JP2005250374A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus in which a user can easily grasp a service life of a cartridge and use history of the cartridge. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus uses a mounted cartridge having an information storage tag. The image forming apparatus is provided with an unused state judgement means judging whether the cartridge is unused or not, a starting state writing means writing use starting conditions including a use start date and time of the cartridge into the information storage tag of the cartridge when the cartridge is judged to be unused by the unused state judgement means, a tag information reading means reading the information written to the information storing tag and a service life detecting means detecting the service life of the cartridge. When the end of the service life for the cartridge is detected by the service life detection means, an announcement is made for the end of the service life for the cartridge and the use history for the cartridge containing the use start date and time read by the tag information reading means is also announced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that allows a user to easily grasp a cartridge life and a cartridge use history.

  Some image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a laser printer using an electrophotographic process include a toner container configured as a toner cartridge in order to facilitate maintenance. In such an image forming apparatus, when all the toner is discharged from the toner cartridge, the user replenishes the toner by replacing the toner cartridge with a new one. At this time, the used toner cartridge removed from the image forming apparatus is often returned from the user to the manufacturer, and undergoes a recycling process such as inspection, cleaning, replacement of consumable parts, and refilling of the toner by the manufacturer. To be shipped again. Further, when the image forming apparatus as described above can form a color image, the cartridge mounting portions provided in different parts of the apparatus main body correspond to different types (for example, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow). Four types of toner cartridges are mounted, and toners of different colors are supplied from these toner cartridges to the apparatus main body side.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus as described above, as a process component related to the image forming process, a developer for attaching toner to an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter simply referred to as “photosensitive member”), a toner image from the photosensitive member. A cleaning device that collects residual toner after transfer is completed, a charger that charges the image bearing surface of the photoconductor to a predetermined potential, etc. are provided, and at least one of these process components is supported together with the photoconductor. Some are equipped with a process cartridge. The process cartridge is replaced with a new one when the useful life of any of the components has elapsed. In many cases, the process cartridge removed from the image forming apparatus is returned from the user to the manufacturer, and the user who uses the image forming apparatus through a recycling process such as inspection, cleaning, and replacement of parts whose lifetime has passed by the manufacturer. To be shipped again.

  In recent years, in the image forming apparatus, a tag (wireless tag) having a radio wave communication function and an information storage function is mounted on cartridge parts such as a toner cartridge and a process cartridge, respectively, and a wireless communication apparatus is disposed on the apparatus main body side. Input / output of information between a wireless tag and the wireless communication apparatus has been widely performed.

  In such an image forming apparatus, when a cartridge part is mounted on the apparatus main body, radio wave communication is performed between the wireless communication apparatus and the wireless tag, and the main body control unit reads information stored in the wireless tag, Alternatively, information is written in the wireless tag. As a result, for example, when the main body control unit reads information corresponding to the type of cartridge part from the wireless tag, a type different from the cartridge part to be originally mounted on the predetermined mounting part in the apparatus main body is erroneously mounted. Even in such a case, it is possible to determine the erroneous mounting of the cartridge parts and perform necessary control such as error processing. In addition, if the main body control unit writes the cartridge component usage history based on the number of times of image formation, etc., to the wireless tag, the manufacturer or the like reads information on the usage history from the wireless tag of the cartridge component returned from the user. Thus, inspection work and parts replacement work in the recycling process for cartridge parts can be performed efficiently and accurately.

  However, conventionally, in the wireless tag, since the information is updated to the latest one, the information regarding the initial state of the cartridge that is initially stored in the wireless tag is not saved.

  Therefore, when the cartridge is replaced, the user records the replacement date and the counter value in the image forming apparatus to manage the cartridge, and compares the counter value with the value at the time of replacement to determine whether the cartridge has reached the end of its life. I was judging.

  Therefore, if the user forgets to record the replacement date and time or the numerical value of the counter, or loses the document on which these are recorded, the cartridge replacement interval cannot be grasped, which hinders management.

  In addition, since it takes extra time to manage the cartridge, the burden on the user is great.

  In addition, it is not easy to know when the lifetime of the cartridge will be exhausted without knowing the cartridge replacement date and time and the counter value at the time of replacement.

As an image forming apparatus that solves such problems,
(1) A manufacturing means and a warranty period are stored in advance in a storage means provided in an image forming element that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body, and the manufacturing date, the warranty period, and the image forming apparatus body An image forming apparatus that calculates and displays the remaining number of days of use from the calendar information from the calendar function (Patent Document 1),
(2) A memory is provided in the print cartridge, and values corresponding to the cartridge life, such as the number of prints, the number of rotations of the image carrier, the number of prints and the number of pixels of image information, are stored in the memory in advance. A cartridge life detection method for judging the cartridge life based on the value (Patent Document 2),
(3) In a print control apparatus that executes printing on a recording medium, means for maintaining the state of use of consumables, means for counting the amount of consumables used, and means for predicting the replacement period of consumables And a printing control device having a means for displaying the replacement time of the consumables (Patent Document 3)
Was proposed.
JP-A-5-323716 JP-A-7-281564 JP 2003-11472 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the remaining number of days of use is calculated without grasping the state of the image forming element after use, as in the case of printing a large number of pages at a time. In the case where the image forming elements are used in a concentrated manner in a short time, there is a problem that the life is exhausted earlier than the calculated value of the remaining days.

  Further, in the cartridge life detection method described in Patent Document 2, only the timing when the life of the cartridge is exhausted can be detected.

  Furthermore, in the printing control apparatus described in Patent Document 3, it is possible to predict the replacement time of consumables, but it is impossible to know the actual usage.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and allows the user to easily grasp the cartridge life and the cartridge usage history without having to record the replacement date and time, the counter value, etc. each time the cartridge is replaced. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of managing cartridges.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an image forming apparatus that is used by mounting a cartridge having an information storage tag, wherein the unused determination means determines whether or not the cartridge is unused, and the unused determination means. When it is determined that the cartridge is not used, the start state writing means for writing the use start condition including the use start date and time of the cartridge in the information storage tag of the cartridge, and the information written in the information storage tag A tag information reading means for reading the cartridge, and a life detecting means for detecting the life of the cartridge. When the life detecting means detects that the cartridge has run out, the cartridge information is sent out and the tag information is notified. Cartridge usage history including the use start date and time read by the reading means An image forming apparatus which is characterized in that knowledge.

  In the image forming apparatus, when a cartridge is mounted, the life of the cartridge is automatically determined. When the cartridge has reached the end of its life, the cartridge life is notified and the cartridge usage history information is automatically displayed. Created and announced.

  Therefore, the user can know information such as the start date and time of replacement of the cartridge, the replacement date and time, and the replacement date and time when the cartridge was replaced last time, so that the life of the cartridge can be easily grasped. Therefore, the cartridge can be easily managed. Further, it is possible to save the user from having to take a record at the start of use of the cartridge.

  Since the cartridge replacement time can be predicted in advance as described above, the cartridge can be prepared in advance, and the use stop period can be minimized even when the apparatus is stopped due to the life of the cartridge.

  Here, as the cartridge, in addition to a toner cartridge mounted on an electrophotographic copying machine or printer, a process cartridge (CRU) mainly composed of a photosensitive drum of the copying machine or printer, the surface of the photosensitive drum Examples thereof include an intermediate transfer medium to which a toner image is transferred and a waste toner storage cartridge that removes and stores toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum itself.

  The use start conditions that can be stored in the information storage tag include the number of prints in the image forming apparatus and the serial number of the image forming apparatus, as described later, in addition to the use start date described above. Information that indicates the amount of cartridge used and the period of use at the time of replacement is also included. Therefore, the used M / C number, the monochrome ratio, and the like are also included in the use start condition.

  The life detecting means can detect the life of the cartridge based on the number of prints and the pixel density in the image forming apparatus. Further, when the cartridge is a cartridge having a member that is rotated by a motor such as a screw feeder that supplies toner or a photosensitive drum, such as a toner cartridge or a process cartridge, the cartridge is based on the number of rotations of the motor that rotates the member. The life may be detected. When detecting the life of the cartridge based on the number of prints, the pixel density, the number of rotations of the motor, etc., the life detection means can be provided on the image forming apparatus side.

  If the cartridge is a toner cartridge, the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge may be directly measured, and the cartridge life may be detected based on the result. In the case where the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge is directly measured to detect the cartridge life, the life detection means can be provided on the cartridge side.

  As the cartridge use history, in addition to the use start date and time of the cartridge, the use period that is the period from the start of use of the cartridge to the end of its life, the number of prints, and the like can be displayed. In addition, it is possible to display an average print image density indicating that there are many high-density images with high toner consumption such as photographs or low-density images with low toner consumption such as documents. Further, if the cartridge is a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum, the printing ratio of black and white and color can be displayed.

  Examples of the information storage tag include the wireless tag described in [Background Art], but a wired tag for exchanging information with the image forming apparatus by wire can also be used. The wired tag is preferably configured to be electrically connected to the start state writing unit and the tag information reading unit when a cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus.

  Examples of means for notifying the end of cartridge life or notifying the cartridge usage history include various displays and sound alarm devices in addition to printing means described later.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that is used by mounting a cartridge having an information storage tag, wherein the unused determination means determines whether or not the cartridge is unused, and the unused determination means. When it is determined that the cartridge is not used, the start state writing means for writing the use start condition including the use start date and time of the cartridge in the information storage tag of the cartridge, and the information written in the information storage tag The tag information reading means for reading the information, the usage status detection writing means for detecting the usage status of the cartridge and writing it in the information storage tag, and the latest usage status read from the information storage tag by the tag information reading means. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the cartridge is in a timing for issuing a cartridge replacement reminder. Notification timing determination means, and when the replacement reminder notification timing judgment means determines that the cartridge is in a timing for making a cartridge replacement reminder notice, it performs a cartridge replacement reminder notice and reads it by the tag information reading means. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that notifies a cartridge use history including a use start date and time issued.

  According to the image forming apparatus, since the cartridge replacement prompt notification is given when the life of the cartridge becomes short, the user can know the cartridge replacement time before the cartridge expires. Therefore, since new cartridges can be arranged with a margin, it is possible to more effectively prevent the use stop period of the image forming apparatus from occurring.

  Further, since the use state of the cartridge is actually detected by the use state detection writing means and the replacement prompt notification timing is determined based on the detected use state, the cartridge is used regardless of whether the cartridge consumption rate is fast or slow. Is correctly determined whether it is time to issue a cartridge replacement prompt. Therefore, the cartridge replacement prompt notification is made at the correct timing.

  When the lifetime of the cartridge is exhausted, the cartridge end-of-life notification is made and the cartridge usage history information is automatically created and notified.

  Further, since the usage status detection writing means detects the usage status of the cartridge in real time and writes it in the information storage tag, the cartridge is removed from one image forming apparatus during use and attached to another image forming apparatus. Even if the use is continued, all the use statuses up to that point are stored in the information storage tag. Accordingly, cartridge usage history information can be created and displayed for cartridges used in a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The usage status may be written sequentially, or may be written when a series of jobs are completed or whenever a print image is formed on a predetermined number, for example, 100 recording sheets.

  In the image forming apparatus, for example, initial information is stored in advance on the information storage tag attached to the cartridge with a warning display start condition for performing a cartridge replacement prompt notification, for example, a predetermined number of prints that is a number of prints for which a cartridge replacement prompt notification is performed. And the cartridge use status read from the information storage tag can be compared with the warning display start condition to determine whether or not the cartridge is in a timing for issuing a cartridge replacement prompt.

  The usage status detected by the usage status detection writing means includes a pixel count value that is the total number of pixels of the printed image, in addition to the number of prints that is the number of prints on a recording medium such as recording paper in the image forming apparatus. In addition, there are a dispensing time that is the total number of hours for supplying a coloring agent such as toner to the printing unit, and a coloring agent supply amount.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus that is used by mounting a cartridge having an information storage tag, the unused determination means for determining whether or not the cartridge is unused, and the unused determination means. When it is determined that the cartridge is not used, the start state writing means for writing the use start condition including the use start date and time of the cartridge in the information storage tag of the cartridge, and the information written in the information storage tag The tag information reading means for reading the information, the usage status detection writing means for detecting the usage status of the cartridge and writing it in the information storage tag, and the latest usage status read from the information storage tag by the tag information reading means. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the cartridge is in a timing for issuing a cartridge replacement reminder. Provided with a notification timing determination means and a life detection means for detecting the life of the cartridge, and when the replacement prompt notification timing determination means determines that the cartridge is at a timing for issuing a cartridge replacement prompt, a cartridge replacement prompt When the end of life of the cartridge is detected by the end of life detection means, the end of life of the cartridge is informed and the cartridge use history including the use start date and time read by the tag information reading means is notified. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, since the life detection means is provided independently of the replacement prompt notification timing determination means, not only the determination as to whether or not the cartridge is at the timing for performing the cartridge replacement prompt notification, but also the life of the cartridge. Cut detection can also be performed with high accuracy.

  As the life detection means, an aspect in which the life of the cartridge is detected based on the number of printed sheets, pixel density, the number of rotations of the motor, or the like according to claim 1, or the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge is directly measured, and based on the result. In addition to the mode for detecting the cartridge life, etc., the information storage tag stores the expiration date determination condition as initial information, and compares the latest usage status read from the information storage tag with the expiration date determination condition. Thus, a mode in which the life of the cartridge is detected is also possible. The end of life determination condition is a condition such as the number of prints to be determined that the life of the cartridge is zero, the motor rotation speed, the motor rotation time, the toner supply time, the toner remaining amount, and the like. It is recorded separately from the warning display start condition.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, the life detection unit is configured to use the cartridge based on the latest usage state read from the information storage tag by the tag information reading unit. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that detects the lifetime of the image forming apparatus.

  In the life detecting means of the image forming apparatus, the cartridge life is detected by utilizing the latest usage status read from the information storage tag by the tag information reading means. Therefore, there is no need to provide means for detecting the number of prints, pixel density, motor rotation speed, remaining toner amount, and the like. Therefore, the configuration of the life detecting means can be greatly simplified.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the cartridge use history is created based on a use start date and time and a use situation read by the tag information reading unit. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, not only the use start date and time but also the usage status is displayed in the cartridge usage history, so that the user can more easily understand the relationship between the usage status and the service life. Therefore, the management of the cartridge is further facilitated, and the user is not required to record the use start date and time and the use status of the cartridge.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the use start condition written to the information storage tag by the start state writing unit at the start of use of the cartridge is: The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including image forming apparatus specifying information for specifying an image forming apparatus to which the cartridge is mounted, in addition to the use start date and time of the cartridge.

  In the image forming apparatus, since the image forming apparatus specifying information is written in the information storage tag in addition to the use start date and time of the cartridge as the use start condition, when the cartridge is reused among a plurality of image forming apparatuses, The user can easily grasp in which image forming apparatus the cartridge is used.

  The image forming apparatus specifying information includes the serial number of the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge is mounted. And the number of printable sheets.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the printing operation is prohibited when a cartridge end-of-life notification is made.

  In the image forming apparatus, since the printing operation is prohibited when the cartridge end of life notification is performed, the user ignores the cartridge end of life notification or does not notice the cartridge end of life notification, and continues printing. It is possible to prevent troubles in which the image quality is deteriorated or the image forming apparatus itself fails.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, by printing on a recording medium in a printing unit provided in the image forming apparatus, a cartridge end-of-life notification, a cartridge The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs replacement prompt notification and cartridge usage history notification.

  In the image forming apparatus, a warning message such as a cartridge end-of-life notification or a cartridge replacement prompt notification and a cartridge usage history remain printed on the recording medium. If the recording medium on which these are printed is stored, the cartridge Can be used as a record.

  As the recording medium, recording paper such as PPC paper can be used. However, as long as the printing image can be recorded, the recording medium is not limited to the recording paper of the previous period, and an OHP film can also be used.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the printing unit outputs the cartridge end-of-life notification, the cartridge replacement prompt notification, and the cartridge use history to at least one of pages on which a print image is formed on a recording medium. Can be printed.

  When the user uses the image forming apparatus, it is generally considered that the print image is formed each time the recording medium on which the print image is recorded is discharged. By printing these messages on at least one of the pages, it is possible to promptly notify the user that the life of the cartridge has been exhausted. Accordingly, since the cartridge can be replaced immediately, the use stop time of the image forming apparatus can be further shortened. In addition, if the cartridge usage history information is also printed on the page of the recording medium, the actual usage of the cartridge can be grasped only by looking at the first page of the recording medium on which the print image is printed.

  In the image forming apparatus, when the print image is formed over a plurality of pages of the recording medium, the cartridge end-of-life notification, the cartridge replacement prompt notification, and the cartridge use history are displayed on the first page on which the print image is formed. Can be printed.

  When the printed image is formed over multiple pages of the recording medium, the user is likely to see the first page first, so if these messages are printed on the first page, the user will have a lifetime of the cartridge. You can quickly find out what has run out.

  Further, the cartridge end-of-life notification, the cartridge replacement prompt notification, and the cartridge use history may be printed on the last page on which the print image is formed.

  If the warning message or the like is printed on the last page, even if the warning message is overprinted on the first page on which the printed image is formed, the printing is performed on the last page. Since there is a high possibility that the user will notice this, the possibility that the user will miss the print is reduced.

  Further, the cartridge end-of-life notification, the cartridge replacement prompt notification, and the cartridge use history may be printed on each page on which the print image is formed.

  By printing these messages on each printed image page, even if the warning message is overprinted on the first page, the message is printed on the next page or the next page. Therefore, the possibility of the user overlooking the print is further reduced.

  When the cartridge end-of-life notification, cartridge replacement prompt notification, and cartridge usage history are printed on the page on which the print image is formed, it is preferable to print at the corner of the page.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 8, instead of printing the cartridge end-of-life notification, the cartridge replacement reminder notification, and the cartridge use history on the print image page, the print image page is printed before, during, or after the print image page. Also good.

  If these messages are printed before, during or after the print image page, it is not necessary to print anything other than the print image on the print image page. In addition, since these messages can be printed on the entire surface of the page, the power to attract the user's attention is great.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the eighth aspect, when the print image is formed over a plurality of pages of the recording medium, the cartridge end-of-life notification, the cartridge replacement prompt notification, and the cartridge The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of not printing a use history after printing once on any page.

  If the user notices that a warning message is printed on the page of the recording medium, it would be meaningless to print the warning message on a later page. In such a case, if the warning message is not printed on the subsequent page, it is preferable that the warning message is printed on an unnecessary page.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first and third to ninth aspects, the cartridge life measuring means for directly measuring the life of the cartridge is the cartridge side or the image forming apparatus. The cartridge life is notified when the life measured by the cartridge life measuring means is the minimum life corresponding to the end of life, and based on the use start date and time read by the tag information reading means. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus characterized in that a cartridge use history created in this manner is notified.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the second aspect, cartridge life measuring means for directly measuring the life of the cartridge is provided on the cartridge side or the image forming apparatus side. The reminder notification timing determining means determines that the cartridge is at a timing for issuing a cartridge replacement reminder when the cartridge life measured by the cartridge life measuring means is equal to or less than a predetermined predetermined life, and issues a cartridge replacement reminder notification. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, the cartridge life measuring unit directly measures the life of the cartridge, and based on the result, it is determined whether or not the cartridge is in a timing for issuing a cartridge replacement prompt.

  Therefore, the cartridge replacement reminder is issued when the cartridge life is actually sufficient, or the cartridge replacement reminder is not yet issued even though the cartridge is almost exhausted. Generation can be virtually eliminated.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or third aspect, the cartridge is filled with a color former used for forming an image in the image forming apparatus, and the life detection is performed. The means relates to an image forming apparatus for detecting the life of the cartridge based on the remaining amount of the color former in the cartridge or the amount of the color former used.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the second to twelfth aspects, the cartridge is filled with a color former that is used to form an image in the image forming apparatus. The usage status detection writing means relates to an image forming apparatus which is a coloring agent usage amount detection writing means for detecting the usage amount of the coloring agent in the cartridge and writing it in the information storage tag.

  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first and third to ninth aspects, wherein the life detecting means directly measures the remaining amount of the color former in the cartridge. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus which is a remaining amount measuring unit.

  These inventions are examples in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus in which a cartridge filled with a color former such as a toner cartridge is mounted.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus that is used by mounting a cartridge having an information storage tag, and an unused determination unit that determines whether or not the cartridge is unused, and the unused determination When the means determines that the cartridge is unused, tag information writing means for writing the use start date and time of the cartridge into the information storage tag of the cartridge, and tag information for reading the use start date and time from the information storage tag A reading unit; a usage status detection unit that detects a usage status of the cartridge; and an image forming condition control unit that controls an image forming condition in the image forming unit. In the image forming condition control unit, the tag information Obtaining an elapsed time from the use start date and time read from the information storage tag by the reading means; Also encompasses an image forming apparatus characterized by changing at least a portion of the image forming conditions according to the usage status detected by and between the usage detecting means.

  For example, in a toner cartridge, when a long time elapses after the start of use, the toner is likely to be charged and the development density is increased. On the contrary, the toner is difficult to be charged and the development density is decreased.

  Further, as the total number of printed sheets increases, the toner charging ability of the developer in the developing unit attached to the apparatus main body is lowered, so that it becomes difficult to charge the toner, and the image density is lowered. Further, as the number of printed sheets of the process cartridge including the photosensitive member increases, the charging ability changes and the developing electric field changes.

  In such an image forming apparatus, since the development conditions are changed in accordance with the change in toner characteristics in such a case, it is effective to cause fogging and a decrease in density of the printed image due to a long time after the start of use. Can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the user can easily grasp the cartridge life and the cartridge usage history, and can manage the cartridge without having to record the replacement date and time and the counter value each time the cartridge is replaced. A forming apparatus is provided.

1. Embodiment 1
A laser printer as an example of an image forming apparatus of the present invention and a wireless communication system in the laser printer will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Laser printer configuration)
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of the laser printer 10 according to the first embodiment.

  In the laser printer 10, a toner image is formed based on image information input from an external device by a known electrophotographic process, and the formed toner image is transferred to a recording paper or the like and fixed to form an image. Here, the electrophotographic process is to record a toner image formed on an electrophotographic photoconductor after charging the electrophotographic photoconductor, forming an electrostatic latent image by laser exposure, and developing the electrostatic latent image with toner. This is a series of processes in which an image is recorded on a recording material by transferring it to the material and fixing it by heating. In the laser printer 10, a color image is formed using toners of four colors, magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K), and cyan (C).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the laser printer 10 includes a casing 12 that constitutes an outer shell portion of the apparatus, and a main frame 14 that is provided inside the casing 12 and supports various components that constitute the apparatus. .

  In the main frame 14, a process unit 16 is arranged at one end (left end in FIG. 1) along the width direction of the apparatus (arrow W direction). The process unit 16 is provided with a slide frame 18 slidably supported by the main frame 14 along the depth direction of the apparatus. The slide frame 18 includes an intermediate transfer belt, a transfer device, a cleaning device, and the like. The predetermined process parts (not shown) are mounted. Thereby, at the time of maintenance, the process unit 16 can be pulled out from the main frame 14 to the outside, and the process parts mounted on the slide frame 18 can be easily replaced and inspected.

  Four photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26 are supported on the main frame 14 so as to be adjacent to the process unit 16, and are in contact with these photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26, respectively. Four developing units 21, 23, 25, and 27 are arranged. The four developing units 21, 23, 25, and 27 are supplied with magenta (M) toner, yellow (Y) toner, black (K) toner, and cyan (C) toner, respectively, and the photosensitive drums 20, These toners are attached to the electrostatic latent images formed on the outer peripheral surfaces (image bearing surfaces) 22, 24, and 26 and developed to form toner images. Hereinafter, magenta (M) toner, yellow (Y) toner, black (K) toner, and cyan (C) toner are simply referred to as M toner, Y toner, K toner, and C toner, respectively.

  The toner images formed on the four photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26 are transferred and superimposed on an intermediate transfer belt disposed on the process unit 16 side to form a full-color toner image. The full-color toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt to a recording material such as recording paper, and is then heat-fixed and recorded on the recording material.

  The recording material on which the toner image is recorded is a paper discharge tray 30 mounted on the paper discharge tray portion 28 formed on the upper surface portion of the housing 12 or on the side surface portion of the housing 12 so as to extend sideways. , 32 is discharged.

  The laser printer 10 can also be set to form a monochrome toner image by forming a monochrome toner image using only K toner, and transferring and fixing the image onto a recording material.

  The laser printer 10 is provided with a cartridge holder 34 so as to be adjacent to the main frame 14 along the width direction. As shown in FIG. 2, four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 each having a substantially cylindrical shape are detachably mounted on the cartridge holder 34. The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are filled with M toner, Y toner, K toner, and C toner, respectively. The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 correspond to cartridges in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 12 is provided with a maintenance opening / closing door 13 that can be opened and closed facing the process unit 16 and the cartridge holder 34 on the side surface of one side (the front side in FIG. 1). Yes. As a result, the user or the like opens the open / close door 13 and exposes the process unit 16 and the cartridge holder 34 to the outside, thereby pulling the process unit 16 outward from the main frame 14 and toner to the cartridge holder 34. The cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 can be attached and detached, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge holder 34 is provided with attachment / detachment portions 96, 98, 100.102 to which the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are detachably attached. ), That is, provided in two rows along the vertical direction, and three attachment / detachment portions 98, 100, 102 are located in one row of the two rows closer to the developing devices 21, 23, 25, 27. In addition, one detachable portion 96 is provided in another row far from the developing devices 21, 23, 25, 27. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 mounted on the cartridge holder 34 are arranged in an inverted L shape when viewed from the outside in the axial direction. Compared with the case where the cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are linearly arranged along the height direction H, the dimensions in the height direction H of the apparatus are stored in a compact manner.

  An electronic circuit that controls the laser printer 10 is disposed in a space surrounded by the detachable portions 96, 98, 100, and 102 arranged in an inverted L shape, in other words, in a space surrounded by the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42. A device 11 is accommodated. The electronic circuit device 11 is effectively protected from the toner cloud generated in the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 by being accommodated in the space. The electronic circuit device 11 is provided with a central controller 160 and a wireless communication device 130 that control the entire laser printer 10. The central control unit 160 is provided with a cartridge life determination unit 162 and a cartridge history creation unit 164 corresponding to the life detection unit and replacement prompt notification timing determination unit in the present invention. The cartridge life determination unit 162 and the cartridge history creation unit 164 are connected to the developing devices 21, 23, 25, 27 and a display (not shown), and the life determination result of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42. The cartridge history is printed on the recording paper by the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 and also displayed on the display. The central control unit 160 is also provided with a toner consumption amount detection unit that detects the usage status of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, specifically, the toner consumption amount. The toner consumption amount detection unit is an example of a usage state detection unit in the present invention. Therefore, the central control unit 160 corresponds to a use state detection unit in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment / detachment portions 96, 98, 100, 102 are all formed to have the same dimension along the axial direction, and the toner cartridges 36, 38 are disposed at the front end of the cartridge holder 34. , 40, and 42, the front end portion is supported by a front side front support plate 104 extending in an inverted L shape so as to surround the front side support plate 104, and is provided on the back side of the cartridge holder 34 so as to face the front side support plate 104. The rear end portion is supported by the back side support plate 105.

  The front side support plate 104 and the back side support plate 105 are coupled by a coupling plate 103 extending in the vertical direction. The coupling plate 103 also has a function of partitioning the cartridge holder 34 and the space for accommodating the electronic circuit device 11.

  The attachment / detachment portions 96, 100, 102 are arranged so that the positions along the axial direction, in other words, the positions along the depth direction D of the laser printer 10 are all the same, and only the attachment / detachment portion 98 is attached. The laser printer 10 is disposed at a position protruding toward the near side along the depth direction D of the laser printer 10 with respect to 100 and 102. By disposing the attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102 in this way, the toner feeding pipes 114 provided in the attaching / detaching portion 98 and the attaching / detaching portion 96 are prevented from interfering with each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102 includes a support bracket 106, a drive plate 108 disposed so as to face the support bracket 106, and a drive plate 108. And the support bracket 106, and two guide members 110 and 112 that are stretched along the depth direction D. Each detachable portion 96, 98, 100, 102 is supported by the front support plate 104 at the support bracket 106, and supported by the back support plate 105 at the drive plate 108. When the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are inserted into and removed from the cartridge holder 34, they are guided by the guide members 110 and 112 so as to move linearly along the depth direction.

  The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 include a bottomed cylindrical cartridge main body 44 as shown in FIGS. The opening of the cartridge main body 44 is covered with a cylindrical cap 46. The cap part 46 has a bottomed cylindrical shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the cartridge main body 44 and a bottom plate part 47. A plate-like handle portion 48 is formed integrally with the bottom plate portion 47 inside the cap portion 46. As shown in FIG. 2, the cap portions 46 of the toner cartridges 36, 40, 42 have the same dimension in the thickness direction, but the cap portion 46 of the toner cartridge 38 has the same toner cartridges 36, 40, 42. The dimension in the thickness direction is smaller than that of the cap portion 46. Here, as described above, the attaching / detaching portion 98 to which the toner cartridge 38 is attached is disposed so as to protrude toward the front side compared to the other attaching / detaching portions 96, 100, 102. 46, since the dimension in the thickness direction is small, when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are attached to the detachable portions 96, 98, 100, 102, the end surfaces of the cap portions 46 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are provided. Are aligned on the same plane. This prevents the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 from being mounted in a state where they are not fully pushed into the attachment / detachment portions 96, 98, 100, and 102.

  On the other hand, in the cartridge main body 44, a screw feeder (not shown) for toner conveyance formed in the shape of a screw shaft is coaxially arranged. The screw feeder is connected to a driven connecting plate 52, and this driven connecting plate 52 is connected to the driven connecting plate 52. It rotates together with the plate 52.

  In the vicinity of the opening in the peripheral wall of the cartridge main body 44, as shown in FIG. 4, a toner supply port 54 and a toner filling port 55 are opened. A shutter member 56 that is slidable in the circumferential direction is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the toner supply port 54. The shutter member 56 is formed to be slidable between a closed position where the toner supply port 54 is closed and an open position where the toner supply port 54 is opened. The shutter member 56 is always closed by a biasing member (not shown) such as a coil spring. It is energized to take. As a result, the shutter member 56 is held at the closed position when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are not attached to the cartridge holder 34. Further, the toner filling port 55 is closed by a cap member 58 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge main body 44.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an inner peripheral wall 50 is provided at the center of the bottom of the cartridge body 44. A disc-shaped driven connecting plate 52 is provided inside the inner peripheral wall 50 so as to be rotatable around the axis S of the cartridge main body 44. The driven connecting plate 52 is integrally formed with a plurality of meshing claws 53 along the circumferential direction. The overlapping connecting plate 52 is engaged with the drive connecting plate 109 by the engaging claws 53 and rotates.

  Further, four rib-shaped partition plates 60, 61, 62, 63 are formed along the substantially radial direction between the inner peripheral wall 50 and the inner wall surface of the cartridge main body 44. The partition plates 60, 61, 62 and 63 partition an annular space formed between the inner wall surface of the cartridge main body 44 and the inner peripheral wall 50 into small spaces along the circumferential direction. These small spaces are opened at the front end surface of the cartridge main body 44, and the rear end side is closed by the bottom plate portion 45 of the cartridge main body 44 as shown in FIG. 10.

  In the cartridge main body 44, as shown in FIG. 4, a storage chamber for storing one wireless communication tag 72, which will be described later, by a partition plate 60 and a partition plate 61, and a partition plate 61 and a partition plate 62, respectively. 64, 66 are formed. In addition, the small space between the partition plate 60 and the partition plate 63 is also configured as a storage chamber 68 for storing one wireless communication tag 72. The storage chamber 68 has an inner peripheral wall as shown in FIG. 50 is divided into a storage portion 68A and a storage portion 68B functionally with the vicinity of the edge portion 50A as a boundary. In the storage chamber 68, the wireless communication tag is selectively set to one of the two storage portions 68A and 68B. 72 can be stored. Accordingly, one wireless communication tag 72 is selectively stored in one of the two storage portions 68A and 68B in the storage chamber 64, the storage chamber 66, and the storage chamber 68, and the selected storage chambers 64 and 66 are selected. And the attachment position changes along the circumferential direction according to the storage portions 68A and 68B. The wireless communication tag 72 corresponds to the information storage tag in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the wireless communication tag 72 has a cross-sectional shape that is substantially a fan shape in which the projected shape seen from the axial direction corresponds to the storage chambers 64 and 66. And is stored and held by being inserted into any of the storage portions 68B.

  The wireless communication tag 72 is formed with a pair of latching claws 74 projecting to the outer peripheral side at the insertion-side end portion on the outer peripheral surface, and an engaging projection 76 projecting to the axial center S side at the end surface portion on the inlet side. Is formed. On the other hand, on the peripheral wall portion of the cartridge main body 44, locking holes 78 corresponding to the locking claws 74 in the wireless communication tag 72 are formed in the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68 </ b> A and 68 </ b> B, respectively. On the rear end surface, engagement recesses 80 corresponding to the engagement protrusions 76 in the wireless communication tag 72 are formed in the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B, respectively.

  Therefore, when the wireless communication tag 72 is inserted into any of the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B, the outer peripheral surface thereof is brought into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge main body 44, and a pair of The latching claws 74 are inserted into the pair of latching holes 78, and the engagement protrusions 76 are engaged with the engagement recesses 80. Thereby, the wireless communication tag 72 is reliably restrained along the axial direction, and the engagement protrusion 76 is engaged with the engagement recess 80, so that the occurrence of rattling along the circumferential direction is reliably prevented. At this time, the latching claw 74 inserted into the latching hole 78 cannot be removed from the latching hole 78 unless the wireless communication tag 72 itself is elastically deformed to the inner peripheral side. For this reason, the wireless communication tag 72 inserted into one of the storage chambers 64 and 66 and the storage portions 68A and 68B cannot be easily removed from the cartridge main body 44 unless a dedicated jig or the like is used. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in the wireless communication tag 72, a tag side antenna 82 configured by winding a conductive wire such as a copper wire in a coil shape is provided. The tag-side antenna 82 is provided such that the coil axis TC, which is the winding center of the conductive wire, is parallel to the thickness direction of the wireless communication tag 72, and the shape of the coil surface along the direction perpendicular to the axis is wireless communication. The tag 72 is curved along the outer peripheral surface. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wireless communication tag 72 is provided with an outer wall portion 84 and an inner wall portion 86 that are curved so as to be parallel to each other, and these outer wall portion 84 and inner wall portion. A winding core portion 88 is connected to 86. A conductive wire rod is wound around the outer periphery of the winding core portion 88 so that a flat tag-side antenna 82 is curved along the outer peripheral surface of the wireless communication tag 72 along the axial direction.

  The wireless communication tag 72 is provided with a compartment 90 sealed from the outside on the inner peripheral side of the tag side antenna 82. A circuit board 92 is housed in the compartment portion 90, and an IC chip 94 on which the control circuit of the wireless communication tag 72 is integrated as one chip is mounted on the circuit board 92. The IC chip 94 is electrically connected to the tag antenna 82 via a circuit board 92 or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, plate-like antenna units 118 and 120 are installed in the cartridge holder 34 on the back side of the apparatus between the detachable parts 96 and 98 and on the back side of the apparatus between the detachable parts 100 and 102, respectively. Each of these two antenna units 118 and 120 is provided with a casing portion 122 formed of a resin into a thin plate shape, and a coil shape in which a conductive wire such as a copper wire is wound in the casing portion 122. The main body side antenna 124 is disposed. In the antenna units 118 and 120, the coil axis is parallel to the thickness direction of the casing portion 122, and the front and back surfaces (coil surfaces) along the direction perpendicular to the axis are parallel to the surface direction of the casing portion 122. Here, the antenna unit 118 arranged at the upper stage of the cartridge holder 34 is supported so that the surface direction thereof is orthogonal to the width direction of the apparatus (the direction of the arrow W), and is arranged between the middle stage and the lower stage. The antenna unit 120 is supported so that its surface direction is orthogonal to the height direction H (arrow H direction) of the apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are mounted on the cartridge holder 34, the upper antenna unit 118 is formed between the toner cartridges 36, 38 along the width direction of the apparatus. The lower antenna unit 120 is supported so as to be inserted into a gap formed between the toner cartridges 40 and 42 along the height direction H of the apparatus. Here, the toner cartridge 36 is mounted on the other side of the cartridge holder 34 farther from the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27, and the toner cartridge 38 is closer to the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27. It is attached to the top of one row. Then, the toner cartridge 40 and the toner cartridge 42 are mounted at the first stage interruption and the lowermost stage, respectively. Therefore, the antenna unit 118 is an antenna located between the two toner cartridges adjacent to each other in the one row and the other row, and the antenna unit 120 is the remaining two in the one row. An antenna located between the toner cartridges.

  On the other hand, in the toner cartridge 36 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 96 in the cartridge holder 34, the wireless communication tag 72 is inserted into the storage portion 68 </ b> A in the storage chamber 68, and stored in the toner cartridge 38 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 98. A wireless communication tag 72 is inserted into the chamber 64. As a result, the tag side antenna 82 in the toner cartridge 36 faces the coil side sufficiently close to one coil surface along the thickness direction of the main body side antenna 124, and the tag side antenna in the toner cartridge 38. The coil surface 82 is opposed to the other coil surface along the thickness direction of the main body antenna 124 while being sufficiently close to the other coil surface.

  Further, a wireless communication tag 72 is inserted into the storage chamber 66 of the toner cartridge 40 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 100 of the cartridge holder 34, and the toner cartridge 42 attached to the attachment / detachment portion 102 is stored in the storage chamber 68. A wireless communication tag 72 is inserted into the portion 68B. As a result, the tag-side antenna 82 in the toner cartridge 40 faces the coil surface sufficiently close to the coil surface on the upper surface side of the main body-side antenna 124, and the tag-side antenna 82 in the toner cartridge 42 The surface is made to face the coil surface on the lower surface side of the main body antenna 124 while being sufficiently close.

  Here, radio wave transmission / reception between the tag side antenna 82 and the main body side antenna 124 is usually more efficient as the distance between the antennas is shorter, and the tag side antenna 82 and the main body side antenna 124 have a coaxial positional relationship. The closer you get, the better the efficiency. In the laser printer 10, the tag side antenna 82 attached to the toner cartridges 38, 40, 42 is supported coaxially with the main body side antenna 124. Thus, radio wave transmission / reception with the main body antenna 124 is possible. The tag-side antenna 82 attached to the toner cartridge 36 is supported by the main body-side antenna 124 while being inclined at a certain angle (about 20 °). It is possible to transmit and receive radio waves with high efficiency. In other words, if the radio wave output used between the wireless communication tag 72 and the wireless communication device 130 (shown in FIG. 6) on the main body side is sufficiently small, a good wireless communication state is maintained. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent interference between the main body antenna 124 and the wireless communication tag 72 for which no communication relationship is set. Here, the wireless communication device 130 and the antenna units 118 and 120 correspond to tag information writing means and tag information reading means in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  Further, for example, when the toner cartridge 38, 40, or 42 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 96 instead of the toner cartridge 36 to be originally attached, the wireless communication tag 72 does not reach the position facing the antenna unit 118. The main body antenna 124 of the unit 118 cannot receive radio waves from the wireless communication tag 72. The same applies to the detachable portions 98, 100, and 102. As described above, when an incorrect toner cartridge is attached to the attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102, radio waves from the wireless communication tag 72 attached to the toner cartridge are not received by either the antenna unit 118 or the antenna unit 120. Thus, it is possible to detect whether the correct toner cartridge is attached to the detachable parts 96, 98, 100, 102 based on whether the antenna unit 118 and the antenna unit 120 have received radio waves from the wireless communication tag 72, When a toner cartridge is installed, an alarm can be automatically generated.

  In the laser printer 10, when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are attached to the corresponding attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102 in the cartridge holder 34, first, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are moved to the depth. The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are abutted against the drive plate 108 by being inserted in the direction along the direction toward the back of the apparatus. As a result, the front end portions of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are connected to and supported by the drive plate 108, and the shutter engaging portion of the support bracket 106 is attached to the shutter member 56 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42. Engage.

  Next, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are attached to the detachable portions 96, 98, 100, 102 by rotating the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 clockwise by a predetermined angle using the handle portion 48. Complete. At this time, the drive connection plate disposed on the drive plate 108 meshes with the driven connection plate 52 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, and the drive motor built in the drive plate 108 operates as the drive connection plate and the driven connection plate 52. And are connected to the screw feeders in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 so as to transmit torque. The shutter member 56 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is moved by the shutter engaging portion of the support bracket 106 in conjunction with the rotation of the attaching / detaching portions 96, 98, 100, 102 of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42. The toner supply port 54 is opened by sliding from the closed position to the open position.

  In the laser printer 10, when the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 are operated, the driving motors built in the driving plates 108 corresponding to the operating developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 are rotated. As a result, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are discharged from the toner supply port 54 at a predetermined speed by the action of the screw feeder, and the developing devices 21, 23 in which the toner is in operation through the toner supply pipe 114. , 25, 27. At this time, the amount of toner supplied to the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 is set to be approximately equal to the amount of toner consumed for development.

  The toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 attached to the cartridge holder 34 are configured as containers for temporarily storing toner. That is, in the laser printer 10, when the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27 are operated, the toner is discharged from the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, and this toner is supplied to the developing devices 21, 23, 25, and 27. When all of the toner filled in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is discharged, the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are replaced with new ones. At this time, since the toner is sealed in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, the toner replenishment to the laser printer 10 can be performed with a simple operation, and contamination inside and outside the apparatus due to the scattering of the toner at the time of toner replenishment is also effective. Can be prevented.

(Configuration of wireless communication system)
Next, the configuration and operation of the wireless communication system of the laser printer 10 will be described.

  The configuration of the wireless communication system 128 of the laser printer 10 is shown in the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the wireless communication system 128 includes a wireless communication tag 72 attached to each of the four toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 and a wireless communication device 130 disposed on the apparatus main body side. Yes. The wireless communication device 130 includes two antenna units 118 and 120 disposed in the cartridge holder 34 and a main body 132 connected to a main body antenna 124 built in each of the antenna units 118 and 120. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, the IC chip 94 of the wireless communication tag 72 is configured as a single element in which a CPU 134, a transmission / reception circuit 136, a power supply circuit 138, a ROM 140, and an EEPROM 142 are integrated.

  The CPU 134 controls the entire wireless communication tag 72 according to a control program stored in the ROM 140.

  In addition to the control program, the ROM 140 stores a multi ID, a password, and a system ID as unique information corresponding to the type of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42. Here, the multi-ID is basically data determined in advance corresponding to the type of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, and the password and the system ID are respectively exchanged with the wireless communication apparatus 130. This is data for confirming that the wireless communication tag 72 is permitted.

  On the other hand, the EEPROM 142 is a non-volatile information storage element that does not require power to maintain stored information, and can write arbitrary information by the CPU 134 and read arbitrary information from the written information. Specifically, the following information is written in advance in the EEPROM 142 by the CPU 134, for example.

(a) Process information such as exposure amount, charge amount and developing bias for the photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26
(b) Lot number, date of manufacture, type, storage period, identification number, number of recycles, upper limit of recycle times, cartridge component replacement time for toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42
(c) Lot number, production date, filling amount, type, storage period, number of recycles, and upper limit of recycle times for toner.

  These pieces of information are examples of cartridge initial information in the present invention. In addition to the cartridge initial information, the CPU 134 sequentially writes toner cartridge usage start date and time, cartridge usage status information, and the like, which will be described later, into the EEPROM 142.

  The transmission / reception circuit 136 in the wireless communication tag 72 converts a parallel information signal sent from the CPU 134 into a serial information signal and outputs an electric signal modulated by the information signal to the tag-side antenna 82 when transmitting information. To do. As a result, a radio wave signal corresponding to the information signal from the CPU 134 is output from the tag side antenna 82. Further, when receiving information, the transmission / reception circuit 136 demodulates the electrical signal obtained from the radio wave signal received by the tag side antenna 82 into a serial information signal, converts the information signal into a parallel information signal, and outputs the parallel information signal to the CPU 134. To do.

  The power supply circuit 138 in the wireless communication tag 72 separates an alternating current of a predetermined frequency generated by electromagnetic induction in the tag side antenna 82 from the information signal during transmission / reception with the wireless communication device 130, and converts the alternating current into a direct current. Thereafter, the data is supplied to the CPU 134 and the transmission / reception circuit 136. As a result, the CPU 134 and the transmission / reception circuit 136 are supplied with power necessary for transmission / reception with the wireless communication device 130, so the wireless communication tag 72 does not require a driving power source such as a battery or a battery.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the main body of the wireless communication apparatus 130 is provided with a CPU 144, a transmission / reception circuit 146, a power supply circuit 148, a ROM 150, a RAM 152, and an interface circuit 154. Here, the transmission / reception circuit 146 includes two input / output terminals 146A and 146B for the antenna. The main body side antenna 124 of the antenna unit 118 is connected to one input / output terminal 146A, and the other input / output terminal 146A is connected. The main body side antenna 124 of the antenna unit 120 is connected to the terminal 146B. When transmitting / receiving information to / from the wireless communication tag 72, the transmission / reception circuit 146 turns on only one of the input / output terminals 146A and 146B according to the information input / output destination, and turns off the other.

  The CPU 144 controls the entire wireless communication device 130 according to a control program stored in the ROM 150. In addition to the control program, the ROM 150 stores multi IDs, passwords, and system IDs for all the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42. The CPU 144 compares the multi-ID and password input from the wireless communication tag 72 with the multi-ID and password stored in the ROM 150, so that the toner cartridges 36, 38, and 40 to which the wireless communication tag 72 during radio wave communication is attached are attached. , 42 is identified, and it is confirmed that the wireless communication tag 72 is permitted to exchange information with the wireless communication device 130.

  The CPU 144 exposes, charges, and develops the photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26 for each toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, and 42 sent from the central controller 160 of the laser printer 10 through the interface circuit 154. Process information such as bias, and cartridge usage information such as toner consumption calculated based on this process information are temporarily stored in the RAM 152, and then these information to be transmitted at a predetermined timing are read from the RAM 152 to perform wireless communication. Transmit to tag 72. As a result, the CPU 134 of the wireless communication tag 72 writes the cartridge usage status information received from the wireless communication device 130 to the EEPROM 142, and records the remaining toner amount obtained by subtracting the consumption amount from the toner filling amount in the EEPROM 142.

  When transmitting / receiving information, the transmission / reception circuit 146 in the main body converts the parallel information signal sent from the CPU 144 into a serial information signal, and then converts the electric signal modulated by the information signal to the two main body side antennas 124. Output to either. As a result, a radio signal corresponding to the information signal from the CPU 144 is output (radiated) from the main body antenna 124. Therefore, the RAM 152, the CPU 144, the transmission / reception circuit 146, and the main body antenna 124 correspond to tag information writing means in the present invention.

  At the time of information reception, the transmission / reception circuit 146 demodulates an electric signal obtained from the radio wave received by the main body antenna 124 into a serial information signal, converts the information signal into a parallel information signal, and inputs the parallel information signal to the CPU 144. To do. The CPU 144 inputs the input information signal to the central control unit 160 via the interface circuit 152. When these pieces of information are input, the central control unit 160 determines the life of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 with the cartridge life determination unit 162, and the life of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 is exhausted. At this time, the cartridge history creation unit 164 creates a cartridge history for the toner cartridge whose life has expired. Therefore, the RAM 152, the CPU 144, the transmission / reception circuit 146, and the main body antenna 124 correspond to tag information reading means in the present invention.

  When the CPU 144 of the main body determines that all the toner has been discharged from the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, the wireless communication tag 72 attached to the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42. Send a count-up signal. Upon receiving this count-up signal, the CPU 134 of the wireless communication tag 72 adds “1” to the number of recycles for the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40 and 42 written in the EEPROM 142 and the number of recycles for the toner.

(Operation of wireless communication system)
A series of operations of the communication start process in the wireless communication system 128 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the laser printer 10, the communication of the wireless communication system 128 is performed by the CPU 144 of the wireless communication device 130 when power is turned on, toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are replaced, reset processing after occurrence of an abnormality such as a jam is performed, and the like. Start processing. Hereinafter, the procedure of the communication start process will be described using the toner cartridge 36 as an example.

  First, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the multi-ID (M) on the wireless communication device 130 side matches the multi-ID (M) on the toner cartridge 36 side. If the multi-ID (M) on the wireless communication device 130 side matches the multi-ID (M) on the toner cartridge 36 side, it is determined that the proper toner cartridge 36 is mounted on the attachment / detachment portion 96 of the cartridge holder 34. Then, the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the multi-ID (M) on the wireless communication device 130 side does not match the multi-ID (M) on the toner cartridge 36 side, the toner cartridge 36 is properly attached to the attaching / detaching portion 96 of the cartridge holder 34 in step S6. It is determined that the toner cartridge has not been installed or an inappropriate toner cartridge is mounted on the detachable unit 96, and predetermined error processing is executed.

  In step S4 and step S8, password verification and system ID verification are sequentially performed between the wireless communication apparatus 130 and the toner cartridge 36. At this time, when it is determined that both the password and the system ID on the toner cartridge 36 are appropriate, the process proceeds to step S10, and the CPU 144 of the wireless communication device 130 controls the wireless communication tag 72 in the toner cartridge 36. Then, from the EEPROM 142, the cartridge initial information such as the process information such as the exposure amount, the charge amount and the developing bias for the photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24 and 26 and the toner information such as the toner filling amount, type and storage period is read. On the other hand, if it is determined that either the password on the toner cartridge 36 or the system ID is incorrect, it is determined that the toner cartridge attached to the attachment / detachment unit 96 is inappropriate, and the process proceeds to step S12. Then, predetermined error processing is executed.

  If the cartridge initial information is read in step S10, the CPU 144 in the wireless communication device 130 matches the information written in the EEPROM 142 with the CPU 134 in the toner cartridge 36 in step S14. A read check is performed to determine whether or not.

  If the two pieces of information do not match, the process returns to step S10, and the information reading process for the EEPROM 142 is repeated until the information read from the EEPROM 142 matches the information written in the EEPROM 142.

  On the other hand, if the two pieces of information match, in step S16, the CPU 144 of the wireless communication apparatus 130 uses the wireless communication tag in the toner cartridge 36 as initial information such as an identification number unique to the laser printer 10 and an identification number unique to the user. The initial information is written in the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72. In step S18, the CPU 144 in the wireless communication apparatus 130 performs a read check to determine whether or not the transmitted initial information has been written in the EEPROM 142 without error with the CPU 134 in the toner cartridge 36. If they match, the communication start process with the toner cartridge 36 is terminated. On the other hand, if the two pieces of initial information do not match, the process returns to step S16, and the information writing process to the EEPROM 142 is repeated until the initial information transmitted to the wireless communication tag 72 matches the information written in the EEPROM 142.

  The laser printer 10 repeats the above procedure with the toner cartridges 38, 40, 42, and when the communication start process between the wireless communication device 130 and all the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is completed, The central control unit 160 releases the interlock so that the image forming operation can be started.

  When the interlock is released, the central controller 160 determines whether the toner cartridges 36, 48, 40, 42 are unused (new) according to the procedure shown in FIG. 8, and then determines the life. Hereinafter, the determination procedure will be described taking the toner cartridge 36 as an example.

  First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, in step S100, it is determined whether or not the toner cartridge 36 is new. In step S100, for example, if the use start date / time is not written in the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72, the toner cartridge 36 is a new one. If the use start date / time is already written, the toner cartridge 36 is not a new one. Can also be determined to have been used.

  If it is determined in step S100 that the toner cartridge 36 is new, in step S102, the use start date and time is transmitted to the wireless communication tag 72 through the wireless communication device 130 and written to the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72, and at the same time the central control unit 160 is also stored. When the use start date and time is written in the EEPROM 142, the process proceeds to step S104, where the laser printer 10 starts image formation and simultaneously determines the life of the toner cartridge 36.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S100 that the toner cartridge 36 is not new, step S102 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S104.

  When image formation is started, the central control unit 160 performs process information about the toner cartridge 36 and cartridge usage status information such as toner consumption amount through the interface circuit 154 in the wireless communication device 130 every time image formation is performed once or a predetermined number of times. Is output to the CPU 144. The CPU 144 transmits process information, toner consumption information, and the like received from the central control unit 160 to the wireless communication tag 72 of the corresponding toner cartridge 36 and writes them in the EEPROM 142.

  At the same time, in the cartridge life determination unit 162, the central control unit 160 calculates the initial amount of toner read from the wireless communication tag 72 via the wireless communication device 130 and the total toner supply time during which toner is supplied from the toner cartridge 36. In comparison, the time until the toner is used up in the toner cartridge 36 is estimated. If the remaining time until the toner is used up is less than a predetermined value experimentally determined in advance, it is determined that the life of the toner cartridge 36 has been exhausted. The total toner supply time may be obtained based on the value of a counter provided in the laser printer 10, or may be obtained from the dispense time and the rotational speed of the auger that supplies the toner to the developing device 21. Further, it may be obtained based on the pixel count number of the print image data.

  When it is determined in step S104 that the life of the toner cartridge 36 has been exhausted, in step S106, a replacement instruction is displayed on the display (not shown) of the laser printer 10, and at the same time, the previous replacement date, use start date, Also displays the total number of prints. Here, the replacement instruction corresponds to the cartridge end-of-life notification in the present invention. Note that the use start date and time is read from the EEPROM 134 of the wireless communication tag 72. Note that the display contents may be printed on recording paper in the developing unit 21 at the same time as the display on the display. In step S108, it is determined whether or not the toner cartridge 36 has been replaced with a new toner cartridge. The determination can be made, for example, by determining whether or not a proper toner cartridge has been replaced by the communication start process shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S108 that a new toner cartridge has been replaced, the display is reset in step S110. On the other hand, if the replacement with a new toner cartridge has not yet been completed or has been replaced with an inappropriate toner cartridge, the process returns to step S106.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the life of the toner cartridge 36 remains, the determination in step S104 is repeated until the life of the toner cartridge 36 is exhausted.

  The procedure for determining whether the toner cartridge is not used and determining the lifetime has been described above by taking the toner cartridge 36 as an example. However, the toner cartridge 48, 40, 42 is also used for determining whether the toner cartridge 48, 40, or 42 is not used and subsequently determining the lifetime. Can do.

(Features of Embodiment 1)
In the laser printer 10 of the first embodiment, when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are attached, the life determination of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 is automatically performed. When the life of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is exhausted, a warning message indicating that it is time to replace is automatically displayed, and at the same time, the use start date and time and the total number of prints are displayed as cartridge use history information. Is done.

  Therefore, the user can know the total number of prints from when the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are mounted to when the cartridge is replaced and the replacement date and time when the cartridge is replaced last time. The lifetime of 36, 38, 40, 42 can be easily grasped. Therefore, the toner cartridge can be easily managed. Further, it is possible to save the user from having to record the start of use of the toner cartridge.

  Since the cartridge replacement time can be predicted in advance, the toner cartridge can be prepared in advance, and even when the apparatus is stopped due to the end of the life of the toner cartridge, the use stop period is minimized.

  In addition, since the past results can be recorded even during use, it becomes easy to manage consumables and grasp the use results.

  Furthermore, since the replacement timing and usage record of the toner cartridge can be surely made known to all users, the user can be made aware of costs and can be used efficiently.

2. Embodiment 2
Another example of the procedure for determining whether the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are unused and determining the lifetime in the laser printer 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  The communication start process is performed in the wireless communication system 128 according to the procedure shown in FIG. 7, and all the communication start processes between the wireless communication apparatus 130 and all the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are completed and the interlock is released. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, in step S200, the central control unit 160 determines whether or not it is immediately after releasing the interlock. If the printing operation has not yet been performed after the release of the interlock, it is determined immediately after the release of the interlock, and if the printing operation is performed after the release of the interlock, it is determined that it is not immediately after the release of the interlock.

  When it is determined in step S200 that it is not immediately after the interlock release, the process jumps to step S208 described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the interlock has just been released, the central control unit 160 determines that each toner from the wireless communication tag 72 attached to the toner cartridge 36, 38, 40, 42 via the wireless communication device 130 in step S202. Information on the color of the toner filled in the cartridge, the corresponding model, and the date of manufacture is read.

  When the information is read in step S202, the central controller 160 determines in step S204 whether the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are usable based on the read information.

  In step S204, at least one of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 has expired, is filled with wrong color toner, or is not a toner cartridge corresponding to the laser printer 10. If it is determined that the toner cartridge cannot be used for a reason such as the above, an error display indicating which of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 cannot be used is performed in step S206. The content of the error display may be displayed on the display of the laser printer 10 or may be printed on recording paper by the developing devices 21 to 27.

  If it is determined in step S204 that all the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are usable, it is determined in step S208 whether the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 are unused. In the unused determination, as described in the first embodiment, the use start date and time is written in the EEPROM 142 (hereinafter also referred to as “cartridge memory”) included in the wireless communication tag 72 attached to each toner cartridge. If not, it is determined as unused, and if the use start date and time is written, it can be determined as already used.

  Among the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, those that are determined to be unused in step S208 are used in step S210 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, in which the use start date and time is stored in the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72. In step S212, cartridge life determination unit 162 determines the life of each toner cartridge. The procedure for determining the life and the determination criteria are as described in the first embodiment. On the other hand, for the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 that are determined not to be used, step S210 is skipped and step S212 is executed.

  If it is determined in step S212 that the life of any of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 has been exhausted, the process proceeds to step S214 to display a replacement instruction, and at the same time, in the cartridge history creation unit 164 A usage history is created and displayed for a toner cartridge that has reached the end of its life. In step S216, the printing operation is prohibited. The replacement instruction and the use history can be displayed on the display and printed by the developing devices 21, 23, 25, 27 at the same time. Further, as the use history, the previous replacement date, use start date, and total number of prints can be displayed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the lifetime of any of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is remaining, the lifetime of any of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is exhausted at the same time as the printing operation is continued. Step S121 is repeated until it is determined.

  The laser printer of the second embodiment has the same features as the laser printer of the first embodiment.

  In addition, when it is determined that the life of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 has expired, the printing operation is prohibited, so the user does not notice or notices that the toner cartridge has expired. However, it can be ignored and continued to be used, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a printed matter with a remarkably inferior quality of the printed image or the serious failure of the laser printer itself.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 can be used before the unused determination, and if even one toner cartridge that cannot be used is mounted, that fact is displayed. Therefore, when a user unintentionally installs an unusable toner cartridge, the unused determination and the life determination are performed, and printing is prohibited, so that the use stop period can be effectively prevented.

3. Embodiment 3
Another example of the procedure for determining whether the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are unused and determining the lifetime in the laser printer 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when all the communication start processing between the wireless communication device 130 and all the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 is completed and the interlock is released, the central control unit 160 is set in step S300. Determines whether or not it is immediately after releasing the interlock.

  When it is determined in step S300 that it is not immediately after the interlock release, the process jumps to step S308 described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the interlock has just been released, the central control unit 160 determines whether the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are unused in step S302. The procedure for determining whether or not it is unused is as described in the first and second embodiments.

  Of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, those that are determined to be unused in step S 302 are written in the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72 in step S 304 as in the first and second embodiments. In step S306, the wireless communication tag 72 uses the current integrated value of the toner usage amount and the limit integrated usage amount 1 (Limit 1) predetermined as the toner usage amount integrated value for displaying the toner cartridge replacement promotion message. Read from the EEPROM 142. Here, the limit cumulative usage amount 1 (Limit 1) can be defined as a cumulative toner usage amount that can leave an amount of toner that can form an image on a predetermined number (for example, 5000 sheets) of recording paper.

  On the other hand, for the toner cartridge determined not to be used in step S302, step S304 is skipped and step S306 is executed.

  When step S306 is executed, in step S308, the cartridge life determination unit 162 determines whether or not the current accumulated toner usage amount is greater than the limit accumulated usage amount 1 for the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42.

  If it is determined in step S308 that the current toner cumulative usage amount is greater than the limit cumulative usage amount 1 for at least one of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, the central control unit 160 determines in step S310. For the determined toner cartridge, a replacement promotion message display (Warning display) indicating that the cartridge is almost out of life is displayed, and in step S312, the cartridge history creation unit 164 creates and displays a cartridge usage history. In the cartridge history creation unit 164, the use start date and time and the accumulated usage amount until the Warning display is read from the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72 to create and display the cartridge use history for the toner cartridge. . The Warning display and the cartridge usage history may be displayed on the display, or may be printed on the recording paper at the same time. After displaying the warning display and the cartridge use history in step S312, the process proceeds to step S314 to continue printing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that the current toner accumulated usage amount is smaller than the limit accumulated usage amount 1 for any of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42, step S310 and step S312 are not performed. The process proceeds to S314 and printing is continued.

  If the printing is continued, the toner usage amount is added to the integrated toner usage amount of the counter of the laser printer 10 for the amount of toner consumed in printing (step S316).

  After adding the toner usage amount, it is determined whether or not a batch of printing jobs has been completed (step S318). If it is determined in step S318 that the print job has been completed, the accumulated toner usage amount until the job is completed is written in the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72 (step S320).

  On the other hand, when the printing job has not ended, the process returns to step 308 to determine whether or not the toner cumulative usage amount exceeds the limit cumulative usage amount 1.

  Although not shown in FIG. 10, when the user ignores the warning display and continues to use the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42, and any one of the toner cartridges has expired, the display A warning message may be displayed on the screen.

  In the third embodiment, since the warning display is performed when the toner remains in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 to the extent that printing can be continued to some extent, the user is notified when the warning display is performed. Thus, it is possible to select whether to continue printing or replace the toner cartridge according to the progress of the ongoing printing job.

4). Embodiment 4
A modified example of the procedure of the third embodiment for determining whether the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 are unused and determining the lifetime in the laser printer 10 according to the first embodiment will be described below.

  In the modified example, as shown in FIG. 11, steps S400 to S404 are the same as steps S300 to S304 in the third embodiment.

  In step S 406, in addition to the limit integrated usage amount 1 (Limit 1), a limit integrated usage amount 2 (Limit 2) that is predetermined as a toner integrated usage amount for which a replacement instruction is to be displayed is read from the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72.

  Next, in step S408, it is determined whether the toner cumulative usage amount is smaller than the limit cumulative usage amount 2 (Limit2).

  If it is determined in step S408 that the toner cumulative usage is smaller than the limit cumulative usage 2 (Limit2), it is determined in step S410 whether the toner cumulative usage is equal to or greater than the limit cumulative usage 1 (Limit1). When the accumulated usage is equal to or greater than the limit accumulated usage 1 (Limit 1), a warning is displayed in step S412. Hereinafter, steps S412 to S420 are substantially the same as steps S310 to S320 of the third embodiment.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S408 that the toner accumulated usage amount is equal to or greater than the limit accumulated usage amount 2 (Limit2), the cartridge usage history such as the use start date and time is displayed in step S422, and at the same time, the replacement instruction is displayed in step S424. To do.

  In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, when the warning is displayed, the user continues printing according to the progress status of the ongoing print job, or replaces the toner cartridge. Can be selected. Even when printing is continued as it is, a replacement instruction is displayed when the life of the toner cartridge is exhausted, so an image is formed without knowing that the life of the toner cartridge has expired, and the quality of the printed image is significantly degraded. Or serious failure of the laser printer 10 itself can be effectively prevented.

5). Embodiment 5
In the laser printer 10 according to the first embodiment, the latent image contrast is changed according to the number of days elapsed from the use start date and time of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42. An example in which a toner image can be formed with color balance will be described.

  The toner filled in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42 has a higher development density as the number of days elapses after the start of use. In other words, if the same electric field strength is used, the toner is developed with a stronger contrast. Shall be.

First, based on a preliminary experiment, the relationship between the number of days N elapsed from the start date and time of use and the latent image contrast Vl, which is the contrast strength of the latent image formed on the photosensitive drums 20, 22, 24, and 26, is obtained. The relationship between the number of elapsed days N obtained in the preliminary experiment and the latent image contrast Vl is
When N ≦ A0, Vl = D1,
When A0 <N ≦ A1, Vl = D2,
When A1 <N ≦ A2, Vl = D3,
When A2 <N ≦ A3, Vl = D4
When A3 <N ≦ A4, Vl = D5,
When A4 <N, Vl = D6
Suppose that The values A0 to A4 of the elapsed days N and the values D1 to D6 of the latent image contrast Vl are both experimentally obtained values.
A0 <A1 <A2 <A3 <A4 and D1 <D2 <D3 <D4 <D5 <D6
It shall be related.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the central control unit 160, first, in step S500, the number of elapsed days N = current date-time-use start date is obtained. As the use start date and time, the date and time read from the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72 can be used.

  In step S502, it is determined whether the number of elapsed days N is within A0 (day), and if it is within A0 (day), the latent image contrast Vl is set to D1 in step S504.

  On the other hand, if the number of elapsed days N exceeds A0 (day), it is determined whether or not the number of elapsed days N is within A1 (day) in step S506, and if it is within A1 (day), the corresponding latent image in step S508. Contrast Vl is set to D2.

  Similarly, if the elapsed day number N exceeds A1 (day), it is determined in step S510 whether the elapsed day number N is within A2 (day). If it is within A2 (day), the latent image contrast is determined in step S508. Set Vl to D3.

  Similarly, if the number of elapsed days N exceeds A2 (day), it is determined in step S514 whether the number of elapsed days N is within A3 (day). If it is within A3 (day), the latent image contrast is determined in step S516. Set Vl to D4.

  Similarly, if the number of elapsed days N exceeds A3 (day), it is determined in step S518 whether the number of elapsed days N is within A4 (day). If it is within A4 (day), the latent image contrast is determined in step S520. Set Vl to D5.

  If the elapsed days N exceed A4 (day), the latent image contrast Vl is set to D6 in step S522.

  When the latent image contrast Vl is set according to each elapsed day N, image formation is executed according to the latent image contrast Vl set in step S524.

  The case where the toner is easily charged and the development density increases when a long time has elapsed after the start of use has been described, but conversely, when the development density decreases because the toner is difficult to be charged, the number of elapsed days N The latent image contrast Vl may be set so that the latent image contrast Vl becomes higher as the length becomes longer.

  In the fifth embodiment, since the latent image contrast Vl is set according to the number of elapsed days N, even if the toner development density increases or decreases after a long time after the start of use, the use start is immediately started. An image can be formed with the same contrast and color balance.

6). Embodiment 6
In the laser printer 10 according to the first embodiment, the latent image contrast is changed according to the number of days elapsed from the use start date and time of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42. Another example in which a toner image can be formed with color balance will be described.

  In the example of the sixth embodiment, the latent image contrast in the laser printer 10 is changed based on the total print volume in addition to the number of days N elapsed from the use start date and time.

  The toner filled in the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, 42 has a higher development density when the number of elapsed days N and P is increased to the total print volume. In other words, the same electric field strength is stronger. It shall be developed with contrast. Here, the total print volume is a value defined by the number of printed pages and the image density of the printed image formed on each printed page, and is specifically a numerical value given by toner consumption.

First, based on preliminary experiments, the relationship between P and the latent image contrast Vl is obtained for the number of days N and the total print volume. The relationship between the number of elapsed days N obtained in the preliminary experiment and the latent image contrast Vl is
When N ≦ A0 and P ≦ B1, Vl = D1,
When A0 <N <A1 and P ≦ B1, Vl = D2,
When A1 ≦ N and P ≦ B1, Vl = D3,
When N ≦ A0 and P> B1, Vl = D4,
When A0 <N <A1 and P> B1, Vl = D5,
When A1 ≦ N and P> B1, Vl = D6
Suppose that Here, the values A0 and A1 of the elapsed days N and the value B1 of the total print volume P are values obtained experimentally.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the central control unit 160 first obtains the number of elapsed days N = current date / time-use start date / time in step S600 and determines the number of printed pages from the cartridge usage status of the toner cartridges 36, 38, 40, and 42. And the toner density in each page, and the total print volume P is obtained based on the print density and the toner density. The use start date / time and the cartridge use status can be read from the EEPROM 142 of the wireless communication tag 72. The total print volume P may be obtained from the amount of toner that has passed through the toner supply tube 114.

  In step S602, it is determined whether the number of elapsed days N is within A0 (day) and the total print volume P is within B1, and if Yes, the latent image contrast Vl is set to D1 in step S604.

  On the other hand, if the determination is No, in step S606, it is determined whether the number of elapsed days N is between A0 (day) and A1 (day) and the total print volume P is within B1.

  If the determination is Yes, the corresponding latent image contrast Vl is set to D2 in step S608.

  On the other hand, if the determination is No, it is determined in step S610 whether the number of elapsed days N is A1 (day) or more and the total print volume P is within B1.

  If the determination is Yes, the latent image contrast Vl is set to D3 in step S612.

  On the other hand, if the determination is No, it is determined in step S614 whether the elapsed days N is within A0 (days) and the total print volume P is greater than B1.

  If the determination is Yes, the latent image contrast Vl is set to D4 in step S616.

  On the other hand, if the determination is No, it is determined in step S618 whether the elapsed days N are between A0 (day) and A1 (day) and the total print volume P is greater than B1.

  If the determination is Yes, the latent image contrast Vl is set to D5 in step S620.

  On the other hand, if the determination is No, since the elapsed days N is A1 (day) or more and the total print volume P is larger than B1, the latent image contrast Vl is set to D6 in step S622.

  When the latent image contrast Vl is set according to the respective elapsed days N and the total printer volume P in this way, image formation is executed according to the latent image contrast Vl set in step S624.

  The case where the toner is easily charged and the development density increases when a long time has elapsed after the start of use has been described, but conversely, when the development density decreases because the toner is difficult to be charged, the number of elapsed days N The latent image contrast Vl may be set so that the latent image contrast Vl becomes higher as the length becomes longer.

  When a large number of pages are printed at a high density and the total print volume is high, the contrast and color balance of the image are different from the start of use even if only a short time has passed since the start of use. Although the color balance of the image may be lost, in the sixth embodiment, since the latent image contrast Vl is set according to the number of elapsed days N and the total print volume P, occurrence of such a problem is prevented. it can.

  As described above, the present invention has been described taking the toner cartridge as an example. However, the process cartridge in which the photosensitive member, the developing device, and the toner cartridge as necessary are integrally formed, and the waste toner collecting cartridge that collects and stores the waste toner are described. Thus, the present invention can also be applied to a cartridge that is exchanged at a predetermined timing.

  The present invention is not limited to various types of electrophotographic printers and electrophotographic copying machines, as long as it is an image forming apparatus that is used by mounting a cartridge such as an ink cartridge that is consumed by use, such as an ink jet printer. It can also be applied to things.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of the laser printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a toner cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder included in the laser printer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the relative positional relationship between the toner cartridge mounted on the laser printer shown in FIG. 1 and the antenna unit. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing details of the configuration of the toner cartridge mounted on the laser printer shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of the toner cartridge attached with the wireless tag cut along the axis. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the wireless communication tag and the wireless communication device on the laser printer main body side. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a sequence of communication start processing in the wireless communication system provided in the laser printer shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for determining the life of the toner cartridge in the central control unit of the laser printer shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of a procedure for determining the life of the toner cartridge in the central control unit provided in the laser printer shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing still another example of the procedure for determining the life of the toner cartridge in the central control unit provided in the laser printer shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another example of a procedure for determining the life of the toner cartridge in the central control unit provided in the laser printer shown in FIG. FIG. 12 shows the latent image contrast changed according to the number of days elapsed from the use start date and time of the toner cartridge in the laser printer according to the first embodiment, and the toner with a constant contrast and color balance regardless of the number of days after the start of use. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which sets a latent image contrast about the example which enabled it to form an image. FIG. 13 shows the laser printer according to the first embodiment, in which the latent image contrast is changed according to the number of days elapsed from the use start date and time of the toner cartridge and the total print volume. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for setting a latent image contrast for an example in which a toner image can be formed with contrast and color balance.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Laser printer 11 Electronic circuit apparatus 12 Case 13 Opening / closing door 14 Main frame 15 2004 Process unit 18 Slide frame 20, 22, 24, 26 Photosensitive drum 21 Developer 28 Paper discharge tray 34 Cartridge holder 36, 38, 40 42 Toner cartridge 72 Wireless communication tag 118 Antenna unit 120 Antenna unit 124 Main body side antenna 128 Wireless communication system 130 Wireless communication device

Claims (14)

An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge having an information storage tag is attached and used.
Unused determination means for determining whether or not the cartridge is unused;
When it is determined that the cartridge is unused in the unused determination unit, a start state writing unit that writes a use start condition including a use start date and time of the cartridge into the information storage tag of the cartridge;
Tag information reading means for reading information written in the information storage tag;
A life detecting means for detecting the life of the cartridge,
When the end of life of the cartridge is detected by the end of life detection means, the end of cartridge life is notified and a cartridge use history including the use start date and time read by the tag information reading means is notified. Image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge having an information storage tag is attached and used.
Unused determination means for determining whether or not the cartridge is unused;
When it is determined that the cartridge is unused in the unused determination unit, a start state writing unit that writes a use start condition including a use start date and time of the cartridge into the information storage tag of the cartridge;
Tag information reading means for reading information written in the information storage tag;
Usage status detection writing means for detecting the usage status of the cartridge and writing it in the information storage tag;
Replacement reminder notification timing determination means for determining whether or not the cartridge is in a timing for performing a cartridge replacement reminder notification based on the latest use situation read from the information storage tag by the tag information readout means,
In the replacement reminder notification timing determination means, when it is determined that the cartridge is in a timing for performing the cartridge replacement reminder notice, the cartridge replacement reminder notice is given, and the use start date and time read by the tag information reading means is included. An image forming apparatus for notifying a cartridge use history to be performed. An image forming apparatus to which a cartridge having an information storage tag is attached and used.
Unused determination means for determining whether or not the cartridge is unused;
When it is determined that the cartridge is unused in the unused determination unit, a start state writing unit that writes a use start condition including a use start date and time of the cartridge into the information storage tag of the cartridge;
Tag information reading means for reading information written in the information storage tag;
Usage status detection writing means for detecting the usage status of the cartridge and writing it in the information storage tag;
Replacement prompt notification timing determination means for determining whether or not the cartridge is in a timing for performing a cartridge replacement prompt notification based on the latest usage status read from the information storage tag by the tag information read means;
A life detecting means for detecting the life of the cartridge,
In the replacement prompt notification timing determination means, when it is determined that the cartridge is in a timing for performing a cartridge replacement prompt notification, a cartridge replacement prompt notification is performed,
When the end of life of the cartridge is detected by the end of life detection means, the end of cartridge life is notified and a cartridge use history including the use start date and time read by the tag information reading means is notified. Image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the life detecting unit detects the life of the cartridge based on a latest use state read from the information storage tag by the tag information reading unit. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the cartridge use history is created based on a use start date and use state read by the tag information reading unit. The use start condition written to the information storage tag by the start state writing means at the start of use of the cartridge is not only the use start date and time of the cartridge but also an image forming apparatus specifying the image forming apparatus to which the cartridge is mounted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, which includes information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6, wherein a printing operation is prohibited when a cartridge end-of-life notification is made. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a cartridge life expiration notification, a cartridge replacement prompt notification, and a cartridge usage history notification are performed by printing on a recording medium in a printing unit included in the image forming apparatus. . When the print image is formed over a plurality of pages of the recording medium, the cartridge end-of-life notification, the cartridge replacement prompt notification, and the cartridge usage history are not printed after printing once on any page. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, which can be used. A cartridge life measuring means for directly measuring the life of the cartridge is provided on the cartridge side or the image forming apparatus side. When the life measured by the cartridge life measuring means is the minimum life corresponding to the end of the life of the cartridge, 10. The cartridge usage history created based on the use start date and time read by the tag information reading unit is notified, and a cartridge usage history is notified. Image forming apparatus. Cartridge life measuring means for directly measuring the life of the cartridge is provided on the cartridge side or the image forming apparatus side, and the replacement prompt notification timing judging means has a predetermined cartridge life measured by the cartridge life measuring means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, when the life is less than a predetermined life, the cartridge is determined to be in a timing for performing a cartridge replacement prompting notification and a cartridge replacement prompting notification is performed. The cartridge is filled with a color former used to form an image in the image forming apparatus,
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lifetime detecting unit detects the lifetime of the cartridge based on a remaining amount of the color former in the cartridge or an amount of the color developer used. The cartridge is filled with a color former used to form an image in the image forming apparatus,
The image according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the usage status detection writing means is a color former usage amount detection writing means for detecting a usage amount of the color development agent in the cartridge and writing it in the information storage tag. Forming equipment. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lifetime detecting unit is a color former remaining amount measuring unit that directly measures the remaining color former in the cartridge.

Images