JP3396191B2 - Inappropriate cartridge detection method, apparatus and system, storage medium and cartridge - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention determines whether or not a cartridge that is set to be replaceable in an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile, a copier, or the like is an improper one in which consumables (toner, ink, etc.) are refilled. The present invention relates to a method, device and system for detecting. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a storage medium that stores a program for detecting an improper cartridge in which consumables have been refilled, and a cartridge suitable for detecting an improper cartridge in which consumables have been refilled. Is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in an electrophotographic printer, a toner cartridge filled with toner is used as a developing medium. This toner cartridge is filled with a certain amount of toner at the time of manufacture, and is set so as to be replaceable in the printer. When the toner in the toner cartridge is almost exhausted, the printer display indicates that the toner is out, and the toner cartridge is replaced with a new toner cartridge.

The toner-out condition is detected by measuring the remaining toner amount with a toner remaining amount measuring device.
As a toner remaining amount measuring device, for example, JP-A-7-283
As described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 20-20, there is known one in which a light source and a photo sensor are arranged in a cartridge chamber in which a toner cartridge is loaded. Since the transparent windows are formed on both side walls of the toner cartridge, the light from the light source enters the photosensor through the pair of transparent windows. When the remaining amount of toner is large, the light from the light source is blocked by the toner, so the output of the photosensor is small, and when the remaining amount of toner is small, the output of the photosensor is large. Therefore, when the output of the photo sensor reaches a certain value, it is determined that the toner is out.

Since the toner cartridge does not need to replenish the toner storage chamber in the printer with the toner from the replenishing bottle, there is no concern that the hands or clothes are contaminated with the toner.
Further, since it is only necessary to replace the toner cartridge, there are advantages such as easy operation.

Further development of the toner cartridge,
A process cartridge having a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing roller, a cleaning unit, etc. is also known.
This process cartridge is filled with an amount of toner that matches the life of the photosensitive drum and the like, and the photosensitive drum and so on are replaced at the same time as the toner is replaced, so maintenance is simple and no maintenance contract is particularly required. Therefore, it is widely used for personal printers and the like.

The used cartridge is collected by the printer manufacturer through the cartridge distributor. From the perspective of preventing environmental pollution and effectively using resources, printer manufacturers disassemble used cartridges, inspect each part and reuse normal ones, and dissolve and pelletize plastic parts as plastic materials. It is reused. In addition, by recycling this cartridge, we are also trying to reduce the selling price of the cartridge.

Not all of the used cartridges are returned to the printer manufacturer, but some of them are sent to a toner refiller. The toner refilling company undertakes the refilling at a predetermined fee, disassembles the cartridge, and then replenishes an appropriate toner. There is also a toner refilling company that purchases a used cartridge, supplies toner to the cartridge, and then sells it as a remanufactured cartridge at a price considerably lower than that of a new cartridge.

For the toner (genuine product) to be filled when the cartridge is manufactured, the toner components are determined in consideration of the printer process characteristics (photosensitive drum characteristics, charging voltage, cleaning characteristics, fixing characteristics). However, the toner used by the toner refilling company has a different composition component from the genuine toner, so that the print quality may deteriorate. Further, the toner may stick to the fixing roller and damage the fixing roller.

When the print quality deteriorates or a failure occurs, the user often misunderstands that the printer has a cause, although the supplied toner has a cause. As a result, the reliability of the printers that have accumulated steadily is lost all at once. In addition, some users may not trust the manufacturer of the printer and may feel dislike of all products handled by this manufacturer.

In order to maintain the reliability of the printer manufacturer, consideration should be given to measures such as preventing refilling of consumables by a refilling company in advance, or preventing an improper cartridge containing refilled consumables from being reused. It is necessary to.

As a measure for preventing refilling of consumables, the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 7-28320 describes a process cartridge provided with a counter for counting the number of prints and an electromagnetic brake for preventing the rotation of the developing roller. There is. With this process cartridge, the toner consumption is indirectly checked from the number of prints, and when the number of prints reaches a certain value, it is determined that toner has run out,
Activate the electromagnetic brake. With this electromagnetic brake,
Since the rotation of the developing roller is blocked, once the toner runs out, the process cartridge cannot be used regardless of whether toner is replenished or not. Therefore, it is possible to determine that a process cartridge that contains toner but has an electromagnetic brake is a refilled product of toner.

[0012]

However, according to the conventional measures for preventing the refilling of consumables, when the toner is replenished before the electromagnetic brake is actuated, that is, when the toner is slightly left (when the toner is refilled on the way). However, there is a problem that the process cartridge can be reused. Further, since there are prints with a large number of characters and prints with a very small number of characters, it is not possible to accurately measure the remaining amount of toner by predicting the remaining amount of toner from the number of prints. As a result, the electromagnetic brake may operate and the process cartridge may become unusable despite the toner remaining. This is a waste of resources. Further, since the electromagnetic brake and the counter are required, the cost of the process cartridge is increased.

Further, in the conventional measures for preventing the refilling of consumables, the process cartridge must be provided with an electromagnetic brake and a counter, so that there is a problem that the process cartridge becomes complicated and large, and the cost becomes high. In addition, since the state in which the electromagnetic brake is applied can be immediately known, the electromagnetic brake can be removed or the brake can not be applied when the process cartridge is disassembled, so it cannot be said to be an effective refill prevention measure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improper cartridge detection method and device, which can reliably detect an improper cartridge in which expendable supplies are refilled, and a storage medium and a cartridge. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improper cartridge detection method, device, system, and storage medium capable of accurately measuring the remaining amount of consumables.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method, an apparatus, a system and a storage medium for detecting an improper cartridge, which makes it impossible to use an improper cartridge in which expendable supplies are refilled.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, an improper cartridge detection device according to the present invention detects the remaining amount of toner contained in a cartridge that is replaceably set in an image forming apparatus. The means for measuring, the means for storing the remaining amount obtained by the measurement, the present remaining amount measured by the measuring device and the previous remaining amount read from the storing device are compared, and the remaining amount is increased. If the cartridge is present, it is determined that the cartridge is an inappropriate cartridge in which the toner is refilled.

A means for inhibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is provided when the cartridge is determined to be the improper cartridge, and a warning display is provided when the cartridge is determined to be the improper. It is preferable to provide a display means for doing so.

The storage means is preferably provided in the cartridge.

It is preferable that a means for judging whether or not the storage means is provided in the cartridge is provided, and if the storage means is not provided, it is determined that the cartridge is an improper cartridge.

The determination of the inappropriate cartridge is as follows.
It is preferable to perform it when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus.

When the cartridge is taken out of the image forming apparatus, it is preferable to write the remaining amount of the toner in the storage means.

The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to the present invention is provided in a cartridge that is replaceably set in the image forming apparatus, and has cartridge-side storage means for storing identification information for identifying the cartridge, and Means for measuring the remaining amount of toner stored in the cartridge, device-side storage means for storing the remaining amount measured by the measuring means together with the identification information, and the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the identification It comprises means for comparing the previous remaining amount read out from the device side storage means based on the information, and determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner is refilled when the remaining amount is increased. It is a thing.

When it is determined that the cartridge is improper, a means for inhibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is provided, and when it is determined that the cartridge is improper, a warning is issued. It is preferable to provide display means for displaying.

It is preferable to provide a means for judging whether or not the cartridge side storage means is provided, and to judge that the cartridge is the improper cartridge when the cartridge side storage means is not provided.

The determination of the inappropriate cartridge is as follows.
It is preferable to perform it when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus.

When the cartridge is taken out of the image forming apparatus, it is preferable to write the remaining amount of the toner in the cartridge side storage means.

In addition, the method for detecting an improper cartridge according to the present invention measures the remaining amount of toner contained in the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and the remaining amount of toner measured this time, The previously measured amount of remaining toner is compared, and when the amount of remaining toner is increasing, it is determined that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner is refilled.

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is a cartridge which is detachably set in the image forming apparatus and in which a predetermined amount of toner is stored at the time of manufacture, and is unsuitable for use in the image forming apparatus. The storage means is provided for storing information for detecting that there is an existence.

The information is preferably toner remaining amount or cartridge identification information.

Further, the storage medium of the present invention has a function of causing the measuring means to measure the remaining amount of the toner contained in the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and is obtained by measuring with the measuring means. a function of storing the remaining amount in the memory means has the compared measured between the current remaining amount measuring means and the last remaining amount read from the storage means, when the remaining amount is increased, the toner is A program for realizing the function of determining an improper cartridge being refilled with the computer of the image forming apparatus is stored.

Further, the storage medium of the present invention has a function of reading identification information for identifying each cartridge from the cartridge-side storage means in the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and is housed in the cartridge. A function of causing the measuring means to measure the remaining amount of the toner, and the remaining amount obtained by the measurement by the measuring means, together with the identification information,
The function of storing in the device-side storage means in the image forming apparatus, the remaining amount measured this time by the measuring means and the previous remaining amount read from the device-side storage means based on the identification information are compared, A program is stored for realizing the function of determining that the cartridge is an inappropriate cartridge in which the toner is refilled when the remaining amount is increased by the computer of the image forming apparatus.

The improper cartridge detection system of the present invention comprises a cartridge and an image forming apparatus, and this cartridge is used for image recording.
A toner accommodating chamber for accommodating toner, and a storage means is provided for storing the remaining amount of toner, and the image forming apparatus, a print unit for forming an image on a recording sheet, interchangeably set in said means for measuring the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge, compared with the previous remaining quantity read from the current remaining amount and the storage means measured by said measuring means, when the remaining amount is increased, the toner Means for determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge that has been refilled.

The improper cartridge detection system of the present invention comprises a cartridge and an image forming apparatus, and this cartridge is used for image recording.
A toner accommodating chamber for accommodating toner, and a first storage means are provided for storing cartridge identification information and the image forming apparatus, a print unit for forming an image on a recording sheet, it is replaceably set Tona in the cartridge
Means for measuring the amount of remaining over, and a second storage means for storing the measured residual amount together with the cartridge identification information, the second based on the current remaining amount and the cartridge identification information measured by the measuring means There is provided means for comparing the previous remaining amount read from the storage means, and determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner is refilled when the remaining amount is increased.

Further, another improper cartridge detection device of the present invention is a device for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and is obtained by measurement. And a means for storing the remaining amount, the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the previous remaining amount read from the storing means are compared, and when the remaining amount is increasing,
An improper cartridge detection device comprising means for determining that the consumable item is an improper cartridge that has been refilled, and means for determining whether or not the cartridge is provided with a storage means. Is provided, it is determined that the cartridge is a consumable refill cartridge.

Further, it is preferable that the refill judgment of the consumable item is performed when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus.

Further, it is preferable to provide a means for prohibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the cartridge is the improper cartridge.

Further, another improper cartridge detection device of the present invention is provided in a cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and a cartridge side storage means for storing identification information for identifying the cartridge. A means for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the cartridge, an apparatus-side storage means for storing the remaining amount measured by the measuring means together with the identification information, and a present remaining amount measured by the measuring means. And the previous remaining amount read from the device-side storage means based on the identification information, and when the remaining amount increases, it is determined that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which consumables are refilled. And a means for determining whether or not the cartridge-side storage means is provided, When di-side memory means is not provided and judging that said improper cartridge.

Further, it is preferable to provide means for prohibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the cartridge is the improper cartridge.

Further, it is preferable to provide a display means for displaying a warning when it is determined that the cartridge is the improper cartridge.

Further, another cartridge of the present invention is a cartridge which is detachably set in the image forming apparatus and contains a predetermined amount of consumables at the time of manufacture, and is not suitable for use in the image forming apparatus. As information for detecting that, storage means for storing the remaining amount of consumables or the identification information of the cartridge is provided.

Another improper cartridge detection system of the present invention is a cartridge having a consumables storage chamber for storing consumables used for image recording, and a storage means for storing the remaining amount of the consumables. A printing unit for forming an image on a recording paper, a means for measuring the remaining amount of consumables in the cartridge set to be replaceable, a present remaining amount measured by the measuring unit and a previous time read from the storage unit. And an image forming apparatus having means for determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which consumables have been refilled when the remaining amount is increasing.

Another improper cartridge detection system of the present invention is a first expedient for storing a consumable item storage chamber for accommodating a consumable item used for image recording and cartridge identification information.
And a print unit for forming an image on a recording sheet, a unit for measuring the remaining amount of consumables in the cartridge set in an exchangeable manner, and the cartridge identification information for the measured remaining amount. The second storage means that is stored together with the second storage means compares the present remaining capacity measured by the measuring means with the previous remaining capacity read from the second storage means based on the cartridge identification information, and the remaining capacity increases. And an image forming apparatus having means for determining that the consumable item is an improper cartridge that has been refilled.

[0044]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows an electrophotographic printer to which the present invention is applied. Printer 10
The cartridge 12 is set to be replaceable in the printer body 11. In addition to the toner chamber 14 filled with the toner 13, the cartridge 12 also includes the photosensitive drum 1
5, a charging roller 16 and a developing roller 17 are provided, and are in the form of a so-called process cartridge.

The photosensitive drum 15 is provided with a photoconductive film on the outer peripheral surface of a metal cylindrical body. Charging roller 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a metal shaft, a conductive urethane foam tubular body fitted to the outer periphery thereof, and a semiconductive plastic tube fitted to the outside of the urethane foam. The charging roller 16 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15 by the elasticity of urethane foam. Further, in order to apply a constant voltage between the photosensitive drum 15 and the charging roller 16, the cylindrical body of the photosensitive drum 15 and the shaft of the charging roller 16 are connected to a charging circuit in the printer body 11. For this connection, the cartridge 12 is provided with electrical contacts.

A plurality of recording papers 2 are placed on the paper feed tray 20.
1 is set. The recording paper 21 on the top of the paper feed tray 20 is pulled out by the paper feed roller 22 and fed toward the pair of conveyance rollers 23. The transport roller pair 23 is
The recording paper 21 is nipped and conveyed to the transfer position. A transfer roller 24 is arranged at this transfer position and comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 15 when the cartridge 12 is set.

During printing, the photosensitive drum 15 rotates clockwise at a constant speed. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 15 is uniformly charged when passing through while contacting the charging roller 16. Further, the semiconductor laser 26 is driven according to the image data, and emits intensity-modulated laser light. This laser light enters the rotating photosensitive drum 24 via the polygon mirror 27. Polygon mirror 27
Means that the laser light is directed in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 24 (main scanning direction).
Raster scan by waving to. Photosensitive drum 1
In No. 5, since the portion irradiated with the laser beam is eliminated, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the outer periphery thereof.

The toner 14 in the toner chamber 13 adheres to the outer periphery of the developing roller 17 which is rotating and is conveyed. Toner 1
4 passes through the regulation blade 28 (see FIG. 4) while being attached to the developing roller 17 and conveyed. At the time of this passage,
The toner 14 is charged to the opposite polarity to the photosensitive drum 15 due to the friction with the regulation blade 28. When this toner 14 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 15, it is electrostatically charged.
The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 15 is visualized as a toner image.

The rotation of the photosensitive drum 15 moves the toner image to the transfer position. At this transfer position, the recording paper 2
1 is sandwiched between the transfer roller 24 and the photosensitive drum 15, and moves at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the photosensitive drum 15. Since the transfer roller 24 is biased to a potential opposite to that of the toner image, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 15 is transferred to the recording paper 21.

The recording paper 21 to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed toward the fixing device 29. The fixing device 29 includes a pair of fixing rollers 30 and a heater (not shown), and heats and melts the toner. The melted toner is attracted to the recording paper 21. Recording paper 2 that has been fixed
The sheet 1 is discharged from the printer body 11.

2 to 4 show an example of the cartridge. 2 shows the upper cartridge and FIG. 3 shows the lower cartridge. Further, FIG. 4 shows an assembled state.
The main bodies 34 and 35 of the upper cartridge 32 and the lower cartridge 33 are black plastic molded products.

2 and 4, a toner chamber 13 is formed in the upper cartridge 32, and a fixed amount of toner 14 is filled at the time of manufacture. This toner chamber 13
A slender toner supply port 13a is formed below the sheet, and is sealed with a seal tape (not shown) before use. In addition, a filling port (not shown) for filling the toner 14 is provided on the side surface of the toner chamber 13, and after filling the toner 14, it is sealed with a cap 37. Reference numeral 38 denotes a top plate of the toner chamber 13, which is adhered to the upper cartridge body 34.

The charging roller 16 is rotatably attached to the upper cartridge body 34. An exposure opening 39 is formed at a position close to the charging roller 16, and the laser light passes through the exposure opening 39 to expose the photosensitive drum 1 to light.
It is incident on 5.

In order to connect the upper cartridge 32 and the lower cartridge 33, the upper cartridge main body 34 has two locking claws 40 on the toner chamber 13 side and two locking claws on the charging roller 16 side. 41 are formed. As is clear from FIG. 4, reference numerals 42 to 44 are sponge tapes for closing the gap so that the toner 14 does not enter the exposure chamber 45.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the photosensitive drum 15 and the developing roller 17 are rotatably attached to the lower cartridge body 35. Further, the lower cartridge body 35 is provided with a driven gear 46 that meshes with a drive gear (not shown) provided in the printer body 11. The rotation of the driven gear 46 is transmitted to the developing roller 17 via the gear 47, and is further transmitted via the gear 48 to the photosensitive drum 15.
Be transmitted to. An opening 49 is formed in a portion located below the photosensitive drum 15. The transfer roller 24 enters through the opening 62 and contacts the photosensitive drum 15.

A cleaning blade 51 is attached to the tip of the support plate 50, and the photosensitive drum 15 is
Scrape off any excess toner that has adhered to. In order to collect the scraped toner in the waste toner chamber 52, a squeeze sheet 53 is attached to the lower cartridge body 35. The waste toner chamber 52 is provided in the support plate 5
It is divided by 0, a cleaning blade 51, and a squeeze sheet 53.

Since the upper end of the support plate 50 is in contact with the sponge tape 44, the waste toner chamber 52 and the exposure chamber 45 are separated from each other, so that the used toner does not leak from the cartridge 12 through the exposure chamber 45. I am trying. The sponge tape 42 is the lower cartridge body 35.
, And the sponge tape 43 is in contact with the upper end of the regulation blade 28. With these sponge tapes 42 and 43, the toner chamber 13 side and the exposure chamber 4
5 is separated from the unused toner 14 in the exposure chamber 45.
It is prevented from leaking from the cartridge 12 via the.

The lower cartridge body 35 has an engaging hole 5
6 and a locking projection 57. When the upper cartridge 32 is fitted into the lower cartridge 33, the engaging hole 5
6, the locking claw 40 of the upper cartridge body 34 is fitted,
The locking projections 57 are attached to the locking projections 57 of the upper cartridge body 34.
Engage. These locking claws 40, 41, engaging holes 56,
The locking protrusion 57 allows the upper cartridge 32 and the lower cartridge 33 to be integrally assembled.

In FIG. 5 showing the electrical configuration of the printer,
The printer main body 11 is provided with a CPU (baso computer) 60, a memory 61, a printing unit 62, a display 63, and a toner remaining amount measuring unit 64. The cartridge 12 is provided with a memory 65 in addition to the toner storage chamber 13 and the like. An electrical contact (not shown) is provided on the outer surface of the cartridge 12 in order to electrically connect the memory 65 and the CPU 60.
The printer body 11 is also provided with electrical contacts (not shown). As the memories 61 and 65,
An EEPROM that does not require backup is used.

The CPU 60 not only controls the respective parts of the printer 10 in sequence, but also determines whether the cartridge is an improper cartridge with refilled toner. If it is determined that the cartridge is a toner refill cartridge, the display 63 indicates that the cartridge is refilled, that the cartridge should be replaced with a proper one, that printing is prohibited, and the operation of the printing unit 62 is prohibited. To do. The display 63 is
It is provided on the outer surface of the printer body 11 together with an operation panel (not shown).

When the identification information (ID) is given to each cartridge in the memory 61 (hereinafter referred to as printer memory), the ID of the cartridge that has been set in the printer main body 11 and the toner remaining amount of this cartridge Store information such as quantity. As this ID, a number, a character, a symbol, or a combination thereof is used.

To prevent the information from being read or rewritten by the refilling company, the information on the ID and the remaining toner amount is encrypted or a special code is used for reading the information to protect the information. Good. The printer manufacturer can read or rewrite the information by inputting a code or a secret command for releasing the protection.

The printing section 62 applies a voltage to the recording system such as the laser 26 and the polygon mirror 27, the fixing device 29, the motor for driving the transfer roller 24, the cartridge 12, the paper feeding roller 22 and the carrying roller 23, and the charging roller 16. It is composed of a charging circuit for applying voltage.

A memory (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge memory) 65 stores information such as the remaining toner amount measured by the remaining toner amount measuring unit 64. Information indicating a predetermined toner remaining amount is written in a new cartridge at the time of manufacturing. This information should also be protected as described above. If each cartridge is given an ID,
The ID is written at the time of manufacture instead of the remaining toner amount.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the toner remaining amount measuring unit. A pair of windows is formed on both side walls of the toner chamber 13, and transparent plates 73 and 74 are attached to the inside of these windows. A linear light source 75 and a linear sensor 76 are arranged so as to sandwich these transparent plates 73 and 74.

The toner remaining amount measuring unit 64 is provided in the linear light source 7.
5, a line sensor 76.
The linear light source 75 is emitted by the CPU 60 for a certain period of time during measurement. The signal from the line sensor 76 is
The toner amount is taken in by the CPU 60, and the remaining toner amount is calculated from the light receiving state.

As the line-shaped light source 75, a line-shaped light source 75a such as an LED is used. Also,
A rod-shaped fluorescent lamp can be used as the linear light source 75. As the line sensor 76, a line sensor provided with a plurality of photosensors 76a, a line image sensor such as a CCD, or the like is used.

At the time of measuring the remaining toner amount, the CPU 60 causes the linear light source 75 to emit light. Of the light emitted from the linear light source 75, the light emitted from a position lower than the toner 14 is blocked by the toner 14. However, the light emitted from a position higher than the toner 14 travels without being blocked by the toner 14 and enters the linear sensor 76.

When the remaining amount of toner is large, the photosensor 76a located on the lower side is shielded from light, so only the photosensor 76a on the upper side detects the light from the linear light source 75. As the remaining amount of toner decreases, the lower photo sensor 76a also detects light. The CPU 60 calculates the remaining amount of the toner 14 by checking which photosensor is shielded from light or which photosensor is detecting light.

In this optical toner remaining amount measuring section 64,
If the toner 14 adheres to the transparent plates 73 and 74, the remaining toner amount cannot be measured correctly. Therefore,
The transparent plates 73 and 74 are made of a material to which the toner 14 does not adhere electrically or physically, and have good surface smoothness so that the toner 14 can easily drop.

In addition, the toner remaining amount measuring unit is used as the cartridge 1.
2, the data of the remaining amount of toner measured may be sent to the CPU 60 of the printer body 11. In this case, the line-shaped light source 75 and the line-shaped photosensor 74 are provided in the cartridge 12, and a dedicated CPU for controlling the lighting of the line-shaped light source 75 and calculating the remaining toner amount is provided in the cartridge 12. This dedicated CPU measures the toner remaining amount based on a data request from the CPU 60 of the printer body 11, and uses the obtained toner remaining amount data to the CPU 6
Send to 0.

FIG. 7 shows an example of detecting whether the cartridge is an improper cartridge with refilled toner by comparing the remaining toner amount read from the cartridge memory 65 and the remaining toner amount measured this time. is there. The cartridge 12 is placed in the cartridge chamber (not shown) of the printer body 11.
To load, first open the lid of the cartridge chamber. When the cartridge 12 is completely loaded in the cartridge chamber,
The cartridge memory 65 is connected to the CPU 60, and the photosensitive drum 15 and the charging roller 16 are connected to the charging circuit of the printing unit 62.

When the printer power is on, the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge 12 is set by a signal from a switch (not shown) that detects that the lid of the cartridge chamber is closed. Next, the CPU 60 checks the presence / absence of the cartridge memory 65. In addition to the toner remaining amount data, a flag indicating that the cartridge memory is present is written in the cartridge memory 65. CPU6
When the flag is 0, it is determined that the cartridge is a genuine cartridge provided by the printer manufacturer.

On the other hand, if the cartridge is not a genuine cartridge,
The cartridge memory 65 may not be provided. With such a cartridge, the flag cannot be read. Non-genuine cartridges are treated in the same manner as improper cartridges with refilled toner, and the CPU 60 displays a warning and prohibits the printing operation.

When the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge is a normal cartridge, it reads the toner remaining amount data from the cartridge memory 65. For new cartridges,
At the time of manufacturing the cartridge, certain data corresponding to the amount of the filled toner is written in the cartridge memory 65. In the case of a used cartridge,
The toner remaining amount data measured by the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64 is written in the cartridge memory 65. If the data of the remaining toner amount is tampered with, the fact that the toner is refilled cannot be detected. Therefore, in order to prevent tampering with the data, it is preferable to use the encrypted data to be decoded by the CPU 60, or to use a special protocol for reading the data.

Next, the CPU 60 causes the toner remaining amount measuring unit 6
4 is operated to measure the amount of the toner 14 stored in the toner chamber 13. The CPU 80 compares the measured current remaining toner amount with the remaining toner amount read from the cartridge memory 65, and determines whether refilling by replenishing the toner 14 has been performed.

When the current toner remaining amount is larger than the toner remaining amount read from the cartridge memory 65, the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner is refilled. If the two are the same or the current remaining amount of toner is smaller, it is determined that the cartridge is an appropriate cartridge that has not been refilled with toner.

If the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner has been refilled, it means that the toner has been refilled and the print quality is deteriorated.
It warns that a proper cartridge should be loaded.
Further, the CPU 60 prohibits the printing operation of the printing unit 62. When the print operation is prohibited, the CPU 60 does not accept the print request from the personal computer or the like, and therefore the print operation of the print unit 62 is not executed.

On the other hand, when the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge is a proper cartridge that has not been refilled with toner, it permits the printing operation of the printing section 62. CP
When there is a print request from a personal computer or the like, the U 60 sequence-controls the print unit 62 and records an image or character on the recording paper 21. During normal operation of the printer 10, the CPU 60 operates the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64 to measure the toner remaining amount every time a fixed number of sheets are printed or a fixed time elapses. The obtained remaining toner amount is written in the cartridge memory 65.

The toner remaining amount data may be updated to a new one, and the toner remaining amount may be additionally recorded together with the measurement date and time. By doing so, the operating status of the printer can be known from the history of the remaining amount of toner, so that it can be used as data for failure analysis and product improvement.

During normal operation of the printer 10, when the measured value of the remaining amount of toner becomes less than a predetermined value, preferably the toner becomes almost empty and the measured value becomes zero, the display 6
3 indicates that the cartridge has been replaced due to toner shortage. Even if the measurement value of the remaining amount of toner becomes zero, a certain amount of toner 14 remains, so that it is possible to print an appropriate number of sheets.

When replacing the cartridge, the cartridge 1 which is empty after the lid of the cartridge chamber is opened.
Pull out 2. Next, the seal tape is peeled off from the new cartridge to open the toner supply port 13a. When the toner discharge port 13a opens, the toner 14 in the toner chamber 13
Can be supplied to the developing roller 17. When this cartridge is loaded into the cartridge chamber and then the lid of the cartridge chamber is closed, the presence / absence of the cartridge memory and the toner increase amount are checked as described above. In the case of a new genuine cartridge, the printer can operate normally.

Some users may request a refilling company to replenish toner for an empty cartridge. The refiller installs the locking claw 40 into the engagement hole 56.
And the locking claw 41 from the locking projection 57,
The cartridge 12 is disassembled into an upper cartridge 32 and a lower cartridge 33.

After disassembling the cartridge 12, after cleaning each part, the toner discharge port 13a of the upper cartridge 32
Then, apply sealing tape and close it. next,
The cap 37 of the upper cartridge 32 is removed, and the toner is replenished in the toner chamber 13. After replenishing the toner, the cap 37 is fitted again to seal the toner chamber 13. After refilling the toner, the refilling company
2 and the lower cartridge 33 are assembled, and the assembled cartridge 12 is packaged and shipped to the user.

When the improper cartridge returned from the refilling company is set in the printer main body 11, the toner increase amount is checked as described above. In this case, the cartridge memory 65 stores data indicating that the remaining amount of toner is zero. On the other hand, the toner remaining amount measuring unit 6
The current remaining amount of toner measured in 4 is data indicating almost full amount. Therefore, since the current remaining toner amount is larger, the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner has been refilled, displays a warning, and prohibits printing.

In the print-prohibited state, even if a print request is issued from a personal computer or the like, the printer 10 does not execute the print operation, and therefore an improper cartridge with refilled toner cannot be used. As a result, the user gives up the request for refilling the toner thereafter and uses the proper cartridge provided by the printer manufacturer. This prevents the print quality from deteriorating due to improper use of toner and contributes to the prevention of printer failure. Further, in the process cartridge, it is possible to prevent the parts such as the photosensitive drum 15 from being used in a state where the quality guarantee period has passed, and to prevent the print quality from deteriorating.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the measurement and writing of the remaining toner amount are appropriately performed during the normal printing operation, but this is executed when the cartridge 12 is taken out from the printer main body 11. May be.

FIG. 8 shows the I for identifying the cartridge.
An example is shown in which D is assigned to each cartridge and the remaining amount of toner is stored in the printer memory 61 together with the ID. When the set of the cartridge 12 is detected, the CPU
60 is the cartridge memory 65 according to the procedure described above.
Check for.

If the cartridge memory 65 is not provided, it is determined that the cartridge is not a proper cartridge. Further, by using a cipher as the ID or using a special protocol, the ID cannot be read out even if the cartridge memory 65 is provided except for the regular cartridge. In these cases, a warning is displayed and the printing operation is prohibited.

Next, the read ID is collated.
In this collation, first of all, it is checked from the data format of the ID whether the ID is legitimate. After checking the ID itself, it is checked whether the ID is stored in the printer memory 61. For a cartridge that has been used once, its ID and remaining toner amount are stored in the printer memory 6
Since it is stored in No. 1, it is identified by ID collation whether it is a new cartridge or a cartridge that has been set in the printer body 11 before.

In the case of a new cartridge, I
Along with D, a constant value is written in the printer memory 61 as the toner remaining amount data. This constant value corresponds to the amount of toner filled in the toner chamber 13 during manufacturing. After writing this data, the printer 10 operates normally as described in the example of FIG. 7. Also, during this normal operation,
The remaining toner amount is appropriately measured, and the remaining toner amount data in the printer memory 61 is updated or additionally recorded. As described above, when the toner out is displayed, the cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge.

When it is determined by the above-mentioned ID collation that the cartridge has been used once, the toner remaining amount measuring section 64 is operated to measure the toner remaining amount in the toner chamber 13. Since the printer memory 61 stores the ID of the previously used cartridge and the toner remaining amount measured last time, the toner remaining amount data is stored in the printer memory 6 based on 1D read from the cartridge memory 65.
Read from 1.

The CPU 60 compares the toner remaining amount read from the printer memory 61 with the toner amount measured this time, and if the toner remaining amount is increasing, the toner is refilled with an improper cartridge. Therefore, the warning display and the printing are prohibited. On the other hand, when it is determined that the cartridge is a proper cartridge that has not been refilled with toner, the printer 10 operates normally.

FIG. 9 shows an example in which the remaining toner amount is written in the printer memory 61 when the cartridge is taken out from the printer body. Except for this writing of the remaining toner amount, it is the same as that shown in FIG. 8, so only the removal of the cartridge will be described.

When removing the cartridge 12 from the printer main body 11, the lid of the cartridge chamber is opened, and then the cartridge lock lever is operated to unlock the cartridge. By detecting the opening operation of the lid or the operation of the cartridge lock lever with a switch or the like, it is possible to detect that the preparation operation for taking out the cartridge has been performed. When the CPU 60 receives the signal from this switch, the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64 is operated to measure the toner remaining amount. The obtained remaining toner amount is written in the printer memory 61 in association with the ID.

Further, during normal operation, the remaining toner amount is appropriately measured.
It is also possible to temporarily store the data in the register 0 of 0 and write the temporarily stored toner remaining amount data to the printer memory 61 when the cartridge removal preparation operation is performed. Further, the method of storing the remaining amount of toner in the memory in the preparation operation for taking out the cartridge can be applied to the one shown in FIG.

In the example using the above-mentioned ID, even if an improper cartridge with refilled toner is set in another printer, it is judged as a new cartridge because it is a new ID for this printer. Then, the normal printing operation is executed. This problem can be prevented by using, together with the ID, usage history information indicating that the ID has been used.

As the usage history information, cartridge ejection information and the printer I assigned to each printer are used.
D (for example, serial number) or the like. Whether or not the cartridge is a new cartridge can be determined depending on whether or not these pieces of information are written in the cartridge memory. In addition, in the case of the printer ID, when the cartridge is set in the printer main body or when it is taken out from the printer main body,
Written to cartridge memory.

FIG. 10 shows an example in which cartridge removal information is used as the usage history information. Similar to the example of FIG. 9, when the cartridge 12 that has run out of toner is taken out, the toner remaining amount is measured, and the obtained toner remaining amount data is written in the printer memory 61. When the amount of remaining toner is zero, cartridge removal information indicating that the cartridge 12 has been removed from the printer body 11 is written in the cartridge memory 65.

When the toner 12 is refilled in the cartridge 12 in which the taken-out information is written and then set in the same printer body 11 as before, the presence or absence of the cartridge memory 65 and the information readability are checked as described above. Be seen. In the case of the same printer body,
As in the example of FIG. 9, since it is determined by the ID verification that the cartridge is a used cartridge, the toner increase amount is checked, and the cartridge is detected as an inappropriate cartridge. It should be noted that whether or not the cartridge is improper may be detected by checking the presence or absence of the take-out information without checking the toner increase amount.

When the improper cartridge 12 with refilled toner is set in another printer main body, it is judged to be a new cartridge by ID collation. However, in this cartridge, since the take-out information is stored in the cartridge memory 65, it is detected that the cartridge is an improper cartridge by checking the presence or absence of the take-out information, and the warning display and the prohibition of the printing operation are detected. Is done. Of course, if there is no take-out information, it is determined that the cartridge is a new and genuine cartridge, and I
After writing D, the printer operates normally.

FIG. 11 shows another example of the toner remaining amount measuring unit. A sound source 70 and a sound collector 71 are mounted inside the top plate 38. When measuring the remaining toner amount,
The sound source 70 generates ultrasonic waves toward the toner 14. A part of this ultrasonic wave is reflected by the surface of the toner 14 and detected by the sound collector 71.

The time from the generation of ultrasonic waves by the sound source 70 to the detection of ultrasonic waves by the sound collector 71 is measured. Since this time is shorter as the remaining amount of the toner 14 is larger, the remaining amount of toner can be obtained from this time. Specifically, it is preferable to prepare a table of time and remaining amount of toner, and refer to this to convert the time into the remaining amount of toner.

The toner remaining amount measuring unit has a dedicated CPU (not shown) for time measurement and toner remaining amount calculation. When using the table, a table memory is also provided. Of course, the dedicated CPU may be omitted, and the CPU 60 of the printer body 11 may perform time measurement and toner remaining amount calculation.

The toner remaining amount measuring unit is built in the cartridge 12, and sends the toner remaining amount data to the printer main body 11 through the electric contact provided on the outer surface thereof. Even if the toner 14 adheres to the sound source 70 or the sound collector 71, this ultrasonic type toner remaining amount measuring unit can measure the remaining amount of toner without being affected by the toner.

FIG. 12 shows a storage medium (CD, floppy,
A program for detecting and prohibiting the use of refill cartridges stored in IC memory, MO, etc.
An example of installation on a U (computer) will be shown. The printer body 80 is connected to a personal computer 81 and prints the character data and image data sent from the computer 81 on a recording paper.

When the procedure for detecting and prohibiting the use of the refill cartridge as shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 7 to 10 is executed, or when the program for giving the function or means is not given to the printer main body 80, In the printer body 80, it is impossible to prevent the use of the cartridge in which the toner is refilled. For such a printer body 80, it is necessary to install a program for prohibiting the detection / use of the refill cartridge.

A storage medium such as a CD 82 has, for example, FIG.
A program for realizing the function shown in the flowchart shown in is stored. This CD82 is a personal computer 8
1 is set in the CD drive (not shown). The computer 81 reads the program stored in the CD 82 and writes the program in the hard disk 83 of the printer body 80.

The CPU 84 of the printer body 80 executes the program written in the hard disk 83 to detect the cartridge in which the toner is refilled as described above, and issues a warning and prohibits use.

The input device 85 is for inputting image data and character data from a scanner, a digital camera or the like. The ROM 86 stores a program for controlling the printing operation of the printing unit 87, a program for image processing, and the like. The RAM 87 is also used to temporarily store data.

The CD 82 may be set directly in the printer body 80 and the necessary programs may be written in the printer body 80. Further, the CD may be used while being set in the printer body 80, and the program read from the CD may be executed to determine the toner refill cartridge.

In the used empty cartridge, the cartridge is collected by the printer manufacturer and recycled. Printer manufacturers disassemble the cartridge, clean it, and inspect each part. Normal parts are reused, and parts that have failed or have expired are returned to the materials for reuse.

If each part is normal and the entire cartridge can be used as it is, genuine toner can be filled. In this case, in the cartridge memory,
In the case of writing data according to the amount of filled toner and storing the ID in the cartridge memory, a new ID
Write. When using the take-out information, this information is erased from the cartridge memory. The one filled with this genuine toner is handled as an appropriate cartridge. Further, when the ID or the information of the remaining amount of toner is using encryption, or when reading or writing of information is protected, the printer manufacturer inputs the encryption,
Alternatively, information is read or rewritten by inputting a secret command for releasing protection.

When the toner amount is increased, it is determined that the cartridge is a toner refill cartridge, but toner 1
Considering that 4 is a freely moving powder, there is a measurement error by the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64, and the like, it is preferable to determine that the toner is refilled when the amount of increase is twice or more.

In some cases, only the cartridge memory has failed. In such a case, it is more convenient to replace only the cartridge memory than to discard the entire cartridge. Therefore, the cartridge memory is preferably removable from the cartridge.

In the above-mentioned example, the toner refilling is checked when the cartridge is loaded while the printer power is on. When the power is turned on after loading the cartridge, the toner refill check is not performed. Therefore, it is good to check even when the printer power is turned on. Reasonably, it is preferable to check the toner refilling when the cartridge is loaded with the printer powered on and when the printer is powered on with the cartridge loaded. Of course, the check of the toner refilling may be performed at an appropriate time, for example, when the remaining toner amount is measured during the printer operation.

Although the above-mentioned example is a process cartridge, the present invention can be applied to a toner cartridge containing only toner. Furthermore , the present invention
The ink cartridge containing the ink for ink jet printer, a ribbon cartridge containing an ink ribbon for dot printers, be applied to a ribbon cartridge or the like which houses an ink ribbon for a thermal printer
Good. Further, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile and a copying machine in addition to the printer.

[0118]

As described in detail above, the present invention is
The remaining amount of consumables measured last time is compared with the remaining amount measured this time to determine whether the amount of consumables has been increased. Can be detected.

Further, according to the present invention, since the expendable supplies are actually measured, the remaining amount can be accurately measured. Furthermore, when a consumables refillable cartridge is detected, a warning is displayed and printing is prohibited, so that it is possible to reliably prevent the use of an improper cartridge in which the consumables are refilled.

Further, according to the present invention, since the information of the remaining amount at the time of the previous measurement is written in the storage means, it cannot be easily repaired and made reusable like an electromagnetic brake. If this information is encrypted or a special reading procedure is adopted to protect the information, the refilling of consumables can be prevented more reliably.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electrophotographic printer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lower cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a cartridge in which an upper cartridge and a lower cartridge are assembled.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an electrophotographic printer.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an example of a toner remaining amount measuring unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example in which a remaining toner amount is written in a cartridge memory.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example in which an ID is stored in a cartridge memory and a remaining toner amount is written in a printer memory.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of writing the remaining amount of toner in a printer memory when a cartridge is taken out.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of writing cartridge removal information in a cartridge memory.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a toner remaining amount measuring unit of an ultrasonic distance measuring method.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of installing a detection / use prohibition program for a refill cartridge stored in a CD into a printer body.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Printer 11 Printer body 12 cartridges 13 Toner chamber 14 Toner 32 upper cartridge 33 Lower cartridge 75 line light source 76 line sensor 80 Printer body 82 CD

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI G03G 15/08 507H (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/08 507 G03G 15/08 112 G03G 15/08 114 G03G 21/00 510 G03G 21/16

Claims (27)

(57) [Claims] 1. A measuring unit for measuring a remaining amount of toner contained in a cartridge set to be replaceable in an image forming apparatus, and a remaining amount provided in the cartridge and measured by the measuring unit. Storage means for storing
The present remaining amount measured by the measuring unit is compared with the previous remaining amount read from the storage unit, and when the remaining amount is increased, it is determined that the cartridge is the inappropriate cartridge in which the toner is refilled. An apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge, comprising: 2. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising means for inhibiting an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the improper cartridge is the improper cartridge. 3. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a warning when it is determined that the improper cartridge is the improper cartridge. Wherein a means for determining whether the storage means to the cartridge is provided, when the storage means is not provided claims 1 and judging that the improper cartridge 3 The device for detecting an improper cartridge according to any one of the above. Wherein said determination of improper cartridge, the cartridge is improper cartridge detecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that which is performed when it is set in the image forming apparatus. The remaining amount of wherein said toner cartridge when taken out from the image forming apparatus, the detection apparatus of improper cartridge of claims 1 to 5, wherein any one, characterized in that written in the storage means. 7. A cartridge-side storage means for storing identification information for identifying the cartridge, the cartridge-side storage means being provided in the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and the remaining amount of the toner stored in the cartridge. A means for measuring, a device side storage means for storing the remaining amount measured by the measuring means together with the identification information, and a device side storage means based on the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the identification information. A means for comparing the read remaining amount with the previous amount and, when the remaining amount is increasing, determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner is refilled ,
Further, the cartridge side storage means is provided.
A means for judging whether or not the cartridge side is provided
If the storage means is not provided, the incorrect cartridge
A device for detecting an improper cartridge, which is characterized in that it is determined to be a fault. 8. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 7 , further comprising means for inhibiting an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the improper cartridge is the improper cartridge. 9. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising display means for displaying a warning when it is determined that the improper cartridge is the improper cartridge. 10. The determination of the inappropriate cartridge is performed when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus, and the remaining amount of the toner is stored in the apparatus-side storage unit when the cartridge is taken out of the image forming apparatus. 10. The device for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 7 , wherein the detection device is written in the cartridge. 11. A replaceable measure the remaining amount of toner stored in the set in a cartridge in an image forming apparatus, a remaining amount of the toner measured this time, the previously measured, the
The remaining amount of toner stored in the storage means provided in the cartridge is compared, and when the remaining amount of toner is increasing, it is determined that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the toner is refilled. Incorrect cartridge detection method. 12. A cartridge, which is detachably set in an image forming apparatus and contains a predetermined amount of toner at the time of manufacture, is used as information for detecting that the cartridge is unsuitable for use in the image forming apparatus. A cartridge provided with a storage means for storing the remaining amount of toner or identification information of the cartridge. 13. A function of causing a measuring unit to measure the remaining amount of toner contained in a cartridge set to be replaceable in an image forming apparatus, and a remaining amount obtained by the measuring unit being stored in the cartridge. The function of storing in the storage means provided is compared with the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the previous remaining amount read from the storing means, and when the remaining amount is increased, the toner is refilled. A storage medium that stores a program for realizing, by a computer of the image forming apparatus, a function of determining that the cartridge is an inappropriate cartridge. 14. A function of reading identification information for identifying each cartridge from a cartridge-side storage means in the cartridge that is set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and a residual amount of toner stored in the cartridge. A function of causing the measuring means to measure, a function of storing the remaining amount obtained by the measuring means in the device-side storage means in the image forming apparatus together with the identification information, and a remaining amount of the current time measured by the measuring means. And a previous remaining amount read from the device side storage means based on the identification information, and when the remaining amount is increased, it is determined that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which toner is refilled. Further, it is determined whether or not the storage means is provided in the cartridge, and when the storage means is not provided, it is determined as an inappropriate cartridge. Storage medium storing a program for realizing the functions and that the computer of the image forming apparatus. 15. A cartridge having a toner storage chamber for storing toner used for image recording, a storage unit for storing the remaining amount of toner, and a printing unit for forming an image on recording paper, which are set to be replaceable. In addition, the means for measuring the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge is compared with the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the previous remaining amount read from the storage means, and when the remaining amount is increased, And an image forming apparatus having means for determining that the cartridge is an unsuitable cartridge in which the toner has been refilled. 16. A toner storage chamber for storing toner used for image recording, and a first storage unit for storing cartridge identification information.
A cartridge having a storage means, a print unit for forming an image on a recording sheet, a unit for measuring the remaining amount of toner in the cartridge set in an exchangeable manner, and the measured remaining amount together with the cartridge identification information. A second storage means for storing the second storage means and a second storage means based on the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the cartridge identification information.
The image forming apparatus includes means for comparing the previous remaining amount read out from the storage means of No. 1, and determining that the cartridge is an inappropriate cartridge with refilled toner when the remaining amount is increased. A system for detecting inappropriate cartridges. 17. A means for measuring the remaining amount of a consumable item stored in a cartridge set to be replaceable in an image forming apparatus, a means for storing the remaining amount obtained by measurement, and the measuring means. By comparing the measured current remaining amount with the previous remaining amount read from the storage means, and when the remaining amount increases, the means for determining that the consumable item is an improper cartridge that has been refilled A device for detecting an improper cartridge, further comprising means for determining whether or not the cartridge is provided with a storage unit, and determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge when the storage unit is not provided. Inappropriate cartridge detection device. 18. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the refill judgment of the consumable item is performed when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus. When 19. is determined that the an improper cartridge, according to claim 17 or 1, characterized in that a means for inhibiting an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus
8. A device for detecting an improper cartridge according to item 8 . 20. Cartridge-side storage means that is provided in a cartridge that is replaceably set in the image forming apparatus and that stores identification information for identifying the cartridge,
A means for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the cartridge, an apparatus-side storage means for storing the remaining amount measured by the measuring means together with the identification information, and a current remaining amount measured by the measuring means. Means for comparing with the previous remaining amount read from the device-side storage means based on the identification information, and determining that the consumable item is an improper cartridge in which the consumable item is refilled when the remaining amount is increased. And a means for determining whether or not the cartridge-side storage means is provided, and the inappropriate cartridge when the cartridge-side storage means is not provided. A device for detecting an improper cartridge, which is characterized in that 21. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 20 , further comprising means for inhibiting an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the improper cartridge is the improper cartridge. 22. wherein when it is determined that the improper cartridge, improper cartridge detecting device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein in that a display means for warning display. 23. As information for detecting that a cartridge, which is detachably set in the image forming apparatus and contains a predetermined amount of consumables at the time of manufacture, is unsuitable for use in the image forming apparatus. A cartridge provided with a storage unit for storing the remaining amount of the consumable item or the identification information of the cartridge. 24. A cartridge having a consumables storage chamber for storing consumables used for image recording, a storage unit for storing the remaining amount of the consumables, and a printing unit for forming an image on recording paper, which are replaceable. The means for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables in the cartridge set in the above is compared with the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the previous remaining amount read from the storage means, and the remaining amount is increased. And an image forming apparatus having means for determining that the consumable item is an improper cartridge in which the consumable item is refilled. 25. A consumables storage chamber for storing consumables used for image recording, and a first storage for cartridge identification information.
A cartridge having a storage unit, a printing unit for forming an image on a recording paper, a unit for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables in the cartridge set in an exchangeable manner, and the measured remaining amount for the cartridge identification information. And a second storage means for storing together with the second storage means based on the present remaining amount measured by the measuring means and the cartridge identification information.
And an image forming apparatus having means for comparing with the previous remaining amount read from the storage means and determining that the consumable item is an improper cartridge in which the consumable item is refilled when the remaining amount increases. An improper cartridge detection system characterized by: 26. Cartridge-side storage means provided in a cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and storing identification information for identifying the cartridge,
A means for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables stored in the cartridge, an apparatus-side storage means for storing the remaining amount measured by the measuring means together with the identification information, and a current remaining amount measured by the measuring means. Means for comparing with the previous remaining amount read from the device-side storage means based on the identification information, and determining that the consumable item is an improper cartridge in which the consumable item is refilled when the remaining amount is increased. And a cartridge-side storage means.
A means for judging whether or not the cartridge side is provided
If the storage means is not provided, the incorrect cartridge
A device for detecting an improper cartridge, which is characterized in that it is determined to be a 27. A function of reading identification information for identifying each cartridge from a cartridge-side storage means in the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and a remaining amount of consumables stored in the cartridge. To the measuring means, to store the remaining amount measured by the measuring means in the apparatus side storage means in the image forming apparatus together with the identification information, and to measure the remaining amount of the current measured by the measuring means. The amount is compared with the previous remaining amount read from the device-side storage means based on the identification information, and when the remaining amount is increased, it is determined that the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which consumables are refilled. And the storage means is provided in the cartridge.
It is determined whether or not the storage means is provided.
A storage medium that stores a program for realizing the function of determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge by the computer of the image forming apparatus.