JP2006308794A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of informing a user of an effect when possibility that a process cartridge is changed is high while reducing user's unpleasant feeling or the like given by frequently performing display. <P>SOLUTION: The time when a cover 7 capable of opening/closing the attaching/detaching port 6 of a main body casing 2 is opened is measured, and when the measured time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the user is informed of information on the change of the process cartridge 18, and also display for requiring answer to the information is performed on a touch panel 102, and image forming is inhibited until the answer to the information is obtained. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of replacing a process cartridge.

  Conventionally, toner used for image formation in a laser printer is consumed by image formation processing. Therefore, when the remaining amount of toner in the process cartridge decreases, it is necessary to replace the process cartridge with a new one.

  Here, the remaining amount of toner is obtained, for example, by counting the amount of toner used according to the number of printed sheets. That is, when the toner usage count reaches a predetermined value, it is detected that the remaining amount of toner has decreased, and a display for prompting replacement of the process cartridge is displayed on a display unit such as a display. Then, the user who sees the display opens the cover of the main body casing, removes the process cartridge whose toner is low from the main body casing, newly installs a new process cartridge filled with toner, and closes the cover. As a result, image formation can be performed again, and the toner usage amount count is reset by detecting that the process cartridge has been replaced.

  By the way, when detecting whether or not the process cartridge has been replaced, it is possible to adopt a configuration including a mechanism capable of such detection. However, since a complicated mechanism is required to detect the replacement of the process cartridge, for example, As shown in Patent Document 1, each time the cover is opened and closed, a display is displayed to confirm to the user whether or not the process cartridge has been replaced, and information indicating that the process cartridge has been replaced by the user is displayed. Some input resets the toner usage count.

Also, as shown in Patent Document 2, if the number of printed sheets is counted and the cover is opened and closed when the predetermined number of printed sheets is exceeded, the user can determine whether or not the process cartridge has been replaced. When the user inputs information indicating that the process cartridge has been replaced, the toner usage amount count is reset.
JP 2003-241484 A JP 2004-77788 A

  However, since the display described in Patent Document 1 requires the user to confirm each time the cover opening / closing operation is performed, the user feels uncomfortable due to frequent display and the display level. Therefore, a complicated operation for releasing is required.

  In addition, since the display described in Patent Document 2 is not required to confirm whether or not the process cartridge has been replaced only when the predetermined number of printed sheets has been exceeded, compared with the structure of Patent Document 1. Although it is possible to reduce user discomfort due to frequent display, if the process cartridge has been replaced when the predetermined number of prints has not been exceeded, user confirmation There was a problem that the display was not displayed.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above-described circumstances, and notifies when the process cartridge is likely to be replaced while reducing user discomfort due to frequent display. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing the above.

As means for achieving the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the invention of claim 1 includes a main body casing, a process cartridge configured to be detachable from an attachment / detachment opening of the main body casing, and an attachment / detachment opening of the main body casing. A cover capable of opening and closing, a detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover, a measuring means for measuring a time during which the cover is open based on detection by the detecting means, and a time measured by the measuring means And a notifying means for notifying information relating to the replacement of the process cartridge when the time is longer than a predetermined time.
The “notification unit” includes a configuration for notifying by printing information, a configuration for notifying information by emitting sound, and a configuration for notifying information by displaying on a display unit such as a display. included.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a standby power supply different from the main power supply according to the first aspect, wherein the measuring means is configured to supply power from the standby power supply when the supply of power from the main power supply is cut off. It is characterized in that the measurement of the time is continued upon receiving the supply of.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus capable of forming an image when the main power is on, and detecting means for detecting opening and closing of a cover when the main power is on. Storage means that detects the opening and closing of the cover detected by the detection means, and storage means that the information is not lost even when the main power supply is in an off state, and the main power supply has changed from an off state to an on state In this case, the information processing apparatus includes a notification unit configured to notify information related to the replacement of the process cartridge based on the opening / closing information of the cover stored in the storage unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body casing; a process cartridge configured to be detachable from an attachment / detachment opening of the main body casing; a cover capable of opening / closing the attachment / detachment opening of the main body casing; Detecting means for detecting the process cartridge and notifying means for notifying information relating to the replacement of the process cartridge, wherein the notifying means is configured to detect whether the cover of the cover has been detected when a specific error other than toner consumption has not occurred. A configuration in which information on replacement of the process cartridge is notified when opening / closing is detected, and the information is not notified even when the detection unit detects opening / closing of the cover when the specific error occurs. It has the characteristics in that place.
Note that “toner consumption” includes a decrease in toner remaining amount or toner deterioration.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the measurement means includes a measurement unit that measures a time during which the cover is open based on the detection by the detection unit, and the notification unit is It is characterized in that information regarding replacement of the process cartridge is notified when the measured time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the method according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the process cartridge includes a toner storage portion in which toner is stored in a cartridge case, and a stirring member that stirs the toner in the toner storage portion. And having a torque detection means for detecting torque when the stirring member is rotated before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the detection means, and the notification means is detected by the torque detection means It is characterized in that information regarding replacement of the process cartridge is notified when the torque before and after the opening / closing operation of the cover changes by a predetermined value or more.
Before and after the opening / closing operation means before the cover is opened and after the cover is opened and closed again.

  According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided the toner amount detecting means according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the toner amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the toner before and after the opening / closing operation of the cover detected by the detecting means. The notifying means is characterized in that it notifies when the remaining amount of toner before and after opening the cover detected by the toner amount detecting means changes by a predetermined value or more.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body casing; a toner accommodating portion in which toner is accommodated in a cartridge case; and an agitating member for agitating the toner in the toner accommodating portion; A process cartridge that can be attached and detached from the opening, a cover that can open and close the opening and closing of the main body casing, a detection means that detects opening and closing of the cover, and a stirring member before and after the opening and closing operation detected by the detection means Torque detecting means for detecting torque when rotating, and notifying means for notifying information on replacement of the process cartridge when torque before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the torque detecting means changes by a predetermined value or more. It is characterized by having a configuration comprising.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a main body casing; a process cartridge in which toner is accommodated in a cartridge case; and a detachable opening of the main body casing; Detection means for detecting opening / closing of the cover, toner amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of toner before and after the opening / closing operation of the cover detected by the detection means, and the toner amount detection means detected by the toner amount detection means It is characterized in that it is configured to include a notifying means for notifying information relating to the replacement of the process cartridge when the remaining amount of toner before and after opening the cover changes by a predetermined value or more.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention provides the apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising an attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the process cartridge, and when the attachment / detachment detection means does not detect attachment / detachment. It is characterized in that no notification is made.

  The invention according to an eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the notification means performs notification by printing information on replacement of the process cartridge.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the notifying means notifies information related to replacement of the process cartridge by emitting a sound.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, a reply input means capable of inputting a reply to the information notified by the notification means, and a reply is obtained by the response input means. It has a feature in that it has image formation prohibiting means for prohibiting image formation.

  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, an operation amount input means capable of inputting an operation amount of the process cartridge is provided.

<Invention of Claim 1>
When replacing the process cartridge, the cover is first opened, and the process cartridge mounted inside the main body casing is removed. Then, another process cartridge is newly mounted instead of the process cartridge, and then the cover is closed. Since such an operation is necessary, in general, the time for the cover to be opened (open state) compared to when the cover is opened / closed due to other factors (for example, removing a simple paper jam) is generally increased. Tend to be longer. Therefore, according to this configuration, the notification unit notifies the information regarding the replacement of the process cartridge when the cover is in the open state for a long time (a predetermined time or more), and thus the notification is frequently performed. It is possible to notify when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge has been replaced while reducing the user's discomfort due to the above and complicated operations performed each time notification is performed.

<Invention of Claim 2>
If the measuring means is supplied with power only from the main power supply, the power switch is turned off while the cover is open and the measuring means is measuring time, and the power from the main power supply to the measuring means is If the supply of is interrupted, measurement will not be performed. At this time, even if the power switch is turned on again and power is supplied, it is not known whether the cover has been opened for a predetermined time or longer. Time notification is not performed reliably.
However, according to this configuration, the measurement unit can continue to measure the time by receiving the power supply from the standby power supply even if the power supply from the main power supply is cut off. It is possible to notify when there is a high possibility of replacement.

<Invention of Claim 3>
If the main power supply is turned off after the cover is open, the power supply from the main power supply will not be supplied even if the process cartridge is replaced. It is conceivable that information regarding replacement of the process cartridge cannot be notified. Therefore, according to this configuration, when the main power source is switched from the off state to the on state, the process cartridge is notified based on the cover opening / closing information stored in the storage means. It is possible to notify when there is a high possibility of replacement.

<Invention of Claim 4>
According to this configuration, the notifying unit performs the process even if the detecting unit detects opening / closing of the cover when a specific error due to other than toner consumption (for example, an error due to a paper jam inside the main body casing) has occurred. Information about cartridge replacement is not notified, and when the specific error due to other than toner consumption has not occurred, the detection means notifies when detecting the opening / closing of the cover. Therefore, it is possible to notify when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge has been replaced while reducing the user's discomfort due to frequent notifications and the complicated operation performed each time the notification is performed.

<Invention of Claim 5>
Due to factors other than process cartridge replacement (for example, removing a simple paper jam), the time for the cover to open (open) tends to be longer than when the cover is opened or closed. According to the configuration, the notification means notifies when the cover is in an open state for a long time (a predetermined time or longer), so that the user feels uncomfortable due to frequent notifications or the troublesomeness of each notification. It is possible to notify when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge has been replaced while reducing the number of operations.

<Invention of Claim 6>
According to this configuration, since the notification is made only when the amount of toner fluctuates due to the replacement of the process cartridge, the user's discomfort due to frequent notifications and the complicated operation performed each time notification is reduced, Notification can be made when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge has been replaced.

<Invention of Claim 7>
According to this configuration, since the notification means notifies when the amount of toner fluctuates, the process cartridge is reduced while reducing the user's discomfort due to frequent notifications and the complicated operation performed each time the notification is performed. Notification can be made when there is a high possibility that has been exchanged.

<Invention of Claim 8>
According to this configuration, the notifying means changes the amount of toner when the torque required to rotate the stirring member before and after the opening / closing operation of the cover detected by the detecting means changes by a predetermined value or more, that is, by replacing the process cartridge. Since the notification is made only when the change occurs, the notification is made when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge has been replaced while reducing the user's discomfort due to frequent notifications and the troublesome operations to be performed each time the notification is made. It can be carried out.

<Invention of Claim 9>
According to this configuration, since the notification unit notifies only when the amount of toner fluctuates, it is possible to reduce the user's discomfort due to frequent notifications, and to reduce the troublesome operations performed each time the notification is performed. Notification can be made when there is a high possibility that the cartridge has been replaced.

<Invention of Claim 10>
According to this configuration, since notification is made only when the process cartridge is attached / detached, unnecessary notification can be suppressed.

<Invention of Claim 11>
According to this configuration, more information can be notified as compared with a configuration in which information to be notified to a display unit such as a display is displayed.

<Invention of Claim 12>
According to this configuration, even if the user is not in a range where the image forming apparatus can be visually recognized, the notified information can be recognized by the user.

<Invention of Claim 13>
According to this configuration, since image formation is not performed in a state where the presence / absence of replacement of the process cartridge is uncertain, it is possible to prevent problems caused by fluctuations in the remaining amount of toner and the like caused by replacement of the process cartridge. .

<Invention of Claim 14>
When replacing a process cartridge, for example, even when a used process cartridge is installed, if the used amount of a used process cartridge is input to the operating amount input means, the notification at the time of replacement of the next process cartridge is accurate. Can be done.

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
1. Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a laser printer as an image forming apparatus of the present invention. 2 and 3 are side cross-sectional views of the main part of the laser printer. This laser printer 1 includes a feeder unit 4 for feeding a sheet 3 as a recording medium and an image forming unit 5 for forming an image on the fed sheet 3 in a main body casing 2. Yes.

  In the main casing 2, as shown in FIG. 2, an attachment / detachment opening 6 for attaching / detaching a process cartridge 18 described later is formed on one side wall, and a front cover 7 for opening / closing the attachment / detachment opening 6. (Hereinafter referred to as “cover”).

The cover 7 is rotatably supported by a cover shaft (not shown) inserted through the lower end portion thereof. Thus, when the cover 7 is closed around the cover shaft (closed state), as shown in FIG. 2, the attachment / detachment port 6 is closed by the cover 7 and when the cover 7 is opened with the cover shaft as a fulcrum (open state), As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment / detachment opening 6 is opened, and the process cartridge 18 can be attached / detached to / from the main casing 2 from the attachment / detachment opening 6.
Hereinafter, in the laser printer 1 and the process cartridge 18, the side on which the cover 7 is provided is referred to as “front side”, and the opposite side is referred to as “rear side”.

  The feeder unit 4 includes a paper feed tray 8 that is detachably attached to the bottom of the main casing 2, a paper feed roller 9 and a separation pad 10 that are provided above the front end of the paper feed tray 8, and a paper feed roller 9, a pickup roller 11 provided on the rear side of the sheet feeding roller 9, a pinch roller 12 disposed oppositely on the lower front side of the sheet feeding roller 9, and a registration roller 13 provided on the upper rear side of the sheet feeding roller 9.

  Inside the paper feed tray 8 is provided a paper pressing plate 14 on which the paper 3 can be placed in a stack. The paper pressing plate 14 is supported at the rear end so as to be swingable, so that the front end is movable in the vertical direction.

  A lever 15 for lifting the front end portion of the paper pressing plate 14 upward is provided at the front end portion of the paper feed tray 8. The lever 15 is formed in a substantially L-shaped cross section so as to go from the front side to the lower side of the paper pressing plate 14, and its upper end is attached to a lever shaft 16 provided at the front end of the paper feed tray 8. The rear end portion is in contact with the front end portion of the lower surface of the paper pressing plate 14. Accordingly, when a clockwise rotational driving force in the drawing is input to the lever shaft 16, the lever 15 rotates about the lever shaft 16, and the rear end portion of the lever 15 lifts the front end portion of the paper pressing plate 14.

  When the front end portion of the sheet pressing plate 14 is lifted, the uppermost sheet 3 on the sheet pressing plate 14 is pressed by the pickup roller 11, and the sheet feeding roller 9, the separation pad 10, and the like are rotated by the rotation of the pickup roller 11. The conveyance is started in between.

  On the other hand, when the paper feed tray 8 is detached from the main casing 2, the rotational driving force input to the lever shaft 16 is not input, and the front end of the paper pressing plate 14 moves downward due to its own weight. Then, the state is along the bottom surface of the paper feed tray 8. In this state, the sheets 3 can be stacked on the sheet pressing plate 14.

  When the sheet 3 sent out between the sheet feeding roller 9 and the separation pad 10 by the pickup roller 11 is sandwiched between the sheet feeding roller 9 and the separation pad 10 by the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 9. Each sheet is reliably fed and fed. The fed paper 3 passes between the paper feed roller 9 and the pinch roller 12 and is conveyed to the registration roller 13.

  The registration roller 13 is composed of a pair of rollers facing each other, and after the registration of the sheet 3, the transfer position of the image forming unit 5 (the nip position between the photosensitive drum 28 and the transfer roller 30) 28, the toner image on the paper 28 is conveyed toward the transfer position 3).

  An attachment / detachment detector 65 is disposed between the registration roller 13 and the transfer position in the conveyance path of the sheet 3. The attachment / detachment detection unit 65 includes a lever 65A rotatable about an axis, and a sensor 65B composed of a pair of light projecting elements and light receiving elements fixed on a sensor fixing substrate 65C. The optical axis of the sensor 65B The attachment / detachment of the process cartridge 18 is detected depending on whether or not (the optical axis formed in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface) is shielded by the lower end of the lever 65A.

  Specifically, when the process cartridge 18 is not mounted, the lever 65A is arranged in a posture inclined slightly clockwise from the upright position (a position that does not block the optical axis in FIG. 3). As a result, the upper end portion of the lever 65A comes into contact with the bottom surface portion of the process cartridge 18, and the lever 65A is rotated counterclockwise to the upright posture. Thereby, the lower end portion of the lever 65A blocks the optical axis of the sensor 65B, and it can be detected that the process cartridge 18 is mounted. During image formation, the sheet 3 comes into contact with the upper end of the upright lever 65A, and the lever 65A rotates counterclockwise from the upright position (tilts to a position that does not block the optical axis (not shown)). 3 is detected, and based on the detection result, the light emission timing of a laser light source to be described later is controlled.

  The image forming unit 5 includes a scanner unit 17, a process cartridge 18, a fixing unit 19, and the like.

  The scanner unit 17 is provided in the upper part of the main casing 2 and includes a laser light source (not shown), a polygon mirror 20 that is rotationally driven, an fθ lens 21, a reflecting mirror 22, a lens 23, a reflecting mirror 24, and the like. The laser beam based on the image data emitted from the laser light source is deflected by the polygon mirror 20 after passing through the fθ lens 21, as shown by the broken line in FIG. After passing through 23, the optical path is further bent downward by the reflecting mirror 24, so that the surface of a photosensitive drum 28 (to be described later) of the process cartridge 18 is irradiated at high speed.

  The process cartridge 18 is detachably attached to the main body casing 2 below the scanner unit 17. The process cartridge 18 includes a drum cartridge 25 and a developing cartridge 26 that is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 25.

  Each of the drum cartridges 25 extends in the front-rear direction, and a developing cartridge 26 is disposed on the front side between a pair of side plates 27 arranged to face each other in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction (hereinafter simply referred to as “width direction”). A photosensitive drum 28, a scorotron charger 29, a transfer roller 30 and a cleaning brush 31 are provided on the rear side.

  The photosensitive drum 28 includes a cylindrical drum body 32 formed by a positively chargeable photosensitive layer whose outermost layer is made of polycarbonate or the like, and a metal extending along the longitudinal direction of the drum body 32 at the axis of the drum body 32. And a drum shaft 33 made of steel. The drum shaft 33 is non-rotatably supported on both side plates 27 of the drum cartridge 25, and the drum main body 32 is rotatably supported on the drum shaft 33, so that the photosensitive drum 28 is disposed between the both side plates 27. The shaft 33 is provided to be rotatable.

  The scorotron charger 29 is disposed oppositely and spaced apart from the rear side of the photosensitive drum 28 so as not to contact the photosensitive drum 28. The scorotron charger 29 is a positively-charged scorotron charger that generates corona discharge from a charging wire such as tungsten, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 28 can be uniformly charged positively. Is provided.

  The transfer roller 30 is rotatably supported on both side plates 27 of the drum cartridge 25, contacts the photosensitive drum 28 from the lower side in the vertical direction, and forms a nip with the photosensitive drum 28. Has been placed. The transfer roller 30 is configured by covering a metal roller shaft 34 with a roller 35 made of a conductive rubber material. A transfer bias is applied to the transfer roller 30 during transfer.

  The cleaning brush 31 is disposed behind the photosensitive drum 28 so that the tip of the brush is in contact with the surface of the drum body 32 of the photosensitive drum 28.

  The developing cartridge 26 is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 25, and has a box-like housing 36 opened on the rear side, a supply roller 37, a developing roller 38, and the like provided in the housing 36. A layer thickness regulating blade 39 is provided.

  A partition plate 40 protruding downward from the upper surface of the housing 36 is provided extending in the width direction, and an inner space in front of the partition plate 40 is a toner storage chamber 41 (toner storage portion). The interior space behind the partition plate 40 is a developing chamber 42.

  In the toner storage chamber 41, positively charged nonmagnetic one-component toner is stored as a developer. Examples of the toner include polymerizable monomers such as styrene monomers such as styrene, and acrylic monomers such as acrylic acid, alkyl (C1 to C4) acrylate, and alkyl (C1 to C4) methacrylate. Polymerized toners obtained by copolymerization by a known polymerization method such as suspension polymerization are used. Such a polymerized toner has a spherical shape, has extremely good fluidity, and can achieve high-quality image formation.

  Such a toner is blended with a colorant such as carbon black, wax, and the like, and an external additive such as silica is added to improve fluidity. The particle diameter is about 6 to 10 μm.

  Further, an agitator 43 (agitating member) for agitating the toner in the toner accommodating chamber 41 is provided in the toner accommodating chamber 41. The agitator 43 is supported at the central portion of the toner storage chamber 41 by an agitator rotation shaft 44 extending in the width direction, and the agitator 43 is rotated with the agitator rotation shaft 44 as a fulcrum, whereby the inside of the toner storage chamber 41. The toner is stirred and discharged from the toner discharge port 45 below the partition plate 40 toward the developing chamber 42.

  The supply roller 37 is disposed below the front side in the developing chamber 42, and is rotatably supported between both side plates facing the width direction of the housing 36. The supply roller 37 includes a metal supply roller shaft 46 extending in the width direction, and a sponge roller 47 made of a conductive foam material covering the supply roller shaft 46.

  The developing roller 38 is disposed below the rear side in the developing chamber 42 and is rotatably supported between both side plates facing the width direction of the housing 36. The developing roller 38 is disposed so that a part of the surface of the developing roller 38 protrudes rearward from the housing 36 and is exposed, and faces the photosensitive drum 28 in the front-rear direction in a state where the developing cartridge 26 is mounted on the drum cartridge 25. Then touch. The developing roller 38 includes a metallic developing roller shaft 48 and a rubber roller 49 made of a conductive rubber material that covers the developing roller shaft 48. The rubber roller 49 is made of conductive urethane rubber or silicone rubber containing carbon fine particles, and the surface thereof is covered with fluorine-containing urethane rubber or silicone rubber. The rubber roller 49 is disposed in contact with the sponge roller 47 of the supply roller 37 so as to be compressed.

  The layer thickness regulating blade 39 is made of a metal leaf spring material, and includes a pressing rubber member 50 having a semicircular cross section made of insulating silicone rubber at the tip. The layer thickness regulating blade 39 is supported by the housing 36 above the developing roller 38, and the lower end thereof is opposed to the rubber roller 49 of the developing roller 38 from the front side, and the pressing rubber member 50 has the layer thickness. The rubber blade 49 is pressed against the elastic force of the regulating blade 39.

  The toner discharged from the toner discharge port 45 to the developing chamber 42 by the rotation of the agitator 43 is supplied onto the rubber roller 49 of the developing roller 38 by the rotation of the supply roller 37. At this time, the sponge roller 47 of the supply roller 37 is supplied. And the rubber roller 49 of the developing roller 38 are positively frictionally charged. The toner supplied onto the rubber roller 49 enters between the pressing rubber member 50 of the layer thickness regulating blade 39 and the rubber roller 49 with the rotation of the developing roller 38 to become a thin layer having a constant thickness. 49 is carried.

  On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 28 is uniformly positively charged by the scorotron charger 29 and then exposed by high-speed scanning of the laser beam from the scanner unit 17 to form an electrostatic latent image based on the image data. .

  Next, when the developing roller 38 rotates, the positively charged toner carried on the rubber roller 49 of the developing roller 38 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 28 and is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 28. An electrostatic latent image, that is, a surface of the photosensitive drum 28 that is uniformly positively charged, is supplied to an exposed portion that is exposed to a laser beam and the potential is lowered, and is visualized by being selectively carried. Thus, a toner image is formed by reversal development.

  Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 28 and the transfer roller 30 are rotationally driven so as to sandwich and convey the sheet 3 therebetween, and the sheet 3 is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 28 and the transfer roller 30. A toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 28 is transferred onto the paper 3.

  Note that the paper dust adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 28 by contact with the paper 3 after the transfer, when the surface of the photosensitive drum 28 faces the brush of the cleaning brush 31 as the photosensitive drum 28 rotates, Removed by the brush.

  The fixing unit 19 is provided on the rear side of the process cartridge 18. The fixing frame 51 extends in the width direction. The fixing roller 19 is rotatably supported by the fixing frame 51. It has.

  The heating roller 52 includes a metal base tube as a cylindrical member, and a halogen lamp is provided along the axial direction thereof. The surface of the heating roller 52 is heated to the fixing temperature by the halogen lamp.

  The pressing roller 53 includes a metal pressing roller shaft 80 and a rubber roller 81 made of a rubber material that covers the periphery of the pressing roller shaft 80. In the pressing roller 53, the rubber roller 81 is elastically pressed against the metal base tube of the heating roller 52, and is driven by the rotation of the heating roller 52.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing unit 19 thermally fixes the toner transferred onto the paper 3 while the paper 3 passes between the heating roller 52 and the pressing roller 53. The sheet 3 on which the toner is fixed is conveyed to a sheet discharge path 82 extending in the vertical direction toward the upper surface of the main casing 2. The sheet 3 conveyed to the sheet discharge path 82 is discharged onto a sheet discharge tray 84 formed on the upper surface of the main casing 2 by a sheet discharge roller 83 provided at the upper end of the sheet 3.

2. Electrical Configuration Next, the electrical configuration of the laser printer 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually showing the electrical configuration of the laser printer 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the laser printer 1 is a control device that controls each component by a control unit 95 including a CPU 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 101, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). 90, and an operation unit 98 capable of various operations in a form connected to the control unit 95, a display unit 99 including various LEDs, a main motor 96, a scanner motor 97, various sensors, and the like. And the like, and a control system is configured by these.

  The ROM 92, the RAM 93, and the NVRAM 101 are connected to the CPU 91. The CPU 91 controls each component via the control unit 95 while storing the processing result in the RAM 93 or the NVRAM 101 according to the processing procedure stored in the ROM 92. .

The operation unit 98 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) touch panel 102 and a main power switch 103 (see FIG. 1).
As shown in FIG. 7, the touch panel 102 can select any one of three types of notification means (LCD display, e-mail, paper printing). By touching one of the displays, a desired notification means can be selected (set) from these notification means. When it is predicted that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced, information on replacement of the process cartridge 18 is notified by the selected notification means based on a command from the CPU 91.

Here, when the notification by the LCD display is selected (set), the notification of the information regarding the replacement of the process cartridge 18 is not only the notification on the LCD (touch panel 102) but also a display requesting a response to the notified information (response) Input means) is configured to be a touch panel 102. At this time, image formation processing is not performed (image formation is prohibited) until a reply is input.
Further, when a reply that the used process cartridge 18 has been exchanged is obtained in response to the notified information, a screen requesting input of the operation amount of the process cartridge 18 is displayed (operation amount input means), and the user When the operating amount is input by the above, the toner usage amount is counted assuming that the toner corresponding to the operating amount has already been used.

  The main motor 96 is a motor that rotates the photosensitive drum 28, the transfer roller 30, the fixing roller 55, the registration roller 13, the agitator 43, and the like while synchronizing them. The scanner motor 97 is a motor that rotates the polygon mirror 20 and the like in the scanner unit 17.

  The CPU 91 performs drive control of the main motor 96 and the scanner motor 97 based on a program stored in the ROM 92 in advance.

  Specifically, the control unit 95 is provided with a PWM signal generation unit 95A. When the CPU 91 gives a command to the control unit 95, the PWM signal generated by the PWM signal generation unit 95A is output to the main motor 96. The main motor 96 is driven according to the duty ratio of the PWM signal.

  Here, if there is a change in the remaining amount of toner, the torque required to stir the toner changes, and the rotational speed of the main motor 96 that transmits power to the agitator 43 also changes. Feedback control is performed so as to output a PWM signal having a duty ratio that keeps the rotation speed of the main motor 96 constant.

  The duty ratio of the PWM signal generated by the PWM signal generation unit 95A is output to the CPU 91 and stored in the NVRAM 101.

  Then, based on the difference between the duty ratio stored before opening the cover 7 and the duty ratio stored after closing the cover 7, the CPU 91 difference (fluctuation) in torque before and after opening and closing the cover 7. Ask for. Therefore, the CPU 91 corresponds to the torque detection means of the present invention.

  If this difference (variation) is larger than a predetermined value stored in the NVRAM 101 in advance, it is predicted that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced with another process cartridge 18 having a different toner amount.

  The detection unit 100 includes a cover open detection unit 104 (corresponding to “detection unit” of the present invention), a toner remaining amount detection unit 105 (corresponding to “toner amount detection unit” of the present invention), and an attachment / detachment detection unit 65 (main book). Equivalent to “attachment / detachment detection means” of the present invention).

  Further, the cover opening detection unit 104 includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element having a positional relationship such that the cover opening 7 is in an OFF state when the attachment / detachment opening 6 is closed, and is in an ON state when the attachment / detachment opening 6 is opened. A pair of sensors (not shown) are arranged inside the main body frame 2 and the attachment / detachment opening 6 is opened by the cover 7 or the attachment / detachment opening 6 is closed according to the switching state. Is supposed to be detected.

  The CPU 91 receives an opening signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 when the attachment / detachment opening 6 is opened by the cover 7 and is turned on, and the attachment / detachment opening 6 is closed by the cover 7 and opened. The controller 95 is caused to measure the time until no signal is received.

  Here, the NVRAM 101 stores in advance a predetermined time that is longer than the time (time estimated to be necessary) required for specific error processing (processing for errors caused by paper jam or the like) that occurs other than the replacement of the process cartridge 18. If the measured time is longer than the predetermined time, the CPU 91 predicts that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced. In addition, about predetermined time, you may comprise so that a user can set desired time.

  The toner remaining amount detecting unit 105 includes a light emitter and a light receiver (not shown). The light emitter is driven in response to a command from the CPU 91, and sends the remaining amount detection light for detecting the remaining amount of toner to the inside of the process cartridge 18 (toner accommodation chamber 41 through the remaining toner detection window 107 (see FIG. 2)). In). At this time, since the toner filled in the process cartridge 18 is agitated at a predetermined cycle, if the remaining amount of toner is small, the time during which the remaining amount detection light is received by the light receiver during one cycle is long. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of toner is large, the time during which the remaining amount detection light in one cycle is received by the light receiver is shortened. Therefore, since a detection signal is output only during the period in which the light receiver receives the remaining amount detection light, the CPU 91 detects the remaining amount of toner corresponding to this light reception time and stores it in the NVRAM 101. When the remaining amount of toner before and after opening / closing (after opening and after closing) of the cover 7 stored in the NVRAM 101 changes by a predetermined amount or more stored in advance, the process cartridge 18 is replaced. It comes to predict.

  When the cover 7 is opened (when the cover open detection unit 104 is in the ON state), the attachment / detachment detection unit 65 detects that the optical axis of the sensor 65B has changed from the light shielding state to the light incident state. When it is detected that the sensor 18 is removed and the optical axis of the sensor 65B is changed from the light incident state to the light shielding state, it is detected that the process cartridge 18 is attached. The attachment / detachment detection unit 65 detects attachment / detachment by detaching and attaching the process cartridge 18.

  Further, the control unit 95 controls the image forming unit 5 in accordance with a command from the CPU 91. Specifically, the exposure control for exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 28 is performed by each unit constituting the scanner unit 17, and the transfer bias when the toner is transferred from the photosensitive drum 28 to the paper 3 is controlled.

  The control device 90 is provided with a network interface (network I / F) 94 for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer. The CPU 91 performs drive control of each unit as described above, thereby forming an image based on image data input via the network interface 94 on the paper 3 (recording surface).

3. Processing of Control Device Next, a process cartridge 18 replacement prediction routine and a notification routine executed by the control device 90 will be described.

<Exchange prediction routine>
As shown in FIG. 5, when the CPU 91 of the control device 90 detects that the cover is opened by the opening signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 (“Y” in S11), the control unit 95 measures the cover opening time. (S12, corresponding to the “measuring means” of the present invention).

  When it is detected that the cover 7 is closed due to the end of the opening signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 (“Y” in S13), the measurement of the cover opening time is ended (S14).

  Next, the measured cover opening time is compared with a predetermined time stored in the NVRAM 101 in advance, and when the opening time of the cover 7 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (“Y” in S15), the comparison is performed. Since it can be predicted that the replacement of the process cartridge 18 requiring a long working time has been performed, a notification routine to be described later is executed in order to notify information related to the replacement of the process cartridge 18.

  On the other hand, when the opening time of the cover 7 is shorter than the predetermined time (“N” in S15), the torque of the main motor 96 stored in the NVRAM 101 or the reception of the remaining toner amount detection unit 105 before and after the opening / closing operation of the cover. It is determined whether or not it has been detected that the cycle has changed more than a predetermined amount (predetermined cycle) set in advance and stored in the NVRAM 101 before and after the cover 7 is opened and closed (before the cover 7 is opened and after the cover 7 is closed). (S16).

  When it is detected that the torque of the main motor 96 or the light reception period of the toner remaining amount detection unit 105 has changed by a predetermined amount (predetermined period) before and after the cover 7 is opened and closed (“Y” in S16), the process cartridge There is a high possibility that the toner amount has changed due to the replacement of the toner 18, but in order to detect the replacement of the process cartridge 18 more reliably, a specific error (paper that requires opening of the cover other than the toner consumption) is required in the image forming apparatus. It is detected whether a jam or the like has occurred (S17).

  When it is detected that a specific error (such as paper jam) that requires opening of the cover 7 other than toner consumption has not occurred in the image forming apparatus ("N" in S17), the cover is replaced to replace the process cartridge 18. 7 is likely to have been released, a notification routine is executed to notify such information.

  On the other hand, when at least one of the torque of the main motor 96 and the light reception period of the toner remaining amount detection unit 105 has not changed by a predetermined amount (predetermined period) or more (“N” in S16), and the cover other than toner consumption is opened. When it is detected that a necessary specific error (paper jam or the like) has occurred in the image forming apparatus (“Y” in S17), the cover 7 is opened to replace the process cartridge 18. Although the possibility is somewhat low, whether or not the process cartridge 18 has been attached / detached (removed and attached) based on a signal from the attachment / detachment detection unit 65 in order to detect whether or not the process cartridge 18 has been replaced more reliably. (S18), and when a signal that attachment / detachment is detected is received ("Y" in S18), the process cartridge 18 is replaced. Is highly performed possibilities, it executes a notification routine to broadcast such information.

  On the other hand, if the signal indicating that the attachment / detachment is detected is not received from the attachment / detachment detection unit 65 (“N” in S18), the information regarding the replacement of the process cartridge 18 is not notified.

<Notification routine>
In the notification routine, as shown in FIG. 6, first, among the plurality of notification means included in the image forming apparatus, the type of notification means preset by the user and stored in the NVRAM 101 is read, and the determined notification means is displayed on the LCD. If this is the case ("Y" in S21), the image forming operation performed by the image forming apparatus is stopped (image formation is prohibited) (S22, corresponding to the "image formation prohibiting means" of the present invention).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8A, a display requesting a reply is made on the LCD as to whether or not the used process cartridge 18 has been replaced (S23). When an input of a response is received from the user (“Y” in S24), if such input indicates a used process cartridge 18 (+ key input, “Y” in S25), the used process cartridge 18 In order to know how much toner remains in the printer, as shown in FIG. 8B, a display prompting the user to input the estimated number of used (printed) sheets of the used process cartridge 18 is displayed on the LCD (S26).

  When the estimated number of used (printed) sheets is input to the user (“Y” in S27), the stop of the image forming operation is released (resumes image formation) (S28), and the estimated use (printing) of the input process cartridge 18 is performed. ) Add the toner usage amount according to the number of sheets and start counting the toner usage amount.

  On the other hand, if the response input by the user does not indicate the used process cartridge 18 (-key input, “N” in S25), the stop of the image forming operation is canceled (S28), and a new one is also received. Assuming that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced, a normal toner usage count is started.

  Next, when the preset notification means is mail transmission ("N" in S21, "Y" in S29), as shown in FIG. An e-mail is sent to the address of the user registered in advance (S30), and the normal toner usage count is started assuming that a new process cartridge 18 has been replaced.

  On the other hand, when the preset notifying means is not mail transmission (“N” in S29), the preset notifying means is printing on a sheet, so that normal image formation is performed on the sheet in the image forming apparatus. 8C is printed as a result of the operation (S31), and it is assumed that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced with a new one, and the normal toner usage count is started.

4). Effects of this embodiment When the process cartridge 18 is replaced, the cover 7 is first opened, and the process cartridge 18 mounted inside the main body casing is removed. Then, another process cartridge 18 is newly mounted instead of the process cartridge 18 and then the cover 7 is closed. Since such an operation is necessary, in general, the cover 7 is opened (opened) due to other factors (for example, removing a simple paper jam) as compared with the case where the cover 7 is opened and closed. Time tends to be longer. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the notification means notifies the information regarding the replacement of the process cartridge 18 when the cover 7 is in the open state for a long time (a predetermined time or longer), and thus the notification is frequently performed. The user can be notified when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced while reducing the user's discomfort due to the operation being performed and the cumbersome operation performed each time the notification is performed.

  In addition, the notification means detects that the cover open / close detection unit 104 (detection means) has opened / closed when a specific error other than toner consumption (for example, an error due to a paper jam inside the main body casing) has occurred. Even when the information relating to the replacement of the process cartridge 18 is not notified, and the specific error due to other than toner consumption has not occurred, the cover opening detection unit 104 (detection means) detects the opening / closing of the cover 7. The notification is performed. Accordingly, it is possible to notify when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced while reducing the user's discomfort due to frequent notifications and the complicated operation to be performed each time the notification is performed.

  Further, since the notification is made only when the remaining toner amount detection unit 105 (toner amount detection means) detects that the toner amount has changed, it is performed every time the notification is made or the user feels uncomfortable due to frequent notifications. It is possible to notify when there is a high possibility that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced while reducing complicated operations.

  Further, the notifying means changes when the torque required to rotate the agitator 43 (stirring member) before and after the opening / closing operation of the cover 7 detected by the cover opening detecting unit 104 (detecting means) changes by a predetermined value or more. Since the notification is made only when the toner amount fluctuates due to the replacement of the process cartridge 18, the process cartridge 18 is replaced while reducing the user's discomfort due to frequent notifications and the complicated operation performed each time the notification is performed. It is possible to notify when there is a high possibility that

  Further, since the attachment / detachment detection unit 65 (attachment / detachment detection means) notifies only when the process cartridge 18 is attached / detached, unnecessary notification can be suppressed.

  In addition, by notifying information regarding the replacement of the process cartridge 18 by paper printing, more information can be notified as compared with a configuration in which information to be notified to a display unit such as a display is displayed.

  Further, the image formation is prohibited until the user inputs the replacement information of the process cartridge 18 to the operation unit 18 (response input means), and the image remains in an uncertain state whether or not the process cartridge 18 is replaced. Since the formation is not performed, it is possible to prevent problems caused by fluctuations in the remaining amount of toner and the like caused by the replacement of the process cartridge 18.

  Further, when the process cartridge 18 is replaced, for example, even when a used process cartridge 18 is mounted, the operation amount of the used process cartridge 18 is input to the operation unit 18 (operation amount input means). The notification at the time of replacement of the next process cartridge 18 can be performed accurately.

<Embodiment 2>
In the laser printer of the second embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the standby power source 201 (dotted line portion in FIG. 4) is connected to the control unit 95, and even if the main power source 111 is turned off after the cover 7 is opened, By supplying power from the standby power supply 201, the measurement of the opening time of the cover 7 by the control unit 95 is continued. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  When the control unit 95 (measuring means) is supplied with power only from the main power supply 111, the power switch is turned off while the cover 7 is opened (in the open state) and the time is being measured. When the supply of power from the main power supply 111 to the control unit 95 (measurement means) is interrupted, the open time is not measured. At this time, even if the power switch is turned on again and power is supplied, it is not known whether the cover 7 has been opened for a predetermined time or longer, so even if the cover 7 is actually open for a predetermined time or longer, the process cartridge There is a possibility that the notification at the time of replacement of 18 is not reliably performed.

  However, according to the second embodiment, the control unit 95 (measurement unit) continues to measure time in response to the supply of power from the standby power supply 201 even if the supply of power from the main power supply 111 is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to reliably notify when the process cartridge 18 is replaced.

<Embodiment 3>
Unlike the second embodiment, the laser printer of the third embodiment does not connect a standby power source to the control unit 95, and even if the power is turned off after the cover 7 is opened and the opening time of the cover 7 cannot be measured, the process cartridge 18 It is possible to notify the information regarding the exchange of.

  When the cover 7 is opened, information indicating that the cover 7 has been opened by a signal from the cover open detection unit 104 (with or without a cover open flag) is a predetermined value in the NVRAM 101 (corresponding to the “storage means” of the present invention). The address is written, and when it is detected that the cover 7 is closed by a signal from the cover opening detection unit 104, information (cover opening flag) stored in the NVRAM 101 is rewritten.

<Exchange prediction routine>
As shown in FIG. 9, when the main power switch 103 of the laser printer is turned on, the CPU 91 reads from the NVRAM 101 information indicating whether the power is turned off when the cover 7 is open (with or without a cover open flag), If the cover open flag is not stored (“N” in S41), it is determined whether the cover 7 is open based on a signal from the cover open detection unit 104 when the power is turned on (S42). When it is determined that the cover 7 is not opened (closed) when the power is turned on ("N" in S42), the process waits until it is detected that the cover 7 is opened by a signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 ( “N” in S43).

  On the other hand, when the cover opening flag is stored (“Y” in S41), and when it is detected that the cover 7 is opened by a signal from the cover opening detecting unit 104 when the power is turned on (“Y” in S42). In step S44, it is determined whether or not a specific error (paper jam or the like) that requires opening / closing of the cover 7 has occurred to cancel a specific error other than toner consumption (S44). If a specific error that requires opening / closing of the cover 7 for releasing a specific error other than toner consumption has not occurred ("N" in S44), there is a high possibility that the cover 7 has been opened for the replacement of the process cartridge 18. Therefore, a notification routine is executed. On the other hand, if there is a specific error that requires opening / closing of the cover 7 to cancel the specific error other than toner consumption (“Y” in S44), after the work necessary to cancel the specific error is performed ( The process waits until it is detected that the cover 7 is opened based on a signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 (“N” in S43).

  Next, when it is detected by the signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 that the cover 7 is opened (“Y” in S43), the control unit 95 starts measuring the cover opening time (S46), and the NVRAM 101 is covered. A cover open flag indicating that 7 is opened is written (S47: cover open flag 0 → 1).

  And it waits until it detects that the cover 7 was closed by the signal from the cover open | release detection part 104 ("N" in S48).

  Here, since the power supply is cut off when the power is turned off with the cover 7 opened, the measurement of the opening time of the cover 7 is stopped at that time, and the power is turned on again. However, it is not possible to know how long the cover 7 has been opened, and there is a risk that the replacement of the process cartridge 18 cannot be predicted with certainty. However, even in such a case, when the power is turned on again, the cover open flag remaining as a history in the NVRAM 101 indicates that the cover 7 was opened when the power was turned off (that is, the main power switch 103 is turned on). If it is turned on, it is determined as “Y” in S41 as described above), so that it is possible to reliably notify the user of information regarding the replacement of the process cartridge 18.

  When it is detected that the cover 7 is closed by a signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 (“Y” in S48), the measurement of the cover opening time is ended (S49), and the cover opening flag is rewritten (S50. Cover). Open flag 1 → 0).

  Next, the measured cover opening time is compared with a predetermined time that is set in advance and stored in the NVRAM 101 (S51).

  When the opening time of the cover 7 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (“Y” in S51), it can be predicted that the process cartridge 18 requiring a relatively long work time has been replaced. A notification routine for notification is executed.

  On the other hand, when the opening time of the cover 7 is shorter than the predetermined time (“N” in S51), the torque of the main motor 96 detected at every predetermined interval or the light reception period of the toner remaining amount detecting unit 105 is previously set. It is determined whether or not it has changed by a predetermined amount (predetermined period) set and stored in the NVRAM 101 (S52).

  When the torque of the main motor 96 or the light reception cycle of the toner remaining amount detection unit 105 fluctuates by a predetermined amount (predetermined cycle) or more (“Y” in S52), the toner amount has changed due to the replacement of the process cartridge 18. Since there is a high possibility, a notification routine for notifying information regarding replacement of the process cartridge 18 is executed.

On the other hand, when the torque of the main motor 96 or the light reception period of the toner remaining amount detection unit 105 does not vary by a predetermined amount (predetermined cycle) or more (“N” in S52), a signal from the cover opening detection unit 104 is used. The process waits until it is detected that the cover 7 is opened (“N” in S43).
The notification routine is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the main power supply 111 is changed from the off state to the on state, the process cartridge 18 is replaced based on the opening / closing information of the cover 7 stored in the NVRAM 101 (storage means). Since the information is notified, it is possible to notify when the possibility that the process cartridge 18 has been replaced is high.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, the information relating to the replacement of the process cartridge 18 is notified by any notification means of display on the LCD, transmission of mail, and printing on paper, but all of these notification means It is good also as a structure which alert | reports the information regarding replacement | exchange of the process cartridge 18 using, or the structure which alert | reports the information regarding replacement | exchange of the process cartridge 18 by the combination of any two of these alerting | reporting means. In addition, the notification means may be other than the above, and for example, information on replacement of the process cartridge 18 is notified by generating a sound using a speaker (not shown) of a printer (corresponding to claim 12). You may do it. In this way, even if the user is not in a range where the image forming apparatus can be visually recognized, the notified information can be recognized by the user.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the torque variation is detected based on the duty ratio variation of the PWM signal generated by the PWM signal generation unit 95A before and after the opening / closing operation of the cover 7, but a torque sensor is used. It is also possible to directly detect torque fluctuation. Examples of the torque sensor include a solenoid type torque sensor (a structure in which a detection coil is a solenoid coil that shares the torque transmission shaft and its central axis), and a magnetic head type torque sensor (a coil that is locally opposed to the shaft surface). May be used.

  (3) Detection of whether the cover 7 opening time, the fluctuation of the torque of the main motor 96, the fluctuation of the remaining amount of toner is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the presence or absence of a specific error The replacement of the process cartridge 18 may be predicted when the replacement is indicated, and the replacement of the process cartridge 18 is predicted by using a plurality of combinations different from the above-described embodiment or only one of them. You may make it do.

  (4) In the first embodiment, the display shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B displays information over two lines of the LCD, but when using a one-line display LCD, Information display may be alternately switched.

1 is a perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Cross-sectional side view of the main part of the image forming apparatus with the process cartridge mounted Cross-sectional side view of the main part of the image forming apparatus with the process cartridge removed Block diagram showing electrical configuration of image forming apparatus Process cartridge replacement prediction routine flowchart Flow chart of notification routine The figure which shows the display of LCD at the time of selection of an alerting | reporting means The figure which shows the display mode at the time of the replacement | exchange prediction of a process cartridge Flowchart of process cartridge replacement prediction routine according to the second embodiment

Explanation of symbols

2 ... Main body casing 18 ... Process cartridge 41 ... Toner container 43 ... Agitator (stirring member)
65 .. Attachment / detachment detection unit (attachment / detachment detection means)
90 ... Control device 91 ... CPU (torque detection means, image formation prohibition means)
95. Control unit (measuring means)
96 ... main motor 98 ... operation part (response input means, operating amount input means)
99 ... Display unit 100 ... Detection unit 101 ... NVRAM (storage means)
104 ... Cover open detection part (detection means)
105. Toner remaining amount detection unit (toner amount detection means)
111 ... Main power supply 201 ... Spare power supply

Claims (14)

A body casing;
A process cartridge configured to be detachable from a detachable opening of the main body casing;
A cover capable of opening and closing the detachable opening of the main body casing;
Detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover;
Measuring means for measuring the time during which the cover is open based on detection by the detecting means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit configured to notify information related to replacement of the process cartridge when a time measured by the measurement unit is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. A spare power supply different from the main power supply is provided.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the supply of power from the main power supply is cut off, the measurement unit receives the supply of power from the standby power supply and continues to measure the time. An image forming apparatus capable of forming an image when a main power source is on,
Detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover when the main power source is in an on state;
Storage means for storing the opening and closing information of the cover detected by the detection means, and storage information that does not disappear even when the main power supply is in an off state,
Informing means for informing information relating to replacement of the process cartridge based on information on opening / closing of the cover stored in the storage means when the main power source is turned on from an off state. Image forming apparatus. A body casing;
A process cartridge configured to be detachable from a detachable opening of the main body casing;
A cover capable of opening and closing the detachable opening of the main body casing;
Detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover;
Informing means for informing information relating to replacement of the process cartridge,
The informing means informs information relating to the replacement of the process cartridge when the detecting means detects opening / closing of the cover when no specific error due to other than toner consumption occurs, and the specific error occurs. In the image forming apparatus, the information is not notified even when the detection unit detects opening / closing of the cover. Measuring means for measuring the time during which the cover is open based on detection by the detecting means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit notifies information related to replacement of the process cartridge when a time measured by the measurement unit is a predetermined time or more. The process cartridge includes a toner container that contains toner in a cartridge case, and a stirring member that stirs the toner in the toner container,
Torque detecting means for detecting torque when rotating the stirring member before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the detecting means;
5. The information according to claim 4, wherein the notification means notifies information regarding replacement of the process cartridge when a torque before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the torque detection means changes by a predetermined value or more. The image forming apparatus according to 5. A toner amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the toner before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the detecting means;
7. The notification unit according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit notifies when the remaining amount of toner before and after the opening of the cover detected by the toner amount detection unit changes by a predetermined value or more. The image forming apparatus described. A body casing;
A process cartridge that has a toner container that contains toner inside the cartridge case and a stirring member that stirs the toner in the toner container, and is attachable / detachable from an attachment / detachment port of the main body casing;
A cover capable of opening and closing the detachable opening of the main body casing;
Detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover;
Torque detecting means for detecting torque when rotating the stirring member before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the detecting means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an informing means for informing information relating to replacement of the process cartridge when the torque before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the torque detecting means changes by a predetermined value or more. A body casing;
A process cartridge in which toner is accommodated inside the cartridge case and is attachable / detachable from an attachment / detachment opening of the main body casing;
A cover capable of opening and closing the detachable opening of the main body casing;
Detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover;
Toner amount detection means for detecting the remaining amount of toner before and after the opening and closing operation of the cover detected by the detection means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an informing unit for informing information relating to replacement of a process cartridge when a remaining amount of toner before and after the opening of the cover detected by the toner amount detecting unit has changed by a predetermined value or more. An attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting attachment / detachment of the process cartridge;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is not notified when attachment / detachment is not detected by the attachment / detachment detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit performs notification by printing information regarding replacement of the process cartridge. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies information related to replacement of the process cartridge by generating a sound. A response input unit capable of inputting a response to the information notified by the notification unit;
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image formation prohibiting unit that prohibits image formation until a response is obtained by the response input unit. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation amount input unit capable of inputting an operation amount of the process cartridge.

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