JP3279770B2 - Electrophotographic recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic recording apparatus, and more particularly to an electrophotographic recording apparatus that replaces a toner cartridge and replenishes unused toner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating a photoreceptor with light as a received image or a document image, and then a toner image is formed by attaching and developing toner, and the toner image is transferred. 2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording sheet is known, and in recent years, requirements for image quality and mechanical reliability have been increasingly strict.

[0003] This electrophotographic recording apparatus requires maintenance such as replacement of consumables including toner, and if maintenance is neglected, image quality and mechanical quality cannot often be maintained. For this reason, an electrophotographic recording apparatus that realizes maintenance-free by replacing consumables at the same time as replenishing toner by replacing the toner supply tank and the entire electrophotographic process as a cartridge has been put to practical use. It is problematic to replace and discard usable parts due to problems of resources and resources. Therefore, there has been proposed an electrophotographic recording apparatus which enables replenishment of only fast-wearing toner without replacing long-life parts. .

[0004] An example of this type of electrophotographic recording apparatus is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-188780.
Since toner needs to be replenished in a relatively short cycle, the replacement operation is simplified by using a toner replenishment tank filled with unused toner and a waste toner tank containing used toner as cartridges. Further, by detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner replenishing tank, the toner is effectively used, and replacement of the cartridge is promoted to improve operability.

[0005]

However, in such a conventional electrophotographic recording apparatus, the image density varies depending on the user, and the image density varies depending on the user. Because of the differences, the cartridge replacement cycle is not constant. For this reason, if the replacement cycle of the cartridge is long, there is a problem that the toner cannot be maintained due to fatigue (eg, aging). Further, there is a problem that the quality is deteriorated unless a cartridge suitable for the apparatus main body is used.

Therefore, the present invention recognizes a mounted cartridge and its use state by reading information displayed on a toner cartridge, and implements appropriate maintenance without deteriorating quality. With the goal.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image writing means for irradiating a photoreceptor with light to form an electrostatic latent image, and attaching toner to the photoreceptor. A developing unit for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and a transfer unit for transferring the toner image and recording the image on recording paper, and removably attached to supply unused toner. An electrophotographic recording apparatus provided with a toner cartridge, wherein the toner cartridge has an information display unit for displaying predetermined information, and information reading means for reading information displayed on the information display unit; the exchange determination means for determining the necessity or unnecessary replacement of the toner cartridge on the basis of the read information of the reading unit is provided, the information display unit, rewritable
Information rewriting for rewriting the information in the information display section
A means is provided .

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is the information rewriting means.
Writes the information in the information display section using coherent light.
It is characterized by switching . The invention according to claim 3 uses a magnetic recording means as the information display section.
It is characterized by the following.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image writing means is provided.
Irradiates the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image.
A light source that emits light,
At least one of the information reading means or the information rewriting means
It is characterized in that at least one of the components is shared . According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, light is applied to the photoconductor.
Image writing means for irradiating to form an electrostatic latent image, and
Attach toner to develop electrostatic latent image to form toner image
Developing unit and transfer the toner image to record the image on recording paper.
And an unused toner that is detachably mounted
Recording with a toner cartridge for refilling
An apparatus, wherein the toner cartridge stores predetermined information.
Has an information display section for displaying, and is displayed on the information display section.
Information reading means for reading information stored therein, and the information reading means
Need to replace the toner cartridge based on the
Or an exchange judging means for judging whether the
Means for irradiating the information display unit with light; and an information display unit.
Captures the reflected light reflected by the
And a reflected light converting means for converting the reflected light into a signal.
The image writing means irradiates the photosensitive member with an electrostatic latent image.
Has a light source that emits coherent light as light that forms
And the image writing means is the information reading means or the information writing means.
The configuration of at least one part of the
It is characterized by having .

[0010]

[0011] In here, and the reflected light conversion means, for example CC
It is a solid-state scanning imaging device such as D (Charged Coupled Device). Further, as the coherent light, for example, laser light is preferable.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information displayed on the information display section of the toner cartridge is read by the information reading means, and based on the read information, it is necessary or unnecessary to replace the toner cartridge by the replacement determining means. Is determined. Therefore, the necessity / unnecessity of replacement is determined from the usage limit or the like according to the toner cartridge. Whether or not replacement is necessary is determined based on the compatibility with the apparatus main body. Also, the information display unit is configured to be rewritable,
The predetermined information in the information display section is written by the information rewriting means.
Information, the rewritten information is sent to the information reading means.
Is read, and the toner cartridge is
It is determined whether the ridge needs to be replaced or not. Accordingly
Necessity of replacement due to toner cartridge usage
Is determined.

[0013]

[0014]

According to the second, fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the information rewriting means is configured to rewrite information in the information display section using coherent light (for example, laser light).
Therefore, information can be written at a high density, and a predetermined amount of information is written in a predetermined area. Therefore, a predetermined amount of information can be displayed and read on the information display unit, and necessity / unnecessity of replacement is determined from various conditions. Further, in the invention according to claim 6, the image writing means has a light source which emits coherent light as light for irradiating the photoreceptor to form an electrostatic latent image. It is configured to be shared with at least one of the information rewriting means. Therefore, there is no need to newly provide information reading means and / or information rewriting means, and the configuration of the apparatus main body is not complicated.

[0016] In the invention 請 Motomeko 3, wherein the magnetic recording means is used as an information display unit. Therefore, a predetermined amount of information is displayed within a predetermined area. Also, it is easily rewritten and read.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 Ru example der according to the first embodiment of the electrophotographic recording apparatus according to the present invention to a facsimile apparatus.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a facsimile machine. The facsimile machine 10 irradiates a document with light and reads a document image to be transmitted.
A document transport unit 12 that transports a document to an irradiation position where the document reading unit 11 irradiates light, and a laser beam R emitted from a laser unit (light source) 75 described later based on, for example, a received image or the like.
(Coherent light) is polarized, scanned (irradiated), and belt-shaped photoreceptor 14 precharged by charging charger 13
Image writing unit (image writing means) for forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface 15
A developing unit 16 that develops an electrostatic latent image formed by attaching toner to the photoconductor 14 to form a toner image, and a transfer that transfers the toner image formed on the photoconductor 14 to the recording paper P A charger (transfer section) 17, a fixing section 18 for fixing the toner by heating and pressing the recording paper P on which the toner image has been transferred and recording the received image and the like, and a transfer position where the transfer charger 17 transfers the toner image. 1 sheet of recording paper P from the recording paper cassette 19
After the sheets are separated and fed one by one, the recording sheet P is fed to the fixing unit 18 and the toner to be attached to the developing unit 16 is supplied and the toner image is transferred onto the recording sheet P. It comprises a detachable toner cartridge 21 for scraping and collecting the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 14 later, and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the above-mentioned units.
The charge remaining on the photoreceptor 14 is discharged by a discharge LED (light emitting diode) 22 which emits light.

As shown in FIG. 2, the facsimile apparatus 10 replenishes toner by removing and replacing only the toner cartridge 21 when the unused toner in the toner cartridge 21 runs out. Also, when the photoconductor 14 is consumed and reaches the end of its life, a photoconductor unit 24 including a plurality of drive rollers 23 for driving the photoconductor 14 is detached and replaced.

The document reading section 11 includes a light source 25 for irradiating the document conveyed to the irradiation position with light, and a C for reading reflected light B from the document and converting it into an electric signal to read the document image.
A CD (Charged Coupled Device) 26 and a plurality of mirrors that reflect the reflected light B from the original and polarize it and enter the CCD 26
It consists of 27. That is, the CCD 26 constitutes reflected light conversion means. The CCD 26 of the document reading section 11
Is transmitted to a predetermined communication line via a known communication control unit, modem, and network control unit (not shown).

The document transport section 12 includes a pickup roller 31 for transporting the loaded document downstream, a feed roller 32 for transporting the transported document further downstream, and a feed roller 32 for transporting a plurality of documents. The feed roller 32 abuts on the upper surface and rotates in the direction
A separation roller 33 for returning the original not in contact with the upstream to the upstream, and a pair of separation rollers 33 respectively arranged at the upstream and downstream sides of the irradiation position for nipping the conveyed original, rotating at a predetermined speed, and conveying the original at a predetermined speed. R1 and R2 rollers 34 and 35 are provided.

The image writing section 15 includes a known polygon mirror, and rotates the polygon mirror to rotate the laser unit 75.
A polygon motor 36 for polarizing and scanning the laser light R emitted from the photoconductor 14;
A plurality of mirrors 37 for irradiating the laser beam R, an fθ lens 38 for making the scanning angle and scanning position of the laser beam R proportional to each other, and correcting an error due to the so-called surface tilt of the polygon mirror of the scanning laser beam R. And a cylinder lens 39. The image writing unit 15 is configured to form a received image received from the communication line via the communication control unit, the modem, and the network control unit on the photoconductor 14 as an electrostatic latent image.

The developing section 16 includes a developing roller 41 for attaching toner to the photoconductor 14 and a toner supplied from the toner cartridge 21 to the developing roller 41 in a sub-scanning direction of the photoconductor 14 (a direction perpendicular to the drawing). And a toner conveying screw 42 for uniformly replenishing the toner. The fixing section 18 presses the recording paper P heated to a predetermined temperature and fed,
The fixing roller 46 includes a fixing roller 46 which is held between the fixing roller 45 and the fixing roller 45 with a predetermined pressing force and is heated and pressed, and a separation claw 47 for separating and separating the recording paper P adhered to the fixing roller 45.

The recording paper feeding section 20 is provided with a paper feeding roller 51 which comes into contact with the uppermost recording paper P stacked on the recording paper cassette 19 and separates and calls one by one. A pair of registration rollers 52 that abut and correct skew and feed the paper, and a pair of feed rollers that feed the fed recording paper P between the photoconductor 14 and the transfer charger 17
The recording paper P is fed in synchronization with the drive of the photosensitive belt.

The toner cartridge 21 includes a toner supply tank 55 filled with unused toner, a waste toner tank 56 for storing collected waste toner, and a toner supply tank 55.
An agitator 57 for agitating unused toner inside, a transport screw 58 for supplying unused toner from the toner supply tank 55 to the developing unit 16, and a waste toner tank 56 for scraping off the toner on the surface of the photoconductor 14 The toner supply tank 55 and the waste toner tank 56 are integrally formed to form a so-called cleaning toner magazine.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toner cartridge 21 has a bar code label (information display section) 61 for displaying various information such as a manufacturing date, a serial number, and a type (kind). The bar code label 61 is affixed. The bar code label 61 is irradiated with light by a light source 62 provided at an upper position which does not hinder the attachment / detachment of the toner cartridge 21, and the reflected light b is taken into the CCD 26 to read the information. It has become. That is, the light sources 62 and C
The CD 26 constitutes information reading means.

The control unit includes a CPU, a memory, and an I / O.
Driving means including a polygon motor 36, a driving roller 23, etc., based on a command signal from the facsimile machine 10 and a detection signal of a sensor group provided in the machine 10 according to a control program stored in advance in its internal memory. Control. Further, as shown in FIG.
After the signal of D26 is amplified by an amplifier (AMP), it is converted from analog to digital (A / D) to binarize the signal, and the binarized signal is interpreted as a bar code to preset information. In this case, it is determined whether or not the toner cartridge 21 needs to be replaced. When it is determined that the replacement is necessary, the fact is displayed on a display panel (not shown).
That is, the control unit constitutes an exchange determination unit.

The information set in the control unit includes, for example, the type (including toner type) of the mountable toner cartridge 21, the number of printable sheets (area) on the recording paper P according to the type, and the like. The validity period and the like are set, and the control unit recognizes the attached toner cartridge 21 from the read information from the barcode label 61, and when the toner cartridge 21 is not compatible with the main body of the apparatus 10, the number of recordable sheets (area ), When it is determined that the expiration date has passed since the date of manufacture or after the device is mounted, it is determined that replacement is necessary. The number of recordings on the recording paper P and the date of attachment are stored in a memory provided in the control unit.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since various information of the toner cartridge 21 is displayed and attached to the bar code label 61, the bar code label 61 can be easily read by irradiating the bar code label 61 with light. Based on the information, the toner cartridge 21 is recognized, and replacement of the toner cartridge 21 is necessary based on the compatibility of the toner cartridge 21 with the main body of the apparatus 10 and usage limits such as the validity period.
Unnecessary can be determined. Therefore, when the usage limit is approached and replacement is required, or when an incompatible toner cartridge 21 is installed, the user can be notified of that fact, and appropriate maintenance is performed before the quality is reduced. be able to.

Further, since the bar code label 61 is read by the CCD 26 of the document reading means 11, there is no need to newly provide a CCD or the like, so that the configuration of the apparatus 10 itself is not complicated, and the cost is reduced. be able to. Further, as another aspect of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
CCD 26 and bar code label among multiple mirrors 27
When the original image is read, only the light source 35 is turned on, and the bar code label 61 is turned on.
Is read, only the light source 62 is turned on. Note that 65
Is a lens disposed between the CCD 26 and the half mirror 27a.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example in which the second embodiment of the electrophotographic recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus . Contact name in this example, the same as the above embodiment constituting the explanation thereof will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 71 denotes a display sheet for displaying the various kinds of information and usage information. The display sheet 71 is made of a magnetic material, and the display sheet 71 records (displays) information by a plurality of sectors. , As shown in FIG.
The direction of magnetization d of each bit 71a constituting this sector
The recorded information is rewritten (written and erased) by changing. That is, the display sheet 71 constitutes a magnetic recording unit.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a mirror, 73 denotes an electromagnetic coil, and the mirror 72 and the electromagnetic coil 73 are provided at an upper position which does not hinder the attachment / detachment of the toner cartridge 21.
Reference numeral 72 denotes a half mirror 37a, which is a mirror that reflects the scanned laser light R in the direction of the photoreceptor 14 among the plurality of mirrors 37 of the image writing unit 15, branches the laser light R, and transmits the half mirror 37a. Display sheet 71
And is irradiated (scanned). Also, the electromagnetic coil 73 is
As shown in FIG. 6, the direction of the magnetic field (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6) generated in the coil is switched by switching the direction in which the current i flows as shown by the arrow in FIG. 6.

Here, reading and rewriting of information recorded on the display sheet 71 will be described with reference to FIG. Reading of Information on Display Sheet 71 As shown in FIG. 6A, the laser light r transmitted through the half mirror 37a is scanned on the display sheet 71 and the reflected light is incident on an analyzer (not shown). Then, the information is recorded (displayed) in the sector by analyzing (change in vibration) and detecting the direction of magnetization d for each bit.

Rewriting (erasing) of information on the display sheet 71 As shown in FIG. 6B, a current i is applied to the electromagnetic coil 73 to apply a magnetic field in a certain direction, and the laser beam r transmitted through the half mirror 37a is applied. The sector to be rewritten is heated until it reaches the Curie point temperature (the temperature at which the coercive force of the bit 71a is reduced and the direction of the retained magnetization d is directed to the direction of the surrounding magnetic field) to keep the magnetization direction d of the entire sector constant. To delete the information recorded.

Rewriting (writing) of information on the display sheet 71 As shown in FIG. 6C, similarly to the above-described erasing, while applying a magnetic field in a fixed direction to only the bits 71a corresponding to the information to be written by the electromagnetic coil 73. The laser beam r is applied and heated to invert the magnetization direction d of only the bit 71a to write and record information. Then, the information recorded in the sector is read (verified) in the same manner as the above-mentioned reading, and the rewritten information is checked.

That is, the display sheet 71 constitutes a rewritable information display section, and the image writing section 15, the mirror 72, and the electromagnetic coil 73 constitute information rewriting means and information reading means. On the display sheet 71, the various types of information set in advance in the above-described embodiment are written in the predetermined sectors, and usage information such as the number of recordings on the recording paper P and the date of attachment is displayed. Even if the toner cartridge 21 is attached and detached before the toner in the toner replenishment tank 55 runs out, even if the toner cartridge 21 is detached and reattached, the usage information that was previously written is read and the recording of the usage state is performed. It is to be continued.

As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the operation and effect of the above-described embodiment, since information is read and rewritten by the laser beam on the display sheet 71 for magnetic recording, a predetermined amount of information can be displayed within a predetermined area. And can be easily rewritten and read. Further, since the usage information is written and rewritten on the display sheet 71, the usage status of the toner cartridge 21 can be recorded and held, and the necessity of replacing the toner cartridge 21 is required compared with the information set in the control unit. Can be determined with higher accuracy. In addition, even if it is detached, the previously written information can be continued.

Further, since the image writing means 15 rewrites and reads the display sheet 71, it is not necessary to newly provide a laser oscillation device or the like, and the configuration of the device 10 itself is not complicated. Can be The writing of the image on the photoconductor and the reading and rewriting of the information on the information display unit may be performed simultaneously or individually.

In this embodiment, only the information of the toner cartridge is read and rewritten. However, for example, the usage status of the photoreceptor unit or the like is written so that the information is maintained even after the cartridge is replaced. The user may be notified of the necessity / unnecessity of replacement of the photoconductor unit and the like. As another mode of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a display sheet 71 and an electromagnetic coil 73 are provided so as to be outside the scanning angle of the laser light R by the polygon motor 36, and the laser unit 75 A half mirror 76 is fixed on the front surface of the laser beam R, and the emitted laser beam R is branched and reflected in the direction of the display sheet 71 to irradiate the branched laser beam r to the display sheet 71. The moved and branched laser light r may scan the display sheet 71. The laser beam R in the image writing (electrophotographic process) is intermittent and random, and when writing the image on the photoreceptor 14, the polygon motor 36 is driven and the electromagnetic coil 73 and the analyzer are not operated. Therefore, reading and rewriting of information on the display sheet 71 are not performed. On the other hand, when reading and rewriting information on the display sheet 71, the rotation of the polygon motor 36 is stopped, so that an image is not written on the photosensitive member 14.

[0040]

According to the present invention, the information displayed on the toner cartridge is read to determine whether the toner cartridge needs to be replaced or not. Therefore, the usage limit and the like according to the toner cartridge and the compatibility with the apparatus main body are considered. can be determined unnecessary principal-exchange, Ru can be carried out maintenance at an appropriate timing without reducing the quality.

Further, by rewriting the information displayed on the toner cartridge and reading the information, the information can be continuously rewritten even if the toner cartridge is attached or detached. In addition to the suitability for, the necessity / unnecessity of replacement can be determined based on the use status, and maintenance can be performed at a more appropriate timing without lowering the quality. In addition, the information can be easily rewritten and read by displaying the information by, for example, magnetic recording means.

By using coherent light (for example, laser light) for reading and writing information, a predetermined amount of information can be written and read in a predetermined area, and the necessity or necessity of exchange can be determined from various conditions. can do. Furthermore, by sharing the configuration of at least a part of the document reading unit and the image writing unit with the information reading unit and the information rewriting unit, the configuration can be made at low cost.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an entire configuration of an example in which a first embodiment of an electrophotographic recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating replacement of the consumable item.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating reading of the displayed information.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration of a main part of another mode.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an overall configuration of an example in which a second embodiment of the electrophotographic recording apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a facsimile apparatus.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams for explaining reading and rewriting of the information, wherein FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating the reading, FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the erasing, and FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating the writing.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration of a main part of another mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Facsimile machine 11 Document reading unit (document reading unit) 14 Photoconductor 14 15 Image writing unit (image writing unit, information rewriting unit) 16 Developing unit 16 17 Transfer charger (transfer unit) 18 Fixing unit 21 Toner cartridge 26 CCD (Document reading means, information reading means, reflected light conversion means) 61 Barcode label (information display part) 62 Light source (information reading means) 71 Display sheet (information display part, magnetic recording means) 72 Mirror (information rewriting means, information Reading means) 73 electromagnetic coil (information rewriting means) 75 laser unit (light source, image writing means, information rewriting means, information reading means) 76 half mirror (information rewriting means, information reading means) P Recording paper R, r laser light (Coherent light)

Continuation of front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/08

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An image writing means for irradiating a photosensitive member with light to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing section for attaching a toner to the photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image; An electrophotographic recording apparatus comprising: a transfer unit that transfers a toner image to record an image on a recording sheet; and a toner cartridge that is detachably mounted and replenishes unused toner. An information display unit that displays predetermined information; an information reading unit that reads the information displayed on the information display unit; and a necessity or necessity of replacing the toner cartridge is determined based on the information read by the information reading unit. An electrophotographic recording apparatus , comprising: an exchange judging unit that performs rewriting; an information display unit configured to be rewritable; and an information rewriting unit that rewrites information in the information display unit . 2. The information rewriting means uses coherent light.
And rewriting the information in the information display section.
The electrophotographic recording device according to claim 1. 3. A magnetic recording means as the information display section.
2. The electrophotographic recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
Place. 4. The image writing means irradiates a photoreceptor with static electricity.
Light that emits coherent light as light to form an electrostatic latent image
A source, and wherein the image writing means is the information reading means or the information rewriting means.
Share the configuration of at least one of the columns
3. The electrophotographic recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
Place. 5. An electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating light to a photoreceptor.
Image writing means and electrostatic latent image by attaching toner to photoreceptor
Developing unit for developing the toner image and transferring the toner image
With a transfer unit that records images on recording paper
Toner cartridge that supplies unused toner
An electrophotographic recording apparatus provided with a cartridge , wherein the toner cartridge displays information for displaying predetermined information.
An information reading device having a display unit and reading information displayed on the information display unit;
Means and a toner cartridge based on the information read by the information reading means.
A replacement decision tool that determines whether or not a cartridge needs to be replaced
A light source provided with a step, wherein the information reading means irradiates the information display portion with light;
And the reflected light reflected on the information display section is displayed.
Reflected light conversion means for converting the information
With the configuration, the image writing means, an electrostatic latent image by irradiating the photosensitive member formed
A light source that emits coherent light as light to be read , wherein the image writing means is the information reading means or the information rewriting means.
Share the configuration of at least one of the columns
An electrophotographic recording device, comprising: