JP2006030929A - Image forming unit, image forming apparatus having the same, and recycling method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming unit easily replacing components and devices in the image forming unit, and also to provide an image forming apparatus having the image forming unit and a recycling method for the image forming unit. <P>SOLUTION: A nonvolatile storage means is incorporated in a frame body storing the replaceable components and devices. Individual life information of each of the replaceable components and devices is stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Thus, from the individual life information of each of the replaceable components and devices, it is found out whether each component has reached its life. This facilitates replacement work. In addition, the replaceable components and devices in the image forming unit can be detached from the frame body individually. Accordingly, only the component which has reached its life is detached from the frame body and replaced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming unit, an image forming apparatus including the image forming unit, and a recycling method for the image forming unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is known that a toner cartridge or a process cartridge as an image forming unit detachable from an image forming apparatus is provided with a nonvolatile memory, and life information such as warranty information and operation information of the cartridge is stored in the nonvolatile memory. (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, guarantee information of a process cartridge converted into the number of rotations of a photosensitive member, the number of recording operations of a transfer material or the number of pixels is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and the guarantee information of the process cartridge and the actual number of revolutions of the photosensitive member are stored. The operation information such as the number of recording operations or the number of pixels of the transfer material is compared. Then, the life of the process cartridge is determined from the comparison result, and the replacement of the process cartridge is prompted. In Patent Document 1, for each replaceable part or device (hereinafter referred to as “exchanger”) in the process cartridge, the warranty information (recycling upper limit number information) of the exchange specified by the number of times of replacement of the photosensitive member is non-volatile. It is stored in memory. When the process cartridge is recycled, the warranty information of the replacement body is read out, and the parts that have reached the end of their life are replaced.

JP 2001-22230 A

  However, in the conventional process cartridge, for example, when the photosensitive member has reached the end of its life and is to be replaced, a charging device or a cleaning device as a replacement member that is attached around the photosensitive member and has not yet reached its end of life. The photosensitive member could not be exchanged unless it was once removed from the frame. In this way, in the conventional process cartridge, when replacing replaceable individual parts or devices (exchangers) that have reached the end of their service life, individual replacements that have been built on the process cartridge and have not reached the end of their life. Sometimes I had to remove my body. For this reason, there existed a problem that the replacement | exchange operation | work of an exchange body was troublesome and took time.

  In the conventional process cartridge, when it is attached to the image forming apparatus, the life of the process cartridge is detected from the warranty information of the process cartridge converted from the rotational speed of the photosensitive member. Then, replaceable parts and devices (exchangers) in the process cartridge are exchanged after ascertaining whether they have reached the end of their lives for the first time during recycling. For this reason, in the conventional process cartridge, even if the replacement body in the process cartridge has reached the end of its life, if the set process cartridge has not yet reached the end of its life, it continues to be used as it is. As a result, there has been a problem in that an image having deteriorated images and deterioration of other parts and devices are caused by the replacement body that has reached the end of its life.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming unit capable of easily exchanging an exchange member in an image forming unit, and an image forming apparatus including the image forming unit. An apparatus and a method for recycling the image forming unit are provided.

  In addition, another object of the present invention is to prevent an image forming unit that can prevent the use of a replacement body that has reached the end of its life in a process cartridge, and to suppress image deterioration and deterioration of other components and apparatuses. An image forming apparatus and a method for recycling the image forming unit are provided.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is used in an image forming apparatus, wherein a plurality of exchange bodies are housed in a frame and integrated, and are configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. In the unit, a plurality of exchange bodies housed in the frame body are configured to be individually removable from the frame body, and the frame body is provided with a non-volatile storage means, and the life for grasping the life of the exchange body Information is stored in the nonvolatile storage means.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming unit according to the first aspect, wherein an electronic component including the nonvolatile storage means and a CPU is attached to the frame.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit of the second aspect, the warranty information and the operation information for each of the exchanges are recorded in a nonvolatile storage means, and the warranty information and the operation information for each of the exchanges are recorded. Compared with each other, it is provided with an exchange life detecting means for detecting the life of the image forming unit.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit of the second or third aspect, unit guarantee information storing means for storing guarantee information of the image forming unit, and unit operation information storing means for storing operation information of the image forming unit. And a unit life detecting means for detecting the life of the image forming unit by comparing the warranty information of the image forming unit and the operation information of the image forming unit.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first, second, third, or fourth image forming unit, the lifetime information includes information on an exchange that has reached the end of its lifetime.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit according to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect, the nonvolatile storage means includes image forming information such as manufacturing information of the image forming unit, image forming conditions, Further, manufacturing information of each of the exchange bodies is stored.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth aspect, the warranty information of the replacement body includes operation guarantee time, expiration date, limit image formation number, rotation It is at least one of a limit rotational speed of a part and a toner amount, and the warranty information of the image forming unit is at least one of an operation guarantee time, a use expiration date, a limit image formation number of sheets, and a toner amount. It is what.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh aspect, the operation information of the exchanger includes a total operation time, a current date, a total It is at least one of the number of image formations, the total number of rotations of the rotating parts, and the toner amount. The operation information of the image forming unit includes at least one of the total operation time, the current date, the total number of image formations, and the toner amount. It is characterized by being one.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth aspect, the exchanger is in contact with at least the image carrier and the surface of the image carrier. It is a cleaning blade for cleaning the surface of the image carrier.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth aspect, an image carrier, a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, and a toner container are provided. Among these, the image carrier and at least one of the other are housed in a frame and integrated into a process cartridge.
The invention of claim 11 is characterized in that, in the image forming unit of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, the nonvolatile memory means is an EEPROM. To do.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming unit according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, or eleventh aspects, the frame body includes two side plates provided in parallel. And a holding member that is rotatably attached to the side plate and holds at least one exchanger.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit configured such that a plurality of exchange bodies are housed in a frame and integrated with each other so as to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Is an image forming unit according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an image forming unit configured such that a plurality of replacement bodies are housed in a frame and integrated with each other, and is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The exchange guarantee information storage means for storing the guarantee information and the exchange operation information storage means for storing the operation information of each exchange, and the guarantee information for each exchange and the operation information for each exchange Compared with each other, it is provided with an exchange life detecting means for detecting the life of the image forming unit.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the fourteenth aspect, unit guarantee information storage means for storing the guarantee information of the image forming unit, and unit operation information storage means for storing the operation information of the image forming unit. And a unit life detecting means for detecting the life of the image forming unit by comparing the warranty information of the image forming unit and the operation information of the image forming unit.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the thirteenth, fourteenth, or fifteenth aspect, when the life is detected by one of the exchanger life detecting means and the unit life detecting means, the image forming unit is It is characterized by having an informing means for informing that.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth or sixteenth aspect, when the life is detected by the exchanger life detecting means, the life detected by the exchanger life detecting means is reached. It is characterized by comprising display means for displaying information on the exchange and information on the exchange to be exchanged for an exchange that has reached the end of its life.
The invention of claim 18 is a recycling method of an image forming unit in which an image forming unit is recycled by exchanging an endurance exchanger in the image forming unit. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 of image forming units, and reading the information on the exchanger whose lifetime has been stored, which is stored in the nonvolatile storage means of the image forming unit; And a step of exchanging the exchange body that has reached the end of its life based on the read information.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the recycling method of the image forming unit according to the eighteenth aspect, the individual guarantee information of the exchange body is read from the nonvolatile storage means, and the individual exchange body is read from the nonvolatile storage means. The step of reading the use history information, the step of individually comparing the warranty information and the use history information of each of the exchanges, and determining the exchange whose use history information is close to the guarantee information as an exchange with the end of life It has the process and the process of replacing | exchanging the exchange body determined to have reached the lifetime.
According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, in the recycling method of the image forming unit according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, information on an exchange that has reached the end of its life stored in the nonvolatile storage means, and usage history of the exchange that has reached the end of its life. And a process of writing guarantee information of the exchanged exchanged in the non-volatile storage means to the exchanged exchange that has reached the end of its life.
According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the recycling method of the image forming unit according to the eighteenth, nineteenth or twentieth aspect, a step of reading information on a replacement that has been replaced with a replacement that has reached the end of life, and usage history information of the image forming unit , A step of creating new image forming unit warranty information based on the information on the exchanged exchange body and the usage history information on the image forming unit, and this information before the non-volatile storage means. The method includes a step of overwriting guarantee information of a certain image forming unit and a step of erasing the use history of the image forming unit of the nonvolatile storage means.
According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the recycling method of the image forming unit according to the eighteenth, nineteenth, twenty-first or twenty-first aspect, the information on the exchanger whose life has been stored stored in the non-volatile storage means is read and displayed on an external device It is characterized by doing.
The invention of claim 23 is the method for recycling the image forming unit according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the usage history of the image forming unit stored in the non-volatile storage means is erased and stored in the non-volatile storage means. Overwriting the warranty information of the new image forming unit with the warranty information of the previous image forming unit, the information on the exchanger that has reached the end of its life stored in the nonvolatile storage means, and the usage history of the exchanger that has reached the end of its life Erasure and writing of warranty information of the exchange that has reached the end of its lifetime in the nonvolatile storage means is performed by an external device.

  According to the first to thirteenth and sixteenth to twenty-third aspects of the present invention, the non-volatile storage means is provided in the frame body in which the plurality of exchange bodies are accommodated, and the life information of each exchange body is stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Thereby, it can be grasped from the lifetime information of each exchanger in the frame whether or not there is an exchanger whose lifetime has been reached, and the replacement work can be easily performed. The exchange body in the image forming unit is configured to be individually removable from the frame body. For this reason, only the exchange body which has reached the end of life can be removed from the frame body and replaced. As a result, it is possible to replace only the replacement body that has reached the end of its life without removing the replacement body that has not reached the end of its life as in the prior art, and the replacement work can be easily performed.

  According to the fourteenth and fifteenth aspects of the present invention, the lifetime of the image forming unit is detected by comparing the warranty information for each exchange and the operation information for each exchange. As a result, even if one of the image forming unit exchangers has reached the end of its life, this can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the replacement body in the image forming unit from being continuously used even though the life has expired as in the conventional case. As a result, it is possible to suppress image deterioration and deterioration of other components and devices.

First, the schematic configuration and operation of a tandem indirect transfer type color copier as an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge according to the present embodiment is set will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the color copying machine. In the figure, reference numeral 100 is a color copying machine main body, 200 is a paper feed table on which it is placed, 300 is a scanner mounted on the color copying machine main body 100, and 400 is an automatic document feeder (ADF) further mounted thereon.
The color copying machine main body 100 is provided with an intermediate transfer member 10 as an endless belt-like transfer member at the center. The intermediate transfer member 10 is wound around three support rollers 14, 15, 16 and can be rotated and conveyed clockwise in the figure. An intermediate transfer body cleaning device 17 for removing residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer body 10 after image transfer is provided on the left side of the second support roller 15 among the three support rollers. Further, on the intermediate transfer member 10 stretched between the first support roller 14 and the second support roller 15, four image forming portions 18 of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black are arranged along the conveyance direction. They are arranged side by side.
Each image forming unit 18 in the tandem image forming unit 20 includes a charging device, a developing device, a primary transfer roller 62 as a transfer unit, a photoconductor cleaning device, and a charge eliminating device around a photoconductor 40 as an image carrier. Etc. An exposure device 21 is provided on the tandem image forming unit 20. The photoconductor 40, the charging device, the developing device, and the cleaning device are housed in the same frame, and are process cartridges that can be detached from the apparatus main body.
These four image forming units 18 constitute a tandem image forming unit 20 as an image forming unit that forms toner images of different colors on each photoconductor 40.

Further, a secondary transfer device 22 as a transfer unit is provided on the opposite side of the intermediate transfer member 10 from the tandem image forming unit 20. The secondary transfer device 22 is configured by spanning a secondary transfer belt 24 that is an endless belt between two rollers 23, and is pressed against the third support roller 16 via the intermediate transfer body 10. Then, the image on the intermediate transfer member 10 is transferred to a transfer sheet.
A fixing device 25 for fixing the transfer image on the transfer paper is provided downstream of the secondary transfer position in the transfer paper transport direction. The fixing device 25 has a configuration in which a pressure roller 27 is pressed against a fixing belt 26 that is an endless belt.
A transfer paper reversing device 28 for reversing the transfer paper to record images on both sides of the transfer paper is provided below the secondary transfer device 22 and the fixing device 25 in parallel with the tandem image forming unit 20. .

When copying using the color copying machine having the above-described configuration, a document is set on the document table 30 of the automatic document feeder 400. Alternatively, the automatic document feeder 400 is opened, a document is set on the contact glass 32 of the scanner 300, and the automatic document feeder 400 is closed and pressed by it.
When a start switch (not shown) is pressed, when a document is set on the automatic document feeder 400, the document is transported and moved onto the contact glass 32, and then the document is set on the other contact glass 32. Immediately drives the scanner 300 and travels through the first traveling body 33 and the second traveling body 34. Then, the first traveling body 33 emits light from the light source and further reflects the reflected light from the document surface toward the second traveling body 34, and is reflected by the mirror of the second traveling body 34 and passes through the imaging lens 35. The document is placed in the reading sensor 36 and the original content is read.
When a start switch (not shown) is pressed, one of the support rollers 14, 15 and 16 is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown), the other two support rollers are driven to rotate, and the intermediate transfer body 10 is rotated and conveyed. To do. At the same time, the individual image forming units 18 rotate the photosensitive drums 40 as image carriers to form black, yellow, magenta, and cyan monochrome images on the respective photosensitive drums 40, respectively. Then, along with the conveyance of the intermediate transfer member 10, the single color images are sequentially transferred to form a composite color image on the intermediate transfer member 10.
On the other hand, when a start switch (not shown) is pressed, one of the paper feed rollers 42 of the paper feed table 200 is selectively rotated, the transfer paper is fed out from one of the paper feed cassettes 44 provided in multiple stages in the paper bank 43, and the separation roller The sheet is separated one by one at 45 and put into the sheet feeding path 46, conveyed by the conveying roller 47, guided to the sheet feeding path 48 in the copying machine main body 100, abutted against the registration roller 49 and stopped. Alternatively, the transfer paper on the manual feed tray 51 is fed by rotating the paper feed roller 50, separated one by one by the separation roller 52, put into the manual paper feed path 53, and abutted against the registration roller 49 and stopped.
Then, the registration roller 49 is rotated in synchronization with the composite color image on the intermediate transfer member 10, the transfer paper is fed between the intermediate transfer member 10 and the secondary transfer device 22, and transferred by the secondary transfer device 22. To record a color image on the transfer paper.

The transfer paper after the image transfer is transported by the transport belt 24 and sent to the fixing device 25. After the transfer image is fixed by applying heat and pressure by the fixing device 25, the transfer paper is switched by the switching claw 55 and discharged. Are discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 57.
On the other hand, the residual toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer body 10 after the image transfer is removed by the intermediate transfer body cleaning device 17 to prepare for the image formation by the tandem image forming unit 20 again.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of an electric circuit of the image forming apparatus. In the figure, a controller board 501 has a plurality of application functions such as a scanner application, a facsimile application, a printer application, and a copy application, and controls the entire system. The controller board 501 includes a CPU, a ROM that controls the system controller board, an SRAM that is a working memory used by the CPU, a frame memory, and a work memory. In addition, the above-mentioned SRAM backup function, NV-RAM with built-in clock and lithium battery, system bus control of controller board 501, frame memory control, FIFO, ASIC for controlling CPU peripherals, its interface circuit, etc. It has. The controller board 501 is connected to an operation unit board 502 of the image forming apparatus and an HDD 503 for recording image data.

  The operation unit board 502 controls the input for inputting the system setting by the user operating the panel of the image forming apparatus, and controls the display for displaying the setting contents and status of the system to the user. . The operation unit board 502 is written with a CPU, a RAM which is a working memory used by the CPU, a control program for the operation board 502, a ROM for controlling input reading and display output of the operation board, and setting contents and status. LCD, ASIC (LCDC) for controlling key input, and the like are mounted.

  The HDD 503 is used as an application database for storing system application programs and device activation information of printer image forming process devices. Further, it is also used as an image database for storing image data of read images and write images, that is, image data and document data. The HDD 503 and the controller board 501 are connected to each other through an interface that conforms to ATA / ATAPI-4 for both physical and electrical interfaces.

  A LAN interface board 505 is connected to the controller board 501. Communication with the management system is performed via the LAN interface board 505. The LAN interface board 505 is a communication interface board between the in-house LAN (Internet) and the controller. The LAN interface board 505 is connected by a standard communication interface of a PHY chip I / F and an I2C bus I / F.

  Further, a general-purpose PCI bus is connected to the controller board 501, and a FAX control unit (FCU) 506 and the like are connected to the PCI bus. The PCI bus is an image data bus / control command bus, and image data and control commands are transferred in a time division manner.

  An engine control board 510 is connected to the PCI bus, and the engine control board 510 and the controller board 501 are connected via the PCI bus. The engine control board 510 mainly performs image creation control of the image forming apparatus. The engine control board 510 incorporates a CPU and IPP which is a programmable arithmetic processing means for performing image processing, and a program necessary for controlling copying and printout. ROM, SRAM necessary for its control, and NV-RAM are mounted. The NV-RAM includes an SRAM and a memory that detects power-off and stores it in the EEPROM. Engine control board 510 also includes a serial interface that transmits and receives signals to and from the CPU that performs other controls. Further, the engine control board 510 is also equipped with an I / OASIC for controlling a nearby I / O (counter, fan, solenoid, motor, etc.) on which the engine control board is mounted.

Connected to the engine control board 510 are a scanner (SBU) board 511 for reading a copy original (image) and an LDB board 512 for writing image data on the photosensitive member. The engine control board 510 is connected to non-contact communication means 516 that communicates with an IC tag attached to the process cartridge. The engine control board 510 is also connected with a drum rotation detecting means 519, a toner end sensor 518, and the like.
The SBU board 511 includes a circuit for generating drive timings of the analog ASIC, the CCD, and the analog ASIC.
Further, a PSU 514 that supplies power for controlling these image forming apparatuses is provided. The PSU 514 is supplied with commercial power by the main SW.

Next, image formation control will be described. The original is set in a reading unit 300 that optically reads the original provided with the color CCD 520 and the SBU board 511. Then, scanning of a document illumination light source (not shown) provided in the reading unit is performed to irradiate the document with light. The reflected light of the original is photoelectrically exchanged by the color CCD 520 to generate an image signal. The color CCD 520 is a three-line color CCD, and generates an EVENch / ODDch RGB image signal. The R, G, and B image signals are input to the analog ASIC of the SBU board 511 corresponding to each image signal. The R, G, and B image signals output from the CCD are sampled and held by a sampling and holding circuit inside the analog ASIC, and then A / D converted, and the R, G, and B image signals are converted into data signals. Convert to At the same time, the shading correction is performed by the analog ASICs of R, G, and B, and the image is sent to the image processor IPP of the engine control board 510 via the image data bus of the output I / F (interface) 520. Image data transferred from the SBU board 511 to the IPP is corrected for signal deterioration (scanner signal deterioration) due to quantization into an optical system and a digital signal by the IPP, and the controller is connected to the image data bus of the PCI bus. It is written in the frame memory of the board 501.
The black (B), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) write signals output from the work memory of the controller board 501 correspond to B, Y, M, and C of the LDB board 512, respectively. Each is input to an LD writing circuit (LDB). Then, LD current control (modulation control) is performed by the LD writing circuit (LDB) for each color, which is output to the LD for each color, and writing is performed on the surface of the photoreceptor of each color by laser light.

  Next, the process cartridge will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the process cartridge 1 includes a photosensitive member 40 as an exchange member, a cleaning device 2, a charging device 4, a developing module including a developing device 5 and a toner storage unit 6, which are individually provided from a frame body 7. Is installed interchangeably. Further, the frame 7 of the process cartridge 1 is provided with a memory tag 9 or an IC chip 10 having a nonvolatile memory. The cleaning device 2 includes a cleaning brush roller 2a that cleans residual toner on the surface of the photoreceptor and a cleaning blade 2b. Further, the cleaning device 2 includes a waste toner collecting coil 2c. The charging device 4 includes a charging roller 4a and a charging brush roller 4b for cleaning the charging roller 4a. The developing device 5 includes a developing roller 5a for attaching toner to the latent image on the photoconductor 40, a doctor blade 5b for regulating the amount of the developer on the developing roller 5a, and a developer on the developing roller 5a. Are provided with two conveying screws 5c and 5d for conveying the components while stirring. The developing device 5 includes a T sensor 5e, and detects the toner concentration in the developer to detect the toner concentration. Further, the developing device 5 includes an air pump for conveying toner from the toner storage unit 6 and a toner end detection sensor for detecting the toner end, although not shown. Although not shown, the process cartridge 1 is appropriately provided with a drive source for driving the photoconductor 40 and the like, a detection unit for detecting the rotation speed of the photoconductor, and the like.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the process cartridge 1 includes a front side plate 1a that supports the photosensitive member 40, and a back side plate 1b (not shown in FIG. 4) on the back side in the drawing. On the right side in the figure, a first device holding portion 7a is provided. The first device holding portion 7a is rotatably attached to the front side plate 1a and the back side plate 1b by the coupling member 1c, and is fixed to the front side plate 1a, the back side plate, and 1b by the frame positioning member 1d. ing. Further, on the left side of the figure, a second frame 7b is provided, and the second device holding portion 7b is attached to the frame attachment member 1e. The frame attachment member 1e is connected to the front side plate 1a. It is attached to the side plate 1b. The cleaning device 2 and the charging device 4 are attached to the first device holding portion 7a. A developing device 5 and a toner container 6 are attached to the second device holding portion 7b. In addition, a memory tag 9 or an IC chip 10 provided with a nonvolatile memory is provided on the back side of the second device holding unit 7b in the drawing. The memory tag 9 or the IC chip 10 is mounted with a nonvolatile memory, and information on the process cartridge 1 and information on each device provided in the process cartridge are stored in the nonvolatile memory. This recorded information can be transmitted to and received from the image forming apparatus.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state in which the charging device 4 as an exchange body is mounted on the process cartridge 1. The charging device 4 is inserted into the charging attachment portions 7c and 7d on the side plate of the first frame 7a of the process cartridge, and is fixed to the first device holding portion 7a. The charging device 4 can be easily removed from the process cartridge 1 by removing the fixing between the charging device 4 and the first device holding portion 7a and lifting the charging device 4 upward in the drawing.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic perspective views illustrating a state in which the photoconductor 40 as an exchange body is removed from the process cartridge 1. FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view showing a state before the photoconductor 40 is detached from the process cartridge 1, and FIG. 6B shows a state where the photoconductor 40 is removed from the process cartridge 1. FIG. First, when removing the photoconductor 40, first, the frame body positioning member 1d is removed to make the first frame body 7a rotatable. When the frame positioning member 1d is removed, the first device holding portion 7a is rotated to the state shown in FIG. Since the photoreceptor 40 is only supported by the support portion 1e of the front side plate 1a and the back side plate 1b, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), it is pulled out upward while being pressed against one side plate. It can be easily removed.
When attaching the photoconductor 40 to the process cartridge 1, the photoconductor 40 is attached to the support portions 1e of the near side and back side plates while pressing the photoconductor 40 against one side plate. When the photosensitive member 40 is attached to the support portion 1e, the first device holding portion 7a is rotated, and the first device holding portion 7a is fixed to the near side plate 1a, the back side plate, and 1b by the frame positioning member 1d. Can be installed easily.

  The cleaning device 2 is easily detached individually from the first device holding portion 7a by removing a fixing member (not shown) that fixes the cleaning device 2 to the first device holding portion 7a. Further, the cleaning blade 2b and the cleaning brush 2a in the cleaning device 2 are exchanged after the first device holding portion 7a is rotated and brought into a state as shown in FIG. .

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views for explaining how the memory tag 9 is attached to the process cartridge 1. FIG. 7A is a schematic perspective view for explaining a state of attachment to the process cartridge 1 when the memory tag 9 is a non-contact type, and FIG. 7B is a case where the memory tag 9 is a non-contact type. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a state of attachment to the process cartridge 1. When the memory tag 9 shown in FIG. 7A is a non-contact type, the second device holding portion 7b is provided with a recess 7e, and the non-contact type memory tag 9 mounted on the printed circuit board 9a is provided in the recess 7e. It is attached to come to the surface. On the other hand, in the case of the contact-type memory tag 9, as shown in FIG. 7B, the contact terminal 9b provided on the back side of the printed circuit board 9a is attached to the recess 7e so as to face the surface.

Next, the memory tag 9 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the memory tag 9. As shown in FIG. 8, the memory tag 9 includes a nonvolatile memory 11 that stores information on the process cartridge 1 and information on each device included in the process cartridge. The nonvolatile memory 11 stores information necessary for controlling the process cartridge 1. For example, image forming conditions such as exposure amount, charge amount, developing bias, manufacturing lot information such as the lot number, manufacturing date, type, storage period, identification number, company code, etc. of the developing device 5 and the charging device 4, Process cartridges such as information on devices and parts to be replaced at the time of replacement, replacement (life) period of parts and devices, upper limit of the number of parts and devices to be recycled, parts and device codes whose life has been detected, T sensor error, unit error information, etc. Information required to recycle the product, number of recyclings, replacement parts information, toner filling amount, toner filling time, toner type and other process cartridge recycling information, lifespan information, use date, use time, use Warranty period, storage period, start date of use, number of copies, use limit copy number, roller rotation speed, roller use limit rotation speed, remaining toner, etc. Usage history information to detect is stored. The memory tag 9 includes a transmission antenna 9c and a reception antenna 9d for communicating information with the apparatus main body. The memory tag 9 includes a memory-side communication circuit 9b that transmits information from the reception antenna 9d to the nonvolatile memory 11 and transmits information in the nonvolatile memory 11 to the transmission antenna 9c. The memory side communication circuit 9b includes a receiving circuit 9e for amplifying the received signal received by the receiving antenna 9d, and a demodulating circuit 9g for demodulating the amplified received signal into a predetermined signal for transmission. In addition, a control circuit 9 h that writes information into the nonvolatile memory 11 and extracts information from the nonvolatile memory 11 based on the received signal is provided. Further, the memory-side communication circuit 9b includes a modulation circuit 9i that modulates information in the nonvolatile memory 11 into a predetermined signal for transmission, and a transmission driver 9j that transmits a transmission signal to the transmission antenna 9c. Further, the memory side communication circuit 9b is provided with a power supply circuit 9k that supplies power to rectify the electromagnetic waves of the receiving antenna 9d.
On the apparatus main body side, a CPU and a main body side communication circuit 516 are provided. The CPU and the main body side communication circuit 516 are connected by a serial interface, and signals are transmitted and received between the CPU and the main body side communication circuit 516 through this serial interface. The main body side communication circuit 516 has the same circuit configuration as the memory side communication circuit 9b.

  Non-contact communication between the main body side and the memory tag of the process cartridge is performed as follows. First, a signal output from the CPU on the main body side is modulated by the communication circuit 516 on the main body side, and a transmission signal is transmitted from a transmission antenna (not shown) on the apparatus main body side. A signal transmitted from the transmission antenna on the apparatus main body side is received by the reception antenna 9 d of the memory tag 9. At this time, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 9k to the receiving antenna 9d, and electromagnetic waves are rectified. The received transmission signal is amplified by the amplification circuit 9e and demodulated into a predetermined signal by the demodulation circuit 9g. The signal demodulated into the predetermined signal is sent to the control circuit 9h, and the control circuit 9h performs control such as writing information into the nonvolatile memory 11 based on the predetermined signal. When the information on the apparatus main body side is a signal for transmitting information in the nonvolatile memory 11, necessary information is read from the nonvolatile memory 11 by the control circuit 9h and transmitted to the modulation circuit 9i. The transmitted information is modulated into a predetermined signal by the modulation circuit 9i and sent to the transmission antenna 9c. The signal transmitted to the transmission antenna 9c is transmitted from the transmission antenna 9c and received by a reception antenna on the apparatus body side (not shown). Then, the signal received by the receiving antenna on the apparatus body side is modulated by the modulation circuit and sent to the CPU. In this way, information from the nonvolatile memory 11 is sent to the CPU.

  In the above description, the non-contact type memory tag 9 has been described. However, a contact type memory tag may be used. In the case of a contact-type memory tag, only the reception antenna and the transmission antenna are changed to connection terminals, and the other configurations are the same.

  Next, the IC chip 10 will be described. The IC chip 10 has a CPU and a nonvolatile memory 11. In the case of the memory tag 9, when comparing information stored in the non-volatile memory 11 or calculating using information stored in the non-volatile memory 11, it communicates with the apparatus main body, Must be performed by the CPU on the side. However, since the IC chip 10 includes the CPU and the nonvolatile memory 11, the information stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is compared with the internal CPU without communicating with the apparatus main body, Calculation using the information stored in the memory 11.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the IC chip 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the IC chip 10 includes a CPU 10 a and a nonvolatile memory 11. The IC chip 10 includes a transmission / reception antenna 10b that performs non-contact communication with the communication circuit 516 on the apparatus main body side. In addition, the IC chip 10 includes a power supply circuit 10d that supplies power to rectify electromagnetic waves of the memory-side communication circuit 10c and the transmitting / receiving antenna 10b. The IC chip includes a control circuit 10e that controls the inside of the IC chip, a ROM (10f) that is a program memory, a RAM (10g) that is a working memory for executing a program, and a dedicated instruction for writing to the nonvolatile memory 11. E-EEPROM (10h) is stored.

  The CPU 10a communicates with the outside using a ROM stored therein and reads / writes data from / to the nonvolatile memory 11 according to an external command. The CPU 10a is also provided with an I / O port, to which a toner end sensor and an output of a rotation signal of the photosensitive member are connected.

  Non-contact communication between the main body side and the IC chip 10 of the process cartridge 1 is performed as follows. First, a signal output from the CPU on the main body side is modulated into a predetermined signal for transmission by the communication circuit 516 on the main body side, and sent to the antenna 110 for both transmission and reception. A signal transmitted from the antenna 110 on the main body side is received by the antenna 10b for both transmission and reception of the IC chip 10. Then, this signal is demodulated from a predetermined signal for transmission by the IC chip side communication circuit 10c, then converted into a parallel signal and sent to the CPU 10a. Then, information is read from the non-volatile memory 11 by a signal sent from the image forming apparatus, arithmetic processing is performed based on a predetermined program built in the ROM, and the result of the arithmetic processing is written in the non-volatile memory. Further, the result of the arithmetic processing is transmitted from the CPU 10a of the IC chip 10 to the main body side by the IC chip side communication circuit 10c.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the IC chip 10 may be attached to the concave portion 7e of the second device holding portion 7b in the same manner as the memory tag. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. A socket 109 may be provided, and an IC chip may be detachably attached to the socket 109.

  Next, a method for detecting the life of replaceable parts / devices (exchangers) in the process cartridge by the memory tag 10 of the process cartridge will be described. The process cartridge life detection of this embodiment is performed based on the operation time, the expiration date, the number of copies, the number of rotations of the roller, and the like.

  First, the process cartridge life detection during the operation time will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of life detection for detecting the life of individual devices and parts in the process cartridge according to the operation time. As shown in FIG. 11, first, it is checked whether the counter of the CPU internal timer mounted on the image forming apparatus has counted for 1 hour (S1). If it has not been counted for one hour (S1NO), the steps after S1 are repeated. After counting for 1 hour, 1 hour is added to the count of the count timer of the RAM in the apparatus (S2). Next, it is checked whether or not the count timer of the RAM has counted a predetermined time (S3). If the predetermined time has not been counted (NO in S3), the steps after S1 are repeated. The predetermined time can be arbitrarily set. For example, if the predetermined time is set to one hour, the usage time of the process cartridge 1 and each device and component in the process cartridge can be grasped almost accurately. However, the steps after S4 are performed every hour, which is inefficient. Further, if the predetermined time is the average daily use time of the image forming apparatus, a slight error occurs in the use time of each device and part in the process cartridge and the process cartridge. Since it is set for a long time, even if there is some error, it can be ignored sufficiently. In addition, by setting such a predetermined time, it is only necessary to perform the steps after S4 once a day, which is efficient.

  When the RAM count timer counts for a predetermined time (YES in S3), it communicates with the memory tag of the process cartridge, reads the accumulated operating time of the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11, and adds the predetermined time by the CPU. To do. Then, the accumulated operation time of the added process cartridge is written in the nonvolatile memory 11. Similarly, for each device and component in the process cartridge, the cumulative operation time of each device and component stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is read, and the predetermined time is added, and the added device and component are added. The accumulated operation time is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S4). Here, the operating time of a device or part that has reached the end of its life and is replaced is reset in a regeneration process to be described later, but other parts that have not reached the end of their life are used without being replaced. At this time, if the cumulative operation time is not stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 for each device or component, it is unclear how long the component or device that has been used as it is without replacement has been operating. For this reason, the non-volatile memory 11 stores the accumulated operating time of each device or component. In addition, since the accumulated operation time is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11, even if the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off, the storage does not disappear.

  When the accumulated operation time is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11, the guaranteed operation time of the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 and the accumulated operation time of the process cartridge are read and compared by the CPU (S5). If the cumulative operation time of the process cartridge exceeds the guaranteed operation time of the process cartridge as a result of the comparison (YES in S5), it is determined that the process cartridge is at the end of life, and the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 of the memory tag. (S10). This life detection code is a code for grasping what caused the life detection, and a different life detection code is assigned to each of the operating time, expiration date, number of copies, and number of rotations of the roller. Is stored in the non-volatile memory 11. Then, when the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11, the process ends.

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, when the accumulated operation time of the process cartridge does not exceed the operation guarantee time of the process cartridge (NO in S5), the operation guarantee time of each device in the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 And the cumulative operating time of each device are read out and compared by the CPU (S6). If, as a result of the comparison, the accumulated operating time of any of the devices exceeds the guaranteed operating time of the device, the device code whose life has been detected is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 of the memory tag (S7). Here, the device code is a code assigned to each device in the process cartridge. For example, when the operating time of the developing device exceeds the guaranteed use time, the code of the developing device is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11. Write. When the device code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11, the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S10), and the process ends (S11).

On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if any of the process cartridges does not exceed the guaranteed operating time of the apparatus (NO in S6), each component in the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 The operation guaranteed time and the accumulated operation time of each component are read out and compared by the CPU (S8). As a result of the comparison, when the cumulative operating time of any one of the components exceeds the guaranteed operation time of the component, the component code whose lifetime has been detected is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 of the memory tag (S9). Here, the component code is a code assigned to each component in the process cartridge, and is assigned individually to, for example, a cleaning blade in the cleaning device, a charging roller of the charging device, or the like. When the component code is written in the nonvolatile memory, the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S10), and the process ends (S11).
On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if any of the components in the process cartridge does not exceed the guaranteed operation time, the steps after S1 are repeated.

  Next, the process life detection of the process cartridge will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for detecting the expiration date of the service life. As shown in FIG. 12, the lifetime detection of the expiration date is performed when the image forming apparatus is turned on. First, it is checked whether there is a power ON flag (S12). If there is no power ON flag (NO in S12), the expiration date check is terminated (S20). When the power ON flag is present (S12 YES), the process cartridge usage guarantee period is read from the nonvolatile memory 11 by communicating with the apparatus main body. Similarly, the use guarantee period of each part / device of the process cartridge is read out from the nonvolatile memory 11 (S13). Next, the CPU compares the current date with the process cartridge use guarantee expiration date (S14). As a result of the comparison, if the current date exceeds the process cartridge use guarantee expiration date (YES in S14), the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S19), and the process ends (S20). The lifetime detection code in this case is a lifetime detection code for the expiration date.

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the current date does not exceed the process cartridge use guarantee expiration date (NO in S14), the current date is compared with the use expiration date of each device of the process cartridge ( S15). As a result of the comparison, if the current date exceeds the use guarantee expiration date of each device in the process cartridge (YES in S15), the device code that has reached the end of the use guarantee expiration date is stored in the nonvolatile memory. 11 is written (S16). After the device code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11, the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S19), and the process ends (S20).

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the current date does not exceed the use guarantee expiration date of each part of the process cartridge (NO in S15), the current date and the use expiration date of each part of the process cartridge Are compared (S17). As a result of comparison, if the current date has exceeded the use guarantee expiration date of each part of the process cartridge (YES in S17), the component code that has reached the end of its use guarantee date is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S18). After the component code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11, the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S19), and the process ends (S20). On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the current date does not exceed the guaranteed use date of each part of the process cartridge (YES in S17), the expiration date check is terminated.

  Next, the process cartridge life detection based on the number of copies will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of process cartridge life detection based on the number of copies. As shown in FIG. 13, first, it is checked whether or not the copy operation is completed (S21). If the copy operation is not completed (NO in S21), the steps after S21 are performed. If the copy operation has been completed (YES in S21), communication is made with the nonvolatile memory 11, the cumulative number of copies of the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is read, and the CPU adds the number of copies. Then, the added cumulative number of copies of the process cartridge is written in the nonvolatile memory 11. Similarly, for each part / device in the process cartridge, the cumulative number of copies of each part / device stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is read out, and the added number of copies is added. Each cumulative copy number is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S22). The reason for providing the cumulative number of copies for each process cartridge, each device, and each component is to make it possible to know the usage history of components and devices that are used without replacement even if a certain component or device in the process cartridge is replaced. It is.

  When each cumulative copy number is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11, the limit copy number of the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 and the cumulative copy number of the process cartridge are read and compared by the CPU (S23). As a result of the comparison, if the cumulative number of copies of the process cartridge exceeds the limit copy number of the process cartridge (YES in S23), it is determined that the process cartridge has reached the end of life, and a life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S28). . The life detection code at this time is a life detection code for the number of copies. When the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11, the process ends (S29).

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the cumulative number of copies of the process cartridge does not exceed the copy limit number of the process cartridge (NO in S23), the cumulative number of copies of each device in the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 Then, the limit copy number of each device of the process cartridge is read and compared by the CPU (S24). As a result of the comparison, if the cumulative number of copies exceeds the copy limit number of the device (YES in S24), the device code whose life has been detected is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S25). When the device code is written in the nonvolatile memory, the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S28), and the process ends (S29).

On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the cumulative number of copies of any device of the process cartridge does not exceed the limit copy of each device (NO in S24), each component in the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 The total number of copies and the limit copy number of each component are read out and compared by the CPU (S26). As a result of the comparison, when the cumulative number of copies of a certain component among the components exceeds the limit copy number (YES in S26), the component code whose life has been detected is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S27). When the component code is written in the nonvolatile memory, the life detection code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S28), and the process ends (S29).
On the other hand, as a result of comparison, if the cumulative number of copies does not exceed the limit copy number for any part in the process cartridge, the steps after S1 are repeated.

  In the life detection flow for each of the above operating time, expiration date, and number of copies, after detecting the life of the process cartridge, the life of the device in the process cartridge is detected, and finally the life of the parts in the process cartridge is detected. However, the order of these can be set arbitrarily. For example, the life of parts in the process cartridge may be detected first, and the life of the process cartridge may be detected last. In addition, when the process cartridge is only a frame and no parts that affect the image are mounted, the life detection of the process cartridge may be omitted, or only the device in the process cartridge or only the parts in the process cartridge may be omitted. It is only necessary to detect the life. In the case of the IC chip 10, a CPU that detects the lifetime by comparing the guarantee information such as the guaranteed operation time, the expiration date, and the limit number of copies with the operation information such as the accumulated operation time, the current date, and the total number of copies. Can be performed by the CPU of the IC chip.

  Next, the process cartridge life detection based on the rotational speed of the photosensitive member will be described. The life detection based on the number of rotations of the photoconductor is preferably used for detecting the life of the photoconductor and the rollers in the process cartridge that rotates together with the photoconductor. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of detection means for detecting the rotation speed of the photoreceptor. As shown in FIG. 14, a drum rotation detection mark 40a is provided at the end of the photoconductor 40, and a reflective sensor 40b is provided at a position facing the drum rotation detection mark 40a. The reflection type sensor 40b is connected to an I / O port (not shown) of the engine control board 510 as shown in FIG. 2, and a signal 519 from the reflection type sensor 40b is passed through this I / O port. Sent to the CPU. The detection signal 519 of the drum rotation detection mark 40a detected by the reflection type sensor 40b is transmitted to the CPU, and the CPU detects the number of rotations of the photoconductor 40 by counting the detection signal. Yes. In the above description, the drum rotation detection signal 519 is transmitted to the CPU in the image forming apparatus. However, the CPU 10a of the IC chip 10 is provided with an I / O port, and the drum rotation detection signal 519 is transmitted to the IC chip 10 as shown in FIG. You may make it transmit to CPU10a.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for detecting the life of the process cartridge based on the number of rotations of the photoconductor 40. First, it is checked whether or not the copy operation has been completed (S30). If the copy operation has been completed (NO in S30), the steps after S1 are repeated. When the copying operation is in progress (YES in S30), the rotational speed of the photoconductor 40 is detected (S31). When the rotational speed of the photoconductor 40 is detected, communication with the nonvolatile memory 11 is performed, the cumulative rotational speed of the photoconductor 40 stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is read, and the rotational speed of the photoconductor 40 is added by the CPU. To do. Then, the added total number of rotations of the photoconductor 40 is written in the nonvolatile memory 11. Further, based on the number of rotations of the photoconductor 40, the number of rotations of the developing roller 5a and the charging roller 4a that rotate with the photoconductor is calculated. Then, the cumulative number of rotations of each roller stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is read, the number of rotations of each roller obtained by calculation is added, and the total number of rotations of each added roller is non-volatile. Write to the memory 11 (S32). After the cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive member 40 and each roller is written in the nonvolatile memory 11, the limit rotational number of the photosensitive member 40 and the cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive member 40 stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 are read, and the image Comparison is made by the CPU in the forming apparatus (S33). If the cumulative number of rotations of the photoconductor 40 exceeds the limit number of rotations of the photoconductor 40 as a result of comparison (YES in S33), it is determined that the photoconductor 40 has reached the end of its life, and the non-volatile memory 11 stores the part code of the photoconductor. Is written (S35). After writing the component code, the life detection code for the rotational speed of the photosensitive member 40 is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S36), and the process is terminated (S37).

  On the other hand, as a result of comparison, when the cumulative number of rotations of the photoconductor 40 does not exceed the limit number of rotations of the photoconductor 40 (NO in S33), the total number of rotations of each roller and the limit number of rotations of each roller are non-volatile. The data is read from the memory 11 and compared by the CPU (S34). As a result of comparison, when the cumulative rotational speed of any of the cumulative rotational speeds of each roller exceeds the rotational speed of the roller (YES in S34), the component code of the roller whose life has been detected is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11. Write (S35), write the life detection code (S36), and end (S37). As a result of the comparison, if none of the cumulative rotational speeds of the rollers exceeds the rotational speed of the rollers (YES in S34), the steps after S30 are repeated.

  The life of each roller is detected from the number of rotations of the photosensitive member 40. Each roller is provided with a rotation detection unit, and the life of each roller is determined from the number of rotations detected by the rotation unit. Anyway. In addition, although the life of the photosensitive member 40 is first detected, the life of each roller may be detected first.

  In the process cartridge including the toner container 6, the toner end may be determined as the life of the process cartridge 1. The image forming apparatus is provided with a known toner end detection sensor, and detects the toner end in the toner container 6 of the process cartridge 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the toner end detection sensor is connected to an I / O port (not shown) of the engine control board 510, and a signal 518 from the toner end detection sensor is passed through this I / O port. Sent to the CPU. Then, a toner end signal 518 detected by the toner end detection sensor is transmitted to the CPU, and this signal is read by the CPU. The toner end signal 518 may be transmitted to the CPU of the IC chip.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of process cartridge life detection based on toner end detection. First, the toner end detection means reads the detected signal into the CPU (S38). Next, it is determined from the read signal whether the toner end is reached (S39). When it is determined that the toner has ended (YES in S39), the non-volatile memory 11 is communicated and the remaining amount of toner is stored in the non-volatile memory 11 (S40). Then, a life detection code corresponding to the toner end detection is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S41), and the process ends (S42). On the other hand, if it is not the toner end (NO in S39), the process ends (S42).

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, when the power is turned on, when copying is completed, or when the door of the image forming apparatus is opened, the process cartridge 1 attached to the process cartridge 1 communicates with the nonvolatile memory 11 of the process cartridge 1. Checking whether it can be used.

First, detection control for detecting the availability of the process cartridge 1 when the power is turned on will be described. Detection control for detecting the availability of the process cartridge 1 performed when the power is turned on is performed when the power is turned on. FIG. 17 is a flow of detection control for detecting the availability of a process cartridge when the power is turned on. As shown in FIG. 17, first, when the power is turned on, a memory-related initialization process is performed (S43). Next, I / O initialization processing of the image forming apparatus is performed (S44), and peripheral device initialization processing is performed (S45). Next, the current time is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 of the process cartridge (S46). Next, manufacturing information such as a manufacturing code, a reproduction code, a company code, and an identification number stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is checked (S47). If the manufacturing information is not a predetermined code as a result of the check (NO in S47), it is determined that an improperly reproduced process cartridge or an improperly manufactured process cartridge is attached when the power is turned off, and the correct process cartridge is not attached. A warning display to notify this is performed (S48). Then, the copy button on the operation unit is displayed in red to prohibit copying (S49), and the process ends (S50).
On the other hand, when the manufacturing information stored in the non-volatile memory 11 is a predetermined code (YES in S47), it is checked whether or not the life detection code is stored in the non-volatile memory 11 (S51). When the life detection code is stored (YES in S51), a warning display is given to notify that the process cartridge or the device of the process cartridge is at the end of life (S52), and the process ends (S50). Moreover, you may make it display the apparatus and components which reached the lifetime at the time of this warning display. In addition, a replacement part list, a replacement device list, and the like may be displayed. In this way, when the warning that the end of life has been reached is displayed, the user can reproduce the process cartridge by notifying the user of information on parts or devices that need to be replaced. If there is no life detection code (NO in S51), the process ends as it is (S50).
In the above, it is performed at the time of the initialization process, but detection control for detecting the availability of the process cartridge may be performed separately from the initialization process.

  Next, detection control for detecting the availability of the process cartridge at the end of copying will be described. FIG. 18 is a flow of detection control for detecting whether or not the process cartridge can be used at the end of copying. First, it is checked whether or not copying has been completed (S53). If the copy operation has not been completed (NO in S53), the steps after S53 are repeated. When the copy operation is completed (YES in S53), it is checked whether the life detection code is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S54). When the life detection code is stored (YES in S54), a warning display for notifying that the process cartridge has reached the end of life is performed (S55), and the process ends (S56). If there is no lifetime detection code in the nonvolatile memory 11 (NO in S54), the steps after S53 are repeated again. In this way, by checking the life of the process cartridge at the end of copying, even if the life of the process cartridge has expired during operation of the image forming apparatus, the user can be notified immediately.

Next, detection control for determining whether a process cartridge can be used when the door of the image forming apparatus is opened will be described. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of detection control for determining whether or not the process cartridge can be used when the door is opened. First, the CPU of the image forming apparatus checks whether the door of the apparatus body is open (S57). If it is open (YES in S57), a door open flag is set (S58). When the door open flag is set, the current time is written in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S59). Next, communication with the nonvolatile memory 11 is stopped (S60). Then, the power supply to the process cartridge is stopped (S61), and the process ends (S71).
On the other hand, if the door of the apparatus body is not open (NO in S57), it is checked whether the door open flag is set (S62). If the door open flag is not set (NO in S62), it is determined that the door has not been opened and closed, and the process ends (S71). If the door open flag is set (YES in S62), the door is opened and closed, so the communication of the nonvolatile memory 11 is resumed (S63). When the communication of the nonvolatile memory 11 is resumed, the door open flag is cleared (S64), and the current time is written in the nonvolatile memory 11. Next, manufacturing information such as a manufacturing code, a reproduction code, a company code, and an identification number stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is checked (S66). If the manufacturing information is not a predetermined code as a result of the check (S67 NO), it is determined that an improperly reproduced process cartridge or an improperly manufactured process cartridge has been installed, and informs that the correct process cartridge has not been installed. A warning is displayed (S67). Then, the copy button on the operation unit is displayed in red to prohibit copying (S68), and the process ends (S71).
On the other hand, if the manufacturing information stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is a predetermined code (YES in S66), it is checked whether or not the life detection code is stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S69). If the life detection code is stored (YES in S69), a warning display is displayed to notify that the process cartridge or the device of the process cartridge is at the end of life (S70), and the process ends (S71). If there is no life detection code (NO in S69), the process ends (S71).

  As described above, by determining whether or not the process cartridge is at the end of life when the door is opened and closed, even if the user mistakenly inserts the end-of-life process cartridge into the image forming apparatus when replacing the process cartridge, it can be detected. . Further, even if the user replaces the process cartridge with an unauthorized one, it can be detected.

  Next, a process cartridge regeneration process that has reached the end of its life will be described. The process cartridge that has reached the end of its life is removed from the image forming apparatus by a user or a service person. Then, the process cartridge with the life removed from the image forming apparatus is transported to a recycling factory. The non-volatile memory 11 of the end-of-life process cartridge stores the end-of-life information of components and devices that have reached the end of life, and the process cartridge is reproduced based on this information.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a main part of the reading device 110 for reading the life information from the nonvolatile memory 11 and writing the reproduction information to the nonvolatile memory 11 when reproducing the process cartridge 1. The reading device 110 includes a reader / writer 111 for exchanging information with the non-contact type memory tag 9 and the IC chip, and a read / write board 112 for exchanging information with the contact type memory tag 9 and the IC chip 10. ing. The read / write board 112 includes an IC chip socket 115 on which the IC chip 10 is mounted and a memory tag socket 116 on which the memory tag 9 is mounted. The read / write board 112 includes a connector 113, and the connector 113 is connected to the read / write device 117 via the I2C bus 114. The read / write device 117 is connected to the personal computer 120 via the USB 118. In addition, the reader / writer 111 is connected to the personal computer 120 via USB.

  When the memory tag 9 or the IC chip 10 is a contact type, the memory tag 9 or the IC chip 10 is removed from the process cartridge and mounted in the socket 115 or 116 of the read / write board 112. When mounted on the read / write board 112, information for communicating with the read / write device 117 and reproducing the process cartridge 1 stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (life detection component, device code, life detection code, each device) , Usage history information of each part) is read out. Information read from the nonvolatile memory 11 is transmitted to the personal computer via the read / write device 117. Then, the process cartridge is reproduced based on the information for reproducing the process cartridge 1 transmitted to the personal computer 120. When the reproduction of the process cartridge is completed, reproduction information is written from the personal computer 120 to the memory tag 9 or the IC chip 10 via the read / write device 117. The memory tag 9 and the IC chip 10 in which reproduction information (replaced parts / device code, parts / device warranty information, reproduction code, number of recycling, toner filling amount, toner filling date, color ID, etc.) is written are read / write The board is removed from the socket of the board 112 and mounted again on the recycled process cartridge.

  When the memory tag 9 or the IC chip 10 is a non-contact type, the reader / writer 111 communicates with the memory tag 9 or the IC chip 10 attached to the process cartridge 1 to reproduce the process cartridge 1 from the nonvolatile memory 11. Read information for The read information is transmitted to the personal computer 120 via the reader / writer 111. The process cartridge is reproduced based on the information for reproducing the process cartridge 1 transmitted to the personal computer 120. Then, the reproduction information is transmitted from the personal computer, and the reproduction information is written into the nonvolatile memory via the reader / writer 111.

  Next, the process cartridge reprocessing flow will be described. The flow of the reproduction process can be roughly divided into a first step for grasping a device and a part to be replaced from information for reproduction in the nonvolatile memory 11, and a first step for determining and replacing a device and a part to be replaced. Two steps, a third step of setting a new lifetime guarantee period based on usage history information stored in the nonvolatile memory and replaced parts, a step of erasing the information in the nonvolatile memory and writing the reproduction information Divided into 4 steps.

  First, the first step will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the first step. First, the life part / device code is read from the nonvolatile memory 11 to check whether or not there is a life part code for each part / each device of the process cartridge (S72). A part or device having a life part code (YES in S72) is displayed on the personal computer 120 as a replacement part / device (S78). For a part or device that has no lifespan part code (NO in S72), it is checked whether the current date is close to the respective usage guarantee date of each part / device stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S73). ). Parts / devices (S73 YES) whose current date is close to the warranty period (S73 YES) are displayed on the personal computer 120 as replacement parts (S78). For the parts / devices (S73NO) whose current date and time are not close to each other, it is checked whether the cumulative operation time is close to the operation guarantee time for each of the parts / devices. A part or device (S74 YES) whose accumulated operation time is close to the operation guarantee time is displayed on the personal computer 120 as a replacement part (S78). The part or device (S74NO) whose accumulated operation time and operation guarantee time are not close checks whether the accumulated copy number is close to the limit copy number for each component / each device (S75). The part or device (S75 YES) whose cumulative copy number is close to the limit copy number is displayed on the personal computer as a replacement part (S78). The part or device (S75 NO) whose cumulative copy number is not close to the limit copy number next checks whether it is a photoreceptor and a roller (S76). A part that is not a photoconductor and a roller (S76 NO) is determined as a part that does not require replacement, and is not displayed on the personal computer as a replacement part (S79). If it is a photoconductor / each roller (YES in S76), it is further checked whether or not the cumulative number of rotations of the photoconductor and each roller is close to the limit number of rotations (S77). The roller close to the limit rotational speed (S77 YES) is displayed on the personal computer as a replacement part (S78). The roller (S77 NO) that is not close to the limit rotational speed is determined as a part that does not require replacement, and is not displayed on the personal computer as a replacement part (S79).

  As described above, in the first step of grasping the device or part to be replaced, not only the life part / device is displayed as a replacement part but also the life from the usage history and the warranty information recorded in the nonvolatile memory 11. Parts / devices that are close to each other are also displayed as replacement parts. As a result, the life of the process cartridge is not shortened immediately after the parts are replaced.

  Next, the second step will be described. In the second step, the part to be replaced is determined based on the usage status of the apparatus of the process cartridge, and the part is replaced. For example, even if an expensive part having a high durability and a long life is selected and attached as a part to be replaced, if the life of the process cartridge comes first, it becomes useless. Further, the parts to be replaced differ depending on the degree of deterioration of each device. Therefore, in the second step, each usage history information (accumulated operating time, accumulated number of copies, accumulated number of revolutions, T sensor abnormality, charging abnormality, and other device abnormality information) is read from the non-volatile memory 11 to obtain the optimum information. Replacement parts are determined. As a result, it is possible to select an optimal component in accordance with the degree of deterioration and life of the apparatus. The part thus determined is exchanged with a part to be exchanged.

  Next, the third step will be described. This third step is a step of newly setting a lifetime guarantee period of the process cartridge based on usage history information stored in the nonvolatile memory and replaced parts and devices. Depending on the replaced parts and devices, the life of the process cartridge may be extended, and if the life warranty period is the initial state, the life of the process cartridge has been reached even though it is still fully usable. It may be judged and exchanged, which is uneconomical. Therefore, in this third step, a new lifetime guarantee period for the process cartridge is set based on the degree of component deterioration, the quality of replacement parts, the usage status of the apparatus, and the like. The accumulated operation time of the process cartridge and the accumulated operation time of each component and each device that have not been replaced are read from the nonvolatile memory and transmitted to the personal computer 120. The personal computer 120 also stores the characteristics of the replaced parts / devices and the guaranteed operation time. Based on these pieces of information, a new guaranteed operation time for the process cartridge is obtained. The process cartridge use guarantee period and the limit copy number of the process cartridge are obtained in the same manner.

  Next, the fourth step will be described. The fourth step includes a step of erasing the life information of the replaced part / device from the nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge in which the part has been replaced in the second step, and a new process cartridge life calculated in the third step. There is a step of writing reproduction information such as the warranty period and the lifetime warranty period of the replaced part / device. In the present embodiment, a write signal and an erase signal are transmitted from the personal computer 120 of the reading device 110 shown in FIG. 20 to erase or write information stored in the nonvolatile memory 11.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the fourth step. As shown in FIG. 22, first, it is checked whether or not a lifetime detection code erasure signal is transmitted from the personal computer 120 (S80). If it is a life detection code erasure signal, it communicates with the nonvolatile memory 11 and erases the life detection code stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 (S81). When the life part code erasure signal is transmitted from the personal computer 120 (S82 YES), communication with the nonvolatile memory 11 is performed, and the life part code stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 is erased (S83). When the reproduction unit signal is transmitted from the personal computer 120 (S84 YES), the reproduction code is written in the nonvolatile memory 11. If this process cartridge has been previously reproduced, the previous reproduction code is overwritten. This reproduction code is a part of the manufacturing information and is information indicating that the reproduced process cartridge is normally reproduced. Next, when the operation guarantee time signal is transmitted from the personal computer 120 (S86 YES), the operation guarantee time of the new process cartridge calculated in the third step and the operation guarantee time of each replaced part or device are displayed. Are overwritten on the previous guaranteed operation time stored in the (S87, S88). When the transmission signal is a use guarantee deadline signal (YES in S89), the use guarantee deadline of the new process cartridge calculated in the third step and the use guarantee deadline of each replaced part or device are stored in the nonvolatile memory 11. The stored previous use guarantee term is overwritten (S90, S91). If the signal is the limit copy number signal (S92 YES), the newly calculated limit copy number of the process cartridge and the replaced limit copy number of the part / device are overwritten on the previous limit copy number (S93, S94). If the replaced part is a photoreceptor or a roller, a limit rotation signal is transmitted (S95). If it is a limit rotation speed signal, the limit rotation speed of the replaced roller is overwritten. Next, when it is a cumulative operation time erasure signal (YES in S97), the cumulative erasure time of the process cartridge stored in the nonvolatile memory 11 and the cumulative operation time of the replaced parts / devices are erased (S98, S99). ). In the case of the cumulative copy number deletion signal (S100 YES), the cumulative copy number of the process cartridge and the cumulative copy number of the replaced part / device are deleted (S101, S102). If the replaced part is a photoconductor or each roller, a cumulative rotational speed erasure signal is transmitted to erase the cumulative rotational speed of the replaced roller (S104). When the writing and erasure of all information in the nonvolatile memory 11 is completed, an end signal is transmitted (S105), and the process is terminated (S106).

  Note that the processing shown in FIG. 22 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the toner container 6 is replenished with toner, a process for overwriting the toner use guarantee period in the nonvolatile memory is added.

  As described above, the process cartridge according to the present embodiment can be easily attached and detached. Therefore, it is possible to regenerate the process cartridge on the spot by a user or a service person without transporting the process cartridge at the end of life and regenerating the process cartridge at the recycling factory. Hereinafter, reproduction of the process cartridge by the user or service person will be described.

A user mode key is provided in the image forming apparatus so that the user or service person can reproduce the process cartridge. For example, when a warning display informing the life of the image forming apparatus is displayed, the user operates the key to switch to the user mode, and refers to the replacement part displayed on the image forming apparatus. The equipment and parts can be replaced with new parts.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the reproduction process for reproducing the process cartridge by the user or service person himself / herself. As shown in FIG. 23, first, it is checked whether or not there is a life detection code in the non-volatile memory 11 (S107), and if there is not (S107 NO), the process cartridge parts / apparatus has not reached the end of life. (S122). If there is a life detection code (YES at S107), it is checked whether the user mode key is selected (S108), and if it is not the user mode key (NO at S108), the process ends (S123). If it is the user mode key (S108 YES), the replacement part flow shown in FIG. 21 is performed (S109). With this replacement part flow, parts having a short life can be replaced at the same time. From this replacement part flow, a part that needs to be replaced is grasped and a replacement part is determined (S110). Specifically, the storage device of the image forming apparatus stores component information and device information in advance, and each usage history information (cumulative operation time, cumulative number of copies, cumulative rotation speed, T sensor abnormality, charging abnormality) The abnormal information of the device) is read from the nonvolatile memory 11, and the optimum replacement part / device is determined from the stored information of the component / device. Note that the number of replacement parts is not limited to one and may be a plurality. When the replacement part / device is determined, the replacement part is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus (S111). Then, a replacement part is prepared based on the information displayed by the user or service person. When the user prepares a replacement part, the door of the image forming apparatus is opened, the process cartridge that has reached the end of life is taken out, and the user replaces the part. When the process cartridge that has been replaced and regenerated is mounted on the image forming apparatus again, communication with the non-volatile memory 11 is started, storage of the non-volatile memory 11 of the process cartridge before reproduction, and non-volatile of the process cartridge after reproduction. It is checked whether the memories are the same (S112). Specifically, it is checked whether manufacturing information such as a life detection code, a life part code, and a reproduction code is the same. If the mounted process cartridges are not the same (NO in S112), the parts and devices have not been replaced based on the instruction of the image forming apparatus, so that a warning is displayed (S117), and the process ends (S118).

  On the other hand, if the information stored in the mounted process cartridge is the same (YES in S112), it is determined that the part or device has been replaced based on the instruction of the image forming apparatus, and the display unit of the image forming apparatus is replaced. A part code is displayed for input (S113). When the input is displayed, the user inputs the replaced part code based on the instruction on the display unit (S114). When the part code is input, it is checked whether the part code is in the part code determined in S110. If not, a message to that effect is displayed on the image forming display unit and the process ends (S120). In FIG. 23, the processing is finished immediately after the warning is displayed. However, since the user may make a mistake, the process may return to S113 and redo the input display. Then, the process may be terminated when a different code is input several times. If the input part code is in the part code determined in S110, it is determined that the part code has been exchanged as instructed, and the reproduction information writing flow shown in FIG. 22 is performed (S116). In the reproduction information writing flow at this time, the CPU of the image forming apparatus transmits an erasing signal and a writing signal to the nonvolatile memory 11 to erase and write information in the nonvolatile memory 11. Then, when the reproduction information writing flow ends, the process ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the replaceable individual parts / devices (exchange bodies) in the process cartridge can be individually replaced. As a result, when exchanging the life-changing exchange body in the conventional process cartridge, only the life-changing exchange body can be removed and replaced. Therefore, it is not necessary to remove the non-life replacement body as in the prior art, and it is possible to easily replace the replacement body whose life has expired.
Further, by attaching an IC chip having a nonvolatile memory and a CPU to the frame of the process cartridge, it is possible to determine the life of the exchange body in the process cartridge without communicating with the image forming apparatus. . Thereby, each lifetime of the exchanger can be determined efficiently.
In the present embodiment, the life of each exchange body in the process cartridge is detected. Therefore, unlike the conventional case where only the life of the process cartridge is detected, the replacement body is not used even though the life of the replacement body is over. In this way, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the image and the deterioration of other devices and components, which are caused by continuing to use the exchanger that has reached the end of its life.
Further, in the present embodiment, for the non-replaceable parts / devices in the process cartridge, the life of the process cartridge is set so that the non-replaceable parts are not used when they reach the end of their lives. Specifically, process cartridge warranty information is stored in a non-volatile memory, the process cartridge usage history is compared with the warranty information of this process cartridge, and if the usage history exceeds the warranty information, the life of the process cartridge Judge. As a result, even if a non-replaceable part / device in the process cartridge is used, it can be prevented from continuing to be used despite its life.
In addition, information on an exchange that has reached the end of its life is written in the nonvolatile memory. As a result, when the process cartridge is recycled, the information can be read to grasp the exchange body that has reached the end of its life. Further, in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to control the image forming apparatus based on this information and display information indicating that the process cartridge has reached the end of life, replacement part (apparatus) information, and the like.
In addition, manufacturing information and image control information are stored in the nonvolatile memory. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be controlled based on these pieces of information. For example, when the manufacturing information is read into the image forming apparatus and the manufacturing information is not predetermined, the image forming operation can be prohibited. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegally reproduced process cartridge that does not store predetermined manufacturing information from being used. Further, the image control information can be read into the image forming apparatus, and the image forming conditions can be corrected based on this information, and the image forming conditions can be set based on the characteristics unique to the attached process cartridge. Thereby, a favorable image can be obtained.
The usage history is at least one of the cumulative operating time of the exchanger, the current date, the cumulative number of copies of the exchanger, the cumulative number of rotations of the rotating parts, and the toner amount. Similarly, the process cartridge usage history is at least one of the accumulated operation time of the process cartridge, the current date, and the accumulated number of copies of the process cartridge. By using these pieces of information as usage histories, it is possible to accurately detect the life of the process cartridge and the exchange body.
Further, at least one of the guaranteed operation time, the expiration date, the limit copy number, the total number of rotations of the rotating parts, and the toner amount is used as the warranty information for the exchange and process cartridge. By using such information as guarantee information, the life of the process cartridge and the exchange body can be accurately detected.
Further, the lifetime of at least one of the photoconductor and the cleaning blade in the process cartridge is monitored. Accordingly, the photoconductor or the cleaning blade is not used because the process cartridge has not reached the end of its service life. As a result, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the image due to the life of the photosensitive member and the cleaning. Also, by using an EEPROM as the nonvolatile memory, it is possible to write data to the memory or erase the memory by an electrical signal. Data can be easily erased and written.
.
Further, according to the process cartridge of this embodiment, the holding member that holds a part of the exchange body such as the charging device or the cleaning device in the frame is rotatably attached to the side plate. For example, when a photoconductor is attached to a side plate and a conventional charging device or cleaning device is attached to a holding member when the photoconductor is replaced, the holding member is used when the photoconductor is replaced. By rotating, the charging device and the cleaning device can be removed from the periphery of the photoreceptor without removing them from the frame. Therefore, only the photoconductor can be removed from the frame. Therefore, by attaching an exchange body that disturbs the exchange at the time of replacement to the holding member of the frame body, and rotating this holding member, the exchange body to be exchanged is taken out without removing the obstructive exchange body from the frame body. be able to. As described above, since the exchange body other than the exchange body to be exchanged is not removed from the frame body, the exchange work can be easily performed.
In addition, when one of the exchange bodies in the process cartridge has reached the end of its life, control is performed so that the exchange body that has reached the end of life is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the user can easily confirm that one of the exchange bodies in the process cartridge has reached the end of its life.
In addition, when one of the replacement bodies in the process cartridge has reached the end of its life, control is performed so that part information such as the part code of the replacement body to be replaced with the replacement body that has reached the end of life is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. Yes. Accordingly, the user or service person can prepare a replacement part based on the replacement part information of the image forming apparatus, and the user or the service person can replace the part or the apparatus whose service life in the process cartridge is reached on the spot.
Further, in the process cartridge recycling method of the present embodiment, the process of reading the information of the exchange body that has reached the end of life from the non-volatile memory attached to the process cartridge, and the replacement that has reached the end of the life based on the read information. And having a process of exchanging the body. As a result, the replacement body that has reached the end of its life in the process cartridge can be easily grasped, and the replacement body that has reached the end of its life can be reliably replaced.
Further, in the recycling method of the present embodiment, the step of reading the warranty information for each of the exchanges from the nonvolatile memory, the step of reading the usage history information of each of the exchanges from the nonvolatile memory, and the warranty information and use of each of the exchanges A step of comparing the history information, a step of determining an exchanger whose use history information is close to the warranty information as an exchanger having a life, and a step of exchanging the exchanger determined as the exchanger having the life It has. As a result, when the process cartridge is recycled, not only the replacement that has reached the end of its life but also the replacement that has a near end of life is replaced. As a result, the replacement body that has not been replaced at the time of recycling has a lifetime immediately upon use, and problems such as replacement of the process cartridge immediately after use can be eliminated.
In addition, the recycling method of the present embodiment includes a step of erasing the usage history of the exchange that has reached the end of its life stored in the nonvolatile memory and writing the warranty information of the exchanged exchange in the nonvolatile memory. . As a result, the information stored in the nonvolatile memory can be matched with the information of the reproduced process cartridge.
In addition, there are non-replaceable parts / devices in the process cartridge, and the life of the process cartridge itself is set for the purpose of monitoring the life of these parts / devices. However, the life of the process cartridge itself may fluctuate due to the exchanged exchange. Therefore, in the recycling method of the present embodiment, new process cartridge warranty information is created based on information such as information on exchanged exchanges and use history of process cartridges, and this information is stored in a process existing in the nonvolatile memory. Overwrite the warranty information on the cartridge. At the same time, the usage history of the process cartridge of the nonvolatile memory is erased. As a result, it is possible to accurately grasp the life of the process cartridge, and it is possible to prevent the process cartridge from being replaced or used even though it has reached the end of its life.
In addition, information in the nonvolatile memory of the process cartridge can be displayed on a personal computer using a reading device. Thereby, information stored in the non-volatile memory such as information on the exchange that has reached the end of life and usage history can be easily confirmed.
In addition, information is written into the non-volatile memory using a personal computer, or information stored in the non-volatile memory is erased. As described above, since the contents of the nonvolatile memory can be erased or written using the external device, the process cartridge can be easily recycled.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control unit of the image forming apparatus. Cross section of process cartridge Perspective view of process cartridge Explanatory drawing explaining how the charging device is attached to the process cartridge (A) is a diagram showing a state before the photoconductor is removed, and (b) is a diagram showing a state where the photoconductor is removed. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a non-contact type memory tag is attached to a process cartridge. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a contact type memory tag is attached to a process cartridge. Memory tag block diagram IC chip block diagram The perspective view of the process cartridge explaining the place where an IC chip is attached. The flowchart of an operation time check. The flowchart of an expiration date check. Copy number check flowchart Schematic composition showing photosensitive drum rotation number detection means Photoconductor rotation speed check flowchart Toner end check flowchart Initialization flowchart Lifetime detection check flowchart Process cartridge check flowchart Diagram showing readout device Replacement part check flowchart Reproduction information writing flowchart User processing flowchart

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Process cartridge 2 Cleaning apparatus 4 Charging apparatus 5 Developing apparatus 6 Toner container 7 Frame body 9 Memory tag 10 IC chip 11 Non-volatile memory 40 Photosensitive body 109 Socket 120 Personal computer

Claims (23)

  In an image forming unit used in an image forming apparatus, wherein a plurality of exchange bodies are housed in a frame body and integrated with the frame body, and are configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, the plurality of exchange bodies housed in the frame body are The frame body is configured to be removable individually, the frame body is provided with nonvolatile storage means, and life information for grasping the life of the exchange body is stored in the nonvolatile storage means. Image forming unit.   2. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein an electronic component including the non-volatile storage means and a CPU is attached to the frame.   2. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the warranty information and the operation information for each of the exchanges are recorded in a nonvolatile storage means, and the warranty information and the operation information for each of the exchanges are individually compared to each other. An image forming unit comprising an exchange life detecting means for detecting the life of the battery.   4. The image forming unit according to claim 2, further comprising: unit warranty information storage means for storing the warranty information of the image forming unit; and unit operation information storage means for storing the operation information of the image forming unit. An image forming unit comprising unit life detecting means for comparing the warranty information with the operation information of the image forming unit and detecting the life of the image forming unit.   5. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the life information includes information on an exchange that has reached the end of its life.   6. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the nonvolatile storage means includes manufacturing information of the image forming unit, image forming information such as image forming conditions, and manufacturing information of each of the exchange bodies. An image forming unit that is stored.   7. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the replacement unit warranty information includes operation guarantee time, use expiration date, limit image formation number of sheets, limit rotation number of rotating parts, and toner amount. An image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the guarantee information of the image forming unit is at least one of an operation guarantee time, an expiration date, a limit image forming number, and a toner amount.   8. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the operating information of the exchange body includes cumulative operating time, current date, cumulative number of images formed, cumulative rotation of rotating parts. The operation information of the image forming unit is at least one of a cumulative operation time, a current date, a cumulative number of images formed, and a toner amount. Image forming unit.   9. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the exchange body is at least in contact with the image carrier and the surface of the image carrier to clean the surface of the image carrier. An image forming unit.   10. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the image carrier, at least one of the image carrier, the charging device, the developing device, the cleaning device, and the toner container. An image forming unit comprising a process cartridge housed in one frame.   11. The image forming unit according to claim 1, wherein the nonvolatile memory means is an EEPROM.   The image forming unit according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the frame is attached to two side plates provided in parallel and rotatably attached to the side plates. And a holding member that holds at least one exchanger.   In an image forming apparatus comprising an image forming unit configured such that a plurality of exchange bodies are housed in a frame and integrated with each other, and the image forming unit is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 image forming units.   In an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming unit configured such that a plurality of exchange bodies are housed in a frame and integrated with the image forming apparatus main body, an exchange body guarantee storing warranty information for each of the exchange bodies An image forming unit comprising: information storage means; and exchange body operation information storage means for storing operation information of each exchange, and individually comparing the guarantee information for each exchange and the operation information for each exchange An image forming apparatus comprising an exchange life detecting means for detecting the life of the battery.   15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising unit guarantee information storage means for storing guarantee information of the image forming unit, and unit operation information storage means for storing operation information of the image forming unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: unit life detecting means for detecting the life of an image forming unit by comparing guarantee information and operation information of the image forming unit.   16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, 14 or 15, further comprising an informing means for notifying that the image forming unit is at the end of its life when one of the exchange life detecting means and the unit life detecting means is detected. An image forming apparatus.   17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the life is detected by the exchanger life detecting means, the information on the exchanger that has reached the end of life detected by the exchanger life detecting means and the replacement that has reached the end of life. An image forming apparatus comprising display means for displaying information of an exchange body exchanged with a body.   In the recycling method of an image forming unit in which an image forming unit is recycled by exchanging an exchange body that has reached the end of its life in the image forming unit, the image forming unit is defined in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 , 9, 10, 11 or 12, the step of reading the information of the exchanger whose lifetime has been stored stored in the nonvolatile storage means of the image forming unit, and based on the read information A method of recycling an image forming unit, comprising: replacing a replacement body that has reached the end of its life.   19. The recycling method for an image forming unit according to claim 18, wherein the individual guarantee information of the exchanger is read from the nonvolatile memory means, the usage history information of each exchanger is read from the nonvolatile memory means, The process of comparing the warranty information and the usage history information of each individual exchange, the process of determining the exchange whose life history information is close to the warranty information as a replacement with a lifetime, and the lifetime is determined And a method of recycling the image forming unit.   21. The recycling method for an image forming unit according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the information on the replacement body stored in the non-volatile storage means and the usage history of the replacement body stored in the non-volatile storage means are erased. A method for recycling an image forming unit, comprising: writing guarantee information of the exchange body exchanged with the exchange body into the nonvolatile storage means.   21. The recycling method of an image forming unit according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein a step of reading information on an exchange member that has been replaced with a replacement member that has reached the end of life, a step of reading usage history information of the image forming unit, and the replacement Creating a new image forming unit warranty information based on the information on the exchanger and the usage history information of the image forming unit, and overwriting this information on the warranty information of the image forming unit previously in the nonvolatile storage means And a method of recycling the image forming unit, comprising: erasing the usage history of the image forming unit of the nonvolatile storage means.   22. The image forming unit recycling method according to claim 18, 19, 20 or 21, wherein the information on the exchanger whose life has been stored stored in the nonvolatile storage means is read out and displayed on an external device. Recycling method.   22. The recycling method of an image forming unit according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the usage history of the image forming unit stored in the non-volatile storage means is deleted and the previous image forming unit stored in the non-volatile storage means is deleted. Overwriting the warranty information of the new image forming unit in the warranty information, erasing the information on the exchange that has reached the end of its life and the usage history of the exchanger that has reached the end of its life, and the nonvolatile storage means A recycling method for an image forming unit, characterized in that an external device performs writing of warranty information on a replacement that has reached the end of its life and an exchange that has been replaced.

Images