JP2007003833A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration of image quality when a supply cartridge is replaced by an improper one. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: the supply cartridge TC constructed so as to be attached/detached to/from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and storing an image recording material in an image recording material storage container; a cartridge identifying means C7 for identifying whether the supply cartridge is a preset proper supply cartridge or not; and an image recording material consuming means C8 for performing an image recording material consuming operation such that when the determination is made that the supply cartridge is not proper, supply from the supply cartridge is stopped and also the image recording material in the image recording material storage container is consumed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions, and in particular, an exchangeable replenishment cartridge that accommodates an image recording material such as toner or ink is attached and detached. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

In conventional image forming apparatuses, replaceable replenishment cartridges are widely used to replenish toner, ink, and the like for image recording. In an image forming apparatus to which such a supply cartridge is mounted, it is determined whether the mounted supply cartridge is compatible with the model of the image forming apparatus or whether it is an empty cartridge.
As described above, the following prior art (J01) is known as a technique for determining whether or not the replenishment cartridge mounted is appropriate.
(J01) Technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-220048) Patent Document 1 determines whether or not a cartridge is appropriate when the power is turned on based on data stored in a cartridge memory provided in the toner cartridge. A technique for prohibiting a printing operation when it is determined that the cartridge is inappropriate is described.

In the image forming apparatus, the internal apparatus is designed and various parameters are set on the premise that the toner (manufacturer) of the image forming apparatus manufacturer (manufacturer) is used. Therefore, if the toner cartridge is inappropriate, for example, if the replenished cartridge is empty and contains toner (so-called non-genuine product) refilled by a non-manufacturer (so-called third party) The quality deteriorates or the image forming apparatus breaks down. In the prior art (J01), since the printing operation is prohibited when it is determined as a non-genuine product, it is possible to prevent the print quality from being deteriorated or the image forming apparatus from being damaged.
However, the prior art (J01) has a problem of eliminating a third-party supply cartridge (so-called non-genuine cartridge).

The following conventional technique (J02) is known as a technique for dealing with this problem.
(J02) Technology described in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-149019) In Patent Document 2, when it is determined that a dedicated type cartridge (genuine cartridge) is mounted, smoothing processing is executed. A technique is described in which smoothing processing is not executed when it is determined that a non-dedicated type cartridge (non-genuine cartridge) is mounted. Therefore, according to the technique described in Patent Document 2, when a genuine cartridge is installed, image formation can be performed with the optimum print quality by the smoothing process, and when a non-genuine cartridge is installed, the smoothing process is executed. Therefore, it is possible to form an image with a print quality corresponding to the non-genuine toner.

JP 2004-220048 (“0046” to “0050”) JP 2002-149019 A (“0036” to “0041”)

(Problems of conventional technology)
In the prior art (J02), the print control is changed when a genuine cartridge is replaced with a non-genuine cartridge. Immediately after the replacement, the supply path from the cartridge to the developing container, the genuine toner in the developing container, etc. Remains. Therefore, in the prior art (J02), image formation is performed by printing control for non-genuine products in a state where non-genuine product toners are mixed with genuine toners. For this reason, there is a problem that the print control parameter does not correspond to the quality of the toner, the image quality is deteriorated, and in the worst case, there is a possibility of failure.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has the following description (O01) as a technical problem.
(O01) To prevent deterioration of image quality when the cartridge is replaced with an inappropriate supply cartridge.

(Invention)
Next, the present invention that has solved the above problems will be described. In order to facilitate the correspondence between the elements of the present invention and elements of specific examples (examples) of the embodiments described later, Add the code enclosed in parentheses. The reason why the present invention is described in correspondence with the reference numerals of the embodiments described later is to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and not to limit the scope of the present invention to the embodiments.

(First invention)
In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized by including the following structural requirements (A01) to (A04).
(A01) An image recording material storage container (V) for storing an image recording material for forming an image to be recorded on the recording sheet (S),
(A02) A replenishment cartridge (TC) configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body (U1) and containing the image recording material supplied to the image recording material storage container (V).
(A03) Cartridge discriminating means (C7) for discriminating whether or not the replenishment cartridge (TC) is a preset proper replenishment cartridge (TC);
(A04) When it is determined that the replenishment cartridge (TC) is not appropriate, the replenishment from the replenishment cartridge (TC) is stopped and the image recording material in the image recording material container (V) is consumed. Image recording material consumption means (C8) for executing the image recording material consumption operation.

(Operation of the first invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the present invention having the structural requirements (A01) to (A04), an image to be recorded on the recording sheet (S) is formed in the image recording material container (V). An image recording material is accommodated. The replenishment cartridge (TC) configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body (U1) accommodates the image recording material to be replenished in the image recording material accommodation container (V). The cartridge discriminating means (C7) discriminates whether or not the replenishment cartridge (TC) is a preset proper replenishment cartridge (TC). When it is determined that the replenishment cartridge (TC) is not appropriate, the image recording material consumption means (C8) stops replenishment from the replenishment cartridge (TC) and the image recording material storage container (V) An image recording material consumption operation for consuming the image recording material is executed.

  Therefore, in the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the present invention, when an inappropriate supply cartridge (TC) is used, the supply from the supply cartridge (TC) is stopped and the inside of the image recording material storage container (V) is stopped. The image recording material is consumed. Accordingly, even if the image recording material of the proper replenishment cartridge (TC) remains in the image recording material storage container (V), the image recording material is consumed, so that mixing of different image recording materials can be reduced. . As a result, image formation is performed in a state where an image recording material of an appropriate supply cartridge (TC) and an image recording material of an inappropriate supply cartridge (TC) are mixed, and deterioration of image quality is suppressed. Can do.

(First Embodiment 1)
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that in the first aspect of the present invention, the following structural requirements (A05) and (A06) are provided.
(A05) Cartridge propriety storage means (C7A) for storing whether or not the supply cartridge (TC) is an appropriate supply cartridge (TC),
(A06) When it is determined that the replenishment cartridge (TC) is not appropriate in the state where the replenishment cartridge (TC) is stored in the cartridge adequacy storage means (C7A), the image recording material The image recording material consumption means (C8) for executing the consumption operation.

(Operation of Form 1 of the First Invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the first invention having the structural requirements (A05) and (A06), the cartridge suitability storage means (C7A) includes a replenishment cartridge (TC) in which the replenishment cartridge (TC) is appropriate. ) Or not. The image recording material consumption means (C8) is determined that the replenishment cartridge (TC) is not appropriate in a state where the replenishment cartridge (TC) is stored as appropriate in the cartridge suitability storage means (C7A). In this case, the image recording material consumption operation is executed. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus (U) according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image recording material consuming operation is executed when the appropriate replenishment cartridge (TC) is replaced with the inappropriate replenishment cartridge (TC).

(First Embodiment 2)
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect or the first aspect of the first aspect of the present invention, the following constituent elements (A07) and (A08) are provided.
(A07) A remaining amount detection sensor (SN1) for detecting the remaining amount of the image recording material in the image recording material storage container (V),
(A08) The image recording material consumption means (C8) for executing the image recording material consumption operation for consuming the image recording material until the image recording material in the image recording material storage container (V) runs out.

(Operation of the second aspect of the first invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the second aspect of the first invention having the structural requirements (A07) and (A08), the remaining amount detection sensor (SN1) is configured to record an image in the image recording material container (V). Detect the remaining amount of material. The image recording material consuming means (C8) executes the image recording material consuming operation for consuming the image recording material until the image recording material in the image recording material container (V) is exhausted. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus (U) according to the second aspect of the first invention, the image recording material consuming operation is executed until the image recording material in the image recording material container (V) runs out. It is possible to prevent the image recording material of the cartridge (TC) and the image recording material of the replenishment cartridge (TC) from being mixed.

(Embodiment 3 of the first invention)
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the first and first aspects of the first invention and the first and second aspects of the present invention, the following structural requirements (A09) and (A010) are provided. And
(A09) A proper cartridge parameter which is a control parameter for controlling the image forming apparatus (U) set according to the image recording material accommodated in the proper replenishment cartridge (TC);
An inappropriate cartridge parameter that is a control parameter for controlling the image forming apparatus (U) set in accordance with the image recording material stored in the inappropriate supply cartridge (TC);
Parameter storage means (C11A) for storing
(A010) Parameter setting means (C11) for setting a control parameter corresponding to the discrimination result of the cartridge discrimination means (C7).

(Operation of the third aspect of the first invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the third aspect of the first invention having the structural requirements (A09) and (A010), the cartridge determining means (C7) has determined that the cartridge is an appropriate supply cartridge (TC). In this case, the appropriate cartridge parameter which is a control parameter for controlling the image forming apparatus (U) set according to the image recording material accommodated in the appropriate replenishment cartridge (TC) by the parameter setting means (C11). Control parameters are set in When the cartridge determining means (C7) determines that the supply cartridge (TC) is not appropriate, the parameter setting means (C11) stores the image recording material accommodated in the inappropriate supply cartridge (TC). A control parameter is set to an improper cartridge parameter that is a control parameter for controlling the image forming apparatus (U) that is set in accordance with the above. Therefore, since an appropriate control parameter is set according to the determination result of the replenishment cartridge (TC), it is possible to perform image formation with an appropriate image quality.

(First aspect 4)
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a fourth aspect of the first invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first invention and the first to third aspects of the first invention, the following configuration requirement (A011) is provided.
(A011) The image recording material consumption means (C8) that executes the image recording material consumption operation when the cover (Ua) that is opened and closed when the replenishment cartridge (TC) is attached / detached or when the image forming apparatus (U) is turned on. ).
(Operation of the fourth aspect of the first invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to the fourth aspect of the first invention having the structural element (A011), the image recording material consuming means (C8) is a cover (Ua) that is opened and closed when the replenishment cartridge (TC) is attached or detached. The image recording material consumption operation is executed when the image forming apparatus (U) is turned on or off. Therefore, the image recording material consumption operation can be executed when there is a possibility that the replenishment cartridge (TC) has been replaced.

(First embodiment 5)
An image forming apparatus (U) according to a fifth aspect of the first invention is characterized in that, in any of the first invention and the first to fourth aspects of the first invention, the following structural requirements (A012) and (A13) are provided. And
(A012) A replenishing device (TH) for conveying the image recording material of the replenishing cartridge (TC) to the image recording material storage container (V),
(A013) Supply device control means (C9) for operating the supply device (TH) during the image recording material consumption operation.

(Operation of the fifth aspect of the first invention)
In the image forming apparatus (U) according to Embodiment 5 of the first invention having the structural requirements (A012) and (A13), the replenishing device (TH) uses the image recording material of the replenishing cartridge (TC) as the image recording material. It conveys to a storage container (V). The replenishing device control means (C9) operates the replenishing device (TH) during the image recording material consumption operation. Therefore, the image recording material remaining in the replenishing device (TH) can also be consumed in the image recording material consumption operation, and mixing of the image recording materials can be suppressed.

The above-described present invention has the following effect (E01).
(E01) Deterioration of image quality can be prevented when the cartridge is replaced with an inappropriate supply cartridge.

Next, specific examples (examples) of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The direction indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side is defined as the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, the lower side, or the front side, the rear side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow heading from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a printer U as an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment is provided with a first discharge tray TRh on the upper surface of a printer main body (image forming apparatus main body) U1. A UI (user interface) for user input operation is provided on the front upper surface of the first discharge tray TRh on the front end side in the sheet discharge direction, and a setting key or the like is provided on the UI. A front cover Ua is disposed on the upper front surface of the printer U, and a lower end portion of the front cover Ua is hinged to the printer U body by a hinge shaft extending in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, when replacing the toner cartridge, the process unit, etc., the front cover Ua can be opened and replaced. The printer body U1 is provided with a cover sensor (not shown) that detects opening and closing of the front cover Ua.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
In FIG. 2, electrical signals such as image data and printer control commands transmitted from the host computer HC connected to the printer U are input to the controller C of the printer U. The controller C includes a microcomputer and a storage device. The controller C temporarily stores the input image data, and outputs the image data to the laser drive circuit DL as image data for forming a latent image at a predetermined timing.
The laser drive circuit DL outputs a laser drive signal to the ROS (latent image forming apparatus) according to the input image data. The operation of the UI (user interface), the laser drive circuit DL, the developing roll Ga, which will be described later, the power supply circuit E for applying a bias voltage to the transfer roll Rt as a transfer device, and the like are controlled by the controller C.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG.
2 and 3, a toner image forming device U2 for forming a black toner image is disposed on the left side of the ROS. A laser beam L emitted from the laser diode (not shown) of the latent image forming apparatus (latent image forming optical system) ROS is incident on the rotating photoconductor PR.
2 and 3, the toner image forming apparatus U2 includes a photosensitive member (image carrier) PR that rotates in the direction of an arrow about a rotation axis PRa (see FIG. 3), a charging roll (charging member) CR, It has a developing device G and a cleaner CL. The toner image forming apparatus U2 is unitized, and is configured to be detachable from the printer main body U1 as a process unit.

The surface of the image carrier PR is uniformly charged by a charging roll CR, and then exposed and scanned by a laser beam L of the ROS (latent image forming apparatus) at a latent image writing position Q1 (see FIG. 3). An electrostatic latent image is formed.
The surface of the image carrier PR on which the electrostatic latent image is formed rotates and moves sequentially through a development area Q2 (see FIG. 3) and a transfer area (sheet transfer area) Q3 (see FIG. 2).
The developing device G rotatably supports a developing roll Ga to which a developing bias is applied and a toner stirring member Gb, Gc that conveys toner while stirring the developing roll, and stores a toner (image recording material). An image recording material container V). Then, the electrostatic latent image on the image carrier PR that passes through the developing area Q2 is developed into a toner image by the developing roll Ga. The developer container V supports a layer thickness regulating member SK that regulates the layer thickness of the developer on the surface of the developing roll Ga. The developing container V is provided with a remaining amount detection sensor SN1 that detects the remaining amount of toner in the developing container V.

A cartridge toner replenishing device TH is supported above the latent image forming device ROS. The cartridge toner replenishing device TH has a replenishing device main body TH1 and a replenishing path TH2 extending from the replenishing device main body TH1 to the developing container V. A toner inflow port TH3 is formed in the replenishing device body TH1, and a cartridge empty detection sensor SN2 is disposed below the toner inflow port TH3.
In FIG. 2, a toner cartridge (replenishment cartridge) TC is mounted on the cartridge toner replenishing device TH. The toner cartridge TC is configured to be attachable / detachable by being inserted into and removed from the printer U with the front cover Ua opened.

The toner cartridge includes a TC and a toner container TC1 that stores toner therein. A toner conveying member TC2 is rotatably supported in the toner container TC1. The toner cartridge TC supports a CRUM (Customer Replaceable Unit Memory) in which information related to the toner cartridge TC (cartridge identification information and information indicating whether or not “empty”) is stored. Information stored in the CRUM is read and written wirelessly with a CRUM reading device CRW connected to the controller C. The CRUM of the first embodiment is provided with a remaining amount counter (not shown) which is added according to the amount of toner replenished during the image forming operation and cannot be subtracted or erased. In the printer U according to the first exemplary embodiment, when the value of the remaining amount counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined empty determination threshold, the printer U determines that the cartridge is empty from the information stored in the CRUM.
The toner cartridge TC conveys the toner in the toner container TC1 to the toner discharge port TC3 by the rotation of the toner conveying member TC2 according to the consumption of the toner in the developing device G. The toner discharged from the toner discharge port TC3 flows into the replenishing device main body TH1 from the toner inflow port TH3 and is developed by the developing device G by a toner conveying member (auger or the like) (not shown) in the replenishing device main body TH1 or the toner replenishing path TH2. It is conveyed to the container V.

A toner image forming device U2 that forms a toner image (image) on the photoconductor PR is constituted by the photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, ROS (electrostatic latent image forming device), the developing device G, and the like.
A plurality of paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 (see FIG. 2) contain recording sheets S for image recording to be conveyed to the transfer area Q3, and each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 is a front surface of the printer U. It is possible to enter and exit the tray accommodating space inside the printer U from the paper feed tray insertion opening formed in the printer.
In FIG. 2, in the lower part (tray storage space) of the printer U, rails (movingly supporting) both left and right ends of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 that are put in and out (inserted and removed) from the paper feed tray insertion port ( Tray support members) RL1 and RL1 are disposed, and the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 are supported by a pair of left and right rails RL1 and RL1 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

In FIG. 2, a paper feeding device K having a pick-up roll Rp and a separating roll Rs having a feed roll and a retard roll is provided on the upper side of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4.
The recording sheets S taken out by the pick-up roll Rp of the paper feeding device K are separated one by one by the separating roll Rs and fed to the main body sheet conveyance path (first standard sheet conveyance path) SH1 of the sheet conveyance apparatus SH. The The fed recording sheet S is conveyed by a plurality of sheet conveying rolls Ra of the sheet conveying apparatus SH, and is conveyed to the transfer area Q3 by a registration roll Rr (see FIG. 2) at a predetermined timing.

  A manual feed tray TR0 is mounted on the left side of the printer (image forming apparatus) U. The recording sheet S fed from the manual feed tray TR0 passes from the optional manual feed sheet transport path SH5 through the manual feed tray sheet transport path SH2 and passes through the main body sheet transport path (first standard sheet transport path). ) The sheet is conveyed to SH1 and conveyed to the transfer region Q3 by a sheet conveying roll Ra and a registration roll Rr arranged along the main body sheet conveying path (first standard sheet conveying path) SH1.

  In FIG. 2, a transfer roll Rt to which a transfer bias is applied is disposed in the transfer region Q3. The transfer roll Rt is in pressure contact with the photosensitive member PR in the transfer region Q3, and transfers the toner image on the photosensitive member PR to the recording sheet S passing through the transfer region Q3. Note that a transfer device that transfers (records) a toner image (image) formed on the photoconductor PR onto a sheet, instead of being configured only by the transfer roll Rt as in the first embodiment, is a discharge type such as a corotron. This transfer member can be used. The transfer device also includes an intermediate transfer member, a primary transfer member for primary transfer of the toner image on the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer member, and a secondary transfer for secondary transfer of the toner image on the intermediate transfer member to the sheet. It is possible to comprise with a member.

An image (toner) is formed on the recording sheet S by the toner image forming device (PR + CR + ROS + G) including the photoconductor PR, the charging roll CR, ROS (latent image forming device) and the developing device G, and the transfer roll Rt as a transfer device. A toner image forming apparatus (PR + CR + ROS + G + Rt) for recording an image).
After the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor PR is transferred to the recording sheet S in the transfer region Q3, the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor PR is collected by the cleaner CL. The photoreceptor PR from which the residual toner adhering to the surface by the cleaner CL is collected is charged by the charging roll CR.

  The recording sheet S on which the unfixed toner image is transferred in the transfer area Q3 is conveyed to the fixing area Q4 with the toner image unfixed, and a pair of fixing rolls Fh of the fixing device F disposed in the fixing area Q4. , Fp fix the toner image. The recording sheet S on which the fixing toner image is formed is then guided by the sheet guide and conveyed to the paper discharge roll R1. The recording sheet S is discharged from the sheet discharge port Ha to the discharge tray (first discharge tray) TRh by the discharge roll R1.

Inside the printer U, a main body sheet reversing path SH3 connected to the sheet discharge port Ha is provided. An optional sheet reversing device U3 is mounted on the manual feed tray TR0. An optional sheet reversing path SH4 connected to the main body sheet reversing path SH3 is formed inside the sheet reversing device U1. Therefore, at the time of duplex printing, the recording sheet S on which the toner image is fixed in the fixing area Q4 passes through the main body sheet reversing path SH3 and the option sheet reversing path SH4, and is conveyed to the registration roll Rr, so that the transfer area Q3 Resent to
The main body sheet reversing path SH3 and the option sheet reversing path SH4 constitute a sheet reversing path (SH3 + SH4).

  The sheet reversing device U3 is provided with an optional paper discharge tray (second paper discharge tray) TRh1 that is discharged in a state where the image recording surface of the recording sheet S is the upper surface. An optional sheet discharge path SH6 is provided between the optional sheet discharge tray TRh1 and the main body sheet reversing path SH3. Therefore, when the user designates discharge to the optional discharge tray TRh1, the recording sheet S passes through the optional sheet discharge path SH6 from the main body sheet reversing path SH3 and is discharged to the optional discharge tray TRh1. Is done.

(Description of the control part of Example 1)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram (functional block diagram) illustrating functions provided in the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment.
In FIG. 4, the controller C stores an I / O (input / output interface) for performing input / output of signals to / from the outside and adjusting input / output signal levels, a program and data for performing necessary processing, and the like. ROM (read-only memory), hard disk, RAM (random access memory) for temporarily storing necessary data, CPU (central processing unit) that performs processing according to programs stored in the ROM, etc., and It is constituted by a microcomputer having a clock oscillator or the like, and various functions can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM or the like.

(Signal input element connected to the controller C)
The controller C receives signals from signal input elements such as a UI (user interface), a remaining amount detection sensor SN1, a cartridge empty detection sensor SN2, a cover sensor SN3, and a CRUM reading device CRW.
The UI includes input keys such as a display (exchange notification member) UI1, a copy start key UI2, a numeric keypad UI3, etc., and detects that they are input, and inputs a detection signal to the controller C. .

The remaining amount detection sensor SN1 detects the remaining amount of toner in the developing container V (the presence or absence of toner at the position where the remaining amount detection sensor SN1 is disposed).
The cartridge empty detection sensor SN2 detects the presence or absence of toner in the toner cartridge TC by detecting the presence or absence of toner below the toner inlet TH3 into which the toner from the toner cartridge TC flows.
The cover sensor SN3 detects opening / closing of the front cover Ua.
The CRUM reading device CRW reads and writes information stored in the CRUM.

(Control element connected to the controller C)
The controller C is connected to a main motor drive circuit D0, a replenishing device control circuit D1, a cartridge drive control circuit D2, a power supply circuit E, and other control elements, and outputs their operation control signals.
The power supply circuit E includes a development power supply circuit E1, a charging power supply circuit E2, a transfer power supply circuit E3, a fixing power supply circuit E4, and the like.

The developing power supply circuit E1 applies a developing bias to the developing roll Ga of the developing device G.
The charging power supply circuit E2 applies a charging bias to the charging roll CR.
The transfer power supply circuit E3 applies a transfer bias to the transfer roll Rt.
The fixing power supply circuit E4 supplies a heater heating current to the heater of the heating roll Fh of the fixing device F.

The main motor drive circuit D0 rotationally drives the image carrier PR, the developing roll Ga of the developing device G, the fixing device F, the sheet conveying roll Ra, etc. via the main motor M1.
The replenishing device control circuit D1 controls the driving of the replenishing device driving motor M2, and rotationally drives the toner conveying member of the cartridge toner replenishing device TH.
The cartridge drive control circuit D2 controls the drive of the cartridge drive motor M3 to rotationally drive the toner transport member TC2 of the toner cartridge TC.

(Function of the controller C)
The controller C has a function (control means) for executing a process according to an output signal from each signal output element and outputting a control signal to each control element. The function (control means) of the controller C will be described next.
C1: Job control means (image recording control means)
The job control means C1 controls the operations of the ROS, the image carrier PR, the transfer roll Rt, the fixing device F, etc. according to the input of the copy start key UI2, and performs a job (printing operation, copying operation) as an image recording operation. Operation).

C2: Main motor rotation control means The main motor rotation control means C2 controls the main motor drive circuit D0 to control the driving of the image carrier PR, the developing device G, the fixing device F, and the like.
C3: Power supply circuit control means The power supply circuit control means C3 includes a development power supply control means C3A, a charging power supply control means C3B, a transfer power supply control means C3C, and a fixing power supply control means C3D, and controls the power supply circuit E. The power supply to each member of the image forming apparatus U is controlled.

C3A: Development power supply control means The development power supply control means C3A controls the development power supply circuit E1 to control the development bias.
C3B: Charging power supply control means The charging power supply control means C3B controls the charging power supply circuit E2 to control the charging bias.
C3C: Power supply control means for transfer (transfer voltage control means)
The transfer power control means C3C controls the transfer power supply circuit E3 to control the transfer bias (transfer voltage).
C3D: Fixing power supply control means The fixing power supply control means C3D controls the fixing power supply circuit E4 to control the fixing temperature of the fixing device F.

C4: CRUM Reading Device Control Unit The CRUM reading device control unit C4 controls the operation of the CRUM reading device CRW to read information from or write information to the CRUM.
C5: Developing container toner remaining amount detecting means The developing container toner remaining amount detecting means C5 detects the remaining amount of toner in the developing container V based on the detection result of the remaining amount detecting sensor SN1.
C6: Cartridge empty detection means The cartridge empty detection means C6 detects the presence or absence of toner in the toner cartridge TC based on the detection result of the cartridge empty detection sensor SN2.

C7: Cartridge Determination Unit The cartridge determination unit C7 includes a cartridge suitability storage unit C7A, and determines whether the toner cartridge TC is an appropriate cartridge. The toner cartridge discriminating means C7 according to the first exemplary embodiment discriminates an appropriate cartridge when the information read from the CRUM is a genuine cartridge manufactured by the manufacturer and the toner is not empty. Therefore, when the information stored in the CRUM is not a genuine cartridge manufactured by the manufacturer, or when the information about the empty cartridge is stored in the CRUM and the cartridge empty detection sensor SN2 detects the presence of toner (that is, the non-genuine toner is refilled). If it is, it is determined that the cartridge is not appropriate.
C7A: Cartridge Suitability Storage Unit The cartridge suitability storage unit C7A stores whether the currently installed toner cartridge TC is appropriate.

C8: Toner consumption means (image recording material consumption means)
The toner consumption means C8 has toner consumption operation start timing determination means C8A. When it is determined that the toner cartridge TC is not appropriate, the toner supply by the cartridge toner supply device TH is stopped and the toner in the developing container V is stopped. Toner consumption operation (image recording material consumption operation) is executed. The toner consumption unit C8 according to the first exemplary embodiment performs the toner consumption operation until the toner in the developing container V runs out when the cartridge determination unit C7 determines that the toner cartridge is not appropriate.
C8A: Toner consumption operation start time determination means (image recording material consumption operation start time determination means)
The toner consumption operation start time determination unit C8A determines whether or not it is time to start the toner consumption operation. The toner consumption operation start timing determination unit C8A according to the first exemplary embodiment performs the toner consumption operation when the front cover Ua is closed when the printer U is turned on or when the front cover Ua is detected to be closed. It is determined that the start time has come.
C9: Replenishing device control means The replenishing device control means C9 controls the operation of the cartridge toner replenishing device TH by controlling the driving of the replenishing device drive motor M2 via the replenishing device control circuit D1. The replenishing device control means C9 according to the first embodiment operates in accordance with the toner consumption of the developing device G, and executes the replenishing operation until the toner in the feeder main body TH1 and the replenishment path TH2 runs out during the toner consuming operation.

C10: Cartridge drive control means The cartridge drive control means C10 has toner replenishment operation control means C10A, controls the drive of the cartridge drive motor M3 via the cartridge drive control circuit D2, and rotates the toner conveying member TC2. The driving is controlled, and the replenishment of toner from the toner cartridge TC is controlled. The cartridge drive control unit C10 according to the first exemplary embodiment stops the toner supply when the toner consumption operation is started, and resumes the toner supply when the toner consumption operation ends.
C10A: Replenishment operation control means for confirming presence / absence of toner The replenishment operation control means C10A for confirming presence / absence of toner operates the toner conveying member TC2 for a predetermined time in order to confirm the presence / absence of toner in the toner cartridge TC. The toner is caused to flow into the replenishing device TH.

C11: Parameter setting unit The parameter setting unit C11 includes a parameter storage unit C11A, and control parameters (development bias, transfer bias, fixing temperature, sheet, and the like) stored in the parameter storage unit C11A corresponding to the determination result of the cartridge determination unit C7. Set parameters such as transport speed).
C11A: Parameter storage means The parameter storage means C11A has appropriate cartridge parameter storage means C11A1 and inappropriate cartridge parameter storage means C11A2, and stores control parameters for controlling the printer U.

C11A1: Appropriate cartridge parameter storage means The proper cartridge parameter storage means C11A1 is an appropriate cartridge parameter which is a control parameter for controlling the printer U set according to the toner (genuine toner) accommodated in the appropriate toner cartridge TC. Remember.
C11A2: Inappropriate Cartridge Parameter Storage Unit The improper cartridge parameter storage unit C11A2 stores an improper cartridge parameter, which is a control parameter set in accordance with the toner (non-genuine toner) contained in the inappropriate toner cartridge TC. Remember.

C12: Empty cartridge notification means The empty cartridge notification means C12 displays and notifies that the toner cartridge TC is empty on the display UI1 of the user interface UI when it is determined that the toner cartridge TC is empty.
FL1: Toner consumption operation determination flag The initial value of the toner consumption operation determination flag FL1 is “0”, and becomes “1” when the toner consumption operation is started, and becomes “0” when the toner consumption operation ends.

(Description of Flowchart of Example 1)
(Explanation of control parameter setting process flowchart)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the control parameter setting process according to the first embodiment.
The processing of each ST (step) in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM or hard disk of the controller C. This process is executed in a multitasking manner in parallel with other various processes of the printer U.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is started when the printer U is powered on.

In ST1 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the power is on (immediately after the power is turned on). If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST2. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST3.
In ST2, it is determined whether or not the front cover Ua that is opened and closed when the toner cartridge TC is inserted and removed is closed. If no (N), the process returns to ST1, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST4.
In ST3, it is determined whether or not the front cover Ua that is opened and closed when the toner cartridge TC is inserted and removed is closed. If no (N), the process returns to ST1, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST4.
In ST4, information stored in the CRUM of the toner cartridge TC is read. Then, the process proceeds to ST5.
In ST5, it is determined whether or not the identification information stored in the CRUM is a toner cartridge TC manufactured by a manufacturer, that is, whether or not it is a genuine cartridge. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST6. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST9.

In ST6, it is determined whether or not the information stored in the CRUM is toner empty information. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST7, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST9.
In ST7, it is determined whether or not the genuine cartridge is stored in the cartridge suitability storage means C7A. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST8, and if yes (Y), the process returns to ST1.
In ST8, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process returns to ST1.
(1) Set the control parameter to the proper cartridge parameter.
(2) Store that a genuine cartridge is mounted in the cartridge suitability storage means C7A.

In ST9, a replenishment operation for toner presence / absence confirmation is executed. That is, the toner conveying member TC2 is operated for a predetermined time to cause the toner to flow into the cartridge toner replenishing device TH, and the presence / absence of toner is detected by the cartridge empty detection sensor SN2. Then, the process proceeds to ST10.
In ST10, it is determined whether or not there is toner in the toner cartridge TC, that is, whether or not the toner cartridge TC is empty. If no (N) (no toner, cartridge is empty), the process proceeds to ST11. If yes (Y) (toner is present, the cartridge is not empty), the process proceeds to ST12.
In ST11, the display UI1 is notified that the toner cartridge TC is empty. Then, the process returns to ST1.
In ST12, it is determined whether or not a genuine cartridge is stored in the cartridge suitability storage means C7A. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST12. If no (N), the process returns to ST1.
In ST13, the toner consumption operation determination flag FL1 is set to “1”. That is, the operation of the toner conveying member TC2 of the toner cartridge TC is prohibited. Then, the process proceeds to ST14.

In ST14, the toner consumption operation is started. That is, in a state where toner is not supplied from the toner cartridge TC, a solid image is formed without conveying a sheet, and consumption of the toner in the developing container V is started. Then, the process proceeds to ST15.
In ST15, it is determined whether or not the toner in the developing container V has become empty. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST16, and if no (N), ST15 is repeated.
In ST16, the operation of each member is stopped, and the toner consumption operation is terminated. Then, the process proceeds to ST17.
In ST17, the toner consumption operation determination flag FL1 is set to “0”. That is, the operation of the toner conveying member TC2 is permitted, and the replenishment of toner to the replenishing device TH and the developing device G is resumed. Then, the process proceeds to ST18.
In ST18, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process returns to ST1.
(1) The control parameter is set to an inappropriate cartridge parameter.
(2) It is stored that a non-genuine cartridge is installed.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the printer U as the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1 having the above-described configuration, the toner cartridge TC is filled with genuine toner or non-genuine toner when the power is turned on or when the front cover Ua is closed. Is determined. If it is determined that the toner is genuine toner, the proper cartridge parameter is set, and high-quality image formation can be executed with the optimum setting. On the other hand, if it is determined that the toner is non-genuine toner, the toner in the developing container V is emptied and set to an inappropriate cartridge parameter, which is suitable for toner that is not genuine and has no guaranteed quality. Then, image formation is performed. As a result, it is possible to form an image with genuine toner or non-genuine toner, and to prevent image formation from being performed in a state where non-genuine toner and genuine toner are mixed. Toner cartridge filled with non-genuine toner from genuine cartridge Even when it is replaced, it is possible to prevent the image quality from being deteriorated immediately after the replacement. As a result, image formation can be performed with stable image quality before and after the toner cartridge TC replacement, and failure of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is performed within the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. It is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H06) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) The image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a printer, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions. Further, the present invention is not limited to a monochrome image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a color image forming apparatus.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the toner consuming operation is executed until the toner in the developing container runs out. However, the toner consuming operation can be executed for a predetermined time.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can be applied to an inkjet recording image forming apparatus. That is, the present invention is not limited to toner as an image recording material, and can be applied to ink as an image recording material.
(H04) In the above embodiment, when the genuine toner cartridge is replaced with the non-genuine toner cartridge, the toner consuming operation in the developing container is executed. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the non-genuine toner cartridge is replaced with the genuine toner cartridge. In this case, the toner consumption operation can be executed.
(H05) In the above embodiment, when the toner consumption operation is executed, the solid image is formed without conveying the sheet and the toner is forcibly consumed, but the normal printing operation is executed without replenishment from the toner cartridge. It is also possible to execute the toner consumption operation and continue the toner consumption operation until the toner is naturally emptied.
(H06) In the above embodiment, the communication method between the CRUM and the CRUM reading device CRW is wireless, but a wired method is also possible.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the toner image forming apparatus portion of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram (functional block diagram) illustrating functions provided in the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the control parameter setting process according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

C7 ... cartridge discrimination means,
C8: Image recording material consumption means,
C7A ... cartridge adequacy storage means,
C11 ... parameter setting means,
C11A ... parameter storage means,
S ... Recording sheet,
SN1 ... remaining amount detection sensor,
TC ... replenishment cartridge,
U: Image forming apparatus,
U1 ... Image forming apparatus main body,
V: Image recording material container.

Claims (4)

An image forming apparatus comprising the following configuration requirements (A01) to (A04):
(A01) An image recording material storage container for storing an image recording material for forming an image to be recorded on a recording sheet,
(A02) a replenishment cartridge configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body and containing the image recording material supplied to the image recording material storage container;
(A03) Cartridge discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the replenishment cartridge is a preset proper replenishment cartridge;
(A04) An image for executing an image recording material consumption operation for stopping supply from the supply cartridge and consuming the image recording material in the image recording material storage container when it is determined that the supply cartridge is not appropriate. Recording material consumption means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the following configuration requirements (A05) and (A06):
(A05) Cartridge propriety storage means for storing whether or not the supply cartridge is an appropriate supply cartridge;
(A06) The image recording material for executing the image recording material consumption operation when it is determined that the replenishment cartridge is not proper in a state where the replenishment cartridge is stored in the cartridge suitability storage means. Means of consumption. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus includes the following constituent elements (A07) and (A08):
(A07) a remaining amount detection sensor for detecting the remaining amount of the image recording material in the image recording material storage container;
(A08) The image recording material consumption means for executing the image recording material consumption operation for consuming the image recording material until the image recording material in the image recording material container is exhausted. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the following configuration requirements (A09) and (A010):
(A09) a proper cartridge parameter which is a control parameter for controlling the image forming apparatus set according to the image recording material accommodated in the proper replenishment cartridge;
An improper cartridge parameter that is a control parameter for controlling the image forming apparatus set in accordance with the image recording material accommodated in the supply cartridge that is not appropriate;
Parameter storage means for storing
(A010) Parameter setting means for setting a control parameter corresponding to the discrimination result of the cartridge discrimination means.

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