JP2007310271A - Toner specification method for image forming apparatus, toner refill method into toner storing container, image forming apparatus and refilled toner judgment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stably perform image formation at desired quality by achieving a selection instruction for toner corresponding to recording action in an image forming apparatus main body side thereby replenishing toner of quality suitable for an image forming apparatus main body. <P>SOLUTION: A stored toner specification method is provided for the image forming apparatus forming an image by attaching the stored toner in an attachable/detachable developing cartridge to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoreceptor drum based on an image data and transferring/fixing the developed toner image to a recording medium. The method is characterized in that various information regarding recording action using the stored toner is accumulated and retained in a main body memory etc., and when replenishing the stored toner by replacing the developing cartridge when the toner is finished etc., the type A or B of the developing cartridge for storing the toner of the quality which is suitable for the recording action based on the information accumulated and retained in the main body memory is selected and output to be displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a toner designation method for an image forming apparatus, a toner refilling method for a toner container, an image forming apparatus, and a refill toner determination apparatus. It relates to what can be refilled.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrophotographic recording type image forming apparatus that exposes and forms an electrostatic latent image based on image data on the surface of a carrier made of a photosensitive member has been known. The toner image on the carrier carried by developing the toner with a developing device is transferred to a recording medium such as recording paper to form an image.

In recent years, this type of image forming apparatus is generally designed to be detachably mounted with a cartridge (toner storage container) that is constructed integrally with or separately from the developing device and stores toner. By repeatedly developing the electrostatic latent image on the body surface, when the stored toner is consumed, the cartridge is replaced to replenish the toner for developing the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the carrier. Yes.

This cartridge has been collected from recent recycling requirements and reused by filling with toner. When recycling the cartridge,
After the toner remaining in the cartridge is discarded and the inside is cleaned, new toner is filled.

At this time, if a predetermined amount or more of toner remains in the cartridge, it may be possible to add replenishment toner without discarding the remaining toner for the purpose of effective use of resources. As the toner for use, it has been proposed to prepare and fill so that the quality of the entire toner contained in the cartridge becomes desired (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, since it is not easy to determine whether a predetermined amount or more of toner remains in the cartridge, a determination device that determines whether or not replenishment toner is added / filled to the remaining toner is used. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-296825 A JP 2004-54242 A

However, in such conventional toner replenishment and filling, the quality of the toner remaining in the cartridge is greatly influenced by the recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side. For example, a large amount of image recording can be performed in a short time. In the case of carrying out, filling of the toner for replenishment is performed before the particle size distribution and charging characteristics of the contained toner are greatly deteriorated. In addition, the charging characteristics are broken from the new toner when not used, and a large difference occurs. For this reason, when the replenishment toner is filled in the cartridge and added to the remaining toner, even if the entire contained toner is mixed, it may deviate from a desired quality.

However, it is difficult to grasp in advance how the image forming apparatus is used. For this reason, conventionally, the quality of the toner stored in the cartridge has been designed based on a general recording operation.

Here, some image forming apparatuses adopt a structure including a popper for containing toner without using a cartridge. In this type, the toner is directly put into the hopper. In some cases, it is advantageous to obtain a desired image quality by replenishing toner of a quality corresponding to the tendency of the recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side.

Therefore, the present invention realizes an instruction for selecting a toner in accordance with a recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side, thereby enabling replenishment of toner having a quality suitable for the image forming apparatus main body, and forming an image with a desired quality. The purpose of this is to make it possible to perform stably.

A first invention of a toner designation method for an image forming apparatus that solves the above-described problems is a recording medium having a toner image developed by attaching toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of a carrier based on image data. A method for specifying the toner to be stored in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring and fixing. A holding means for storing and holding various information relating to a recording operation using the stored toner is prepared, and the stored toner is replenished. In this case, the toner quality suitable for the recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side is instructed based on the holding information in the holding means.

According to the present invention, when replenishing the stored toner consumed by repeatedly developing the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the carrier, toner of a quality corresponding to the recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side stored and held is used. Instructed as replenishment toner. Therefore, for example, it is possible to replenish toner of a quality suitable for the usage situation such as the length of the replenishment interval of the accommodated toner, and continue image forming processing while maintaining the desired particle quality distribution and charging characteristics of the accommodated toner. can do.

A second invention of a toner designation method for an image forming apparatus that solves the above-described problem is that, in addition to the specific matter of the first invention, the image forming apparatus replenishes toner by attaching and detaching a toner container. In addition, a plurality of types of toner storage containers for storing different quality toners are prepared, and when the stored toner is replenished, the specified quality based on the holding information in the holding means is provided. A toner storage container for storing toner is selected.

In the present invention, when the toner is replenished by exchanging the toner container, the toner container that stores the toner of the quality corresponding to the recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side stored and held is selected. Therefore, for example, a toner storage container that stores toner of optimum quality is set in the image forming apparatus from a plurality of types of toner storage containers that are prepared according to usage conditions such as the replenishment interval of the storage toner. The image forming process can be continued while maintaining the particle size distribution, charging characteristics, and the like of the stored toner at a desired quality.

According to a first aspect of the present invention for a method for filling a toner container into a toner container that solves the above problems, a toner image developed by attaching toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of a carrier based on image data is recorded on a recording medium. A method for refilling toner in a toner container that is attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring and fixing the toner on the image forming apparatus, and the toner container stores and holds various types of information relating to a recording operation using the stored toner. A holding unit is provided, and when the toner container is filled with toner, the toner of the quality instructed based on the holding information in the holding unit is filled.

According to the present invention, the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the carrier is repeatedly developed, and the toner storage container that has consumed the stored toner is removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus and refilled with the stored toner. The designated quality toner is filled as a replenishing toner according to the recording operation on the apparatus main body side. Therefore, for example, a toner container that can be filled with a toner having a quality suitable for the use situation such as the length of the replenishment interval of the stored toner, and stores a toner that maintains the particle size distribution and charging characteristics of the stored toner at a desired quality. Can be regenerated into a container.

A second invention of a method for filling a toner container into a toner container that solves the above-mentioned problems is the same as the specific matter of the first invention, in which the toner container removed from the image forming apparatus is refilled with toner as it is. Judge whether it is suitable for replenishment based on the holding information in the holding means,
If it is suitable, the toner of the designated quality is filled in the toner container as it is based on the holding information in the holding means, while if it is not suitable, the designated quality of toner is supplied after performing necessary processing. The toner container is filled.

According to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the toner storage container that is removed from the image forming apparatus main body and refilled with the stored toner is suitable for refilling and regenerating the toner as it is according to the recording operation in which the toner storage container is accumulated and held. If it is determined to be suitable, the toner of the quality indicated in accordance with the recording operation is filled as a replenishing toner. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be suitable, it is instructed after necessary cleaning processing or parts replacement. A new toner or the like is filled as a replenishing toner. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily determine whether or not refilling can be performed based on the consumption of stored toner and the life of accessory parts, and to prevent the toner storage container unsuitable for recycling from being recycled as it is. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems in the above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for transferring and fixing a developed toner image on a recording medium by adhering toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of a carrier based on image data. An image forming apparatus for forming an image by using a holding unit that accumulates and holds various information related to a recording operation using the stored toner, and a toner that is suitable for replenishment according to the recording operation using the stored toner. A storage means for preliminarily storing various qualities of the toner, a selection means for selecting the quality of the toner suitable for replenishment from the storage means based on the holding information in the holding means when the stored toner is replenished, and the selection And means for notifying the quality of the toner selected from the storage means.

According to the present invention, when replenishing the stored toner, the quality of the toner that is stored and suitable for the recording operation on the main body side of the image forming apparatus is selected from the types prepared in advance for storage and displayed. The operator is notified by voice output, recording output, or the like. Therefore, for example, it is possible to replenish toner of the optimum quality corresponding to the usage situation such as the length of the replenishment interval of the accommodated toner, and image forming processing while maintaining the desired particle quality distribution and charging characteristics of the accommodated toner. Can continue.

According to a first aspect of the refilling toner determination device for solving the above-described problem, the toner is developed by attaching the toner contained in the removable toner container to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the carrier based on the image data. The image is formed by transferring and fixing the toner image onto a recording medium to form an image and storing various information relating to the recording operation using the stored toner in a holding unit installed in the toner storage container. A set unit for setting the toner storage container, a reading unit for reading out various information relating to a recording operation using the stored toner accumulated and held in the holding unit of the toner storage container, and a storage toner in the image forming apparatus. A storage unit for storing various qualities of toner suitable for refilling a toner container according to a recording operation in use, and an image forming apparatus Selection means for selecting the toner quality suitable for refilling the removed toner storage container from the storage means based on the holding information in the holding means, and selection when the toner storage container is set in the set unit And a notifying means for notifying the quality of the toner selected by the means.

In the present invention, when the toner containing container that has been consumed from the image forming apparatus main body by being repeatedly developed on the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the carrier and set in the set unit is set in the set unit, the accumulated and held image is stored. The operator is informed of the quality of the toner according to the recording operation on the main body side of the forming apparatus by selecting and instructing from the types that are preliminarily stored and being displayed, voiced, and recorded. Therefore, for example, a toner container that can be refilled in a toner storage container that recycles quality toner that is suitable for use conditions such as the length of the replenishment interval of the stored toner, and a toner container that stores toner having a constant particle size distribution and charging characteristics. Can be regenerated into a container.

In a second aspect of the refilling toner determination device that solves the above problems, in addition to the specific matters of the first aspect, the toner container removed from the image forming apparatus is refilled with toner as it is for replenishment. Determination means for determining whether or not the toner container is suitable based on the holding information in the holding means, and when it is determined that the toner container set in the set portion is suitable for refilling of toner While selecting / notifying the quality of the toner suitable for refilling, if it is determined that the toner is not suitable for refilling, the notifying means that the toner container is not suitable for refilling the toner as it is Is notified.

According to the present invention, whether or not the toner storage container for refilling the stored toner set removed from the main body of the image forming apparatus is suitable for refilling and reproducing the toner as it is according to the recording operation stored and held. If it is determined that it is suitable, the toner of the quality indicated in accordance with the recording operation is filled as a replenishment toner. New toner or the like instructed after replacement is filled as a replenishing toner. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the toner container that is unsuitable for recycling from being recycled as it is because it is easily determined whether the toner can be refilled due to consumption of the stored toner or the life of the accessory parts. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of problems in the above.

As described above, according to the present invention, when replenishing the stored toner that has been consumed, it is possible to designate a toner of quality according to the recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side as the replenishment toner.
It is possible to replenish toner of a quality suitable for adding to the stored toner that is consumed according to the use situation. Therefore, the quality such as the particle size distribution and charging characteristics of the toner can be maintained at a desired level, and high quality images can be continuously formed with high reliability. At this time, when adopting a form in which the toner container is replaced and the stored toner is replenished, the quality of the toner to be stored can be selected, and the desired toner quality can be easily maintained. When maintenance is required for the toner container, the quality of the formed image can be maintained by performing it together.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 11 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a toner designation method and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

First, a schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus is a printer that is used by connecting to an external device such as a personal computer PC that creates and outputs an image such as a character. An image recording apparatus 10 that receives image data and records and forms it on one side or both sides of a recording sheet (recording medium) by an electrophotographic method, and transports a plurality of stacked recording sheets to the image recording apparatus 10 and images. The entire apparatus including the sheet conveying apparatus 20 that carries the recording sheet that has been recorded out of the apparatus and stacked thereon, and the image recording apparatus 10 and the sheet conveying apparatus 20 based on image data received by being connected to the personal computer PC And a control unit 30 that forms an image on a recording sheet and prints it out. That.

In brief, the image recording apparatus 10 irradiates the laser beam L from the laser beam scanning apparatus 11 that scans the laser beam L based on the image data and the laser beam L from the laser beam scanning apparatus 11 as shown in FIG. A photosensitive drum (carrier) 12 on which an electrostatic latent image based on image data is exposed and formed on the surface is scanned, and an outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 12 so that an electrostatic latent image can be formed by irradiation with laser light L A charger 13 for charging the light source, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M),
A developing cartridge 14 for each color that accommodates black (K) toner and develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 with toner (only one location is shown), and an installation space 15a for each color in the developing cartridge 14 A developing rotary unit 15 that is housed inside and rotates about a rotation shaft 15b, and a toner image (monochrome image or color image) that receives a toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 12 and can be transferred and recorded on a recording sheet. An intermediate transfer belt 16 forming
The recording paper that has been conveyed is pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 16 (nip) so as to transfer the toner image carried by the intermediate transfer belt 16 and conveyed downstream while sandwiching the recording paper. And a fixing roller pair 18 for fixing the toner image by heat-pressing the recording sheet on which the toner image has been transferred and conveyed, and for nipping and conveying the recording sheet further downstream. I have.

As a result, the image recording apparatus 10 develops the electrostatic latent image based on the image data formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 by the laser beam scanning device 11 in the development rotary unit 15 switched according to the image data. The cartridge 14 develops toner, and thereafter, after the toner image on the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred and recorded on the recording paper conveyed by the paper conveying device 20 via the intermediate transfer belt 16, the toner image is fixed. An image is formed by the roller pair 18 being heated and pressed to be fixed. At this time, for example, when the developing rotary unit 15 contains a developing cartridge 14 containing toner of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K), the photosensitive drum By switching the color of the toner that develops the electrostatic latent image on the image 12, the toner of each color is overlaid or selected based on the received image data, and a color image to a single color image is printed on a recording sheet. be able to. Further, the developing rotary unit 15 includes all the developing cartridges 14.
When a developing cartridge 14 that contains toner of the same color, for example, black (K), is stored therein, the developing cartridge 14 that develops the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 12 is sequentially switched to monochrome. It can be used as a dedicated machine for continuously printing images on recording paper. Note that the intermediate transfer belt 16 and the transfer roller 17 and the fixing roller pair 18 of the image recording apparatus also have a function of conveying a recording sheet, and thus constitute a part of the sheet conveying apparatus 20 described below. Yes.

Briefly, as shown in FIG. 1, the paper transport device 20 is detachably set at the lower part of the main body of the device, and a paper cassette 21 on which a plurality of recording papers are stacked, and the paper cassette 21
The pick-up roller 22 that pulls out the uppermost recording paper and feeds it to the conveying path f by rotating in contact with the bundle of recording paper raised by the lifting plate 21a on the bottom surface of the recording paper, and the recording paper sent out by the pickup roller 22 And a pair of relay transport rollers 23a and 23b that sandwich and transport to the downstream transport path f and the pair of relay transport rollers 23a and 23
The intermediate transfer belt 1 of the image recording apparatus 10 receives the recording paper in the conveyance path f conveyed by b.
6 and a registration roller pair 24 nipped and conveyed to an image recording position by the transfer roller 17
And a recording paper on which a fixed image is formed on one side by being conveyed from the registration roller pair 24 through a conveyance path f passing between the intermediate transfer belt 16 and the transfer roller 17 and between the fixing roller pair 18. A pair of discharge rollers 25a and 25b that are unloaded, discharged and stacked on a discharge table 29 at the top of the main body are provided.

As a result, the sheet conveying apparatus 20 delivers the recording sheet pulled out from the sheet cassette 21 by the pickup roller 22 to the registration roller pair 24 via the relay conveying roller pair 23a, 23b, and then the registration roller pair 24 In synchronization with the operation of the image recording apparatus 10, the intermediate transfer belt 16 and the transfer roller 17 are fed to an image recording position where the image is pressed, and the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 16 is transferred and recorded. Then, the recording paper on which the image based on the image data is fixed (recorded and formed) via the fixing roller pair 18 is discharged and discharged onto the paper discharge table 29 by the paper discharge roller pairs 25a and 25b.

The sheet conveying device 20 is disposed in the re-conveying path b for reversing the recording sheet on which the image is formed on one side and sending it to the conveying path f on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 24 and the path b. An intermediate transport roller pair 27 is provided, and the intermediate transport roller pair 27 receives the recording paper sent into the re-transport path b by reversing the paper discharge roller pairs 25a and 25b and transfers it to the registration roller pair 24. As a result, images can be formed on both sides of the recording paper. In addition, the sheet conveying device 20 includes a manual feeding path m for sending a manually fed recording sheet to a conveying path f on the upstream side of the registration roller pair 24 and a manual feeding roller pair 28 disposed in the path m. The recording paper inserted into the manual feed path m is received by the pair of manual feeding rollers 28 and transferred to the registration roller pair 24, whereby an image can be formed on one side or both sides of the recording paper.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 30 is composed of a controller unit 31 and an engine control unit 32 constructed on a circuit board mounted in the apparatus main body. Data processing control and drive control of each part of the apparatus are executed.

Briefly described, the controller unit 31 executes various processing procedures according to a processing program stored in a memory by a CPU (not shown), thereby various information such as a print command with a printer driver of the personal computer PC. The image data such as text to be formed (printed) on the recording paper is received and temporarily stored in a memory (not shown). The controller unit 31 is so-called RGB in which image data (image information signal) received from the personal computer PC is red (R), green (G), or blue (B).
Since it is data, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (printable)
C) The image data is read from the memory and transferred to the engine control unit 32 while being converted into image data of so-called YMCK data of black (K).

In the engine control unit 32, the CPU 33 receives image data, for example, in units of pages from the controller unit 31 according to a control program stored in the ROM 34, temporarily stores it in the main body memory 35, and uses the RAM 36 as a work area. While various information is exchanged between the image recording apparatus 10 and the sheet conveying apparatus 20, an image based on the image data is formed on the recording sheet. At this time, when executing this image formation control, the CPU 33 operates each part of the apparatus optimally by measuring various processing times by a built-in timer function (timer) 33a.

Thus, when the control unit 30 receives image data from a personal computer PC or the like, the controller unit 31 outputs the image data converted from RGB data to YMCK data to the engine control unit 32 while being primarily stored. The CPU 33 of the engine control unit 32 controls the driving of each part of the apparatus while using the RAM 36 as a work area based on the image data from the controller unit 31 stored in the main unit memory 35 in units of pages in accordance with the control program in the ROM 34. By controlling, the paper transport device 20 pulls out the recording paper from the paper cassette 21 and carries it out onto the paper discharge table 29, while the image recording device 10 forms a static image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 based on the image data. The electrostatic latent image is displayed on the toner image by the developing cartridge 14. To its toner image is transferred and fixed on one or both sides of the recording sheet transported to and forming an image.

In FIG. 2, the I / O interface 37 connects the image recording device 10, the paper transport device 20, the controller unit 31, and the engine control unit 32 so that various types of information can be exchanged. The D / A converter 38 and the A / D converter 39 are configured so that the engine control unit 32 can process various types of information exchanged between the image recording device 10, the paper transport device 20, and the controller unit 31, respectively. The digital signal (D) is converted into an analog signal (A), or the analog signal is converted into a digital signal.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the developing cartridge 14 of the image recording apparatus 10 includes a container 61, a developing roller 62, and a supply roller 63, and the CPU (
The developing rotary unit 15 rotates around the rotation shaft 15b based on a print command including image data from the personal computer PC received by the control unit 33 via the controller unit 31 to face the photosensitive drum 12. When the developing cartridge 14 is switched, toner (T) containing yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) is selectively attached to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 to form a toner. develop. That is, the developing cartridge 14 constitutes a toner container that is designed to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body side with a developing device built therein.

The container 61 of the developing cartridge 14 is formed in a similar shape so as to be housed in each housing space (position) 15 a partitioned by the partition frame 15 c of the developing rotary unit 15 and stores each color toner T. The developing roller 62 is rotatably supported on the outer peripheral side of the container 61 that is separated from the rotating shaft 15b of the developing rotary unit 15 by applying a developing bias voltage. The toner T charged by the blade 67 is caused to fly in accordance with the potential of the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the toner T and selectively adhered. The supply roller 63 is rotatably supported by the container 61 so as to be adjacent to the developing roller 62 on the rotating shaft 15 b side of the developing rotary unit 15, and presses and rotates the developing roller 62 to remove the surrounding toner T. Supply. Container 61 of this developing cartridge 14
Is provided with a partition plate 61a adjacent to the supply roller 63, and this partition plate 61a.
The container 6 is in a state where the space on the rotating shaft 15b side and the upper part of the installation space of the supply roller 63 are communicated with each other.
The toner T accommodating space in 1 is partitioned.

Thereby, in the developing cartridge 14, the toner T in the space on the outer peripheral side of the container 61 partitioned by the partition plate 61a is supplied to the developing roller 62 in which the supply roller 63 is pressed and rotated. Further, when the developing rotary unit 15 rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise in FIG. 1 and rotates 180 degrees, the developing cartridge 14 stores the toner T stored on the rotating shaft 15b side and the supply roller 63 side of the container 61. Upper part of partition plate 61a (lower part in FIG. 1)
Then, the toner T contained in the container 61 is agitated and refreshed by rotating by 90 degrees, and the toner T is collected on the supply roller 63 side so as to be supplied to the developing roller 62. That is, in the developing cartridge 14 attached to the developing rotary unit 15 that rotates in this way, the accommodation toner T is supplied by the rotation of the supply roller 6.
Since the toner is replenished while being agitated on the third side, an adjusting device (so-called agitator device or auger device) for performing an adjusting operation for stirring and replenishing the stored toner T can be omitted as appropriate.
However, in the case where the developing cartridge 14 is omitted, the developing cartridge 14 has, for example, a count value by the toner counter, the number of dots of the image, and the like before at least the toner T supplied to the developing roller 62 disappears from the periphery of the supplying roller 63. When the usage amount of the toner T detected by the accumulated developing operation (image formation) time, the accumulated number of developed images, or the actually measured remaining amount of the toner T exceeds a preset value, the developing rotary unit 15 is moved. The toner T needs to be replenished and agitated.

Further, the developing cartridge 14 exposes the developing roller 62 from the inside of the container 61 so as to face the photosensitive drum 12 at the developing position, and between the outer peripheral surface 62 a of the developing roller 62 and the opening of the container 61. In the gap defined by the front end of the seal member 65 made of a resin material urged by a urging member 64 such as a rubber material, and a spring plate member (biasing plate member) 66 such as phosphor bronze A restricting member 67 made of a rubber material (rubber) that is pressed against the outer peripheral surface 62a and pressed against the outer peripheral surface 62a by being urged while being supported by the outer peripheral surface 62a is disposed.

As a result, the seal member 65 is formed along the outer peripheral surface 62 a on the upper side of the developing roller 62, and the toner T leaks out of the container 61 by being pressed against the outer peripheral surface 62 a by the urging member 64. The toner T on the outer peripheral surface 62a of the developing roller 62 that has passed through the developing position is collected in the container 61 without being scraped off. Further, the regulating member 67
Is formed in a strip shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 62 in the axial direction, and the spring plate member 6
6, the toner T is pressed against and pressed against the outer peripheral surface 62a.
1 is prevented from leaking out, and the toner T adhering to the outer peripheral surface 62a of the developing roller 62 is scraped off to make the thickness of the toner T constant. That is, the toner T accommodated on the outer peripheral surface 62a of the developing roller 62 is supplied to the surface of the outer peripheral surface 62a of the developing roller 62 by repeating sliding contact with the supply roller 63, the seal member 65, the regulating member 67, and the like. It will be selectively attached only to the portion of the area corresponding to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the drum 12, and the particle size distribution and charging characteristics tend to deteriorate as the driving time of the developing cartridge 14 becomes longer. is there.

A so-called memory tag 41, which is extremely small and thin as a whole, is affixed to a predetermined outer surface of the developing cartridge 14 as shown in FIG. When rotated by the developing rotary unit 15, it is installed (attached) on the outer surface of the developing cartridge 14 so as to face the main body antenna 51 disposed at a position along the outer cover of the apparatus main body. The memory tag 41 has a main body antenna 5
1 is used to store and hold necessary information by exchanging various types of information through non-contact communication with the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the apparatus main body 1 and to pass necessary information to the CPU 33 of the engine control unit 32. Designed to. Here, the main body antenna 51 on the apparatus main body side is
It is manufactured in substantially the same manner as the development side antenna 43 to be described later, and can be contactlessly communicated with the memory tag 41. For example, the separation distance is set within 10 mm with respect to the memory tag 41 at the communication position. Yes. A circuit board that forms a transmission / reception circuit 52 and performs non-contact communication with the memory tag 41 is connected to the main body side antenna 51.
An O interface 37 is connected to the CPU 33 of the engine control unit 32 on the apparatus main body side.

Specifically, the memory tag 41 on the developing cartridge 14 side is as shown in FIG.
A non-contact IC chip 42 that stores and holds various types of information based on a command from the transmission / reception circuit 52 via the main body side antenna 51, reads out necessary information from the various types of information, and passes the information to the transmission / reception circuit 52, and this non-contact Development-side antenna 4 composed of a planar coil in which an IC chip 42 and a resonance capacitor 43a formed by etching a metal film are connected in parallel.
3 are mounted on a plastic film and covered with a transparent cover sheet. As a result, the memory tag 41 receives (absorbs) the high frequency magnetic field induced via the main body side antenna 51 by the high frequency signal generated by the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the main body side of the apparatus, and is contactless. It can be input to the IC chip 42.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the non-contact IC chip 42 of the memory tag 41 receives a high-frequency magnetic field (high-frequency signal) from the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the apparatus main body side received via the development-side antenna 43.
Rectifier 44 as a DC power source for rectifying the circuit to drive each circuit in the chip, and analyzing the received high frequency signal of the high frequency magnetic field, and the high frequency signal based on various signals transferred to the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the apparatus body side Is generated and input to the developing antenna 43 to generate a high frequency magnetic field that can be absorbed by the main body antenna 51 (Radi Frequency).
ncy) 45 and the written information is stored and held, and the stored information can be read from the outside and is driven by a non-volatile memory cell 46 such as, for example, a NAND flash ROM, and a DC power source via the rectifier 44. A control unit 47 that rewrites the stored information in the memory cell 46 by exchanging various signals with the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the apparatus body side via the signal analysis RF 45, and transfers the read storage information to the transmission / reception circuit 52. It is equipped with.

Here, in the memory cell 46 of the non-contact IC chip 42, unique ID information such as a serial number for each memory tag 41, manufacturing information such as the manufacturing date and manufacturing number of the developing cartridge 14, the developing cartridge 14 , Information on the type of toner stored in the developing cartridge 14 and toner information such as the remaining amount of toner, the number of times the developing cartridge 14 is recycled and detached, and the mounting year after the developing cartridge 14 is recycled Various necessary information such as the date and removal date are stored and held. As a result, the engine control unit 32 of the control unit 30 displays various information such as the color information of the toner of the developing cartridge 14 together with the presence / absence and position of the developing cartridge 14 at the storage position of the developing rotary unit 15.
Optimal image formation control can be executed by the PU 33 being stored and held in the main body memory 35 and properly grasped, and when an error occurs, various information is displayed and output on an operation port or the like. Can be used to track the cause.

The stored information in the memory cell 46 of the non-contact IC chip 42 is stored in the C of the engine control unit 32.
The PU 33 receives the memory tag 4 via the transmission / reception circuit 52 according to the control program in the ROM 34.
For example, when the power is turned on or when the developing cartridge 14 is replaced, the CPU 33 develops only for the time required for non-contact communication. Memory tag 41 (development side antenna 43) for each cartridge 14
The development rotary unit 15 is rotated at least once so as to face the main body antenna 51, and rewriting / reading processing is executed.

In the steady operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the CPU 33 receives an image data print command, the CPU 33 starts rotation of the developing rotary unit 15 from the home position of the standby position. The developing cartridge 14Y containing the toner is positioned at the image recording position facing the photosensitive drum 12, and toner development of the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is performed by the developing cartridge 14Y. .
Thereafter, the CPU 33 similarly develops a developing cartridge 14C containing cyan (C) toner, a developing cartridge 14M containing magenta (M) toner, and a developing cartridge 14K containing black (K) toner. Sequentially positioned at the image recording position (
Each toner development is performed to form a color toner image based on the image data, and transfer and fix it on the recording paper to perform the image data printing process.

In parallel with the print control, the CPU 33 performs the developing operation immediately before the yellow (Y) developing cartridge 14 during the developing operation of the cyan (C) developing cartridge 14C.
Since the Y memory tag 41Y is located at the communication position facing the main body antenna 51, the non-contact communication via the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the apparatus main body side is executed with the memory tag 41Y, so that the memory The memory information in the memory cell 46 of the tag 41Y is rewritten or read out. Thereafter, the CPU 33 similarly changes the memory tag 41C of the cyan (C) developing cartridge 14C and the memory tag 41M of the magenta (M) developing cartridge 14M into the magenta (M) developing cartridge 14M and black (K). Since the developing cartridge 14K is sequentially positioned at the communication position facing the main body antenna 51 during the developing operation of the developing cartridge 14K, non-contact communication via the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the apparatus main body side is also performed with the memory tags 41C and 41M. Thus, rewriting and reading of the stored information in the memory cells 46 of the memory tags 41C and 41M are continued. Then, after the developing operation by the black (K) developing cartridge 14K is finished, the CPU 33 positions the yellow (Y) developing cartridge 14Y again at the image recording and forming position without performing the image forming process. The memory tag 41K of the black (K) developing cartridge 14K is positioned at a communication position facing the main body antenna 51, and non-contact communication via the transmission / reception circuit 52 on the apparatus main body side is executed with the memory tag 41K. To do. Thereby, the CPU 33 completes the rewriting and reading of the stored information in the memory cells 46 of all the memory tags 41Y to 41K, and thereafter, rotates the developing rotary unit 15 to the home position and shifts to the standby state.

When the toner T in the developing cartridge 14 is consumed and a toner end time exceeding a preset value is reached, or when replacement of the developing cartridge 14 is manually input from the operation panel, the CPU 33 performs development. A message relating to the replacement of the cartridge 14 is displayed and output on an operation panel (not shown) to notify the operator of various information. As the message, the main memory 3
5 and the type (toner quality) of the developing cartridge 14 that is optimal for replenishing the stored toner T by replacement based on various management information relating to the recording operation accumulated and held in the memory cell 46 of the memory tag 41. A type A / B prepared in advance for storage in the memory 35 is selected and displayed on the operation panel (instructed). That is, the main body memory 35 and the memory tag 41 constitute holding means, and the main body memory 35 also constitutes storage means, and CP
U33 constitutes a selection means. An operation panel (not shown) constitutes an informing means for displaying and notifying the optimum type A / B of the developing cartridge 14. Here, a case where the type A / B of the developing cartridge 14 that is optimal for the operation panel is displayed and notified will be described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, audio output or recording is possible. Needless to say, the information may be recorded and output on a sheet of paper, and the toner type is not limited to two types of A / B, and more quality may be used.

For example, in order to form a large amount of a high density image such as a solid image on a recording sheet, in a usage environment where the time taken to use up the toner T stored in the developing cartridge 14 is short, The toner T contained in the container 61 of the developing cartridge 14 is stored in the developing roller 6.
As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the particle size distribution that affects the image quality remains as it is at the beginning of use, as shown in FIG. 6 (a). As shown in FIG. 7A, the charging characteristics for transferring to the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 12 and the like remain as they were at the beginning of use. For this reason, the CPU 33 determines that the accumulated driving time of the developing roller 62 from when the developing cartridge 14 is set to the developing rotary unit 15 until the end of the toner is reached is less than the set time stored in the main body memory 35 in advance. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B, a type A containing toner of standard particle size distribution and charging characteristics prepared to be set in an unused image forming apparatus is used. The developing cartridge 14 suitable for replacement is selected and displayed on the operation panel.

On the other hand, in the case of a usage environment where it takes a long time to use up the toner T contained in the developing cartridge 14 in order to form a low density image such as a small line image on a recording sheet little by little. The toner T contained in the container 61 of the developing cartridge 14 remains on the outer peripheral surface 62a of the developing roller 62 without being transferred to the photosensitive drum 12, or the supply roller 63.
Is retained in the press-rotating space, and is slidably contacted with the toner and various members so that the particle size collapsed while shifting to the large particle size side as shown in FIG. The distribution has changed. For this reason, the CPU 33 determines that the developing cartridge 1
When the accumulated time during which the developing roller 62 is driven from when 4 is set in the developing rotary unit 15 until the end of the toner is equal to or longer than the set time stored in the main body memory 35 in advance, FIG. As shown, type B containing toner shifted to a smaller particle size side than the standard particle size distribution prepared to be set in an unused image forming apparatus is selected as a developing cartridge 14 suitable for replacement. Display on the operation panel. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9A, the charging characteristic of the accommodation toner T has a wide distribution but is not shifted, and this charging characteristic is on the downstream side of the photosensitive drum 12 and the like. Since it is given to transfer according to the transfer potential and cannot be shifted as much as the particle size distribution, the type B of accommodation toner T is shown in FIG. 9B as shown in FIG. Type A shown in
As in the case of the accommodated toner T, standard charging characteristics remain unchanged.

Specifically, the toner designation method for replenishing the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 10 and the determination table (table) in FIG. S11) When it is detected that the amount of toner T remaining in the developing cartridge 14 is 10 g or less (step S12), the accumulated drive time t of the developing roller (DR) 62 of the developing cartridge 14 is stored in the main memory. 35 and memory tag 41
(Step S13), and if the accumulated drive time t is less than or equal to the preset set time t1 (step S14), as shown in FIG. 6 (a) or FIG. 7 (a). As a usage environment where the stored toner T is used up while maintaining the standard particle size distribution and charging characteristics similar to those at the beginning of use, the type A of the developing cartridge 14 suitable for replacement is selected and displayed on the operation panel ( Step S17).

In this case, the operator may purchase a type A developing cartridge 14 containing toner having a standard particle size distribution or charging characteristic and set it in the developing rotary unit 15 as shown in FIGS. As shown in b), the stored toner T can be used up repeatedly while maintaining the standard particle size distribution and charging characteristics, and image forming processing with stable quality can be continued.

On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the integrated driving time t of the developing roller 62 at the time of detecting the toner out of the developing cartridge 14 is not more than the preset setting time t1 but not less than the preset time t2 (step). S11 to S15), until the contained toner T is used up.
As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9A, the type B of the developing cartridge 14 suitable for replacement is selected as the usage environment in which the particle size distribution and the charging characteristics deteriorate, and displayed on the operation panel (step S18). ).

In this case, the operator may purchase a type B developing cartridge 14 containing toner having a smaller particle size distribution and set it in the developing rotary unit 15 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5), it is possible to use up the contained toner T while suppressing the deterioration of the image quality due to an increase in the contained toner T having a large particle diameter during use, and stable image formation is possible. Processing can continue.

Further, when the CPU 33 inputs from the operation panel that the replacement of the other developing cartridges 14 such as running out of toner is performed at an early stage (step S11), the integrated driving time of the developing roller 62 of the corresponding developing cartridge 14 t and the toner remaining amount r
Is read from the main body memory 35 and the memory tag 41 (step S13), and similarly, when the accumulated drive time t is equal to or shorter than the set time t1 (step S14), the type A of the developing cartridge 14 is selected. Display on the operation panel (step S17),
When the integrated driving time t of the developing roller 62 is equal to or longer than the set time t2 (step S1).
5) The type B of the developing cartridge 14 suitable for replacement is selected and displayed on the operation panel (step S18).

At this time, the CPU 33 determines that the integrated drive time t of the developing roller 62 is the set time t1.
In the case of the set time t1 to t2 that is not equal to or less than the set time t2 (step S14)
S15), when the toner remaining amount r is 20 g or less (step S16), the next time, it is determined that the usage environment is to be replaced before the particle size distribution and charging characteristics of the stored toner T are deteriorated so much. The type A of the developing cartridge 14 suitable for replacement is selected and displayed on the operation panel (step S17). On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner r exceeds 20 g (step S17)
In step S16), it is determined that there is a possibility that it will be replaced after the next use as the particle size distribution and charging characteristics deteriorate, and the type B of the developing cartridge 14 suitable for replacement is selected and the operation panel is selected. Is displayed and output (step S18).

As a result, the operator may purchase and set one of the developing cartridges 14 of type A / B displayed on the operation panel and informed (instructed / designated) and set it in the developing rotary unit 15 for use. An image can be formed by replenishing the accommodation toner T adjusted to a particle size distribution and a charging characteristic according to how the image forming apparatus is used, and an image forming process with stable quality can be continued.

As described above, in this embodiment, when replenishing the stored toner T that has been consumed, the toner type A / such as the particle size distribution according to the use environment, such as whether there are many solid images or many line images. B can be selected and replenished, and a high-quality image can be continuously formed with high reliability while maintaining the quality of the stored toner T such as the particle size distribution and charging characteristics at a desired level.

As another aspect of the present embodiment, a mechanism as a developing device such as a developing roller is disposed on the apparatus main body side, and a bottle-shaped cartridge containing only toner is attached and detached and replaced on the apparatus main body side. The present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus designed to replenish stored toner.

As this type of image forming apparatus, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, for each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) toner, a photosensitive drum 71y,
71c, 71m, 71k are arranged in parallel in series, and each of them has a developing roller 7
By arranging the developing units 73y, 73c, 73m, and 73k so that the two face each other, an electrostatic latent image formed in parallel by a laser beam (not shown) can be simultaneously developed with toner, and the photosensitive drum 71y, The toner image on 71m is transferred to the first intermediate transfer roller 74a, and the toner images on the photosensitive drums 71c and 71k are transferred to the second intermediate transfer roller 74b and then superimposed on the third intermediate transfer roller 74c. A toner image to be transferred and fixed on a recording sheet can be formed. The toner image on the third intermediate transfer roller 74c can be fixed by being heated and pressed by the fixing roller pair 75 after being transferred onto the conveyed recording paper, as in the image forming apparatus described above.

The developing units 73y, 73c, 73m, and 73k can replenish each color-accommodating toner by replacing and setting the cartridges 76y, 76c, 76m, and 76k that can be separately attached and detached, and the cartridges 76y, By displaying and outputting the optimum type A / B for 76c, 76m, and 76k on the operation panel in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, the same effect can be obtained, and the toner type A / B corresponding to the use environment can be obtained. By selecting and replenishing, high quality images can be continuously formed with high reliability.

Here, in this image forming apparatus, since the developing units 73y, 73c, 73m, and 73k are fixed, the toner replenished by replacing the cartridges 76y, 76c, 76m, and 76k is supplied by a so-called agitator device or auger device. By stirring and replenishing, the remaining toner can be mixed with toner of type A / B corresponding to the use environment, and the image forming process can be continued.

Next, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a toner refilling method into a toner container according to the present invention and a refilling toner determination device for executing the method. Note that portions that are configured in substantially the same manner as the image forming apparatus of the above-described embodiment will be described with reference to the configuration, and the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

First, a schematic configuration of the refill toner determination device will be described. In FIG. 13, the refill toner determination device 100 includes a main body unit 110 to which a monitor 101 and a printer 102 are connected so as to exchange data, and a cartridge connection unit 120 connected to the main body unit 110 so as to exchange data. The main body 110 has a CPU 111 that is RO.
Data received from the cartridge connector 120 is processed and displayed on the monitor 101 or recorded from the printer 102 while using the RAM 113 as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the M112. Yes.

Similarly to the developing rotary unit 15 of the image recording apparatus 10 in the above-described embodiment, the cartridge connecting unit 120 has a storage space in which the developing cartridge 14 can be set and faces the memory tag 41 of the stored developing cartridge 14. A main body side antenna 51 and a transmission / reception circuit 52 are arranged so that various information to be stored can be read out and rewritten.

Then, when the developing cartridge 14 is set in the cartridge connection unit 120, the CPU 111 of the main body 110 has the memory cell 4 of the memory tag 41 of the developing cartridge 14.
6 selects one of the types A / B that is optimum as the quality of the toner to be replenished based on various management information relating to the recording operation accumulated and held in the display 6, and outputs it to the monitor 101 for instruction. If the recording output by the printer 102 is selected and set,
At the same time, the optimum type A / B as the toner to be replenished to the developing cartridge 14 is recorded on the recording paper and can be attached. That is, the memory tag 41 on the developing cartridge 14 side constitutes a holding means, and the internal memory of the ROM 112 constitutes a storage means.
11 is a selection unit, and the monitor 101 and the printer 102 are connected to the developing cartridge 14.
An informing means for informing the type A / B of the toner to be replenished by display output or recording output is configured.

Specifically, the toner refilling method into the toner container will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14 and the determination table of FIG. 11 in the above-described embodiment. The CPU 111 sets the developing cartridge 14 in the cartridge connection unit 120. When it is detected (step S21), the number of recycling times and the usage period of the developing cartridge 14 are read from the memory tag 41 and confirmed (step S22). For example, the accumulated time after the developing cartridge 14 is manufactured. Alternatively, if the accumulated time after recycling exceeds the preset useful life of the developing roller 62 or exceeds the useful life of the seal member (step S23), it is determined that it is not suitable for recycling. A message notifying that is displayed on the monitor 101. , The attachment can be recorded output to the recording sheet from the printer 102 (step S24).

In this case, it is possible to avoid wasting toner in the unrecyclable developing cartridge 14, and the remaining toner is discarded and cleaned, and the developing roller 62 is replaced. After the recycling process, the developing cartridge 14 can be filled with type A toner and recycled.

On the other hand, if the CPU 111 determines that the accumulated time after the development cartridge 14 is manufactured does not exceed the useful life and can be recycled (steps S21 to 23), the accumulated driving time t of the developing roller 62 is determined. And the toner remaining amount r are read from the memory tag 41 and confirmed (step S33). If the accumulated drive time t is equal to or less than the set time t1 (step S34), the standard particle size distribution similar to that at the beginning of use is used. In addition, it is determined that there is remaining toner T that maintains the charging characteristics, and the type A is selected as the toner to be replenished, and the monitor 101 is selected.
Display output by the printer and recording output by the printer 102 are executed (step S37).

Further, when it is confirmed that the accumulated driving time t of the developing roller 62 is not the set time t1 or less but the set time t2 or more (steps S34 and S35), the particle size distribution and the charging characteristics are deteriorated. When it is determined that the toner T remains, the type B is selected as the toner to be replenished, and the display is output by the monitor 101 (step S38).

Further, the CPU 111 determines that the integrated drive time t of the developing roller 62 is the set time t1 to t2.
In this case (steps S34 and S35), when the toner remaining amount r is 20 g or less (step S36), it is assumed that the stored toner T is not deteriorated so much in the particle size distribution and charging characteristics of the stored toner T. Judgment is made and type A is selected as the toner to be replenished (step S37).
When the toner remaining amount r exceeds 20 g (step S36), it is determined that the stored toner T having a deteriorated particle size distribution or charging characteristic remains, and the type B is selected as the toner to be replenished, and the monitor 101 is selected. The display output or the like is executed (step S38).

Thereafter, the CPU 111 rewrites the information stored in the memory tag 41 of the developing cartridge 14 and adds the number of recycling (step S39), and then ends the determination process when refilling the toner.

As a result, the operator performs the operation of refilling the container 61 of the developing cartridge 14 with either type A or B of toner that is displayed (instructed / designated) by being displayed on the monitor 101 or the like. The developing cartridge 14 can be filled with toner of a quality suitable for mixing with the stored toner T, and can be recycled to a state equivalent to the stored toner T having a particle size distribution and charging characteristics before use. . The refill toner determination device 1
It goes without saying that 00 may be constructed so that the type A / B toner can be filled in the developing cartridge 14 as it is.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the stored toner T remaining in the developing cartridge 14 is used.
Depending on the particle size distribution, etc., it is possible to automatically select and instruct one of the type A / B toners suitable for recycling equivalent to the quality before use, and has a desired level of quality. The developing cartridge 14 filled with the stored toner T can be recycled with high reliability.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described so far, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented in various forms within the scope of the technical idea.

1 is a perspective front view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus that executes a toner specifying method according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a related block diagram explaining the control unit which performs the various controls. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the developing cartridge. It is a figure which shows the principal part structure, (a) is a perspective plan view which shows the memory tag installed in the developing cartridge side, (b) is a related block diagram which shows the communication means. It is a timing chart explaining the image forming operation and the rewriting timing to the memory tag. It is a figure which shows the quality of the toner which remains inside when the drive integration time of the developing roller of the developing cartridge is short, (a) is a graph showing the particle size distribution at the time of replacement, (b) is replenished at the distribution 3 is a graph showing a particle size distribution of a toner suitable for the toner. It is a figure which shows the quality of the toner which remains inside when the drive integration time of the developing roller of the developing cartridge is short, (a) is a graph showing the charging characteristics at the time of replacement, (b) is replenished when the characteristics 6 is a graph showing charging characteristics of a toner suitable for the toner. It is a figure which shows the quality of the toner which remains inside when the drive integration time of the developing roller of the developing cartridge is long, (a) is a graph showing the particle size distribution at the time of replacement, (b) is replenished at that distribution 3 is a graph showing a particle size distribution of a toner suitable for the toner. It is a figure which shows the quality of the toner which remains inside when the drive integration time of the developing roller of the developing cartridge is long, (a) is a graph showing the charging characteristics at the time of replacement, (b) is replenished at the characteristics 6 is a graph showing charging characteristics of a toner suitable for the toner. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing (toner designation method) at the time of replacement of the developing cartridge. It is a table | surface which shows the table used at the time of the process. It is a conceptual block diagram which shows schematic structure of the other aspect of the image forming apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a toner refilling method into a toner container according to the present invention and a refilling toner determination device that executes the method, and is a related block diagram illustrating a schematic overall configuration thereof. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing (toner refilling method) during recycling of the developing cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image recording device 11 ... Laser beam scanning device 12, 71y-71k ... Photosensitive drum 14, 14Y-14K ... Developing cartridge 15 ... Developing rotary unit 16 ... Intermediate transfer belt 17 ... Transfer roller 18 75 ... Fixing roller pair 20 ... Paper transport device 21 ... Paper cassette 24 ... Registration roller pair 29 ... Discharge table 30 ... Control unit 31 ... Controller unit
32 …… Engine control unit 33, 111 …… CPU 34, 112 …… ROM 3
5 …… Main body memory 36, 113 …… RAM 41, 41Y to 41K …… Memory tag 43 …… Development side antenna 46 …… Memory cell 51 …… Main body side antenna 5
2. Transmission / reception circuit 61 ... Container 62, 72 ... Development roller 63 ... Supply roller 65 ... Seal member 66 ... Spring plate member 67 ... Restriction member 73y-7
3k …… Developers 74a to 74c …… Intermediate transfer rollers 76y to 76k …… Cartridge 100 …… Refill toner determination device 101 …… Monitor 102 …… Printer 110 …… Main body 120 …… Cartridge connection portion T …… Toner

Claims (7)

This is a method for specifying toner contained in an image forming apparatus that forms an image by transferring and fixing a developed toner image on a recording medium by attaching toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of a carrier based on image data. And
Preparing holding means for accumulating and holding various types of information regarding the recording operation using the stored toner,
A toner designation method for an image forming apparatus, wherein when the toner stored is replenished, a quality of toner suitable for a recording operation on the image forming apparatus main body side is instructed based on information held in the holding means. The image forming apparatus adopts a form in which toner is replenished by attaching and detaching the toner container, and preparing a plurality of types of toner containers that store toners of different qualities,
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the toner is replenished, a toner storage container that stores toner of an instructed quality is selected based on holding information in the holding unit. Toner designation method. The developed toner image is transferred to and fixed on a recording medium by attaching toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the carrier based on the image data. A toner refilling method comprising:
The toner container has a holding means for accumulating and holding various kinds of information related to a recording operation using the stored toner.
A method of refilling a toner into a toner container, wherein when the toner container is filled with toner, the toner of the quality indicated based on the holding information in the holding means is filled. Whether the toner container removed from the image forming apparatus is suitable for refilling the toner as it is for replenishment is determined based on the holding information in the holding means. The toner of the instructed quality is filled in the toner container as it is based on the stored information, while if not suitable, the toner of the instructed quality is filled in the toner container after performing necessary processing. The method for filling toner into the toner container according to claim 3. An image forming apparatus for forming an image by transferring and fixing a developed toner image on a recording medium by adhering toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of a carrier based on image data,
Holding means for accumulating and holding various types of information related to the recording operation using the stored toner;
Storage means for preliminarily storing various qualities of toner suitable for replenishment according to a recording operation using stored toner;
Selecting means for selecting the toner quality suitable for replenishment from the storage means based on the holding information in the holding means when replenishing the stored toner;
An informing means for informing the quality of the toner selected by the selecting means from within the storing means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The developed toner image is transferred to and fixed on a recording medium by attaching toner contained in a removable toner container to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the carrier based on the image data, and the toner is formed. A set unit for setting the toner container removed from the image forming apparatus that accumulates and holds various types of information related to a recording operation using the stored toner in a holding unit installed in the container;
A reading means for reading out various information relating to a recording operation using the toner stored and held in the holding means of the toner container;
Storage means for storing in advance various qualities of toner suitable for refilling the toner storage container in accordance with a recording operation using the storage toner in the image forming apparatus;
Selecting means for selecting the toner quality suitable for refilling the toner container removed from the image forming apparatus from the storage means based on the holding information in the holding means;
An informing means for informing the quality of the toner selected by the selecting means when the toner container is set in the setting unit;
A refill toner determination device comprising: Determining means for determining whether or not the toner container removed from the image forming apparatus is suitable for refilling the toner as it is for replenishment based on the holding information in the holding means;
When it is determined that the toner container set in the setting unit is suitable for refilling toner, the toner quality suitable for refilling is selected and notified, while it is not suitable for refilling toner. The refilling toner determination device according to claim 6, wherein when the determination is made, the notification unit notifies that the toner container is not suitable for refilling the toner as it is.

Images