JP2008129532A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which includes an exchange unit constituted freely attachably and detachably to and from an image forming apparatus main unit, and in which the influence of electric noises is averted and the read-out and writing of information from and into a memory means can be rapidly performed. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes the exchange unit 45 mounted exchangeably to the image forming apparatus main part. The exchange unit is attachably and detachably mounted with a memory member storing the information on the exchange unit and the exchange unit is mounted at the prescribed point of the image forming apparatus main part. The memory member removed from the exchange unit is mounted via the connector member at the prescribed point of the image forming apparatus main part. The image forming apparatus is constituted to be controlled based on the information on the exchange unit stored into the memory member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile using an electrophotographic system, and a multifunction machine having these functions, and more specifically, a replaceable unit for the image forming apparatus main body. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

JP-A-62-75668 JP 2004-138711 A JP 2004-333890 A JP 11-338329 A

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimile using this type of electrophotographic system, and a multifunction machine having these functions, a photosensitive drum or A member such as a charger or a member provided around the photosensitive drum is integrally unitized to form a photosensitive unit or an image forming unit. Some image forming units are configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

  In the above photoreceptor unit, there is a decrease in the film thickness due to wear of the photosensitive layer, deterioration of the charger over time, and the like, so it is preferable to change the image forming conditions according to the amount used. In addition, it is preferable to predict or detect the remaining amount of toner in an exchange unit such as an image forming unit or a toner cartridge having used toner in the unit. For this reason, some replacement units such as the image forming unit and the toner cartridge are configured to change the image forming condition when the amount of remaining toner approaches empty as necessary. In this case, the remaining toner information can be displayed to the user to indicate how much printing is possible.

  However, in the replacement unit, the toner may be replaced with another unit during use before the toner is completely emptied. In this case, even if the unit is used halfway, replaced with another unit, and then replaced with the original unit again, in order to know the usage status of the unit, not only whether or not the replacement unit is new, but also replacement It is necessary to identify each unit individually, and it is necessary to record a unit ID, a use state, a unit characteristic, etc. in each unit.

  In addition, when there are not only one type of replacement unit but multiple types, for example, the photosensitive layer of the photoconductor unit is made thicker than the standard product to extend its life, or the toner filling amount is reduced from the standard product. In the case of a unit whose cost has been reduced, it may be necessary to correct the control of the standard product or perform different control depending on the type of the unit.

  In this case, the control can be switched if the type of the replacement unit can be determined, but in this case, the replacement unit may be replaced with another unit during use.

  Therefore, in order to identify the exchange units from each other, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-75668 is configured such that an IC chip is provided in the exchange unit. At that time, the electrical connection between the memory of the IC chip and the image forming apparatus main body is achieved by fitting the connector of the replacement unit and the connector on the main body side when the replacement unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. The

  More specifically, in the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-75668, at least one unit for image formation by an electrophotographic process is separable from the apparatus main body. One unit stores data peculiar to a unit for image formation, and includes a recording unit that provides the data to image formation control of the apparatus main body when the unit is mounted on the apparatus main body. .

  However, in the case of the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-75668, the user is not aware of the presence of a connector that electrically connects the replacement unit and the main body when replacing the unit. Awareness of unit replacement itself. For this reason, from the viewpoint of improving the operability and the like, the connector is fitted from an oblique direction, so it is necessary to give a margin (play) to the movement of the connector or to give strength because a large force is applied. There was a problem that the connector itself would be large and expensive.

  In a color machine adopting a four-cycle method, a support member (hereinafter referred to as a “rotary mechanism”) that rotates with respect to the image forming apparatus main body is usually provided with Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C ( There is an apparatus configured to mount an exchange unit for each color of cyan) and K (black).

  In this case, the electrical connection between the memory of the IC chip mounted on each replacement unit and the main body is impossible because the wiring is twisted by the rotation of the rotary mechanism if a wired connection via a connector is adopted. is there.

  Therefore, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-138711, an electrical contact is provided at a predetermined position of the image forming apparatus main body, and the electrical contact on the rotary mechanism side contacts the electrical contact on the main body side. The memory information of the IC chip is read or written.

  More specifically, the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-138711 is an image forming apparatus that forms a color image by sequentially switching a plurality of developing units. The image forming apparatus includes a control unit for the nonvolatile memory, and has a mechanism for contacting and separating electrical contacts between the developing unit and the image forming apparatus.

  However, the conventional technique has the following problems. That is, in the case of the image forming apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-138711, influences on surrounding devices due to contact contamination due to repetition, contact member sag, conduction failure due to vibration, and electrical noise generated at the time of contact. Has a problem of occurrence.

  Further, in the case of the image forming apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-138711, the memory can be read and written only at the position where the electrical contact of the rotor mechanism and the electrical contact of the main body are connected. It also has the problem that it cannot.

  For this problem, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-333890 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-338329, the reliability of electrical connection between the electrical contact of the rotor mechanism and the electrical contact of the main body is improved. It is configured to improve, or a wireless memory is provided in the exchange unit, and when the rotary mechanism rotates, the memory information is read or written when facing the antenna unit on the main body side. Technology has already been proposed.

  An image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-333890 includes at least one replaceable cartridge having a storage device, at least one of the cartridges at a development position, and a storage medium mounted on the cartridge. Has a cartridge moving means for moving to a communication position and a cartridge replacement position between the main body and the cartridge, and has at least one communication contact between the storage device mounted on the cartridge and the main body, and performs communication by a contact method. In the image forming apparatus having the communication means, at least one detection means capable of detecting contact is provided separately from the communication contact.

  The two image forming apparatuses according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-338329 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body and the image forming apparatus main body, and a storage means and a first electrically connected to the storage means. A unit having an antenna; a communication unit having a second antenna for communicating with the storage unit when the unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus body; and the unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus body. And a conductive shield means surrounding at least the first antenna and the second antenna.

  However, in the case of the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-333890, the memory can be read and written only at the position where the electrical contact of the rotor mechanism and the electrical contact of the main body are connected. It still has the problem of not being able to.

  In addition, in the case of the image forming apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-338329, since it is a wireless system, the reading or writing time is slower than that of wired communication, and malfunctions occur due to electrical noise from the surroundings. Have the problem of In addition, the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-338329 has a problem that the memory can be read and written only at a position where the wireless memory of the rotary mechanism and the antenna of the main body face each other. is doing.

  In addition, the technique which coped with the problem of generation | occurrence | production of the malfunction by the electrical noise from the circumference | surroundings mentioned above by providing a shield already disclosed by Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 11-348375 is already proposed. ing.

  The image forming apparatus according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-348375 includes an image forming apparatus main body, a detachable attachment to the image forming apparatus main body, a storage means, and a first antenna electrically connected to the storage means. A communication unit having a second antenna for communicating with the storage unit when the unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, and the unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. And a conductive shield means surrounding at least the first antenna and the second antenna.

  However, even in the case of the image forming apparatus according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-348375, although there is an effect with respect to the problem of malfunction caused by electrical noise from the surroundings, it can be read out compared to wired or It still has the problem of slow writing time.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to form an image having an exchange unit configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of quickly reading and writing information to and from a storage unit without being affected by electrical noise.

That is, the invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus including an exchange unit that is replaceably attached to the image forming apparatus main body.
A memory member storing information related to the replacement unit is detachably attached to the replacement unit, the replacement unit is attached to a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body, and the memory member removed from the replacement unit is imaged. The image forming apparatus is mounted on a predetermined portion of the main body of the forming apparatus via a connector member, and controls the image forming apparatus based on information on the replacement unit stored in the memory member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that based on information stored in the memory member, a use history or image forming conditions of the replacement unit is acquired.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The replacement unit is an image forming apparatus that is attached to a support member that rotates relative to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects,
Only when the replacement unit is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is provided with release means that allows the memory member to be removed from the replacement unit.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a lock unit that locks the rotating support member so as to prevent the rotating operation of the rotating support member in a state in which the memory member is mounted on the replacement unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects,
An image forming apparatus comprising release means for removing the memory member from the main body of the image forming apparatus and attaching the replacement member to the main body of the image forming apparatus by attaching the memory member to the main body of the image forming apparatus. .

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The release means is configured such that when the memory member is removed from the replacement unit before being attached to the image forming apparatus main body, the replacement unit cannot be attached to the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus is characterized.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including an exchange unit that is replaceably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.
The exchange unit stores at least information for identifying the exchange unit, and is mounted with a wireless memory member that can wirelessly read the stored information from the outside, and information related to the exchange unit. The stored memory member is provided as a separate body, and the replacement unit is mounted at a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body, and the memory member configured separately from the replacement unit is provided at a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body as a connector member. And checking that the wireless memory member and the memory member belong to the same replacement unit, and then, based on the information about the replacement unit stored in the memory member, An image forming apparatus that controls the image forming apparatus.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
In the image forming apparatus, a plurality of types of fitting shapes of a portion where the memory member is attached to the replacement unit are set.

The invention described in claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
In the case where a plurality of types of memory members are provided, each memory member is configured so that it can be attached only to a corresponding dedicated location on the image forming apparatus main body side.

Furthermore, an invention described in claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A plurality of types of the memory members are provided, and each memory member is configured to be mountable at two or more locations of memory member mounting locations on the image forming apparatus main body side, and the memory members are arranged at appropriate mounting locations. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a notification unit that notifies a user that a mounting position of the memory member is not appropriate when the memory member is not mounted.

The invention described in claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A plurality of types of the memory members are provided, and each memory member is configured to be attachable to two or more locations of memory member mounting locations on the image forming apparatus main body side. An image forming apparatus comprising: a specifying unit that specifies a corresponding replacement unit based on the stored contents of the memory member when mounted at any of the mounting locations.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
In the image forming apparatus, only the identification information for identifying the replacement unit is stored in the memory member.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects,
When it is determined that the wireless memory member and the memory member are not of the same replacement unit, the image forming apparatus is characterized in that the operation of the image forming apparatus is prohibited.

Furthermore, the invention described in claim 15 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The verification that the wireless memory member and the memory member before the memory member belong to the same replacement unit is performed when there is a possibility that the replacement unit or the memory member is attached or detached. An image forming apparatus.

  According to the first and second aspects of the invention, since the memory member removed from the replacement unit is configured to be attached to the predetermined portion of the image forming apparatus main body via the connector member, the user is aware of the connector member. Since it is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus, a small connector member can be used, the cost can be reduced, and it is not affected by electrical noise because it does not involve wireless communication. It becomes possible to quickly read and write information to the means.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when the replacement unit is attached to the support member that rotates relative to the image forming apparatus main body, the replacement unit is always set regardless of the rotation position of the rotation support member. Reading from and / or writing to memory members can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the invention described in claims 4 to 8, since the memory member can be detached from the replacement unit only after the replacement unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, the release unit is provided. The replacement unit and the memory member can always be in a one-to-one relationship, and it is possible to reliably prevent different replacement units and memory members from being used by mistake, such as old and new replacement units. Can do.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the memory member from colliding with the image forming apparatus main body and damaging the memory member or the main body by rotating the supporting member rotating with the memory member attached. can do.

  Furthermore, according to the ninth to fifteenth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the replacement unit and the memory member from being used in an incorrect combination even in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of replacement units. Can do.

  According to the present invention, in an image forming apparatus including an exchange unit configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, it is possible to quickly read and write information to and from the storage unit without being affected by electrical noise. An image forming apparatus that can be used can be provided.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of a full-color printer as an image forming apparatus main body. Inside the full-color printer main body 1, a photosensitive drum 2 as an image carrier is located slightly above the center. It is rotatably arranged. As this photosensitive drum 2, for example, a drum made of a conductive cylinder having a diameter of about 47 mm whose surface is coated with a photosensitive layer made of OPC or the like is used. It is rotationally driven at a process speed of about 150 mm / sec. The surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is charged to a predetermined potential by a charging roll 3 serving as a charging unit disposed almost directly below the photosensitive drum 2, and then at a position just below the photosensitive drum 2. Image exposure by a laser beam (LB) is performed by ROS4 (Raster Output Scanner) as the arranged exposure means, and an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 passes through the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in the circumferential direction. The toner is developed by a rotary developing device 5 disposed along the toner image to form a toner image of a predetermined color. Each of the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K for each color includes a developer containing at least a corresponding color toner from developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K as replacement units disposed adjacent to each other. Is configured to be supplied. In this embodiment, a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is supplied as the developer.

  At this time, charging, exposure and development processes are repeated a predetermined number of times on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 in accordance with the color of the image to be formed. In the rotary developing device 5, the corresponding color developing devices 5 </ b> Y, 5 </ b> M, 5 </ b> C, and 5 </ b> K move to a developing position facing the photosensitive drum 2. For example, when a full-color image is formed, the charging, exposure, and development processes are performed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 in yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors. In total, the toner image corresponding to each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) is sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. The The number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 2 in forming the toner image differs depending on the size of the image. For example, in the case of A4 size, one image is formed by rotating the photosensitive drum 2 three times. Is done. In other words, each time the photosensitive drum 2 rotates three times, toner images corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors are sequentially formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. It is formed.

  The yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 2 are intermediately provided on the outer periphery of the photosensitive drum 2 as an intermediate transfer member. At the primary transfer position around which the transfer belt 6 is wound, the primary transfer is performed by the primary transfer roll 7 while being superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 6. The yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner images transferred in multiple onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 are fed by the secondary transfer roll 8 at a predetermined timing. The recording sheet 9 is secondarily transferred in a lump. The recording paper 9 is fed by a feed roll 11 from a paper feed cassette 10 disposed at the lower part of the full-color printer main body 1 and is fed in a state where the recording paper 9 is rolled one by one by the feed roll 11 and the retard roll 12. The toner image is transferred to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 through the conveyance guide 15 in a state in which the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 6 by the registration roll 14 via the paper conveyance path 13. 2, reference numerals 16 and 17 denote a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for detecting the temperature and humidity in the printer main body 1, respectively.

  The intermediate transfer belt 6 is stretched by a plurality of rolls, and is driven as the photosensitive drum 2 rotates, for example, so as to circulate at a predetermined process speed (about 150 mm / sec). The intermediate transfer belt 6 intermediately transfers a wrap-in roll 18 that specifies the wrap position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 on the upstream side in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 2 and a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 2. The primary transfer roll 7 to be transferred onto the belt 6, the wrap-out roll 19 for specifying the wrap position of the intermediate transfer belt 6 on the downstream side of the wrap position, and the secondary transfer roll 8 are in contact with each other via the intermediate transfer belt 6. The backup roll 20, the first cleaning backup roll 22 facing the cleaning device 21 of the intermediate transfer belt 6, and the second cleaning backup roll 23 are stretched with a predetermined tension.

  Further, as described above, the intermediate transfer belt 6 is stretched by a plurality of rolls 7, 8, 18 to 20, 22, and 23. In this embodiment, the full-color printer main body 1 is miniaturized. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape on which the intermediate transfer belt 6 is stretched is configured to be a flat and elongated substantially trapezoidal shape.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the entire full color printer is miniaturized as much as possible, but the rotary developing device 5 occupies a large space of the full color printer main body 1. Therefore, the full-color printer main body 1 is designed to improve the maintainability of the intermediate transfer belt 6 and the rotary developing device 5 while achieving downsizing of the device. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate transfer belt 6 includes the photosensitive drum 2, the charging roll 3, and the secondary transfer roll 8, and integrally constitutes an image forming unit 24 as an exchange unit. The entire image forming unit 24 can be attached to and detached from the full color printer main body 1 by opening the upper cover 25 of the full color printer main body 1. In the image forming unit 24, an intermediate transfer unit 26 including the intermediate transfer belt 6 and a photosensitive unit 28 including a photosensitive drum 2, a charging roll 3, and a cleaning device 27 can be separately attached and detached. It is also possible to replace the photoconductor unit 28 alone. In addition, an unused detection sensor 29 that detects whether or not the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K are unused is disposed above the developing device 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper cover 25 is configured to open and close around a fulcrum 25a, and an open / close detection sensor 25b for detecting the opening and closing of the upper cover 25 is provided in the vicinity of the fulcrum 25a. Is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning device 21 for the intermediate transfer belt 6 includes a scraper 30 disposed so as to contact the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 stretched by a first cleaning backup roll 22; A cleaning brush 31 disposed so as to be in pressure contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 stretched by the second cleaning backup roll 23, and residual toner and paper dust removed by the scraper 30 and the cleaning brush 31. Are collected in the cleaning device 21. The cleaning device 21 is disposed so as to be able to swing counterclockwise around the swing shaft 32, and until the secondary transfer of the final color toner image is completed, the intermediate transfer is performed. The belt 6 is retracted to a position separated from the surface of the belt 6 and is configured to come into contact with the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 6 when the secondary transfer of the final color toner image is completed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the recording paper 9 onto which the toner image has been transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 6 is conveyed to a fixing device 33, and is heated and heated by a heating roll 33a and a pressure member 33b of the fixing device 33. The toner image is fixed on the recording paper 9 by the pressure, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 37 provided on the upper portion of the printer main body 1 through a discharge port 36 by a discharge roll 35 provided in the fixing unit 34.

  Note that the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 after the toner image transfer process is completed, the cleaning blade 38 of the cleaning device 27 disposed obliquely below the photosensitive drum 2 every time the photosensitive drum 2 rotates once. As a result, residual toner and the like are removed to prepare for the next image forming process.

  By the way, in this embodiment, the printer main body 1 is configured to include a replacement unit that is replaceably mounted. Examples of such replacement units include, but are not limited to, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming unit 24, the intermediate transfer unit 26, the photoconductor unit 28, the fixing unit 34, etc. But of course.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a specific example of the rotary developing device 5 as a developing device to which the developer cartridge as the replacement unit according to this embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 shows a state in which one developing device 5Y and developer cartridge 45Y are mounted on the developing device main body for convenience.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rotary developing device 5 includes a developing device main body 40 as a rotating support member that is rotatably arranged in a vertical plane. The developing device main body 40 includes a cylindrical rotating shaft member 41 disposed along the longitudinal direction at the center thereof, and a front side disposed at an end portion on the near side in the longitudinal direction of the rotating shaft member 41. Formed by a flange member 42, a rear flange member 43 disposed at the end in the longitudinal direction of the rotary shaft member 41, and the rotary shaft member 41 and front and rear flange members 42, 43. And a partition member 44 that divides the cylindrical space S into four sections every 90 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the developing device main body 40 is attached to the printer main body 1 so as to be rotatable in the counterclockwise direction around the rotation shaft member 41. As shown in FIG. 5, the developing device main body 40 includes four developing devices 5Y, 5M, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in the clockwise direction. 5C and 5K are mounted along the circumferential direction, and yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) corresponding to the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. The four developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K are mounted along the circumferential direction.

  Since these developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are all configured in the same manner, here, the yellow (Y) developing device 5Y will be described as an example. 6, a developing device main body 46 is provided, and a new developer is supplied to the developing device main body 46 from a developer cartridge 45Y.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the developing device main body 46 is disposed so that a part thereof is exposed in an opening 47 provided facing the outer periphery of the developing device main body 46, and in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. A long developing roll 48 and two spiral augers 49 and 50 that are positioned obliquely below the developing roll 48 and extend in parallel with the developing roll 48 are disposed. As shown in FIG. 7, the developing roll 48 is disposed over substantially the entire length of the developing device main body 46. In the developing unit 5Y, as shown in FIG. 6, when the developing roll 48 rotates, the spiral auger 49 on the back side agitates the developer 51 contained in the developing unit main body 46 in one direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Transport while. On the other hand, the spiral auger 50 conveys the developer 51 while stirring the developer 51 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the spiral auger 49 and supplies the developer 51 evenly to the developing roll 48. The developer 51 supplied to the surface of the developing roll 48 is regulated in layer thickness by a layer thickness regulating member 52, and is conveyed to a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 2 as the developing roll 48 rotates. The In this embodiment, a two-component developer composed of a toner and a carrier is used as the developer 51. However, the developer 51 only needs to contain at least toner, and is composed only of toner. Of course, a one-component developer may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the developing roll 48 attracts the carrier contained in the developer 51 with a magnetic force by a magnet roll 48 a disposed in a fixed state inside, and develops the surface of the developing roll 48. A magnetic brush of the agent 51 is formed, and the toner adsorbed on the carrier is conveyed to a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 2. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 2 is visualized by a magnetic brush of a developer 51 composed of a carrier and toner formed on the surface of the developing roll 48.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 8, and 9, the developer cartridge 45 is composed of a long cylindrical container having a non-circular shape whose cross-sectional shape is not circular. As shown in FIG. 10, the interior of the developer cartridge 45 is divided into a developer accommodating portion 53 for accommodating a new developer 52 and a developer collecting portion 55 for recovering a used developer 54. It is partitioned by a cap 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the developer container 53 is set to occupy about 4/5 of the entire length of the developer cartridge 45, and the developer recovery unit 55 is set to occupy about 1/5. Of course, the ratios of the lengths of the developer accommodating portion 53 and the developer collecting portion 55 may be other ratios.

  Incidentally, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the developer accommodating portion 53 of the developer cartridge 45 is formed in a non-circular shape whose cross-sectional shape is not circular. As shown in FIG. 9, the developer container 53 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in which the angle of the corner 58 located at the top is set to be slightly smaller, and each corner 57, 58, 59 is It is formed in the shape of an arc, a “rice ball” shape, or a substantially teardrop shape with a teardrop shape. More specifically, in the cross-sectional shape of the developer accommodating portion 53, the first corner portion 57 located at the lower end portion is formed in an arc shape having a relatively large radius, and the first corner portion 57 is concerned. The first and second side surfaces 60 and 61 formed in a substantially planar shape with respect to the center are arranged in a substantially V shape having an angle of about 60 degrees. Further, the second corner portion 58 and the third corner portion 59 located at the tips of the first side surface 60 and the second side surface 61 have a radius smaller than that of the first corner portion 57, and The second corner 58 and the third corner 59 are formed in an arc shape so as to have substantially the same radius. The third side face 62 connecting the second corner 58 and the third corner 59 has a large radius substantially equal to the radius of the flange member 42 on the front side of the developing device 5 as shown in FIG. It has a circular arc shape.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 9C, the developer accommodating portion 53 of the developer cartridge 45 has a cross-sectional shape that is not circular and the developer cartridge 45 is mounted. Since the space S1 allocated to one developing device 5Y of the apparatus main body 46 is formed in a non-circular shape that occupies substantially all of the space S2 other than the developing device 5Y, the developer accommodating portion 53 includes a developing portion. Even when the entire apparatus 6 is downsized and the diameter of the developing device 6 is set to be small, it is possible to accommodate as much developer 52 as possible.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C, the developer collecting portion 55 connected to one end of the developer containing portion 53 has a cross-sectional shape that is a developing device to which the developer cartridge 45 is mounted. Of the space S1 assigned to one developing device 6 of the apparatus main body 46, it is substantially inscribed in the space S2 other than the developing device 5 and is formed in a circular shape having a slightly smaller diameter. As shown in FIG. 10, the developer recovery unit 55 is integrally formed in a cylindrical shape having a circular cross section at one end in the longitudinal direction of the developer storage unit 53. A partition cap 56 is disposed at an end portion of the 55 near the developer accommodating portion 53.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the developer accommodating portion 53 has an end portion close to the developer collecting portion 55 that is slightly narrowed. The developer collecting portion 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape. It is connected. As a result, the developer containing portion 53 has an end portion 53 a near the developer collecting portion 55 formed in the same cylindrical shape as the developer collecting portion 55. As shown in FIG. 6, a supply port 65 for supplying new developer 52 to the outside is slightly inclined in the cylindrical portion 53a of the developer accommodating portion 53, as shown in FIG. A rectangular shape is opened at the position. In addition, a spiral agitator 66 that conveys the new developer 52 accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 53 while being stirred is rotatably disposed in the developer accommodating portion 53. The developer 52 is transported by the agitator 66 and supplied to the outside from the supply port 65. A gear 67 for rotationally driving the agitator 66 is provided at the rear end of the developer cartridge 45 so that a part of the gear 67 is exposed to the outside. As shown in FIG. 6, the gear 67 is engaged with a gear 67a provided in the developing device main body 46 in a state where the developer cartridge 45 is mounted on the developing device main body 46, so that the agitator 66 is driven to rotate. It is configured.

  The curved surface 57 having a small curvature of the developer accommodating portion 53 is configured to have a center substantially equal to the rotation center of the agitator 66 as a stirring member for stirring the developer in the developer cartridge 45.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the developing device 5Y to which the developer 52 is supplied from the developer cartridge 45 has a developer-side shutter plate 68 that contacts the portion corresponding to the supply port 65 of the developer cartridge 45. Are provided in a curved state in a substantially arc shape. The shutter plate 68 is slidably attached to the developing device main body 46 along the arrow direction. The shutter plate 68 has a replenishment receiving port 69 for receiving a new developer 52 supplied from the developer cartridge 45, and a projecting piece 69 a is formed at the outer peripheral end of the replenishment receiving port 69. It protrudes toward the inside. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the developing device 5Y supplied with the developer 52 from the replenishment receiving port 69 is disposed over a predetermined length in the upper part on the back side of the developing device main body 46, and the developer is provided at the entrance. A replenishing auger 71 having a replenishing port 71a is conveyed by a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the developing device main body 46, and then provided for replenishment (not shown) provided at the upper part on the back side of the developing device main body 46. The toner is supplied into the developing device main body 46 from the opening.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the developing device 5Y collects used developer out of the developer 51 accommodated in the developing device main body 46, so that the rear surface of the developing device main body 46 is recovered. A recovery opening 95 is provided on the upper side of the side, and when the developing device 5Y rotates and moves to the position C in FIG. 4, the flap 73 is opened and the used developer 54 is recovered. It is configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 7, the used developer 54 collected from the developing unit 5 is collected in the collection outlet 70 opened in the shutter plate 68 and in the developer cartridge 45 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6B, the developer is collected in the developer collecting portion 55 of the developer cartridge 45 through the opened collection port 74. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a convex piece 70a protrudes inward from the discharge port 70 for collecting the developing device.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the developer container 53 is formed on the outer periphery of the developer container 53 a formed in the cylindrical shape of the developer cartridge 45 and the developer collection part 55. A handle member 75 as an opening / closing member that opens and closes the supply port 65 and the recovery port 74 of the developer recovery unit 55 is fitted in a rotatable manner along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the handle member 75 is formed in a cylindrical shape like the developer storage portion 53 a and the developer recovery portion 55 of the developer cartridge 45. The inner diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the developer recovery section 55, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8C, the inner diameter is assigned to one developer 5Y of the developing device main body 46 to which the developer cartridge 45 is mounted. The formed space S1 is formed in a circular shape substantially inscribed in the space S2 other than the developing device 5Y.

  6, 10, and 11, the handle member 75 has a supply opening 76 and a collection opening at positions corresponding to the supply port 65 and the collection port 74 of the developer cartridge 45. 77, and the handle member 75 is rotated along the outer periphery of the developer recovery portion 55 of the developer cartridge 45, thereby simultaneously causing the supply port 65 and the recovery port 74 of the developer cartridge 45 to move. It can be opened and closed. Convex pieces 76a and 77a project outward from the edges of the supply opening 76 and the recovery opening 77 of the handle member 75.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the handle member 75 is operated to rotate the handle member 75 in a part of its circumferential direction, and holds the developer cartridge 45 and is attached to the developing device main body 46 as shown in FIG. A grip 78 for projecting is projected outward in the radial direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the handle 78 has a second corner portion of the developer accommodating portion 53 of the developer cartridge 45 in a state where the developer cartridge 45 is mounted on the developing device main body 46 and the handle member 75 is opened. 58, the radius of curvature of the tip is set, and a side surface of the handle 78 is provided with a non-slip portion 79 made up of a plurality of ridges so as to facilitate gripping.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the handle member 75 is rotated in the clockwise direction so that the supply port 65 and the recovery port 74 of the developer cartridge 45 are closed. A handle 78 protrudes from the outer periphery of the developing device main body 46.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11, when the developer cartridge 45 is detached from the developing device main body 46, the handle member 75 is mistakenly attached to the supply port 65 and the recovery port 74 of the developer cartridge 45. There is provided a lock mechanism 80 for preventing rotation in the opening direction. As shown in FIG. 12, the lock mechanism 80 includes an abutting portion 81 formed on the front end surface 45a of the developer cartridge 45 and an inner surface of the handle member 75 so as to be engaged with the abutting portion 81. It is comprised from the latching piece 82 which protruded in the elastic deformation | transformation. When the developer cartridge 45 is detached from the developing device main body 46, a locking piece 82 protruding from the inner surface of the handle member 75 is formed on the end surface 45 a on the front side of the developer cartridge 45. 13, the handle member 75 is configured to prevent the handle member 75 from rotating in the direction of opening the supply port 65 and the recovery port 74 of the developer cartridge 45 as shown in FIG. . Further, when the developer cartridge 45 is mounted at a predetermined position of the developing device main body 46, as shown by a broken line in FIG. The locking piece 82 of the developer cartridge 45 is elastically deformed and the locked state with the abutting portion 81 is released, and the handle member 75 is rotated in a direction to open the supply port 65 and the recovery port 74 of the developer cartridge 45. It is possible.

  Further, in this embodiment, the developer cartridge 45 is attached to a predetermined position of the developing device main body 46, and the developer cartridge 45 is removed from the developing device main body 46 with the handle member 75 being opened. A stopper mechanism 85 is provided to prevent the above. When the developer cartridge 45 is mounted at a predetermined position of the developing device main body 46 and rotated in the opening direction of the handle member 75, the stopper mechanism 85 protrudes at a predetermined position on the developing device main body 46. As shown in FIG. 14, the portion 86 is locked to a locking recess 88 provided on the inner periphery of a flange portion 87 provided on the end surface of the handle member 75. The developer cartridge 45 is removed from the developing device main body 46 as long as the locking plate 86 protruding from the contact with the locking recess 88 of the handle member 75 does not rotate in the closing direction of the handle member 75. It is configured not to be able to.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the flange portion 87 of the handle member 75 is formed with an inclined surface 89b inclined on the front side of the locking recess 88 via a smoothly curved peak portion 89a. When the handle member 75 is rotated and exceeds the peak portion 89a, the locking plate portion 86 is guided to the locking recess 88 by the inclination of the inclined surface 89b, and the developer cartridge 45 is always surely moved. The developing device body 46 can be mounted at a predetermined position.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the developer cartridge 45 is mounted at a predetermined position of the developing device main body 46, the developing device main body 46 is abbreviated from the outside of the developing device main body 46 in the radial direction. By sliding toward the center direction, as shown in FIG. 15, a slide portion 90 projecting from the end surface on the back side of the developer cartridge 45 is provided for engagement provided at a corresponding position of the developing device main body 46. As shown in FIG. 16, the developing device is engaged with a guide gap 92 of the flange portion 87 of the handle member 75 projecting from the front end surface of the developer cartridge 45. The locking plate portion 86 protruding from the main body 46 is configured to be guided.

  By the way, in this embodiment, in an image forming apparatus provided with a replacement unit that is replaceably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, a memory member that stores information about the replacement unit can be attached to and detached from the replacement unit. And attaching the replacement unit to a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body, and attaching the memory member removed from the replacement unit to a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body via a connector member. The image forming apparatus is controlled based on the stored information regarding the replacement unit.

  In this embodiment, the use history of the replacement unit or the image forming condition is acquired based on the information stored in the memory member.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is configured to include release means that allows the memory member to be removed from the replacement unit only after the replacement unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

  Further, in this embodiment, in a state in which the memory member is mounted on the replacement unit, it is configured to include a lock unit that locks to prevent the rotating support member from rotating.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the memory member is detached from the image forming apparatus main body, and is attached to the replacement unit so as to be provided with a releasing unit that makes the replacement unit removable from the image forming apparatus main body. Has been.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the developer cartridge 45 as an exchange unit basically has yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors. The developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C and 45K for each color have different development characteristics due to differences in the color of the toner used, etc., and each developer cartridge 45Y, 45M. , 45C, 45K, because the developer consumption is different, it is necessary to first identify the four types of developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, 45K, and even for the same type of developer cartridge 45, These need to be identified individually.

  Therefore, the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K include memory members for the purpose of identifying the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K, and managing the usage history and the like, as shown in FIG. 100 is detachably mounted. As shown in FIG. 27, the memory member 100 includes a plurality of identification codes ID individually assigned to the corresponding developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K, usage histories, developer characteristics, and the like. A storage element 101 made of NVM or the like that stores data is built in, and the data stored in the storage element 101 is at least readable and more preferably readable / writable.

  The memory member is integrally provided with a connector portion 102 for mounting at a predetermined position of the printer main body 1 on an end surface thereof. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the memory member 100 is attached to the attachment portion 103 of the memory member 100 provided in the printer main body 1 with the cover portion of the printer main body 1 being opened. As shown in FIG. 21, a male connector portion 104 that couples the connector portion 102 of the memory member 100 is provided at the mounting location 103.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the mounting location 103 of the memory member 100 is not limited to the inside of the printer main body 1 but may be provided on the side surface of the printer main body 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the memory member 100 has a key configured in the same manner as a normal key in order to maintain a one-to-one relationship with the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K. The portion 105 is integrally provided on the end surface opposite to the connector portion 102. The connector portion 102 and the key portion 105 are not necessarily provided integrally as long as they are connected to the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K.

  The key portion 105 of the memory member 100 is inserted into a suitable key groove member 106 provided at the upper end portion of the handle member 75 of the developer cartridge 45 in the same manner as a normal key, and the key portion 105 is inserted into the predetermined key groove 105 in a predetermined state. The developer cartridge 45 can be removed from the developer cartridge 45 only by rotating in the direction of. As shown in FIG. 22, the key groove member 106 is composed of inner and outer double cylindrical members 107 and 108, and the inner cylindrical member 107 is rotatable with respect to the outer cylindrical member 108. Has been inserted. An engagement hole 109 is formed in the side surface of the inner and outer double cylindrical members 107 and 108. Further, a handle rotation preventing arm 110 is projected in a substantially L shape on the bottom of the inner cylindrical member 107.

  The key portion 105 of the memory member 100 is configured to be inserted only into the key groove member 106 of the same type of developer cartridge 45, and is inserted into the key groove member 106 of developer cartridges of different types. It is configured not to be able to. However, the key portion 105 of the memory member 100 may be configured to be insertable into a key groove member of a different developer cartridge.

  Further, the key portion 105 of the memory member 100 is inserted into the key groove member 106 of the developer cartridge 45 in a commercially available unused state, and the developer cartridge 45 is not attached to the printer main body 1. Then, the key part 105 of the memory member 100 is rotated so that the memory member 100 cannot be removed from the developer cartridge 45. The memory member 100 is configured to be removable from the developer cartridge 45 only after the developer cartridge 45 is attached to the developing device main body 40.

  That is, the developer cartridge 45 is normally stopped at a position where the handle 75 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 23, the developer cartridge 45 is attached to and detached from the developing machine main body 40, and the handle 75 is rotated in the clockwise direction as shown in FIG. . As shown in FIG. 25, the handle member 75 has a stopper made of a cantilevered elastic plate provided with a key groove member 106 and a rod 111 fitted into the locking hole 109 of the key groove member 106. A member 112 is provided. As shown in FIG. 25, when the handle member 75 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the tip of the stopper member 112 comes into contact with the convex portion 113 provided on the main body side of the developer cartridge 45. Due to the elastic deformation, the rod 111 of the stopper member 112 is disengaged from the engagement hole 109 of the inner cylindrical member 107 of the key groove member 106 and becomes rotatable. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the memory member 100 is rotated approximately 90 degrees in the clockwise direction, so that the key portion 105 of the memory member 100 is removed from the developer cartridge 45 for the first time in the same manner as a normal key. It is configured to be possible.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the developing device main body 40 is mechanically locked in a state where the memory member 100 is attached to the developer cartridge 45, and the memory member 100 attached to the developer cartridge 45 is The rotation of the developing machine main body 40 is mechanically locked by abutting against a frame (not shown) to which the developing machine main body 40 is rotatably attached.

  Further, the developer cartridge 45 is removed from the printer main body 1 as will be described later when the developer becomes empty and is replaced with a new developer cartridge 45, and the memory member 100 is removed from the developer cartridge 45. For the first time, the developer cartridge 45 is configured to be removable from the developing machine main body 40 by being attached to. More specifically, in the developer cartridge 45, the key portion 105 of the appropriate memory member 100 is inserted into the key groove member 106, and the key groove member 106 is inserted by the key portion 105 of the memory member 100 as shown in FIG. If it is not rotated clockwise, the handle rotation preventing arm 110 provided on the key groove member 106 is in contact with the handle rotation preventing convex portion 113 provided on the main body side of the developer cartridge 45. The handle member 75 cannot be rotated in the clockwise direction, and the developer cartridge 45 cannot be removed from the developing machine main body 40.

  Further, as described above, the developer cartridge 45 is configured such that the memory member 100 cannot be removed before the developer cartridge 45 is attached to the developing machine main body 40. If the user accidentally removes the memory member 100 from the developer cartridge 45 as shown in FIG. 24 before the 45 is attached to the developing machine main body 40, the handle rotation preventing arm 110 provided in the key groove member 106 is removed. However, as shown in FIG. 25, it comes into contact with the convex portion 113, the handle cannot be rotated in the clockwise direction, and the developer cartridge 45 cannot be mounted on the developing device main body 40. It has become.

  Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of types of fitting shapes between the key portion 105 of the developer cartridge 45 and the memory member 100 are set. The fitting shape of the key portion 105 of the developer unit 45 and the memory member 100 is, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black, which are the colors of the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. Corresponding to (K), four types are set, and the key portion 105 and the memory member 100 of the developer unit 45 of the same color have the same fitting shape.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the fitting shape of the key portion 105 of the developer unit 45 and the memory member 100 is different for each color, each memory member 100 is mounted with the memory member 100 on the printer body 1 side. It is configured so that it can be attached only to the dedicated portion 103. At that time, the memory members 100 of the same type can be attached only to the dedicated portion 103 of the printer main body 1 by providing a convex portion on each memory member 100.

  Further, when there are a plurality of memory members 100, each memory member 100 indicates that the mounting location is not appropriate when the memory member 100 is not mounted at the dedicated location 103 where the memory member 100 is mounted on the printer main body 1 side. Configured to notify the user.

  Further, even when there are a plurality of the memory members 100, the mounting shape of each memory member may be set to be the same, the mounting location on the printer main body side may be the same, and the memory member 100 may be either on the printer main body 1 side. The corresponding developer cartridge 45 may be specified on the basis of the stored contents of the memory member 100 when mounted at the mounting location 103.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K of different colors are mistakenly attached to the developer main bodies 46 of the developers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K of different colors. In order to reliably prevent the mounting, the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K and the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K are provided with protrusions.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 28, the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K are provided with six protrusions 301 to 306 in the vicinity of the back side along the longitudinal direction, and development is performed. Six protrusions 311 to 316 are also provided at corresponding positions of the containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K. 28, among the protrusions 301 to 306 on the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K side, and the protrusions 311 to 316 of the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, the developer cartridge 45Y, On the 45M, 45C, and 45K sides, only the corresponding protrusions 301 to 306 are left, and on the developing devices 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K sides, only the corresponding protrusions 301 to 306 are cut away, thereby developing yellow color. The agent cartridge 45Y can be attached only to the yellow developer 5Y, and the magenta developer cartridge 45M can be attached only to the magenta developer 5M.

  FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a control circuit 200 of the full-color printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In FIG. 26, 201 is a CPU for controlling the operation of a full-color printer, 202 is a program ROM, 203 is RAM, 204 is a main body NVM, 25b is an open / close detection sensor, 16 is a temperature sensor, 17 is a humidity sensor, and 29 is unused detection. 205, a toner density sensor, 206 an image density sensor, 207 an image density sensor, 208 a waste toner full sensor, 209 a sensor I / F circuit, 210 a communication I / F circuit, 211 a network, and 212 The host device, 213 is a UI device (see FIGS. 1 and 19), 214 is a UI control circuit, 215 is an image drawing circuit, 216 is a process control circuit, 217 is an image forming unit I / F circuit, 218 is an image forming unit, 219 is a paper transport unit control circuit, 220 is a paper transport unit, 100 is a memory member, and 104 is a copy of the printer main body 1. Kuta unit, 221 memory control circuit, 222 denotes a system bus, respectively.

  In the program ROM 202, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, an execution program 238 is stored in the program area 234, each life threshold 240, each life threshold reaching number of times 242 in the set value area 236, A parameter group 244, a humidity parameter group 246, a toner density parameter group 248, an image density parameter group 250, a determination time setting value 252, etc. are stored.

  Further, in the main body NVM 204, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, the corresponding model information 258 and the corresponding country code 260 are displayed in the corresponding unit information area 254, the mounting history 262 of each unit, A life count value 264, each life threshold arrival count 266, each detection history 267, each operation mode history 270, etc. are stored.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, the NVM of the memory member 100 includes a model code 276, a country code 278, a manufacturing date 280, a life threshold value 282, and a process parameter 284 in the unit information area 272. In the unit-side update area 274, a life count value 288, a life threshold arrival count 290, related history information 292, etc. are stored.

  In the above configuration, in the full-color printer as the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, in the image forming apparatus having the replacement unit configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, It is possible to quickly read and write information from / to the storage means without being affected by noise.

  That is, in the full color printer according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K ), Four types of developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C and 45K corresponding to the respective colors are provided. The developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K are used when a new one is mounted on the printer main body 1 and the developer in the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K becomes empty. Is replaced with a corresponding new developer cartridge 45.

  At that time, as shown in FIG. 27, the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K include the model code 276 of the printer in which the developer cartridges 45Y, 45M, 45C, and 45K are used, and the developer cartridges. A memory member 100 having a built-in NVM in which a parameter indicating a serial number 280 of 45Y, 45M, 45C, 45K or a usage history 292 is mounted. The memory member 100 cannot be removed from the developer cartridge 45 before the developer cartridge 45 is attached to the printer main body 1.

  When the new developer cartridge 45 is mounted on the developing device main body 40 of the printer main body 1, the developer cartridge 45 is mounted at a predetermined position on the developing device main body 40 of the printer main body 1 as shown in FIG. In this state, as shown in FIG. 17, the handle member 75 is rotated by a predetermined angle along the counterclockwise direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 25, the tip of the stopper member 112 provided on the handle member 75 abuts on the stopper release convex portion 111 provided on the cartridge body side and is displaced, and the stopper member 112 protrudes into the stopper member 112. When the provided rod 111 is removed from the locking hole 109 of the key groove member 106 and the memory member 100 is rotated, the key groove member 107 can be rotated as shown in FIGS.

  Next, when the memory member 100 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 24, the key portion 105 of the memory member 100 is detached from the key groove member 106 of the handle member 75 of the cartridge 45 as shown in FIG. It has become. The memory member 100 removed from the developer cartridge 45 is mounted at a mounting position 103 provided with a male connector portion 104 provided at a predetermined position of the printer main body 1, as shown in FIGS. Various types of information stored in the NVM of the memory member 100 can be read and written by the CPU 201 on the printer body 1 side as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the CPU 201 of the printer main body 1 reads information from the memory member 100 attached to the connector unit 104 of the printer main body 1, and the predetermined memory member 100 is correctly attached at a predetermined location. In this case, an image forming operation is enabled. Further, when the required number of memory members 100 are not mounted at a predetermined location, the CPU 201 displays the fact on the UI device 213 to notify the user. Further, if all the necessary number of memory members 100 are mounted, the CPU 201 identifies these memory members 100 from each other by the manufacturing number 280 or the like regardless of the mounting position of the memory member 100, and performs an image forming operation. You may comprise so that it may be possible.

  When the developer cartridge 45 is replaced with a new one, as shown in FIG. 21, the memory member 100 corresponding to the developer cartridge 45 to be replaced among the memory members 100 mounted at the predetermined location 103 is replaced. The memory member 100 is attached to the corresponding developer cartridge 45 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 22, when the developer cartridge 45 is inserted into the key portion 105 of the memory member 100, the key groove member 106 provided on the handle member 75 of the developer cartridge 45 can be rotated for the first time. The key groove member 106 is rotated approximately 90 degrees along the counterclockwise direction by the key portion 105 of the memory member 100. By doing so, the handle member 75 of the developer cartridge 45 can be rotated in the clockwise direction, and the handle member 75 of the developer cartridge 45 is rotated by approximately 90 degrees along the clockwise direction, thereby developing. The agent cartridge 45 can be removed from the developing machine main body 40.

  Thereafter, the new developer cartridge 45 is operated in the same manner as described above, and the new developer cartridge 45 is mounted at a predetermined position of the developing machine main body 40.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the memory member 100 removed from the developer cartridge 45 is attached to the predetermined portion of the printer main body 1 via the connector portions 102 and 104. Since the connectors 102 and 104 are attached to the printer main body 1 in consideration of the size, it is possible to use a small connector unit 102 and 104, which can reduce the cost and does not involve wireless communication. It is possible to quickly read and write information from and to the storage means without being affected.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, even when the developer cartridge 45 is attached to the developing device main body 40 with respect to the printer main body 1, the developing cartridge main body 40 is always set regardless of the rotational position of the rotating developing device main body 40. Reading from and / or writing to the memory member 100 can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the stopper member 112 or the like serving as a releasing means that makes the memory member 100 removable from the developer cartridge 45 only after the developer cartridge 45 is mounted on the printer main body 1 side. Therefore, the developer cartridge 45 and the memory member 100 can always be in a one-to-one relationship, and different developer cartridges 45 and memory members 100 such as old and new developer cartridges 45 are mistaken. Can be reliably prevented from being used.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the developing machine main body 40 that rotates while the memory member 100 is attached rotates, the memory member 100 collides with the printer main body 1, and the memory member 100 or the main body 1 is damaged. Can be prevented.

  Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, even in an image forming apparatus having a plurality of developer cartridges 45, it is possible to prevent the developer cartridge 45 and the memory member 100 from being used in an incorrect combination. Can do.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 29 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and the second embodiment will be described with respect to the image forming apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus including the replacement unit that is mounted so as to be replaceable, the replacement unit stores at least information for identifying the replacement unit and wirelessly reads the stored information from outside. The memory member is mounted in a fixed state, and the memory member storing information about the replacement unit is provided as a separate body. The replacement unit is mounted at a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body, and is separated from the replacement unit. A memory member configured as described above is attached to a predetermined portion of the image forming apparatus main body via a connector member, and the wireless memory member and the memory member are the same replacement unit. On which matches those of Tsu bets, on the basis of the information related to the replaceable unit which is stored in the memory member and is configured to control the image forming apparatus.

  That is, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 29, the wireless memory member 300 is attached to the front end surface 75a of the handle member 75 of the developer cartridge 45 as an exchange unit in a state of being fixed by means such as adhesion. The wireless memory member 300 is configured so that it cannot be separated from the developer cartridge 45. As the wireless memory member 300, for example, an IC tag or a so-called μ chip can be used.

  The wireless memory member 300 stores at least unique identification information (ID) for identifying the developer cartridge 45. In addition to this, manufacturing information unique to the developer cartridge 45 is stored. May be. However, it is desirable that the information stored in the wireless memory member 300 is the minimum necessary information.

  Further, the developer cartridge 45 is combined with the memory member 100 similar to that of the first embodiment described above as a separate body. The memory member 100 has a one-to-one correspondence with the developer cartridge 45, but it does not have to be attached to the developer cartridge 45 with a special structure as in the first embodiment described above. What is necessary is just to be accommodated in the box etc. which sold the agent cartridge 45 in the state packed separately.

  Further, in the full-color printer, as shown in FIG. 30, in order to read the information of the wireless memory member 300 fixed to the developer cartridge 45 from the outside with the developer cartridge 45 attached to the printer main body 1. The printer body 1 is provided with an antenna 301. The antenna 301 differs depending on the type of the wireless memory member 300, but may be any antenna that can read at least information stored in the wireless memory member 300. Further, if necessary, as the antenna 301, an antenna that can be written and rewritten together with reading of information stored in the wireless memory member 300 may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the antenna 301 is connected to a transmission circuit 302 and a reception circuit 303 provided on the printer body 1 side. The transmission circuit 302 and the reception circuit 303 are connected to the transmission / reception control unit 306 via the modulation circuit 304 and the demodulation circuit 305. The transmission / reception control unit 306 is connected to the control unit 200 as shown in FIG. Has been.

  Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, various information relating to the developer cartridge 45 is stored in the storage element 101 of the memory member 100, and changes and additional writing can be freely made. .

  Examples of information stored in the storage element 101 of the memory member 100 include various information such as toner color and manufacturing information, toner consumption, number of print pixels, and toner supply time.

In the case where the replacement unit is a developing device in which a toner box is integrally provided, the developing device drive time and the like are stored in order to determine the deterioration of the developing roll and the developer.
Furthermore, when the replacement unit is a photoconductor unit with an integrated charger and transfer unit, the drive time of the photoconductor and the use of the charger are used to determine the deterioration of the cleaning blade and film loss of the photoconductor. In order to detect the time or the fullness of the cleaner, information such as toner consumption is included.

  When the memory member 100 is used, it is used by being connected to a location provided at a predetermined position of the printer main body 1 via a connector.

  By the way, when the developer cartridge 45 may be replaced, such as when the cover 25 is opened and closed, the CPU 201 closes the wireless memory member 300 provided in the developer cartridge 45 after the cover 25 is closed. The information is read out and collated with the information stored in the memory member 100, and only when the two pieces of information are collated, the print operation is possible. If the information is not verified, the printing operation is prohibited, and a message to that effect is displayed on the user interface, and the user is notified that the memory member 100 attached to the printer body 1 is not from the corresponding developer cartridge 45. The user is prompted to replace the memory member 100.

  Further, the CPU 201 displays the fact on the user interface even when the memory member 100 is of the attached developer cartridge 45 but the mounting position of the memory member 100 is not an appropriate position.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the wireless memory member 300 is provided in the developer cartridge 45 as the replacement unit in a fixed state, and the corresponding memory member 100 is a separate body. Since it is sufficient to store only the necessary minimum information and many other information only needs to be stored in the memory member 100, the wireless memory member 300 can be used at a very low cost.

  In the second embodiment, the wireless cartridge member 300 need only be fixed to the developer cartridge 45 serving as the replacement unit. Therefore, the memory member 100 and the developer cartridge 45 are provided with a complicated key structure. This is not necessary, and the cost can be reduced, and the user's operation becomes very simple, and the operability can be improved.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the attachment / detachment state of the replacement unit in the four-cycle full-color printer as the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a rotary developing device in a 4-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a rotary developing device in a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing a rotary developing device in a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing a developing device of the rotary developing device. FIG. 7 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a developing device of the rotary developing device. FIG. 8 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing the main part of the developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the main part of the developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing the main part of the developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing the main part of the developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 15 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the main part of the developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 16 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the main part of the developer cartridge of the rotary developing device. FIG. 17 is a front configuration diagram showing a developer cartridge as an exchange unit. FIG. 18 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the memory member. FIG. 19 is an external structural view showing a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an external structural view showing a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a memory member attaching / detaching portion in the full color printer of the four-cycle system as the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a perspective configuration diagram illustrating the attaching / detaching operation of the memory member. FIG. 23 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a rotary developing device in a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the operation of attaching and detaching the memory member to the developer cartridge. FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram showing the main part of the developer cartridge. FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a 4-cycle full-color printer as the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing information stored in a memory of a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing the developer cartridge and the developing device. FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing a developer cartridge and a memory member in a 4-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing a developer cartridge in a four-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing communication means in a 4-cycle full-color printer as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1: full color printer main body, 45: developer cartridge (exchange unit), 100: memory member, 103: dedicated portion of the printer main body 1, 105: key portion, 201: CPU.

Claims (15)

In an image forming apparatus including an exchange unit that is replaceably attached to the image forming apparatus main body,
A memory member storing information related to the replacement unit is detachably attached to the replacement unit, the replacement unit is attached to a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body, and the memory member removed from the replacement unit is imaged. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is mounted on a predetermined portion of the main body of the forming apparatus via a connector member, and the image forming apparatus is controlled based on information on the replacement unit stored in the memory member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus that acquires a use history or image forming conditions of an exchange unit based on information stored in the memory member. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The image forming apparatus, wherein the replacement unit is attached to a support member that rotates relative to the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image forming apparatus comprising release means that allows the memory member to be detached from the replacement unit only after the replacement unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a lock unit that locks the rotating support member so as to prevent the rotating operation of the rotating support member in a state in which the memory member is mounted on the replacement unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a release unit that removes the memory member from the main body of the image forming apparatus and attaches the memory member to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The release means is configured such that when the memory member is removed from the replacement unit before being attached to the image forming apparatus main body, the replacement unit cannot be attached to the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus including an exchange unit that is replaceably attached to the image forming apparatus main body,
The exchange unit stores at least information for identifying the exchange unit, and is mounted with a wireless memory member that can wirelessly read the stored information from the outside, and information related to the exchange unit. The stored memory member is provided as a separate body, and the replacement unit is mounted at a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body, and the memory member configured separately from the replacement unit is provided at a predetermined location of the image forming apparatus main body as a connector member. And checking that the wireless memory member and the memory member belong to the same replacement unit, and then, based on the information about the replacement unit stored in the memory member, An image forming apparatus that controls the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A plurality of types of fitting shapes of a portion where the memory member is attached to the replacement unit are set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
In the case where a plurality of types of memory members are provided, each memory member is configured so that it can be attached only to a corresponding dedicated location on the image forming apparatus main body side. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A plurality of types of the memory members are provided, and each memory member is configured to be mountable at two or more locations of memory member mounting locations on the image forming apparatus main body side, and the memory members are arranged at appropriate mounting locations. An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit that notifies a user that a mounting position of the memory member is not appropriate when the memory member is not mounted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
A plurality of types of the memory members are provided, and each memory member is configured to be attachable to two or more locations of memory member mounting locations on the image forming apparatus main body side. An image forming apparatus comprising: a specifying unit that specifies a corresponding replacement unit based on the storage contents of the memory member when mounted at any of the mounting locations. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless memory member stores only identification information for identifying an exchange unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when it is determined that the wireless memory member and the memory member are not of the same replacement unit, the operation of the image forming apparatus is prohibited. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The verification that the wireless memory member and the memory member before the memory member belong to the same replacement unit is performed when there is a possibility that the replacement unit or the memory member is attached or detached. Image forming apparatus.

Images