information about the amount of toner supplied from the toner box 45 to the developing device 24 is stored at address 0003, and information about the remaining amount of toner in the toner box is stored at address 0004. It

Further, at the address 0005, information about the initial value of the printable number indicating the number of printable sheets when the toner is fully stored in the toner box 45 is stored. The address 0006 stores information about the current printable number of sheets, and the address 0007 stores information about whether the toner box 45 is in the initial use after being filled with toner. ing.

At other addresses, the developing device 2
4, the amount of toner used in the developing process, the amount of toner used in the developing process, the number of prints, the number of times the toner box has been recycled, the model name of the toner box 45, the model name of the image forming apparatus 1, and a model indicating the suitability of these combinations, etc. Information, a toner lot number, and the like are stored. In addition to this, information such as the destination of the image forming apparatus, the total number of prints, the number of rotations of the toner motor and the developing roller 41, and the like are stored.

Of these information, the toner box 45
Since the model information and the toner lot number stored in the memory 46 are stored in the ROM area, the information stored in the ROM area in the production process of the toner box 45 is not rewritten thereafter. , The R
Each time the image forming apparatus 1 is mounted from the OM area, the RO
The model information and toner lot number information stored in the M area will be provided.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the control unit of the image forming apparatus 1.

As shown in the figure, the main control unit of the image forming apparatus 1 is used by the main CPU 47, an image processing unit 55 which receives an instruction from the main CPU 47 and performs image processing on document image data, and the main CPU 47. Mutual information can be transferred between the RAM 56 for temporarily storing data and the host computer 59.
An interface section 58a for receiving a program such as a driver of the image forming apparatus 1 and image data from 9 and a program ROM 57 for storing a program to be provided to the main CPU 47 from the interface section 58a.

Further, the IC chip 6 and the main CPU 47 of the image forming apparatus 1 have at least interface sections 58b and 58c capable of transferring mutual information. In addition,
The interface unit 58a and the interface unit 58b may be configured as one interface unit without separately providing each.

That is, utilizing the fact that the communication between the host computer 59 and the image forming apparatus 1 and the communication between the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner box 45 are not always performed in parallel, The respective processings performed separately by the two interfaces of the interface unit 58a and the interface unit 58b are sequentially processed in one interface unit. This can reduce the number of interface units that can be provided,
The cost of the image forming apparatus 1 can be reduced.

The IC chip 6, as shown in FIG.
It has an M area 46b and a RAM area 46a. As described above, the ROM area 46b stores information that specifies the model name and version of the toner box 45 in the production process of the toner box 45, and the lot number information of the toner to be stored.

The information stored in the ROM area 46b may include more detailed information about the toner box 45 such as the date of production. In this case,
It is possible to detect whether the toner box 45 has deteriorated to such an extent that it affects the image forming state.

Information stored in the RAM 56 of the image forming apparatus 1 is written in the RAM area 46a. Therefore, it is possible to back up the information that the image forming apparatus 1 has in order to accurately calculate the number of printable sheets, and at the same time, the toner box 45 stores the information in the image forming apparatus 1.
Even when the image forming apparatus 1 is attached to any other image forming apparatus, since the toner box 45 itself holds the latest update information regarding the remaining amount of toner in the image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 1 newly attached does not have accurate information. The number of printable sheets can be calculated.

That is, since the image forming apparatus 1 transmits information to be updated to the IC chip 6 of the toner box 45 every time printing is performed, the IC chip 6 is transmitted.
It can be inferred that there is almost no difference between the information held by and the actual remaining amount of toner.

Of the information regarding the toner consumption state, for example, the initial value such as the amount of toner to be first stored in the toner box 45 is stored in the image forming apparatus 1 in advance when a new toner box 45 is mounted. It can be obtained by downloading the information in the toner box 45, but since the toner box 45 itself also has the ROM area 46b holding this information, a more accurate printing can be performed by comparing the information of both. The initial value of the number of sheets can be set.

Among the information on the toner consumption state, the unique information of the present invention is information such as the model name and destination of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the toner box 45 is mounted, print density, font, toner type, etc. The information is unique information regarding the usage status of each image forming apparatus determined based on, and specifically, for example, information such as the toner consumption amount for each printing.

The image forming apparatus 1 can supply the number of printable sheets (how much can be printed) or the toner box 45 to the image forming apparatus 1 based on the toner consumption amount for each printing. It is possible to obtain accurate information such as the amount of possible toner.

Further, depending on the image forming apparatus 1, even in the same series, there are differences in maintenance and service operation modes, and there are differences in versions and the like. However, the image quality may deteriorate depending on the type of toner that can be used. Further, in some cases, the combination of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner box 45 may be restricted, and when not used in a proper combination of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner box 45, the remarkably The image forming state may be deteriorated or may not operate.

Therefore, among the information regarding the toner consumption state, as the usage information, the information regarding the proper combination of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner box 45 is held in each of the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner box 45, and the information is stored. By collating and confirming the information in (1), it is possible to determine the suitability of the combination without providing a feature in the shape of the joint between the image forming apparatus 1 and the toner box 45. Further, in the case of an improper combination, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency by notifying the user of an error message to that effect.

Further, since the specification state, characteristics, compatibility with the toner box, and the like of the image forming apparatus 1 are also taken into consideration when calculating the printable sheet number, the user can be provided with a more accurate toner supply timing. Can be provided for. The image forming apparatus 1 provided in the toner box 45 from the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the RAM area 46 a
Whenever the power is turned on, the contents of the memory 47a of the image forming apparatus 1 are compared with each other and it is determined whether there is a difference in the information held by each other. Therefore, even when the re-installed toner box 45 becomes different, it is immediately detected that the toner to be installed is not installed.

Here, after the toner box 45 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the toner runs out and the toner box 4 is discharged.
To describe a series of operations until 5 becomes empty, first, the toner box 45 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1.

When the mounting of the toner box 45 is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 confirms that the toner box 45 is compatible with the image forming apparatus 1, and then the image forming apparatus 1 receives information from the information in the ROM area of the toner box and its own. Information that is consumed for one printing is calculated in consideration of the usage state, and the calculated information is also written in the RAM area 46a of the IC chip 6 provided in the toner box 45.

Thereafter, the information stored in the memory 47a of the image forming apparatus 1 is updated each time printing is completed, and the updated information is stored in the memory 46 of the toner box 45 each time. Will also be overwritten.

At this time, when the number of printable sheets becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the liquid crystal panel or the like provides the user with an indication that maintenance including replenishment of toner and replacement of the toner box 45 is necessary. Become. In addition, the user responds by calling this to a service person.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a part of the operation of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 1 to the toner box 4 are shown.
5 shows a procedure of providing necessary information to the IC chip 6 of 5. First, when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on, the main CPU 47 first determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 1 has a program such as a driver necessary for its own operation, that is, a program required in the program ROM 57. Is determined (s1). At this time, for example, a driver of the image forming apparatus 1 or the like is required in the program ROM 57 of the image forming apparatus 1 by using communication means such as serial communication from the host computer 59 or the like which supplies the image data or the like to the image forming apparatus 1. If such a program has already been downloaded, it is determined whether the attached toner box 45 is appropriate (s2).

When the main CPU 47 determines that the toner box 45 is unsuitable in this determination (s2), the main CPU 47 displays a message to that effect to the user (s3), and the appropriate toner box 45 is mounted. The display is continuously performed until (s3 → s1). On the other hand, when it is determined that the toner box 45 is appropriate, is it necessary to provide the information on the toner consumption from the image forming apparatus 1 to the RAM area 46a of the toner box 45 attached to the image forming apparatus 1? It is determined whether or not (s4).

Here, when the information such as the toner consumption amount per print and the version of the image forming apparatus 1 is already downloaded in the RAM area 46a, the heater in the image forming apparatus 1 is warmed up, or the drum is heated. Or rotate
The main body mechanical operation of the image forming apparatus 1 such as removing dirt is performed (s9).

Then, the completion of the main body mechanical operation is waited for (s10), and when the main body mechanical operation is completed, the main CPU 47 displays that the preparation is completed and the image data to be printed from the host computer 59 or the like. Wait for input.

On the other hand, in the processing of s1, the program necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 is still the program ROM.
If it is not stored in 57, the necessary program is downloaded from the host computer (s5).
Then, after the download is completed, the image forming apparatus 1 is restarted (s6).

If a new toner box 45 is mounted and the information regarding toner consumption has not been downloaded from the image forming apparatus 1 to the RAM area 46a, the RAM area 46a of the toner box 45 from the image forming apparatus 1 is loaded. Download the information required for (s
7), the image forming apparatus 1 is restarted (s8).

The above is the procedure for providing necessary information from the image forming apparatus 1 to the IC chip 6 of the toner box 45. This procedure is performed every time the image forming apparatus 1 is activated.
Therefore, for example, even when the version of the driver of the image forming apparatus 1 is upgraded, the necessary program for the version upgrading is downloaded from the Internet or the like to the image forming apparatus 1 via the host computer (s1, s5). ), Adjustments such as changes in information about toner consumption with this version upgrade (s
Since step 4 and step s7) can be performed immediately, it is possible to always calculate the correct printable number of sheets and the correct toner replenishment time based on the latest toner consumption information.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the method for calculating the printable number of sheets according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, when the use of the image forming apparatus 1 is started, a predetermined process such as calculation of the printable sheet number N is performed as a preparatory step for performing the print process (s11 to s14). First, the main CPU 47
Checks the model information of the toner box 45 attached to the image forming apparatus 1 and reads the "toner storage amount A ₂ " in the toner box 45 stored in the memory 6 of the toner box 45 (s11).

Here, in the image forming apparatus 1, in order to detect the "toner amount A ₅ in the developing device 24", the developing device 24 is referred to the state in which no toner is present in the developing device 24.
“Toner amount A ₃ from the toner box 45”, which represents the amount of toner supplied to the developing device 24, and “Toner amount A used in the developing process, which is the amount of toner discharged from the developing device 24.
₆ ”is managed. As a result, the image forming apparatus 1
“Toner Remaining Amount A ₄ in Toner Box 45” and “Developer 24
The “usable toner amount A ₇ ” can always be accurately calculated by the sum of the above-mentioned toner amount A ₅ ”, and thus the“ printable sheet number N ”described later can be calculated accurately. That is, the “usable toner amount A ₇ ” and the “printable sheet number N” can be accurately calculated even in the image forming apparatus 1 that does not include a sensor for detecting the amount of toner in the developing device 24. .

Next, the main CPU 47 determines, based on the information regarding the usage status such as the print density of the image forming apparatus 1 and the setting contents of the font, "the toner amount A consumed for each printing A.
₁ ”is calculated (s12). Then, the "printable sheet number N", that is, the number of sheets that can be printed by the image forming apparatus 1 in the current state of the toner box 45 and the developing device 24 is calculated (s13).

Next, the toner is supplied from the toner box 45 to the developing device 24. At this time, the main CPU 47 supplies the toner to the developing device 24, that is, the rotation number of the roller provided in the toner box 45. The "toner supply amount A ₃ from the toner box 45" is detected from the number of rotations of the roller, and the "toner box 4" is detected.
The "toner remaining amount A ₄ in the toner box 45" which is a value obtained by subtracting the "toner supply amount A ₃ from the toner box 45" from the toner accommodation amount A _{2 of} 5 is calculated (s14). The information including the "toner remaining amount A ₄ in the toner box 45" is stored in the RAM of the memory 46 of the toner box 45.
The toner box 4 is also stored in the area 46a.
No. 5 always holds its own toner remaining amount. Then, when the preparation for the print processing is completed, it waits until a print command is given from the user (s15). When there is a print command from the user, the printing process for the number of copies (n sheets) set for each original is performed on m originals (s16). When the printing process is started, toner is supplied in order to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 22. At this time, the "amount of toner used in the developing step A ₆ Is detected. As described above, by subtracting the “amount A _{6 of} toner used in the developing process” from the “amount A ₃ of toner supplied from the toner box 45”, the “amount A ₅ of toner in the developing device 24” is reduced. This is for calculation.

Since the image forming apparatus 1 thus holds the information about the "toner amount A _{5 in the} developing device 24", the "toner amount A ₅ in the developing device 24" and the "toner box 45" are stored. It is possible to calculate the “usable toner amount A ₇ ” by adding the remaining toner amount A ₄ ”. Therefore, if the toner box 45 stores the remaining amount of toner stored therein, that is, the "remaining amount of toner A ₄ in the toner box 45", even if the toner box 45 is a new one that is filled with toner, Even if it is not attached to the image forming apparatus 1, the "usable toner amount A
₇ ”can be calculated, and an accurate“ printable sheet number N ”can be provided to the user.

Here, when printing n sheets,
The "printable sheet number N" is subtracted by n (s17). Then, it is judged whether or not the printing work desired by the user is completed, that is, it is judged whether or not all m originals to be printed are printed (s18), and if the printing work is completed, Is the R of the memory 46 of the toner box 45
The "toner box 45" stored in the AM area 46a
Predetermined information such as "toner amount A ₃ " and "toner remaining amount A ₄ in the toner box 45" is updated (s22), and the process waits until the next print command is issued (s15).

When the main CPU 47 determines whether or not the printing work is finished (s18), if the work is not finished yet and the printing work is continued, the printable sheet number N is a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not the above (s1
9). If the number of printable sheets is less than the predetermined value in this determination (s19), the user is informed that the toner box 45 should be replaced or the like (s20).

At this time, the main CPU 47 waits until the toner box 45 is replaced by the user or the toner is replenished to a predetermined storage amount defined in each toner box 45 (s21). When the toner box is replaced, the printable sheet number N or the like is calculated again (s11 to s14).

On the other hand, as a result of the judgment as to whether or not the printable sheet number N is not less than the predetermined value (s19), if the printable sheet number is not less than the predetermined value, the printing operation is continued (s).
19 → s16).

As described above, in this embodiment, as the unique information, A ₁ : the toner amount consumed for one printing A ₂ : the toner storage amount of the toner box 45, and the update information A ₃ : the toner toner supply amount from box 45 a _4: toner remaining amount a in the toner box 45 _5: toner amount a of the developing device 24 _6: toner amount used in the development step a _7: usable toner amount N _0: printing Possible number of sheets (initial value) N: Number of printable sheets n: Information is managed by using each parameter expressed as the number of printed sheets. However, the parameters used for managing toner consumption information and the like are used in this embodiment. It is not limited to the parameter being performed. For example, in the case of an image forming apparatus capable of detecting the amount of toner in the developing device 24 with a sensor or the like, parameters such as “toner supply amount A ₃ from the toner box 45” and “toner amount A ₆ used in the developing process” are used. Is unnecessary.

If the number of times the toner box 45 is recycled exceeds a predetermined number as information shown to the user, it is possible to display that the toner box 45 has a problem in stability of operation or the like. In addition, the work efficiency can be further improved by providing the user with information about factors that cause interruption or suspension of the printing work, etc., as necessary.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) When displaying the consumption information of the developer including the remaining amount of the developer to the user, the model information including the model and version of the image forming apparatus, the print density and the character in the normal use, The number of printable sheets calculated from the value of the update information indicating the remaining amount of the developer in consideration of the information indicating the usage state of the image forming apparatus such as the font, the ratio between photo printing and character printing, and the like. As shown in the figure, the difference between the calculated printable number and the actual printable number can be minimized due to the difference in the setting of each image forming apparatus, and the user can prevent the developer replenishment timing from being mistaken. It is possible to prevent the work efficiency from being lowered due to the misrecognition of the supply time.

(2) Since the unique information and the update information held by the image forming apparatus are also written in the storage section of the developer container mounted in the image forming apparatus, the correct printable number is calculated. Since the information required to perform backup is backed up, even if an error occurs in the image forming device,
It is possible to prevent the loss of valuable information. Further, even when the developer container is detached from the image forming apparatus and is attached again, the image forming apparatus calculates the correct printable number by referring to the information held in the storage unit, It can be provided to the user.

(3) The image forming apparatus has in advance information on the developer container to be mounted by itself, and the developer container is adapted to itself when the developer container is mounted by using this information. Therefore, it is necessary to physically identify the combination of the image forming apparatus and the developer container, for example, by making the joint between the image forming apparatus and the developer container a special shape. Besides, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the image and the like due to mounting of an incompatible developer container.

(4) The storage unit provided in the developer accommodating container transmits the model information of the developer accommodating container to the image forming apparatus when it is mounted in the image forming apparatus. It can provide the information needed to determine the suitability of the vessel.

The storage section stores the unique information and the update information, and transmits and receives the unique information and the update information to and from the image forming apparatus. It can be used as a memory for backup, and when the attached image forming apparatus is changed, the update information is transmitted to the changed image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus can provide necessary information when calculating the number of printable sheets.

Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with accurate information regarding the consumption of the developer, and to provide the image forming apparatus and the developer container capable of backing up the predetermined information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection state between a toner box and an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a toner box and a memory of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-image forming apparatus 6-IC chip 24-Developer 45-toner box 46 (46a, 46b) -memory 47-Main CPU 48 (48a, 48b) -substrate 50-connector 58 (58a to 58c) -interface unit 59-Host computer

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kimiko Watanabe             22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka             Inside the company F-term (reference) 2H027 DA27 DD02 DD05 EJ08 GB03                 2H077 AA01 DA15 DB10 GA04

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising display means for displaying consumption information relating to the remaining amount of the developer, the development including an amount of the developer consumed for each printing which is uniquely determined by each device. An image characterized in that a printable sheet number is calculated as the consumption information based on unique information indicating information on the usage state of the developer and update information indicating the remaining amount of the developer that is updated each time printing is performed. Forming equipment. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unique information and the update information are written in a storage unit provided in a developer container that is detachably mounted. 3. The unique information includes model information for identifying a model of a developer container to be mounted, and the suitability of the mounted developer container is determined using the model information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 4. A developer accommodating container detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus, wherein model information for identifying a model of the developer container in each different area, and uniquely determined by the mounted image forming apparatus. A storage unit that stores unique information indicating information on the usage state of the developer including the amount of developer consumed for each printing, and update information indicating the remaining amount of the developer that is updated for each printing. A developer container, comprising: a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the model information to the image forming apparatus, and transmits and receives the unique information and the update information to and from the image forming apparatus.