JP2010048900A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing a quantity of toner remaining in a developer storage section after recommended use-by date expires. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes: a time information acquiring section that obtains time information for developer; a quantity acquiring section that obtains a quantity for the developer; a control section that controls the time information acquiring section and quantity acquiring section under prescribed conditions; and an informing means that urges an operator to set the apparatus so as to increase the quantity that the developer is used, which is controlled by the control section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that prints image data input from a host device or the like on a recording medium based on predetermined control and outputs the image data.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a facsimile machine, and an electrophotographic color recording apparatus, the quality of the developer stored in the developer storage unit for a long period of time may be deteriorated. For example, when toner is used as the developer, the print quality may deteriorate due to aggregation of the toner.

  Therefore, there is a method of providing a mechanism for stirring the toner in the image forming apparatus in order to prevent aggregation of the toner stored in the developer storage unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-323016 A

  However, the above-described configuration has a problem that the toner aggregates when the expiration date of the toner is exceeded.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can reduce the amount of toner remaining in a developer container when the expiration date of the toner has passed.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a time information acquisition unit that acquires developer time information, an amount acquisition unit that acquires the amount of developer, the time information acquisition unit, and A control unit that controls the usage amount acquisition unit under a predetermined condition, and a notification unit that prompts an operator to set to increase the usage amount of the developer controlled by the control unit.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the period until the expiration date of the toner is short and the remaining amount of the toner stored in the developer storage portion is large, the developer storage is performed when the expiration date of the toner has passed. The amount of toner remaining in the portion can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the following description, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
First, the printer 1 that is the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of the printer 1, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram of an image forming unit 20 provided in the printer 1. The printer 1 prints an image on the recording medium 4 based on image information corresponding to each color of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

  The printer 1 is an image forming apparatus that takes out the recording medium 4 from the paper feeding cassette 11 and electrostatically attracts the recording medium 4 to a transfer belt 31 provided in the transfer unit 30. An image forming unit 20 that forms a toner image based on image information from a network 90 that is an apparatus, a transfer unit 30 that transfers the toner image formed by the image forming unit 20 to the recording medium 4, and the recording unit 4 The image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit 40 that melts and presses the transferred toner image and fixes the toner image, and a discharge unit 50 that discharges the recording medium 4 discharged from the fixing unit 40 to the stacker 53. In addition, a control board 70 described later with reference to FIG. 3 is provided in the printer 1. The sheet conveyance path 3 is a substantially S-shaped path through which the recording medium 4 is conveyed in the paper feeding unit 10, the image forming unit 20, the transfer unit 30, the fixing unit 40, and the discharge unit 50. Hereinafter, each component member arranged in the sheet conveyance path 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The paper feeding unit 10 takes out the recording medium 4 from the paper feeding cassette 11 and electrostatically attracts the recording medium 4 to a transfer belt 31 provided in the transfer unit 30. The paper feed unit 10 includes a paper feed cassette 11, a pickup roller 12, a feed roller 13, a retard roller 14, a pressure roller 15, a registration roller 16, a pressure roller 17, and a registration roller 18. Hereinafter, each component constituting the sheet feeding unit 10 will be described in detail. The paper feed cassette 11 stores a plurality of recording media 4 stacked, and supplies the recording media 4 into the printer 1 when a printing operation is started. The paper feed cassette 11 is configured to be detachable from the printer 1. The recording medium 4 is a recording paper having a predetermined size for printing monochrome or color image information. Generally, the recording medium 4 is a paper such as recycled paper, glossy paper, and high-quality paper, or an OHP film. Become. Further, the pickup roller 12 rotates while being pressed against the recording medium 4 stored in the paper feeding cassette 11, thereby pulling out the recording medium 4 from the paper feeding cassette 11 and transporting it to the feed roller 13 and the retard roller 14. To do. A feed roller 13 as a paper feed roller and a retard roller 14 as a separation roller are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the recording medium 4 conveyed from the pickup roller 12, and by rotating the feed roller 13. The recording media 4 are separated one by one and conveyed to the pressure roller 15 and the registration roller 16. The pressure roller 15 and the registration roller 16 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the recording medium 4 conveyed from the feed roller 13 and the retard roller 14, and rotate the pressure roller 15 pressed by the registration roller 16. As a result, the recording medium 4 is conveyed to the pressure roller 17 and the registration roller 18 while performing skew feeding or the like. In addition, the pressure roller 17 and the registration roller 18 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the recording medium 4 conveyed from the pressure roller 15 and the registration roller 16, and rotate the pressure roller 17 pressed by the registration roller 18. Thus, the recording medium 4 is conveyed and electrostatically adsorbed to the transfer belt 31 provided in the transfer unit 30 while the recording medium 4 is skewed.

  The image forming unit 20 forms a toner image based on image information corresponding to each color of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan received from the network 90 that is a host device or an external device. The image forming units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C are arranged in the order of the conveyance direction of the recording medium 4 in the sheet conveyance path 3, respectively. The image forming units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C are referred to as the image forming unit 20 because they have substantially the same configuration. The image forming unit 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21 that carries an electrostatic latent image based on image information, a charging roller 22 that stores charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21, and light corresponding to the image information. An exposure source 23 provided on the main body of the printer 1 that irradiates the surface of the toner, a toner cartridge 25 that contains toner 24 as a developer, a toner supply roller 26 that supplies the toner 24 to the developing roller 27, and the photosensitive drum 21. A developing roller 27 for developing the electrostatic latent image on the surface with the toner 24, a developing blade 28 for regulating the thickness of the toner 24 carried on the developing roller 27 to be uniform, and the toner 24 remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 It is comprised from the cleaning blade 29 which scrapes off. The image forming unit 20 is detachably attached to the printer 1. Hereinafter, each component constituting the image forming unit 20 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 2 in addition to FIG.

  The photosensitive drum 21 in the image forming unit 20 is an image carrier on which a developer image is formed, and is configured to be able to store charges on the surface in order to carry an electrostatic latent image based on image information. Has been. The photosensitive drum 21 includes a cylindrical portion and is provided so as to be rotatable. In such a photosensitive drum 21, a photosensitive layer made of a photoconductive layer and a charge transport layer is formed on a conductive base layer made of aluminum or the like. Further, the charging roller 22 applies a predetermined positive voltage or negative voltage to the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 using a power source (not shown), so that the charge is uniformly accumulated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Is for. The charging roller 22 is provided so as to be rotatable while contacting the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with a constant pressure. Such a charging roller 22 is configured by coating a conductive metal shaft with a semiconductive rubber such as silicone. The exposure source 23 is configured to be able to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 by irradiating the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with light corresponding to image information. It is provided in the main body of the printer 1 so as to be positioned above the drum 21. Such an exposure source 23 is composed of, for example, a combination of a plurality of LED elements, a lens array, and LED driving elements. The toner cartridge 25 is a developer accommodating portion that accommodates toner 24 as a developer, and is mounted above the toner supply roller 26. The toner cartridge 25 is formed of, for example, a rectangular portion having a substantially circular side surface and long in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium 4. The toner cartridge 25 is configured to be detachable so as to be replaced when the toner 24 is consumed by the printing operation.

  The toner supply roller 26 in the image forming unit 20 is provided so that the toner 24 can be supplied to the developing roller 27 by contacting the developing roller 27 while rotating. Such a toner supply roller 26 is configured, for example, by covering a metal shaft having conductivity with a rubber added with a foaming agent. The developing roller 27 is configured to be rotatable while contacting the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with a constant pressure. The developing roller 27 conveys the toner 24 to the photosensitive drum 21 while rotating, and develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 with the toner 24. Such a developing roller 27 is composed of a cylindrical portion, and is configured by covering a conductive metal shaft with a semiconductive urethane rubber material or the like. Further, the developing blade 28 is provided so that a tip portion of the developing blade 28 is in contact with the surface of the developing roller 27, and scrapes off the toner 24 exceeding a certain amount while being supplied from the toner supply roller 26 to the surface of the developing roller 27. Thus, the thickness of the toner 24 formed on the surface of the developing roller 27 is regulated so as to be always uniform. Such a developing blade 28 is formed of a plate-like elastic member such as stainless steel. The cleaning blade 29 is formed of a plate-like portion made of a rubber material or the like, and scrapes off the toner 24 remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 after the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the recording medium 4. For this purpose, the tip of the cleaning blade 29 is disposed so as to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The transfer unit 30 transfers the toner image formed by the image forming unit 20 to the recording medium 4. The transfer unit 30 includes a transfer belt 31, a drive roller 32, an idle roller 33, and a transfer roller 34. Hereinafter, each constituent member constituting the transfer unit 30 will be specifically described. The drive roller 32 and the idle roller 33 are provided at both ends of the endless transfer belt 31 and apply a certain tension to the transfer belt 31 described later. The drive roller 32 and the idle roller 33 are formed of members made of high frictional resistance. When the drive roller 32 and the idle roller 33 are rotated by a drive system (not shown), the transfer belt 31 is driven and driven. The transfer belt 31 is a conveying means for transferring the recording medium 4 to the image forming unit 20 and transferring the image information. The recording medium 4 can be electrostatically adsorbed on the peripheral surface of the transfer belt 31. It is an endless belt. The transfer roller 34 is positioned below the photosensitive drum 21 and is rotatably provided in contact with the transfer roller 34 and the photosensitive drum 21 so as to sandwich the recording medium 4. A bias voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging of the toner 24 is supplied to such a transfer roller 34, and the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the recording medium 4.

  The fixing unit 40 melts and presses and fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium 4 by the transfer unit 30. The fixing unit 40 includes a fixing roller 41 and a pressure roller 42. Hereinafter, each component constituting the fixing unit 40 will be specifically described. The fixing roller 41 and the pressure roller 42 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the recording medium 4 conveyed by the transfer belt 31, and fix the toner image transferred to the recording medium 4. Specifically, the fixing roller 41 and the pressure roller 42 have elastic surfaces and are formed from a cylindrical portion, and a heater such as a halogen lamp is disposed inside the cylindrical portion. Such a fixing roller 41 and a pressure roller 42 dissolve the toner image adhering to the recording medium 4 only with a weak electrostatic force, and then the toner image is fixed to the recording medium 4 by the pressure of the pressure roller 42. Let The pressure roller 42 is driven by being biased by the rotation of the fixing roller 41.

  The discharge unit 50 discharges the recording medium 4 discharged from the fixing unit 40 to the stacker 53. The discharge unit 50 includes a discharge roller 51, a discharge roller 52, and a stacker 53. Hereinafter, each structural member which comprises the discharge part 50 is demonstrated concretely. The discharge roller 51 and the discharge roller 52 are arranged to face each other so as to sandwich the recording medium 4 conveyed from the fixing unit 40, and the discharge roller 52 is driven by energizing the rotation of the discharge roller 51. The recording medium 4 is discharged to the stacker 53. The stacker 53 is a storage space in which the recording medium 4 that has been printed and ejected after image information is stacked and stored.

  Next, control of the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 1. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIGS. 3 and 1.

  The printer 1 includes a CPU, a program operated by the CPU, a readable / writable volatile memory that is temporarily stored, a non-volatile memory for storing setting information used by the program, an input / output port, a timer, and the like. 70 is provided, and a series of processes for printing image information on the recording medium 4 is controlled by issuing a command from the control board 70 to each component. The control board 70 is a control unit. When the toner cartridge 25 is attached to the printer 1, the control board 70 and the toner cartridge 25 are electrically connected. The control board 70 includes a print control unit 71 connected to the communication unit 72, a communication unit 72 connected to the network 90, and a development control unit 73 connected to the print control unit 71 and the time measuring unit 74. The printing unit 60 is connected to the printing control unit 71 in the control board 70. Similarly, a time limit storage unit 25 </ b> A provided in the toner cartridge 25 is a time information acquisition unit, and is connected to the development control unit 73 in the control board 70. Similarly, the remaining amount storage unit 25 </ b> B provided in the toner cartridge 25 is a usage amount acquisition unit and is connected to the print control unit 71 and the development control unit 73 in the control board 70. Hereinafter, each of the above components will be specifically described.

  When the print control unit 71 provided in the control board 70 receives print data from the communication unit 72, it performs predetermined data processing and then instructs the print unit 60 to perform a printing operation. If the print data is print data related to a toner save mode, which will be described later, the print control unit 71 prints data from the print control unit 71 to the print unit 60 after performing data processing to reduce image quality and reduce toner consumption. Instruct the operation. However, when a later-described toner use flag F1 is ON, the print control unit 71 inquires of the communication unit 72 whether or not to perform printing with toner save. When the response from the communication unit 72 to the inquiry is Yes, the printing unit 60 is instructed to print in the normal print mode. When the response from the communication unit 72 is No or there is no response within a predetermined time, The printing unit 60 is instructed to print in the toner save mode. In addition, the print control unit 71 calculates the toner consumption amount that accompanies the printing operation, and then determines the remaining toner amount stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25B provided in the toner cartridge 25 based on the toner consumption amount. Rewrite the value.

  The printing unit 60 connected to the printing control unit 71 in the control board 70 includes the photosensitive drum 21 of the image forming unit 20, the transfer belt 31 of the transfer unit 30, the transfer roller 34 of the transfer unit 30, and the like. Based on the print instruction from the print control unit 71, the image data is printed on the recording medium 4 using the toner 24 accommodated in the toner cartridge 25. The expiration date storage unit 25A provided in the toner cartridge 25 is a time information acquisition unit, and is a memory in which the manufacturer of the toner cartridge 25 writes the expiration date and time of use of the toner cartridge 25. As such a memory, an EEPROM which is a nonvolatile memory in which data can be written and erased while being mounted on a substrate, or a Flash-ROM which is a kind of EEPROM is used. For example, if the toner cartridge 25 is manufactured at 12:00 on April 20, 2008, and the expiration date is 3 years from the date of manufacture, for example, the expiration date is April 20, 2011 12:00. The remaining amount storage unit 25 </ b> B provided in the toner cartridge 25 is a usage amount acquisition unit and is a memory for writing the remaining amount of toner 24 in the toner cartridge 25, and is readable and writable from the printer 1. As such a memory, an EEPROM, a Flash-ROM, a mask ROM that cannot change the contents of data after the data is written in the circuit at the time of manufacturing the ROM, or the like is used.

  When the communication unit 72 provided in the control board 70 receives print data from the network 90, the communication unit 72 transmits the print data to the print control unit 71. When the communication unit 72 receives an inquiry related to toner save from the print control unit 71, the communication unit 72 transmits the inquiry to an information processing apparatus (not shown) that is a transmission source of print data provided in the network 90. Further, when the communication unit 72 receives a response related to a toner save inquiry from an information processing apparatus (not shown) that is a transmission source of print data provided in the network 90, the communication unit 72 transmits the response to the print control unit 71. Further, the development control unit 73 provided in the control board 70 is used at predetermined time intervals, the expiration date and time of the toner 24 stored in the expiration date storage unit 25A of the toner cartridge 25, and the remaining amount storage unit of the toner cartridge 25. The remaining amount of toner 24 stored in 25B and the current date and time in the timer unit 74 are read. Based on the read information, it is determined whether or not the difference between the current date and time and the toner expiration date and time is within, for example, a predetermined 5 days and the remaining amount of toner exceeds, for example, a predetermined 10%. When the condition is satisfied, a toner use flag F1 described later is turned on, and when the above condition is not satisfied, a toner use flag F1 described later is turned off. In addition, the timer 74 provided in the control board 70 updates and holds the current date and time at regular intervals in order to appropriately manage the printing operation of the printer 1 and the expiration date of the toner 24. .

  Next, the operation of the development control unit 73 provided in the printer 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart relating to the operation of the development control unit 73 provided in the printer 1.

  When the printer 1 is turned on and activated, a sequence related to the operation of the development control unit 73 is started. The development control unit 73 reads the expiration date / time of the toner 24 stored in the expiration date storage unit 25A and the current date / time stored in the timing unit 74 (S1). Next, the development control unit 73 compares the expiration date / time of the toner 24 stored in the expiration date storage unit 25 </ b> A with the current date / time stored in the timing unit 74, and the expiration date of the toner 24 is exceeded. If not (No), the process proceeds to step 3, and if the expiration date of the toner 24 has been exceeded (Yes), the process proceeds to step 8 (S2). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 3, the development control unit 73 compares the expiration date / time of the toner 24 stored in the expiration date storage unit 25A with the current date / time stored in the timing unit 74, and It is determined whether or not the expiration date of the toner 24 is within 5 days. If the expiration date of the toner 24 is within 5 days (Yes), the procedure proceeds to Step 4 and the expiration date of the toner 24 exceeds 5 days. If yes (No), the process proceeds to step 7 (S3). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 4, the development control unit 73 reads the remaining amount of the toner 24 stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25B (S4). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 5, when the remaining amount of toner 24 read by the development control unit 73 is 10% or more (Yes), the procedure proceeds to step 6, and when the remaining amount of toner 24 is less than 10% ( For No), proceed to step 7 (S5). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 6, the toner use flag F1 is turned ON. That is, the toner use flag F1 = 1 (S6). Next, when the procedure proceeds from the procedure 3 or the procedure 5 to the procedure 7, all the toner use flags F1 are turned off. That is, in this state, the toner use flag F1 stored on the control board 70 and the print prohibition flag F2 stored on the control board 70 are each 0 (S7). Next, when proceeding from step 2 to step 8, the print prohibition flag F2 is turned on to notify the user that the expiration date of the toner 24 in the toner cartridge 25 provided in the printer 1 has expired. To. That is, the print prohibition flag F2 = 1 (S8). Next, when the procedure proceeds from the procedure 6, the procedure 7 or the procedure 8 to the procedure 9, the process returns to the procedure 1 after waiting for a predetermined time (S9). While the printer 1 is powered on, the above-described procedure 1 to procedure 9 are executed at predetermined intervals. Specifically, the toner use flag F1 is turned ON when the toner 24 is sufficiently remaining and the expiration date of the toner 24 is approaching, as in Yes in step 5 after steps 1 to 4. . For this reason, the user of the printer 1 is notified to urge the use of the toner 24.

  Next, the sequence relating to the operation of the development control unit 73 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the printer 1 is turned on and started up, the development control unit 73 uses the expiration date and time of the toner 24 stored in the expiration date storage unit 25A, April 20, 2011, 12:00, and a timing unit. The current date and time stored in 74 is read at 13:00 on April 15, 2011 (S1). Next, the expiration date / time of the toner 24 is compared with the current date / time stored in the timekeeping unit 74, and since the expiration date of the toner 24 has not been exceeded, the procedure proceeds to step 3 (S2). Next, the number of days obtained by subtracting the current date and time from the expiration date and time of the toner 24 is 4 days and 23 hours, and since the expiration date of the toner 24 is within 5 days, the process proceeds to step 4 (S3). Next, the development control unit 73 reads that the remaining amount value of the toner 24 stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25B is 40% (S4). Next, since the remaining amount of the toner 24 read by the development control unit 73 is 10% or more, the process proceeds to step 6 (S5). Next, the toner use flag F1 is turned ON (S6). Next, after waiting for a predetermined time, for example, 10 minutes, the process returns to the procedure 1 (S9).

  Next, the operation of the print control unit 71 provided in the printer 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to the operation of the print control unit 71 provided in the printer 1.

  When the communication unit 72 receives print data 75 transmitted from an information processing apparatus (not shown) provided in the network 90, the communication unit 72 transmits the print data 75 to the print control unit 71, and the print control unit 71. A sequence related to the operation of is started. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram related to the print data 75. Next, the print control unit 71 reads information related to the print prohibition flag F2 (S11). Next, when the print prohibition flag F2 is not ON (No), the process proceeds to step 13, and when the print prohibition flag F2 is ON (Yes), the sequence is ended (S12). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 13, information related to the toner save mode in the print data 75 is analyzed (S13). Next, in the case of the print data 75 related to the toner save mode (Yes), the process proceeds to step 15, and when the print data 75 is not related to the toner save mode (No), the process proceeds to step 23 (S14). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 15, it is confirmed whether or not the toner use flag F1 in the print data 75 is ON. If the toner use flag F1 is ON (Yes), the procedure proceeds to step 16 and the toner is used. If the use flag F1 is not ON (No), the process proceeds to step 22 (S15). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 16, the toner control inquiry 76 shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 7 is transmitted from the print control unit 71 to the communication unit 72. The communication unit 72 that has received the toner save inquiry 76 transmits it to an information processing apparatus (not shown) that is a transmission source of the print data 75 provided in the network 90. Further, the print control unit 71 starts a response waiting timer (not shown) (S16).

  When the procedure proceeds to step 17, the communication unit 72 confirms whether or not there is a response related to the toner save inquiry from an information processing apparatus (not shown) at a predetermined interval. If there is no response (No), the process proceeds to step 18 (S17). Next, when the procedure proceeds to step 18, the print control unit 71 checks the value of the response waiting timer (S18). Next, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 22, and if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 17 (S19). Next, when proceeding from step 17 to step 20, the communication unit 72 confirms the content of the response related to the toner save inquiry from the information processing apparatus (not shown) (S20). Next, if the response related to the toner save inquiry is Yes (Yes), the process proceeds to step 23. If the response related to the toner save inquiry is No (No), the process proceeds to step 22 (21). Next, when proceeding from step 21 to step 22, the print control unit 71 issues a command to the printing unit 60, and the printing unit 60 executes a printing operation in the toner save mode based on the print data 75 (S22). Next, when proceeding from step 21 to step 23, the print control unit 71 issues a command to the printing unit 60, and the printing unit 60 executes a printing operation based on the print data 75 and ignoring the toner save mode. (S23). Next, when the process proceeds from step 22 or step 23 to step 24, the development control unit 73 calculates the consumption amount of the toner 24 consumed by executing the printing operation, and then the remaining toner amount stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25B. The calculated value is subtracted from the quantity value, the toner remaining value obtained by subtracting the calculated value is updated by writing it in the remaining amount storage unit 25B, and the sequence relating to the operation of the print control unit 71 is ended (S24).

  Next, the sequence relating to the operation of the print control unit 71 described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, the print condition is that the print prohibition flag F2 is not ON, the print data 75 relating to the toner save mode, the toner use flag F1 is ON, and the Yes of the dialog box 77 in which the user of the printer 1 is the notification unit. There are four conditions for pressing the button 77A. First, the print control unit 71 reads information related to the print prohibition flag F2 in the print data 75 (S11). Next, since the print prohibition flag F2 in the print data 75 is not ON, the process proceeds to step 13 (S12). Next, information related to the toner save mode in the print data 75 is analyzed (S13). Next, as a result of the analysis, it is the print data 75 related to the toner save mode, so the process proceeds to step 15 (S14). Next, since the toner use flag F1 in the print data 75 is ON, the process proceeds to step 16 (S15). Next, a toner save inquiry 76 is transmitted from the print control unit 71 to the communication unit 72. The communication unit 72 that has received the toner save inquiry 76 transmits it to an information processing apparatus (not shown) that is a transmission source of the print data 75 provided in the network 90. Further, the print control unit 71 starts a response waiting timer (not shown) (S16).

  The presence or absence of a response related to the toner save inquiry from an information processing device (not shown) is confirmed at predetermined intervals. Here, before the predetermined time elapses, the user of the printer 1 presses the button of the dialog box 77 which is the notification means shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 8, so that the communication unit 72 is schematically shown in FIG. The response 78 is received and transmitted to the print control unit 71. Accordingly, there is a response 78 related to the toner save inquiry, and the process proceeds to step 20 (S17). Next, the communication unit 72 confirms whether the user of the printer 1 has pressed either the Yes button 77A or the No button 77B of the dialog box 77 (S20). Next, since the user of the printer 1 has pressed the Yes button 77A of the dialog box 77, the process proceeds to step 23 (S21). Next, the print control unit 71 issues a command to the printing unit 60, and the printing unit 60 executes a printing operation based on the print data 75 and ignoring the toner save mode (S23). Next, after calculating the consumption amount of the toner 24 consumed by executing the printing operation, the calculated remaining value is subtracted from the remaining toner value stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25B, and the calculated remaining value is subtracted. The value is updated by writing it in the remaining amount storage unit 25B, and the sequence relating to the operation of the print control unit 71 is ended (S24).

  Next, the command display related to the print data 75, the toner save inquiry 76, the dialog box 77, and the response 78 referred to in the description of the sequence related to the operation of the print control unit 71 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Explained.

  An example of a schematic diagram related to the print data 75 is shown in FIG. The print data 75 includes feature data 75A related to the print data 75 and page data 75C related to the print data 75. Note that the print control unit 71 recognizes that the print data 75 is in the toner save mode based on TONER_SAVE = ON which is the point 75B described in the feature data 75A. An example of a schematic diagram related to the toner save inquiry 76 is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 shows Toner_Use_Check indicating a toner save inquiry, PR1 indicating the printer name of the printer 1, April 1, 2011 12:00 indicating the expiration date and time of the toner cartridge 25, and the toner remaining in the toner cartridge 25 40 indicating the amount (%) is displayed. An example of a schematic diagram related to the dialog box 77 is shown in FIG. The dialog box 77 is displayed on an information processing apparatus (not shown) in the network 90 that has received the toner save inquiry 76. The dialog box 77 alerts the user of the printer 1 by notifying that the user has transmitted the print data 75 in the toner save mode regardless of whether a certain amount of the toner 24 that is about to expire has remained. Is. Note that the user of the printer 1 instructs the printer 1 whether to cancel the toner save mode and perform printing by pressing either the Yes button 77A or the No button 77B. An example of a schematic diagram relating to the response 78 is shown in FIG. The response 78 is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the printer 1 when the user of the printer 1 presses a Yes button 77A in a dialog box 77 displayed on an information processing device (not shown) in the network 90. It is a response command display related to the toner save inquiry 76. The response 78 displays Toner_Use_Response Yes.

  Next, the transition of the remaining amount of toner with respect to time when the printing operation is performed based on the control of the printer according to the first embodiment of the invention and when the printing operation is performed based on the control of the conventional printer is shown in FIG. The comparison will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 shows the transition of the remaining amount of toner with respect to time after April 10, 2011, for example. The remaining amount of toner as of April 10 is 65%, but as a result of consuming 5% of toner 24 per day, the remaining amount of toner as of April 15 is 40%. Here, according to the printing operation according to the present invention, as indicated by the solid arrow line, the expiration date and time of the toner 24 is 5 days before April 20, 2011, and the remaining amount of toner is 10%. Since it exceeds the toner usage flag F1, the toner use flag F1 is turned ON. While the toner use flag F1 is ON, the toner save mode is canceled, so that the toner 24 is consumed 10% per day, and the remaining amount of toner as of April 18 is 10%. Since the remaining amount of toner is less than 10%, the toner use flag F1 is turned off. Thereafter, the toner 24 is consumed 5% per day, and the remaining amount of toner becomes 0% as of April 20. Further, according to the conventional printing operation, as indicated by the dashed dotted arrow line, the toner 24 is consumed by 5% per day after April 15, and the expiration date of the toner 24 is April 20th. In this case, the remaining amount of toner remains 15%. The 15% toner 24 cannot be used for the printing operation.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the period until the expiration date of the toner 24 is short and the remaining amount of the toner 24 stored in the toner cartridge 25 is large, the user of the printer 1 can be This suggests that the user should not select a printing method that reduces the print image quality by suppressing the consumption amount of the toner 24, but select a printing method that maintains the print image quality while keeping the consumption amount of the toner 24 as usual. Therefore, the amount of toner 24 remaining in the toner cartridge 25 when the expiration date of the toner 24 has passed can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a printer 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is characterized in that the user of the printer 2 can select whether or not to set the default printer only when the remaining amount of the toner 24 read by the development control unit 83 is 10% or more. The other configuration related to the printer 2 is the same as the configuration of the printer 1 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a specific description will be given centering on the configuration different from the first embodiment.

  First, the printer 2 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 shows a configuration diagram of the printer 2. The printer 2 prints an image on the recording medium 4 based on image information corresponding to each color of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

  Similarly to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the printer 2 takes out the recording medium 4 from the paper feeding cassette 11 and feeds the recording medium 4 electrostatically to the transfer belt 31 provided in the transfer unit 30. 10. An image forming unit 20 that forms a toner image based on image information from a network 90 that is a host device or an external device, a transfer unit 30 that transfers a toner image formed by the image forming unit 20 to a recording medium 4, and a transfer unit 30 includes a fixing unit 40 that melts and presses and fixes the toner image transferred to the recording medium 4, and a discharging unit 50 that discharges the recording medium 4 discharged from the fixing unit 40 to the stacker 53. Further, in contrast to the control board 70 provided in the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, a control board 80 described later with reference to FIG. 12 is provided in the printer 2 according to the second embodiment. Yes. Similarly to the printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the recording medium 4 is transported in the paper transport path 3 in the paper feed unit 10, the image forming unit 20, the transfer unit 30, the fixing unit 40, and the discharge unit 50. This is a substantially S-shaped path.

  Next, control of the printer 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer 2. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIGS.

  The printer 2 includes a CPU, a program operated by the CPU, a readable / writable volatile memory that is temporarily stored, a non-volatile memory for storing setting information used by the program, an input / output port, a timer, and the like. 80 is provided, and a series of processes for printing image information on the recording medium 4 is controlled by issuing a command from the control board 80 to each component. When the toner cartridge 25 is attached to the printer 2, the control board 80 and the toner cartridge 25 are electrically connected. The control board 80 includes a print control unit 71 connected to the communication unit 82, a communication unit 82 connected to the network 90, and a development control unit 83 connected to the print control unit 71 and the time measuring unit 74. The printing unit 60 is connected to a printing control unit 71 in the control board 80. Similarly, the term storage unit 25A provided in the toner cartridge 25 is connected to the development control unit 83 in the control board 80. Similarly, the remaining amount storage unit 25 </ b> B provided in the toner cartridge 25 is connected to the print control unit 71 and the development control unit 83 in the control board 80. Hereinafter, the communication unit 82 and the development control unit 83 unique to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

  Similar to the communication unit 72 according to the first embodiment, the communication unit 82 provided in the control board 80 transmits the print data to the print control unit 71 when receiving the print data from the network 90. When the communication unit 82 receives an inquiry related to toner save from the print control unit 71, the communication unit 82 transmits the inquiry to an information processing apparatus (not shown) that is a transmission source of print data provided in the network 90. Further, when receiving a response related to the toner save inquiry from an information processing apparatus (not shown) that is a transmission source of print data provided in the network 90, the communication unit 82 transmits the response to the print control unit 71. When the communication unit 82 receives a default request from the development control unit 83 as a function specific to the printer 2 according to the second embodiment, the communication unit 82 displays a diagram for an information processing apparatus (not shown) connected to the network 90. A default request to be described later is transmitted with reference to FIG. Further, the development control unit 83 provided in the control board 80 is stored in the expiration date storage unit 25A of the toner cartridge 25 every predetermined time, similarly to the development control unit 73 according to the first embodiment. The expiration date / time of the toner 24, the remaining amount of toner 24 stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25 </ b> B of the toner cartridge 25, and the current date / time in the timing unit 74 are read. Based on the read information, it is determined whether or not the difference between the current date and time and the toner expiration date and time is within, for example, a predetermined 5 days and the remaining amount of toner exceeds, for example, a predetermined 10%. When the condition is satisfied, a toner use flag F1 described later is turned on, and when the above condition is not satisfied, a toner use flag F1 described later is turned off. As a function unique to the printer 2 according to the second embodiment, the development control unit 83 transmits a default request to the communication unit 82 when the toner use flag F1 is switched from OFF to ON.

  Next, the operation of the development control unit 83 provided in the printer 2 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart relating to the operation of the development control unit 83 provided in the printer 2.

  When the printer 2 is turned on and activated, a sequence related to the operation of the development control unit 83 is started. The development control unit 83 reads the expiration date / time of the toner 24 stored in the expiration date storage unit 25A and the current date / time stored in the timing unit 74 (S31). Note that the procedures 31 to 35 related to the development control unit 83 of the printer 2 of the second embodiment are the procedures 1 to 1 related to the development control unit 73 of the printer 1 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. The procedure is the same as in step 5. Next, when the process proceeds from step 35 to step 36, the development control unit 83 confirms the state of the toner use flag F1 with respect to the print control unit 71 (S36). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the toner use flag is ON. If the toner use flag F1 is ON (Yes), the process proceeds to step 41. If the toner use flag F1 is not ON (No), the procedure is performed. Proceed to 39 (38). When the procedure proceeds to step 39, the development control unit 83 sets the toner use flag F1 to ON, and transmits a default request from the development control unit 83 to the communication unit 82. The communication unit 82 transmits a default printer inquiry 84 shown in FIG. 14 to an information processing apparatus (not shown) connected to the network 90. The information processing apparatus (not shown) that has received the default printer inquiry 84 displays a dialog box 85 shown in FIG. 15, and the user of the printer 2 can select whether or not to set the printer 2 as a default printer. Yes (S39). The procedures 37, 40, and 41 related to the development control unit 83 of the printer 2 of the second embodiment are the procedures related to the development control unit 73 of the printer 1 in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. This is the same as 7, 8, and 9, respectively.

  Next, the sequence relating to the operation of the development control unit 83 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The development control unit 83 indicates the expiration date and time of use of the toner 24 stored in the time limit storage unit 25A, April 20, 2011 12:00, and the current date and time stored in the time measuring unit 74. 11:55 on April 15, 2011 is read (S31). Next, the expiration date / time of the toner 24 is compared with the current date / time stored in the timing unit 74, and the process proceeds to step 33 because the expiration date of the toner 24 has not been exceeded (S32). Next, the number of days obtained by subtracting the current date / time from the expiration date / time of the toner 24 is 5 days and 5 minutes. Next, the toner use flag F1 is turned off (S37). Next, after waiting for 10 minutes, which is a predetermined time, the process returns to step 31 (S41).

  In step 31, the development control unit 83 that has received a command from the print control unit 71 uses the expiration date of the toner 24 stored in the time limit storage unit 25 </ b> A, April 20, 2011, 12:00, The current date and time stored in the section 74 is read on April 15, 2011 12:05 (S31). Next, the expiration date / time of the toner 24 is compared with the current date / time stored in the timing unit 74, and the process proceeds to step 33 because the expiration date of the toner 24 has not been exceeded (S32). Next, the number of days obtained by subtracting the current date and time from the expiration date and time of the toner 24 is 4 days and 23 hours and 55 minutes. Since the expiration date of the toner 24 is within 5 days, the process proceeds to step 34 (S33). Next, the development control unit 83 reads the remaining amount of toner 40% stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25B (S34). Next, since the remaining amount of toner is 10% or more, the process proceeds to step 36 (S35). Next, the state of the toner use flag F1 is confirmed (S36). Next, as a result of confirming the state of the toner use flag F1, since the toner use flag F1 is OFF, the process proceeds to step 39 (S38). The development control unit 83 sets the toner use flag F <b> 1 to ON, and transmits a default request from the development control unit 83 to the communication unit 82. The communication unit 82 transmits a default printer inquiry 84 shown in FIG. 14 to an information processing apparatus (not shown) connected to the network 90. A dialog box 85 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the information processing apparatus (not shown) that has received the default printer inquiry 84. Here, the user of the printer 2 can select whether or not to set the printer 2 as the default printer. When the user presses the Yes button 85A, the information processing apparatus sets the default printer as PR1. Next, after waiting for 10 minutes, which is a predetermined time, the process returns to step 31 (S41).

  In step 31, the development control unit 83 that has received a command from the print control unit 71 uses the expiration date of the toner 24 stored in the time limit storage unit 25 </ b> A, April 20, 2011, 12:00, The current date and time stored in the unit 74 is read on April 15, 2011 12:15 (S31). Next, the expiration date / time of the toner 24 is compared with the current date / time stored in the timing unit 74, and the process proceeds to step 33 because the expiration date of the toner 24 has not been exceeded (S32). Next, the number of days obtained by subtracting the current date and time from the expiration date and time of the toner 24 is 4 days and 23 hours and 45 minutes. Since the expiration date of the toner 24 is within 5 days, the process proceeds to step 34 (S33). Next, the development control unit 83 reads the remaining amount of toner 40% stored in the remaining amount storage unit 25B (S34). Next, since the remaining amount of toner is 10% or more, the process proceeds to step 36 (S35). Next, the state of the toner use flag F1 is confirmed (S36). Next, as a result of confirming the state of the toner use flag F1, since the toner use flag F1 is ON, the process proceeds to step 41 (S38). Next, after waiting for 10 minutes, which is a predetermined time, the process returns to step 31 (S41).

  Next, command display related to the default printer inquiry 84 and the dialog box 85 referred to in the description of the sequence related to the operation of the development control unit 83 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

  An example of a schematic diagram related to the default printer inquiry 84 is shown in FIG. FIG. 14 shows Default_Printer_Request indicating that it is a default printer inquiry, PR1 indicating the printer name of printer 2, April 1st, 2011 10:00 indicating the expiration date and time of toner cartridge 25, and the remaining toner in toner cartridge 25. 40 indicating the amount (%) is displayed. An example of a schematic diagram related to the dialog box 85 is shown in FIG. The dialog box 85 is displayed on an information processing apparatus (not shown) in the network 90 that has received the default printer inquiry 84. The dialog box 85 prompts the user of the printer 2 to set a printer to be used as a default when the default printer of the information processing apparatus that has received the toner save inquiry is not PR1. The user of the printer 2 instructs whether or not to set the printer to be used as a default by pressing either the Yes button 85A or the No button 85B.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the period until the expiration date of the toner cartridge 25 is short and the remaining amount of the toner 24 stored in the toner cartridge 25 is large, the user of the printer 2 is notified. This suggests that the printer 2 is used as a default printer. Accordingly, the amount of toner 24 remaining in the toner cartridge 25 when the expiration date of the toner cartridge 25 provided in the printer 2 has passed can be reduced, and the toner cartridges provided in other printers can be reduced. Toner can be preserved.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the printer 1 and the printer 2 have been described as electrophotographic color printers. However, the printer 1 and the printer 2 of the present embodiment are ink jet printers, You may provide in a dot matrix printer, a copying machine, a monochrome printer, a facsimile apparatus, an automatic document reading apparatus, an MFP apparatus, etc. Further, the display conditions related to the toner use flag F1 are set to be within 5 days until the toner use time limit and the remaining amount of toner is 10% or more. These values are not controlled by the user of the printer 1 or 2 It is good also as a structure which can be suitably set using a part. Similarly, the toner remaining amount determination reference value, which is a display condition related to the toner usage flag F1, may be repeatedly reset to a small value by linking with the passage of time until the toner usage time limit. Further, regarding the pace of toner usage accompanying the printing operation of the printer 1 or the printer 2, instead of setting to control the remaining amount of toner as 10%, the toner usage may be set as 90%. Further, the configuration for canceling the toner save mode may be configured to cancel the color printing prohibition mode. In this embodiment, the developer manufacturing time information is acquired. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the opening time information may be acquired. The image forming unit 20 according to the present invention includes four image forming units 20K, 20Y, 20M, and 20C that develop image information corresponding to four colors of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan. Three image forming units 20Y, 20M, and 20C corresponding to the three colors excluding the black color may be provided. Similarly, two image forming units 20K that develop image information corresponding to each black color may be provided. As described above, the number of the image forming units 20, the combination of colors of the image forming units 20, the arrangement position, and the like are not limited, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. Since the present invention relates to control related to the expiration date of the toner 24 stored in the toner cartridge 25 provided in the printer 1 or 2, the present invention is applied to a printer server that does not have an image forming mechanism directly. Is also applicable.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image forming unit provided in the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating control of the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation related to a development control unit provided in the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation related to a print control unit provided in the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print data relating to control of the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a toner save inquiry related to control of the printer according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a dialog box related to printer control according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the response which concerns on the control of the printer of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a change in the remaining amount of toner with respect to time when a printing operation is performed based on control of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention and when a printing operation is performed based on control of a conventional printer. It is. It is a block diagram which shows the printer of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows control of the printer of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an operation related to a development control unit provided in a printer according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the default printer inquiry which concerns on control of the printer of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the dialog box concerning control of the printer of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Printer 3 Paper conveyance path 4 Recording medium 10 Paper feed part 11 Paper feed cassette 12 Pickup roller 13 Feed roller 14 Retard roller 15 Pressure roller 16 Registration roller 17 Pressure roller 18 Registration roller 20, 20K, 20Y, 20M, 20C Image Forming unit 21 Photoconductor drum 22 Charging roller 23 Exposure source 24 Toner 25 Toner cartridge 25A Expiration date storage unit 25B Remaining amount storage unit 26 Toner supply roller 27 Developing roller 28 Developing blade 29 Cleaning blade 30 Transfer unit 31 Transfer belt 32 Drive roller 33 Idle Roller 34 Transfer roller 40 Fixing unit 41 Fixing roller 42 Pressure roller 50 Discharge unit 51 Discharge roller 52 Discharge roller 53 Stacker 60 Printing unit 70 Control board 71 Print control unit 72 Communication unit 73 Image control unit 74 Timekeeping unit 75 Print data 75A Feature data 75B Point 75C Page data 76 Toner save inquiry 77 Dialog box 77A Yes button 77B No button 78 Response 80 Control board 82 Communication unit 83 Development control unit 84 Default printer inquiry 85 Dialog box 85A Yes button 85B No button 90 Network F1 Toner use flag F2 Print prohibition flag

Claims (10)

A time information acquisition unit for acquiring developer time information;
An amount acquisition unit for acquiring the amount of the developer;
A control unit that controls the time information acquisition unit and the usage amount acquisition unit under predetermined conditions;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a notification unit that prompts an operator to set to increase the usage amount of the developer controlled by the control unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting for increasing the usage amount of the developer is a printing condition for canceling the printing operation while suppressing the usage amount of the developer.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a notification unit that prompts an operator to set to increase a use frequency of the image forming apparatus.   The setting for increasing the frequency of use of the image forming apparatus is a printing condition for performing a printing operation using a device selected by the operator from among a plurality of devices that can be selected by the operator. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the apparatus arbitrarily selected by the operator is single or plural.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing condition is set based on an expiration date of the developer.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing condition is set based on a remaining amount of the developer.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing condition is set based on a usage amount of the developer. A developer containing portion for containing the developer;
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing time information of the developer is stored in the time information acquisition unit provided in the developer container.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the usage amount of the developer is stored in the usage amount acquisition unit provided in the developer storage unit.