JP2019174678A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can perform printing even though drum memory communication cannot be performed.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus comprises: drum cartridges to which toner cartridges are attached; a housing to which the drum cartridges having the toner cartridges attached thereto are attached; a voltage application unit that applies a voltage to chargers; and a control unit that performs print control. The drum cartridges respectively include the chargers that charge photoreceptor drums, and drum memories that store drum information. The control unit determines if it can communicate with the drum memories, and when determining that it cannot communicate with the drum memories, applies a voltage to the chargers and determines whether printing can be performed on the basis of a result of the application. The control unit performs printing on the basis of a result of the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known in which a process cartridge having a toner cartridge mounted on a drum cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus in which a storage unit is provided in a process cartridge, sensitivity information of a photoconductor is stored in the storage unit, and image forming conditions are controlled based on the sensitivity information.

JP-A-10-39723

  In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, printing control cannot be performed unless sensitivity information is read from the storage unit. However, even when communication with the storage means is not possible, there is a case where it is possible to control the photoconductor and perform printing. In particular, when the process cartridge is composed of two types of cartridges, that is, a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge, even if the image forming apparatus cannot communicate with the storage means of the drum cartridge, the toner cartridge can be normally operated. Since it is installed, you may want to print.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of determining whether printing is possible with a mounted drum cartridge even when communication with a storage unit of the drum cartridge cannot be performed.

  A first disclosure is an image forming apparatus, which is a toner cartridge, a drum cartridge to which the toner cartridge is mounted, a photosensitive drum, a charger for charging the photosensitive drum, and a drum memory. A drum memory that stores drum information related to the drum cartridge, a housing in which the drum cartridge with the toner cartridge is mounted, and a voltage application that applies a voltage to the charger. And a control unit that performs print control, the communication determination process for determining whether communication with the drum memory is possible, and the charging process for the voltage application unit when the communication determination process determines that communication is not possible. A print determination process for instructing voltage application to a device and determining whether printing is possible based on a result of the voltage application; and Based on the determination result of the printing process, comprising a print execution process for executing printing, and a control unit for execution, the.

  A second disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the first disclosure, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to detect a current flowing through the charger to which a voltage is applied when the drum cartridge is mounted on the casing. A current detection circuit capable of detection; and the print determination process determines whether printing is possible based on a detection result of the current detection circuit.

  A third disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the first disclosure or the second disclosure, wherein the control unit determines that the continuous print permission number is communicable in the communication determination process in the print execution process. The number of sheets allowed to be continuously printed in the printing process executed in this case is reduced.

  A fourth disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the third disclosure, wherein the control unit collects toner on the photosensitive drum each time printing is performed on the print medium having the permitted number of continuous prints. Execute the cleaning process.

  A fifth disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to the third disclosure or the fourth disclosure, and in the print execution process, the charge amount charged to the photosensitive drum is determined to be communicable in the communication determination process. In the printing process executed in this case, the charge amount is less than the charge amount charged on the photosensitive drum.

  A sixth disclosure is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first disclosure to the fifth disclosure, further including a conveyance mechanism that conveys a print medium, wherein the control unit performs the print execution process. The conveyance speed of the printing medium by the conveyance mechanism is made slower than the conveyance speed in the printing process executed when it is determined that communication is possible in the communication determination process.

  A seventh disclosure is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first disclosure to the sixth disclosure, and further includes a process notification unit that performs notification when the control unit executes the print execution process. Prepare.

  An eighth disclosure is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first disclosure to the seventh disclosure, wherein an error is issued when the control unit determines that printing is not possible in the print determination process A notification unit is further provided.

  A ninth disclosure is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first disclosure to the eighth disclosure, and includes a plurality of the toner cartridges and the drum cartridges, and the communication determination process includes a plurality of the drum cartridges. The print determination process determines whether the communication determination process determines that communication is not possible, and applies voltage application to the charger included in the drum cartridge to the voltage application unit. And instructing whether printing is possible based on the result of the voltage application.

  A tenth disclosure is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first disclosure to the ninth disclosure, wherein the toner cartridge includes a developing roller, and a surface of the developing roller is a surface of the photosensitive drum. The drum cartridge is mounted so as to face the surface.

  An eleventh disclosure is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first disclosure to the tenth disclosure, wherein the toner cartridge includes a toner memory that stores toner information related to the toner cartridge, and the communication The determination process determines whether communication with the toner memory is possible, and the print execution process determines that the communication determination process determines that communication with the drum memory is possible and communication with the toner memory. When printing is permitted, and the print determination process determines that the communication determination process is not communicable with the drum memory but is communicable with the toner memory, the voltage application unit is transferred to the charger. And instructing whether or not printing is possible based on the result of the voltage application.

  A twelfth disclosure is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first disclosure to the eleventh disclosure, wherein the drum information includes a manufacturing serial number of the drum cartridge, an identification code indicating a genuine product, Applicable model of the drum cartridge, specification of the drum cartridge, life of the photosensitive drum, charging characteristics of the photosensitive drum, information indicating whether the drum cartridge is new, the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum, It includes at least one of charging time of the photosensitive drum, number of printed sheets, and error history.

  According to the present disclosure, even if communication with the drum memory of the drum cartridge is not possible, the drum cartridge may be in a printable state, so that it is possible to avoid that printing cannot be performed at all. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid inconvenience to the user that printing cannot be performed before the drum cartridge is replaced.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating electrical connection in the image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when the opened cover is closed. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when the opened cover is closed. It is a flowchart which shows a printing execution process. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when the opened cover is closed. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process performed when the opened cover is closed.

<1. Embodiment 1>
<1-1. Configuration of device>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating electrical connections in the image forming apparatus 100.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Examples of the image forming apparatus 100 include a laser printer or an LED printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body casing 101, a control circuit board 3, a plurality of drum cartridges 1, a plurality of toner cartridges 2, a frame 103, a display 104, a transport mechanism 105, and a waste toner collection unit 106. Prepare.

  The main casing 101 is a housing that accommodates the control circuit board 3, the frame 103, the transport mechanism 105, and the waste toner collection unit 106. A plurality of drum cartridges 1 and a plurality of toner cartridges 2, which will be described later, are mounted on a frame 103 in the main body casing 101. More specifically, the frame 103 has four slots 103A. A toner cartridge 2 is attached to each drum cartridge 1. The drum cartridge 1 is attached to the slot 103 </ b> A of the frame 103 with the toner cartridge 2 being attached to each drum cartridge 1. The main casing 101 has a cover 101A that can be opened and closed. By opening the cover 101 </ b> A of the main body casing 101, a plurality of drum cartridges 1 and a plurality of toner cartridges 2 can be mounted in the slots 103 </ b> A of the frame 103.

  The toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 1. The plurality of toner cartridges 2 store toners (developers) of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The plurality of toner cartridges 2 may contain the same color toner. Further, the number of toner cartridges 2 in this embodiment is four. The number of drum cartridges 1 in this embodiment is four. However, the number of toner cartridges 2 may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more. The number of drum cartridges 1 may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

  The toner cartridge 2 includes a toner memory 21 and a developing roller 22. The toner memory 21 is a storage medium capable of reading and writing information. The toner memory 21 may be a memory that can read, write, and erase data, such as a flash ROM and an EEPROM. The toner memory 21 is electrically connected to the control circuit board 3 when the drum cartridge 1 is installed in the slot 103A with the toner cartridge 2 installed. Then, information is written to the toner memory 21 or read from the toner memory 21 by a processor 31 described later. The information stored in the toner memory 21 includes at least one of, for example, toner color information, the number of rotations of the developing roller 22, the amount of toner used, an error history related to the toner cartridge 2, and a dot count. . The information stored in the toner memory 21 can be changed as appropriate.

  The drum cartridge 1 includes a drum memory 11, a photosensitive drum 12, a charger 13, and a cleaner 14. The drum memory 11 is a storage medium capable of reading and writing information. The drum memory 11 may be a memory capable of reading, writing, and erasing data, such as a flash ROM and an EEPROM. The drum memory 11 is electrically connected to the control circuit board 3 when the drum cartridge 1 is installed in the slot 103A with the toner cartridge 2 installed. Information is written to the drum memory 11 or read from the drum memory 11 by the processor 31 described later. Information about the drum cartridge 1 is stored in the drum memory 11. The information stored in the drum memory 11 includes the serial number of the drum cartridge 1, an identification code indicating that the drum cartridge 1 is genuine, the compatible model of the drum cartridge 1, the specifications of the drum cartridge 1, the life of the photoconductive drum 12, It includes at least one of charging characteristics of the drum 12, information indicating whether the drum 12 is new, the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 12, the charging time of the photosensitive drum 12, the number of printed sheets, an error history, and the like. Information stored in the drum memory 11 can be changed as appropriate.

  The surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is in contact with the surface of the developing roller 22 of the toner cartridge 2 mounted on the drum cartridge 1. The toner of the toner cartridge 2 is supplied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 via the developing roller 22. The photosensitive drum 12 transfers the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 2 to the printing paper.

  The charger 13 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of photosensitive drums 12 and charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. The charger 13 is disposed at a position where the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 can be charged. Specifically, the charger 13 includes a wire (not shown) and a grid electrode. When a voltage is applied to the wire of the charger 13, a discharge is generated, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 facing the charger 13 is uniformly charged positively by ions generated by the discharge. At this time, the charging potential of the photosensitive drum 12 is controlled by the voltage applied to the grid electrode. When the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 12 is irradiated with laser light from an exposure unit (not shown), an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. The toner carried on the surface of the developing roller 22 moves from the developing roller 22 to the photosensitive drum 12 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

  The cleaner 14 is, for example, any one of a roller, a brush, and a blade, and is disposed in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. For example, when a suction bias is applied, the cleaner 14 electrically sucks toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 (hereinafter referred to as “residual toner”). The cleaner 14 electrically discharges the sucked residual toner onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 when a discharge bias having a polarity opposite to the suction bias is applied. As will be described later, the residual toner discharged from the cleaner 14 onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred to the transfer belt 105 </ b> A and then collected by the waste toner collecting unit 106.

  The transport mechanism 105 is a mechanism for transporting printing paper. The transport mechanism 105 is provided on the frame 103. The transport mechanism 105 includes a transfer belt 105A that is an endless belt. The transfer belt 105 </ b> A is provided at a position facing the photosensitive drum 12 of the drum cartridge 1 mounted in the slot 103 </ b> A of the frame 103. The transport mechanism 105 rotates a driving roller (not shown) to move the transfer belt 105 </ b> A and transports the printing paper while contacting the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. The toner attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is transferred to the printing paper that has come into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

  The waste toner collecting unit 106 is provided in the frame 103. The waste toner collecting unit 106 is positioned on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 12 with respect to the transfer belt 105A when the toner cartridge 2 is mounted in the slot 103A of the frame 103. The waste toner collecting unit 106 collects residual toner attached to the transfer belt 105A.

  The control circuit board 3 includes, for example, a circuit board, a processor 31 such as a CPU, a main body memory 32 that is a storage medium, a voltage application unit 33, and a current detection unit 34.

  The processor 31 is a control unit that performs print control according to a program stored in the main body memory 32, and executes various processes in the image forming apparatus 100. Various processes executed by the processor 31 are a communication determination process, a print determination process, a print execution process, a cleaning process, and the like, which will be described later.

  The main body memory 32 is a storage medium that stores a program executed by the processor 31 and necessary data.

  The voltage application unit 33 applies a voltage to the charger 13. The voltage application unit 33 is, for example, a substrate circuit on which a transformer or the like is mounted, and applies an induced voltage to the charger 13. In the main body casing 101, when the drum cartridge 1 is mounted in the slot 103A of the frame 103, a terminal that is in electrical contact with the wire and the grid electrode of the charger 13 is provided. The voltage application unit 33 applies a voltage to the terminal, thereby applying a voltage to each of the wire and the grid electrode of the charger 13.

  The current detection unit 34 is a circuit that detects a current flowing through the charger 13 when a voltage is applied by the voltage application unit 33. The current detector 34 has, for example, a resistor provided in the middle of a wiring path connected to the charger 13, and detects a current flowing through the charger 13 from a voltage drop of the resistor. The current detector 34 can detect current when the drum cartridge 1 is mounted in the slot 103 </ b> A of the frame 103.

  The display 104 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display 104 displays various information on the operation of the image forming apparatus 100 on the screen in accordance with instructions from the control circuit board 3. The display 104 is an example of a “processing notification unit” and an “error notification unit”.

<1-2. Processing after opening and closing the cover>
Next, processing performed by the processor 31 after opening / closing the cover 101A will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing executed when the opened cover 101A is closed.

  When the cover 101A of the main casing 101 is closed, the processor 31 first performs an initialization process (step S1). The initialization process includes, for example, deleting unnecessary information stored in the main body memory 32 and reading out necessary information.

  Next, the processor 31 determines whether communication with the drum memory 11 is possible, for example, based on whether the signal can be transmitted to or received from the drum memory 11 (step S2). When the processor 31 determines that communication with the drum memory 11 is not possible (step S2: NO), the processor 31 turns on the NG flag (step S6). The NG flag is a flag for executing a process of determining whether the drum cartridge 1 is mounted in the slot 103A of the frame 103 and is in a printable state when communication with the drum memory 11 is not possible. . When the processor 31 turns on the NG flag, the processor 31 stores the NG flag in the main body memory 32, for example.

  When the processor 31 determines that communication with the drum memory 11 is possible (step S2: YES), the processor 31 determines whether authentication of the drum cartridge 1 is possible (step S3). For example, the processor 31 reads the stored authentication information from the drum memory 11 and determines whether authentication is possible based on whether the authentication information is stored in the main body memory 32.

  When the processor 31 determines that authentication is not possible (step S3: NO), the processor 31 turns on the NG flag (step S6). When the processor 31 determines that authentication is possible (step S3: YES), the processor 31 reads information stored in the drum memory 11 (step S4). Thereafter, the processor 31 determines whether the information read from the drum memory 11 is normal (step S5). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the information read from the drum memory 11 matches a predetermined condition.

  If the processor 31 determines that the information read from the drum memory 11 is not normal (step S5: NO), that is, if the information does not match a predetermined condition, the processor 31 turns on the NG flag (step S6). When the processor 31 determines that the information read from the drum memory 11 is normal (step S5: YES), that is, when the information matches a predetermined condition, the processor 31 determines that all the drum cartridges 1 are It is determined whether or not the above-described processing from step S2 to step S6 has been performed (step S7). When the above process is not performed for all the drum cartridges 1 (step S7: NO), the processor 31 executes the processes after step S2 for the unprocessed drum cartridges 1.

  The processes in steps S2 to S5 are examples of the “communication determination process” of the present disclosure. When communication is not possible in the communication determination process, not only when communication with the drum memory 11 is not possible as described above, but also when communication with the drum memory 11 is possible but the read information is not normal. Including.

  When the processor 31 performs the above-described processing from step S2 on all the drum cartridges 1 (step S7: YES), the processor 31 determines whether the NG flag is on (step S8). When the processor 31 determines that the NG flag is not on (step S8: NO), the processor 31 sets the print mode to the normal print mode (step S9). In this case, the processor 31 stores the setting mode in the main body memory 32, for example. In the printing process executed when the printing mode is the normal printing mode, printing is performed in a state where there is no restriction described later on the charge amount of the toner on the photosensitive drum 12 or the conveyance speed of the printing paper by the conveyance mechanism 105. Executed.

  When the processor 31 determines that the NG flag is on (step S8: YES), the processor 31 determines whether there is a toner cartridge 2 (step S10). Here, for example, the processor 31 determines that there is a toner cartridge 2 when it can communicate with the toner memory 21 or when the toner cartridge 2 is detected by a sensor (not shown) provided in the frame 103. .

  If the processor 31 determines that the toner cartridge 2 is not present (step S10: NO), since the printing is impossible, the processor 31 sets the print mode to the print inhibition mode (step S15). When the processor 31 determines that the print mode is the print prohibition mode, the processor 31 does not execute the print process even if it receives a print command. After setting to the print prohibition mode, the processor 31 reports information indicating that the drum cartridge 1 is not mounted in the slot 103A of the frame 103 as a drum error (step S16). For example, the processor 31 displays error message information on the display 104.

  When the processor 31 determines that the toner cartridge 2 is present (step S10: YES), the processor 31 applies a voltage to the charger 13 by the voltage application unit 33 (step S11). Specifically, as described above, the processor 31 causes the voltage application unit 33 to apply a voltage to the terminal that is in electrical contact with the wire of the charger 13 of the drum cartridge 1 mounted in the slot 103 </ b> A of the frame 103. Apply. If the drum cartridge 1 is mounted in the slot 103A of the frame 103, a voltage is applied to the wire of the charger 13 through the terminal.

  Next, the processor 31 determines whether or not the feedback value of voltage application to the charger 13 is normal (step S12). Specifically, the processor 31 detects a current flowing through the charger 13 to which a voltage is applied, by the current detection unit 34. The current detector 34 is electrically connected to the charger 13 when the drum cartridge 1 is mounted in the slot 103 </ b> A of the frame 103. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 1 is mounted in the slot 103 </ b> A of the frame 103, the current can be detected by the current detection unit 34. On the other hand, if the drum cartridge 1 is not installed in the slot 103A of the frame 103, the current cannot be detected by the current detector 34, or the detection result by the current detector 34 becomes an abnormal value. The detection result by the current detection unit 34 is an abnormal value when, for example, the detected current value is outside a predetermined threshold range. The processor 31 determines that the feedback value is normal when the current detection unit 34 detects a normal value of current. The processes in steps S10 to S12 are examples of the “print determination process” of the present disclosure.

  If the processor 31 determines that the feedback value is not normal (step S12: NO), that is, if no current is detected by the current detector 34 or if an abnormal current is detected, the drum cartridge 1 is attached to the frame 103. Is not properly installed in the slot 103A, or the drum cartridge 1 is not in a printable state. In this case, the processor 31 sets the print mode to the print prohibition mode (step S15). Thereafter, the processor 31 notifies information indicating that the drum cartridge 1 is not mounted in the slot 103A of the frame 103 as a drum error (step S16).

  When the processor 31 determines that the feedback value is normal (step S12: YES), that is, when a current having a normal value is detected by the current detector 34, the processor 31 communicates with the drum memory 11. Although not possible, it is determined that the drum cartridge 1 is normally mounted in the slot 103A of the frame 103 and is in a printable state. However, even if the drum cartridge 1 is in a printable state, the processor 31 cannot read the information from the drum memory 11 and therefore cannot acquire the detailed state of the drum cartridge 1. Therefore, the processor 31 sets the printing mode to the safety printing mode in order to enable printing processing with restrictions (step S13). In this case, the processor 31 stores the print mode in the main body memory 32, for example.

  As will be described later, when the print mode is the safety print mode, a print process with restrictions imposed on the print process performed when the print mode is the normal print mode is executed. Then, the processor 31 notifies the user that the print mode is the safety print mode and the reason (step S14). For example, the processor 31 displays message information on the display 104.

  Next, a print execution process executed after the print mode is set in the processes of FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the print execution process.

  The processor 31 determines whether a print command has been received (step S21). When the processor 31 determines that the print command has not been received (step S21: NO), the processor 31 repeats the process of step S21. When the processor 31 determines that the print command has been received (step S21: YES), the processor 31 resets the continuous print number N (N = 0) (step S22). The continuous printing number N is the number of printing sheets on which printing has been performed, and is added each time printing is performed on one printing sheet.

  Subsequently, the processor 31 determines whether the printing mode stored in the main body memory 32 is set to the safety printing mode (step S23). When the processor 31 determines that the printing mode is not set to the safety printing mode (step S23: NO), the processor 31 determines that the printing mode is set to the normal printing mode, and the continuous printing permitted number M is set. A value X is set to (step S27). The value X is a value set in advance for the normal printing mode, and is stored in the main body memory 32, for example. Then, the processor 31 sets the target charge amount of toner to be adhered to the photosensitive drum 12 and the printing paper conveyance speed by the conveyance mechanism 105 as parameters for the normal printing mode (step S28). These parameters are stored in the main body memory 32 in advance, for example.

  When the processor 31 determines that the printing mode is set to the safety printing mode (step S23: YES), the processor 31 sets a value Y to the continuous printing permitted number M (step S24). The value Y is a value set in advance for the safety printing mode, and is stored in the main body memory 32 in advance, for example. The value Y is smaller than the value X set for the normal print mode.

  Then, the processor 31 sets the charge amount target value smaller than that in the normal print mode (step S25). When the processor 31 determines that the safety printing mode is set, the processor 31 cannot read the information from the drum memory 11 and therefore cannot recognize the state of the drum cartridge 1. For this reason, the processor 31 sets the charge amount target value smaller than that in the normal print mode so that a high voltage is not applied to the photosensitive drum 12.

  When the target charge amount is small, the amount of toner transferred to the printing paper is also small. For this reason, if the time for which the printing paper is brought into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is short, the toner is not sufficiently transferred to the printing paper. Therefore, the processor 31 sets the printing paper conveyance speed slower than that in the normal printing mode (step S26). Thereby, the contact time between the printing paper and the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 becomes long, and as much toner as possible can be transferred to the printing paper. Note that the order of the processes in steps S24 to S26 can be changed as appropriate.

  After step S26 or step S28, the processor 31 determines whether or not the continuous printing number N is less than the set continuous printing permitted number M (step S29). When the processor 31 determines that the continuous printing number N is less than the set continuous printing permitted number M (step S29: YES), the processor 31 follows the print command received in step S21 to print one sheet of printing paper. Is printed (step S32). At this time, the processor 31 controls the voltage applied to the charger 13 by the voltage application unit 33 according to the charge amount target value set in step S25 or step S28. Further, the processor 31 controls the transport mechanism 105 according to the transport speed set in step S26 or step S28.

  When the processor 31 determines that the continuous printing number N is not less than the set continuous printing permitted number M (step S29: NO), the processor 31 executes a cleaning process before executing the printing process (step S30). ). The cleaning process is a process for collecting the toner on the photosensitive drum 12 to the waste toner collecting unit 106. Then, the processor 31 resets the continuous printing number N (N = 0) (step S31). Thereafter, the processor 31 performs printing on one printing sheet (step S32).

  When the printing process is executed in the safety printing mode, the state of the drum cartridge 1 cannot be recognized, so the amount of residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 cannot be recognized. Therefore, by setting the permitted continuous printing number M to be smaller than that in the normal printing mode, the number of times of performing the cleaning process when executing the printing process in the safety printing mode, and the case of executing the printing process in the normal printing mode, and Compared to more. As described above, in the safety printing mode, by performing the cleaning process frequently, it is possible to suppress the influence of the residual toner adhering to the printing paper.

  After the processor 31 performs printing on one print sheet, the processor 31 adds the number N of continuous prints (step S33). Then, the processor 31 determines whether or not to end the printing process (step S34). When the printing process is not ended (step S34: NO), the processor 31 executes the processes after step S29 again. When ending the printing process (step S34: YES), the processor 31 executes a cleaning process similar to step S30 (step S35). Thereafter, the processor 31 executes the process of step S21.

  As described above, even when communication with the drum memory 11 of the drum cartridge 1 is not possible, the drum cartridge 1 may be in a printable state. In such a case, the printing process can be continued without interrupting the printing process. As a result, printing is possible even before the drum cartridge 1 is replaced. In addition, since communication with the drum memory 11 is not possible, when the state of the drum cartridge 1 cannot be recognized, a high voltage is applied to the photosensitive drum 12 or a residual toner is printed by imposing a restriction on the printing process. The effect of sticking to the paper can be suppressed.

<2. Second Embodiment>
<2-1. Configuration of device>
The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below. The image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment has a configuration in which one toner cartridge is attached to each drum cartridge. In contrast, in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, one drum cartridge includes a plurality of photosensitive drums 12, and a toner cartridge is attached to each of the plurality of photosensitive drums 12. This is different from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference will be described. In the following description, the same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body casing 101, a control circuit board 3, a display 104, a drum cartridge 1, and a plurality of toner cartridges 2.

  The plurality of toner cartridges 2 can be individually attached to the drum cartridge 1. Further, the drum cartridge 1 having a plurality of toner cartridges 2 attached thereto can be attached to the main body casing 101. The number of toner cartridges 2 attached to the drum cartridge 1 of this embodiment is four. However, the number of toner cartridges 2 attached to the drum cartridge 1 may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

  Each of the plurality of toner cartridges 2 has a toner memory 21. When a plurality of toner cartridges 2 are mounted on the drum cartridge 1 and mounted in the main body casing 101, information stored in the toner memory 21 is read by the control circuit board 3.

  The drum cartridge 1 is a drawer having four slots 1A, and a photosensitive drum 12 is provided in each slot 1A. A toner cartridge 2 is inserted into each of the four slots 1A. Further, the drum cartridge 1 includes a drum memory 11, a charger 13, and a cleaner 14. Information stored in the drum memory 11 is read by the control circuit board 3. The surface of each of the plurality of photosensitive drums 12 is in contact with the surface of the developing roller 22 of the toner cartridge 2 to be mounted. The charger 13 is provided for each of the plurality of photosensitive drums 12. The cleaner 14 is provided for each of the plurality of photosensitive drums 12.

  As in the first embodiment, the control circuit board 3 includes a processor 31, a main body memory 32 that is a storage medium, a voltage application unit 33, and a current detection unit 34.

<2-2. Processing after opening and closing the cover>
Next, processing performed by the processor 31 after opening / closing the cover 101A will be described. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing executed when the opened cover 101A is closed. In the processing shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the description of the same processing as in FIGS. 3 and 4 is omitted.

  When the cover 101A of the main casing 101 is closed, the processor 31 first performs an initialization process (step S41). Next, the processor 31 determines whether communication with the drum memory 11 is possible, for example, based on whether the drum memory 11 can transmit or receive a signal (step S42). When the processor 31 determines that communication with the drum memory 11 is not possible (step S42: NO), the processor 31 turns on the NG flag (step S46).

  When the processor 31 determines that communication with the drum memory 11 is possible (step S42: YES), the processor 31 determines whether authentication of the drum cartridge 1 is possible (step S43). When the processor 31 determines that the authentication is not possible (step S43: NO), the processor 31 turns on the NG flag (step S46). When the processor 31 determines that authentication is possible (step S43: YES), the processor 31 reads information stored in the drum memory 11 (step S44). Thereafter, the processor 31 determines whether the information read from the drum memory 11 is normal (step S45).

  When the processor 31 determines that the information read from the drum memory 11 is not normal (step S45: NO), the processor 31 turns on the NG flag (step S46). The processes in steps S42 to S45 described above are examples of the “communication determination process” of the present disclosure.

  When the processor 31 determines that the information read from the drum memory 11 is normal (step S45: YES), the processor 31 determines whether the NG flag is on (step S47). When the processor 31 determines that the NG flag is not on (step S47: NO), the processor 31 sets the print mode to the normal print mode (step S48).

  When the processor 31 determines that the NG flag is on (step S47: YES), the processor 31 determines whether there is a toner cartridge 2 (step S49). When the processor 31 determines that the toner cartridge 2 is not present (step S49: NO), since the printing is impossible, the processor 31 sets the print mode to the print inhibition mode (step S54). Thereafter, the processor 31 notifies a drum error (step S55).

  When the processor 31 determines that the toner cartridge 2 is present (step S49: YES), the processor 31 applies a voltage to the charger 13 by the voltage application unit 33 (step S50). Next, the processor 31 determines whether the feedback value of the voltage application to the charger 13 is normal (step S51). The process of step S49 to step S51 is an example of the “print determination process” of the present disclosure.

  When the processor 31 determines that the feedback value is not normal (step S51: NO), the processor 31 determines that the drum cartridge 1 is not in a printable state. Then, the processor 31 sets the print mode to the print prohibition mode (step S54). Thereafter, the processor 31 notifies a drum error (step S55).

  When the processor 31 determines that the feedback value is normal (step S51: YES), the processor 31 determines that the drum cartridge 1 is ready for printing although communication with the drum memory 11 is not possible. Even if the drum cartridge 1 is in a printable state, the processor 31 cannot read the information from the drum memory 11 and therefore cannot acquire the detailed state of the drum cartridge 1. Therefore, the processor 31 sets the printing mode to the safety printing mode in order to enable printing processing with restrictions (step S52). Subsequently, the processor 31 notifies the user that the printing mode is the safety printing mode and the reason (step S53).

  Since the print execution process executed after the print mode is set in the processes of FIGS. 7 and 8 is the same as the process of FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, even when communication with the drum memory 11 of the drum cartridge 1 is not possible, the drum cartridge 1 may be in a printable state, so that the printing process can be continued without interrupting the printing process. . As a result, printing is possible even before the drum cartridge 1 is replaced.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication was described, this indication is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the order of processing executed in each flowchart may be changed as appropriate. Further, although the display 104 is used for notification to the user, it may be notified by voice.

  You may combine suitably each element which appeared in said embodiment in the range by which a contradiction does not arise.

1: Drum cartridge 1A: Slot 2: Toner cartridge 3: Control circuit board 11: Drum memory 12: Photoconductor drum 13: Charger 14: Cleaner 21: Toner memory 22: Developing roller 31: Processor 32: Main body memory 33: Voltage Application section 34: Current detection section 100: Image forming apparatus 101: Main body casing 101A: Cover 103: Frame 103A: Slot 104: Display 105: Conveying mechanism 105A: Transfer belt 106: Waste toner collection section

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus,
A toner cartridge,
A drum cartridge to which the toner cartridge is mounted,
A photosensitive drum;
A charger for charging the photosensitive drum;
A drum memory for storing drum information relating to the drum cartridge;
A drum cartridge having
A housing in which the drum cartridge in which the toner cartridge is mounted is mounted;
A voltage application unit for applying a voltage to the charger;
A control unit for controlling printing,
A communication determination process for determining whether communication with the drum memory is possible;
A print determination process for instructing the voltage application unit to apply a voltage to the charger and determining whether printing is possible based on a result of the voltage application when it is determined that communication is not possible in the communication determination process; ,
A print execution process for executing printing based on the determination result of the print determination process;
A control unit for executing
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A current detection circuit capable of detecting a current flowing through the charger to which a voltage is applied when the drum cartridge is mounted on the housing;
Further comprising
The print determination process includes
Determining whether printing is possible based on a detection result by the current detection circuit;
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The controller is
In the print execution process, the continuous print permission number is less than the continuous print permission number in the print process executed when it is determined that communication is possible in the communication determination process.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
The controller is
A cleaning process for collecting toner on the photosensitive drum each time printing is performed on the continuous printing permitted number of print media;
Run the
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein:
In the print execution process, the charge amount charged to the photosensitive drum is smaller than the charge amount charged to the photosensitive drum in the print process executed when it is determined that communication is possible in the communication determination process.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
A transport mechanism for transporting print media,
Further comprising
The controller is
The transport speed of the print medium by the transport mechanism in the print execution process is slower than the transport speed in the print process executed when it is determined that communication is possible in the communication determination process.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
A process informing unit for informing when the control unit executes the print execution process;
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An error notification unit that performs notification when the control unit determines that printing is not possible in the print determination process;
An image forming apparatus, further comprising: The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
A plurality of the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge;
The communication determination process includes
Determining whether communication with the drum memory of each of the plurality of drum cartridges is possible;
The print determination process includes
The communication determination process instructs the voltage application unit to apply a voltage to the charger included in the drum cartridge that is determined to be non-communicatable, and determines whether printing is possible based on the result of the voltage application. ,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein
The toner cartridge has a developing roller, and is mounted on the drum cartridge in a state where the surface of the developing roller faces the surface of the photosensitive drum.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein
The toner cartridge is
A toner memory for storing toner information relating to the toner cartridge;
Have
The communication determination process includes
Determining whether communication with the toner memory is possible;
The print execution process includes
If the communication determination process determines that communication with the drum memory is possible and communication with the toner memory is permitted, printing is permitted.
The print determination process includes
When the communication determination process determines that communication with the toner memory is not possible with the drum memory, the voltage application unit is instructed to apply a voltage to the charger, and the voltage application Based on the result, determine whether printing is possible,
An image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The drum information is
Manufacturing serial number of the drum cartridge, identification code indicating a genuine product, compatible model of the drum cartridge, specification of the drum cartridge, life of the photosensitive drum, charging characteristics of the photosensitive drum, Including at least one of information indicating whether the product is new, the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum, the charging time of the photosensitive drum, the number of printed sheets, and an error history,
An image forming apparatus.

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