JP3400963B2 - Inappropriate cartridge detection method and apparatus, 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 relates to consumables (toner,
The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a system for detecting an improper cartridge in which the number of times of refilling of ink or the like) exceeds a predetermined value. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a storage medium that stores a program for detecting an improper cartridge and a cartridge that is used to limit the number of refills of consumables.

Image forming apparatuses such as printers, facsimiles, and copiers use cartridges containing consumables used for image recording. For example, an electrophotographic printer uses a toner cartridge filled with toner as a consumable item. 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.
With this process cartridge, since the photosensitive drum and the like are also replaced at the same time as the toner is replaced, there is an advantage that maintenance is simple and a maintenance contract is not particularly required. Therefore, it is widely used for personal printers and the like. .

The toner cartridge is provided with a toner stirring rod, a magnetic roller and the like, and the process cartridge is provided with a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing roller and the like. For this reason, the cartridge is considerably expensive, and the used cartridge that has run out of toner is often refilled with toner for reuse (recycling).

[0007]

With respect to parts such as the photosensitive drum provided in the cartridge, if the cartridge is used for a long period of time by repeatedly refilling the toner, the performance may deteriorate due to aging, or the parts may not operate normally. To do. Therefore, in order to maintain good print quality, set the life of the cartridge in consideration of the durability of parts,
It is desirable to prevent the use of cartridges that have reached this end of life.

However, since the user cannot know the lifespan of currently available cartridges, it is the actual situation that the cartridges that have reached the end of life are refilled with toner and used as they are.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus and system for detecting an improper cartridge, a storage medium and a cartridge, which can maintain good print quality by limiting the number of refills of consumables. That is the purpose.

The present invention provides an improper cartridge detection method and apparatus, a storage medium and a cartridge, in which use of a cartridge that has reached the end of its life is prevented by limiting the number of refills of consumables. That is the purpose.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improper cartridge detection device according to the present invention comprises means for detecting refilling of consumables contained in a cartridge that is replaceably set in an image forming apparatus, and refilling of the consumables. Means for calculating the number of refills of consumables based on the signal from the detection means, means for storing the obtained number of refills for consumables, and the number of refills for consumables read from this storage means has reached a predetermined value. And a means for determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge.

The consumable item refill detection means is
Measure the remaining amount of consumables and the measured remaining amount of consumables.
Means to write to the storage means and the remaining amount of consumables measured this time
And the remaining amount of the last consumable stored in the storage means.
Means to compare, and if the remaining amount is increasing, packing consumables
And a means for determining that the replacement has been performed.

[0013] Incidentally, it is preferable to provide a means for warning when it is determined that the improper cartridge.

[0014] Incidentally, when it is determined that the improper cartridge, it is preferable that means for inhibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is provided.

It is preferable that the detection of refilling of the consumable item and the determination of the improper cartridge are performed when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus or when the power source of the image forming apparatus is turned on .

The storage means is provided in the cartridge.
May be.

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

Another improper cartridge detection device of the present invention
The storage unit stores the identification information for identifying each cartridge, a cartridge-side storage unit, a unit that detects refilling of the consumables stored in the cartridge, and a unit that stores the consumables based on a signal from the consumables refill detection unit. A means for calculating the number of times of refilling, an apparatus-side storage means for storing the obtained number of times of refilling consumables together with the identification information, and an apparatus side based on the identification information of the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus. It may be constituted by means for determining that the consumable supply refill count read from the storage means reaches a predetermined value as an improper cartridge .

[0019] Incidentally, means may be provided to warn when it is determined that the improper cartridge.

[0020] Incidentally, when it is determined that the improper cartridge may be provided with means for inhibiting the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus.

[0021] Incidentally, the consumable refill detecting means includes means for measuring the remaining amount of consumables, means for writing the remaining amount of the measured consumable device side storage means, and the remaining amount of the current measured consumables It is composed of means for comparing the remaining amount of the previous consumables stored in the device-side storage means and means for determining that the consumables have been refilled when the remaining amount has increased. .

[0022] Incidentally, the determination of consumables refill detection and improper cartridge, when setting the cartridge in the image forming apparatus, or may be performed when the power of the image forming apparatus to ON.

[0023] Incidentally, the means for determining whether the cartridge side storage means is provided arranged, when the cartridge-side storage means is not provided may be determined to be improper cartridge.

Inappropriate cartridge detection method of the present invention
Is a cartridge that can be exchangeably set in the image forming apparatus.
Detects the number of refills of consumables stored in the
However, the number of times this consumable product has been refilled has reached a specified value.
Is determined to be an improper cartridge.
It The number of refills of consumables is detected by measuring the remaining amount of consumables.
Set the measured remaining amount of consumables in the storage means,
The remaining amount of consumables measured twice and stored in the storage means
Compare with the remaining amount of the previous consumables,
It can be determined that the consumables have been refilled when
And by .

[0025] Note that when it is determined that the improper cartridge, an image forming operation of the warning or the image forming apparatus may be prohibited.

[0026] It is also possible to provide a storage means for storing the number refill consumables.

The storage medium of the present invention has a function of detecting the refilling of consumables stored in a cartridge that is replaceably set in the image forming apparatus, a function of calculating the number of times of refilling of the consumables, and this consumption. a function of writing goods refill number in the memory means, a program for the number refill consumables be realized by a computer of an image forming apparatus and a determining function is improper cartridge which has reached the predetermined value is stored And detects refilling of the consumables
The function is to measure the remaining amount of consumables, and
Step of writing the remaining amount of the consumed consumables in the storage means
And the remaining amount of consumables measured this time and stored in the storage means
Compare the remaining amount of the previous consumables
If so, conclude that the consumables have been refilled
And a step.

Another storage medium according to the present invention has a function of reading identification information for identifying each cartridge from the storage means on the cartridge side, and is housed in a cartridge which is exchangeably set in the image forming apparatus. A function to detect the refilling of consumables, a function to calculate the number of refills of consumables, a function to write this number of refills together with identification information in the storage means on the device side, and a number of times to refill the consumables read from the storage means And a function for determining that the cartridge has reached a predetermined value as an improper cartridge, a program for realizing the computer of the image forming apparatus is stored , the function of detecting the refill of the consumables,
The step of measuring the remaining amount of consumables, and the
The step of writing the remaining amount in the storage means and the measurement this time
The remaining amount of consumables and the previous consumption stored in the storage means.
Compare the remaining amount of the product, and if the remaining amount is increasing, erase
From the steps to determine that the consumables have been refilled
It is characterized by being configured.

The improper cartridge detection system of the present invention comprises a cartridge and an image forming apparatus, and the cartridge stores a consumables storage chamber for storing the consumables used for image recording and the number of refills of the consumables. A storage unit is provided, and the image forming apparatus includes a print unit that forms an image on a recording sheet, a unit that detects refilling of consumable items in a replaceably set cartridge, and a unit that detects the refilling unit. A means for calculating the number of refills of consumables based on the signal, a means for writing the obtained number of refills for consumables in the storage means, and a means for reading the number of refills of consumables read from the storage means reaching a predetermined value. Means for determining the proper cartridge is provided.

Another improper cartridge detection system of the present invention comprises a cartridge and an image forming apparatus, and the cartridge stores a consumable storage chamber for storing a consumable used for image recording and cartridge identification information. A first storage unit is provided, and the image forming apparatus includes a printing unit that forms an image on a recording sheet, a unit that detects refilling of consumable items in a cartridge that is set to be replaceable,
Means for calculating the number of refills of consumables based on the signal from the refill detection means, second storage means for storing the number of refills of consumables together with cartridge identification information, and read from the second storage means And a means for determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge when the number of times the consumables are refilled has reached a predetermined value.

The consumable goods refill detection means includes means for measuring the remaining quantity of the consumable goods stored in the consumable goods storage chamber, and means for writing the measured remaining quantity of the consumable goods in the storage means or the second storage means. , A means for comparing the remaining amount of the consumable item measured this time with the previous remaining amount of the consumable item stored in the storage means or the second storage means, and when the remaining amount is increasing, refilling the consumable item And means for determining that
It is a thing.

[0032]

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 is attached to the outer circumference of the rotating developing roller 17. While the toner 14 is attached to the developing roller 17 and conveyed, the toner 14 passes through the regulation blade 28 (see FIG. 4). At the time of this passage, the toner 14 is charged to the opposite polarity to the photosensitive drum 15 due to friction with the regulation blade 28. When the toner 14 is conveyed to the photosensitive drum 15, it is attracted to the photosensitive drum 15 by electrostatic force, so that the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 15 is visualized as a toner image.

The toner image moves to the transfer position by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 15. 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 on 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 certain 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. The cap 37 is covered with the lower cartridge 33. 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, a photosensitive drum 15 and a 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 performs a sequence control of each part of the printer 10 and also executes a predetermined procedure for refilling toner. The procedure for toner refilling is to detect toner refilling, calculate the number of refills (recycle count), write the obtained refill count to memory, calculate and display the remaining refill count, and reach the predetermined number of refills. There is a judgment as to whether it is an improper cartridge, a warning for improper cartridge, and printing prohibition.

When the toner refilling is detected, the toner 14 in the toner chamber 13 is measured at an appropriate timing.
The obtained remaining amount of toner is written in the memory and compared with the previous remaining amount of toner read from the memory to determine whether the toner has increased. If the amount of toner is increased, it is determined that the toner is being refilled.

The display 63 displays the remaining number of refills that can be refilled, and indicates that an improper cartridge is improper, that the cartridge should be replaced with a proper cartridge, and that printing is prohibited. . The display 63 is provided on the outer surface of the printer body 11 together with an operation panel (not shown). It should be noted that the display device may be a device for displaying by voice as well as a device for displaying visually like a liquid crystal display.

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 measuring unit. Information such as the remaining amount of toner measured at 64 and the number of refills of toner is stored. As this ID, a number, a character, a symbol, or a combination thereof is used.

A password can be used to read or write information such as the ID, the remaining amount of toner, and the number of refills, the information can be encrypted, or a secret command can be used to read the information, so that the refiller can read the information. It is better to protect it so that it cannot be rewritten. Of course, the printer manufacturer can cancel the protection of the information and read or rewrite the information.

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

In the memory (hereinafter, referred to as a cartridge memory) 65, when the ID is not given to the cartridge, information such as the toner remaining amount measured by the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64 and the number of refills is written. Information indicating a predetermined toner remaining amount is written in a new cartridge at the time of manufacturing. When an ID is given to each cartridge, the ID is written at the time of manufacture instead of the remaining toner amount and the number of refills. It is preferable to protect the above information as well.

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 includes 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 plurality of photo sensors 76a arranged in a line or a line image sensor such as a CCD is used.

When measuring the remaining amount of toner, 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 amount of remaining 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 unit 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.

The cartridge itself is responsible for measuring the remaining toner amount, writing the obtained remaining toner amount into the cartridge memory 65, detecting toner refilling, calculating the refilling number, and writing the refilling number into the cartridge memory 65. You may go to In this case, the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64 is provided in the cartridge 12. Further, the cartridge 12 is provided with a dedicated CPU for controlling the lighting of the linear light source 75, calculating the remaining amount of toner, calculating the number of refills, writing data to the cartridge memory 65, and the like.

FIG. 7 shows an example of detecting refilling of toner by comparing the remaining toner amount read from the cartridge memory 65 with the toner remaining amount measured this time. To load the cartridge 12 into the cartridge chamber (not shown) of the printer body 11, first, the lid of the cartridge chamber is opened. When the cartridge 12 is completely loaded in the cartridge chamber, the cartridge memory 65 is filled with CP.
U60 connected to the photosensitive drum 15 and the charging roller 1
6 and 6 are connected to the charging circuit of the printing unit 62. After loading the cartridge 12, the lid is closed.

When the printer power is turned on, the CPU 60 checks the presence / absence of the cartridge memory 65. In the cartridge memory 65, a flag indicating the presence of the cartridge memory is written in addition to the data of the remaining amount of toner and the number of refills. When the flag can be read, the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge is a genuine cartridge provided by the printer manufacturer. It should be noted that by using a special protocol, it is preferable that the flag cannot be read if the cartridge memory is present but the cartridge is not a regular cartridge provided by the printer manufacturer.

If the cartridge is not a regular cartridge, the cartridge memory 65 may not be provided. With such a cartridge, the flag cannot be read. The same applies when the flag cannot be read even if there is the cartridge memory 65. If the cartridge is not a regular cartridge, the toner is refilled a predetermined number of times and treated as an improper cartridge that has reached the end of its life, 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 previous toner remaining amount data measured by the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64 is written in the cartridge memory 65.

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 60 compares the measured current toner remaining amount with the toner remaining amount read from the cartridge memory 65, and determines whether refilling by replenishing the toner 14 has been performed.

If the remaining amount of toner measured this time is larger than the previous remaining amount of toner read from the cartridge memory 65, the CPU 60 determines that the toner has been refilled. If the two are the same or the current remaining toner amount is smaller, it is determined that the toner is not refilled.

When the CPU 60 detects the toner refilling, the CPU 60 adds 1 to the toner number N stored in the cartridge memory 65 to obtain the obtained refilling number (N +
1) is written in the cartridge memory 65. Next, CP
U60 determines whether the updated refill count N has reached a predetermined value K that represents the limit of the toner refill count.

When the number of times N of refilling reaches the predetermined value K, it is determined that the cartridge has reached the end of its life and is an improper cartridge. For this improper cartridge, a warning is issued that it is improper, the print quality is deteriorated, and a proper cartridge should be loaded. Furthermore, CPU
Reference numeral 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.

Parts such as the photosensitive drum and the developing roller deteriorate with time due to use. Since this deterioration over time is correlated with the amount of toner consumed, it can be predicted from the number of refills of toner. Therefore, the number of times of toner refilling, in which the parts deteriorate over time and the life of the cartridge is reached, is experimentally obtained, and this is set as a predetermined value K. This predetermined value K is 2 or 3 in a normal cartridge.

Further, since the number of times of toner refilling is limited, as a result, there is a real benefit of regulating unregulated toner refilling by a toner refilling company and securing profits for printer manufacturers. Also, for cartridges designed so that parts such as the photosensitive drum reach the end of life when the toner is used up, in order to maintain the desired print quality, prohibiting the use of cartridges with refilled toner is prohibited. Good. However, some users may refill the toner without knowing that the toner refilling is inappropriate. If the user cannot use the cartridge in which the toner is refilled, the user will be wasted money. In this case, if the predetermined value K is set to 2, it is possible to use a cartridge in which toner is refilled by mistake, which is convenient for the user.

On the other hand, when the toner refill count N is smaller than the predetermined value K, the CPU 60 determines that the cartridge is an appropriate cartridge whose life has not reached its end, and the printing unit 62.
Allows the printing operation of. When there is a print request from a personal computer or the like, the CPU 60 sequence-controls the print unit 62 and records an image or a 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 CPU 6
0 drives the display 63 to display the replacement of the cartridge due to the toner exhaustion. 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. Also, the CPU 60
Indicates the remaining number of times (KN) that can be refilled.
To display. This allows the user to
It is possible to know whether 2 has reached the end of life, or the remaining number of times toner can be refilled.

When replacing the cartridge 12, the lid of the cartridge chamber is opened and then the empty cartridge 12 is taken out. Next, the seal tape is peeled off from the new cartridge to open the toner supply port 13a.
When the toner outlet 13a is opened, the toner 14 in the toner chamber 13 can be supplied to the developing roller 17.

When a lid of the cartridge chamber is closed after loading a new cartridge into the cartridge chamber, a signal from a switch (not shown) for detecting the closing of the lid causes the CPU 60 to determine that the cartridge 12 is set. to decide. Next, the CPU 60 checks the presence / absence of the cartridge memory 65, checks the amount of toner increase, checks the number of refills, etc., as described above. When the power is turned off, the sequence control of the CPU 60 ends.

The empty cartridge is sent to a printer maker or a toner refilling company to refill the toner. When refilling the toner, the locking claw 40 is removed from the engagement hole 56, the locking claw 41 is removed from the locking projection 57, and the cartridge 12 is disassembled into the upper cartridge 32 and the 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 the toner is replenished, the upper cartridge 32 and the lower cartridge 33 are assembled, and the assembled cartridge 12 is packaged and shipped to the user.

When the toner-refilled cartridge 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 the toner remaining amount data immediately before toner refilling. On the other hand, the current remaining toner amount measured by the remaining toner amount measuring unit 64 is data that indicates almost full amount. Therefore, since the current remaining toner amount is larger, the CPU 60 determines that the toner has been refilled.

When the toner refill is detected, the number of refills is increased by 1 as described above. Then, it is determined whether or not the cartridge is a proper cartridge by determining whether or not the number N of times of refilling has reached a predetermined value K. Warnings and print prohibitions are issued for improper cartridges.

In the print-prohibited state, the printer 10 does not execute the print operation even when a print request is issued from a personal computer or the like, and therefore the use of an improper cartridge that has reached the end of its life is prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality due to improper use of the cartridge.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the measurement and the 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 and the number of refills are stored in the printer memory 61 together with the ID. When the power of the printer body 11 is turned on, the CPU 60 checks the presence / absence of the cartridge memory 65 according to the procedure described above. If the cartridge memory 65 is not provided, it is determined that the cartridge is not a genuine cartridge.

Next, from the cartridge memory 65, the ID
Is read. Use encryption as ID,
Or by using a special protocol, even if the cartridge memory 6
Even if 5 is provided, the ID cannot be read. In these cases, a warning is displayed and the printing operation is prohibited.

Next, the read ID is collated.
In this collation, first, it is checked from the data format of the ID whether it is a regular ID. 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 or not the cartridge has been set in the printer main body 11.

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 out from the printer memory 61 with the toner remaining amount measured this time, and if the toner remaining amount increases, it is determined that the toner has been refilled. . In this case, the number of refills stored in the printer memory 61 together with the ID is read out and updated with a value obtained by adding "1" to this. Next, it is judged whether the cartridge is an improper cartridge in which the number N of refills has reached a predetermined value K, and a warning and print prohibition are made to the improper cartridge. In addition, the use prohibition information is written in the cartridge memory 65 for the improper cartridge.

On the other hand, this cartridge 12 is used in a cartridge in which it is determined by checking the remaining amount of toner that the remaining amount of toner has not increased, or the number of times N of refilling has not reached the predetermined value K. The normal printing operation can be performed.

If it is determined by the ID collation described above that the ID is new, it is checked whether or not the use prohibition information is written in the cartridge memory 65. As a result, it is possible to prevent an improper cartridge whose refill frequency has reached a predetermined value from being set in another printer and used. In other words, another printer determines that the cartridge is a new cartridge that has not been refilled because it has a new ID. However, use of the use prohibition information avoids such an erroneous determination.

The cartridge to which the use prohibition information is not given is regarded as a new cartridge, and 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.

During normal operation of the printer 10, the remaining amount of toner is appropriately measured. If the toner runs out, the display 63 displays the cartridge replacement. Further, the display 63 also displays the number of times the toner can be refilled.

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. When a new cartridge is set after removing the cartridge, the cartridge is inspected as described above. Power off
Then, the sequence control of the PU 60 ends.

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.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the toner remaining amount measuring unit. Inside the top plate 38, the sound source 70 and the sound collector 7
It is attached as 1. At the time of measuring the toner remaining amount, the sound source 70 generates ultrasonic waves toward the toner 14. Part of this ultrasonic wave is reflected by the surface of the toner 14 and collected by the sound collector 7.
1 is detected.

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 section 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. 10 shows a storage medium (CD, floppy,
A program for detecting and prohibiting the use of improper cartridges stored in IC memory, MO, etc.
An example of installation on (computer) is 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.

In the case where the procedure for judging the inappropriate cartridge and prohibiting the use as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 or 8 is executed, or when the program for giving the function or means is not given to the printer main body 80 In this printer body 80, it is impossible to prevent the use of an improper cartridge. For such a printer body 80, it is necessary to install a program for prohibiting the detection / use of an improper 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 improper cartridge as described above, and gives 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 88 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 improper cartridge.

If the amount of toner is increased, it is determined that the toner has been refilled, but the toner 14 is a freely moving powder, and there is a measurement error by the toner remaining amount measuring unit 64. In consideration of the above, 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 is defective. 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 detected from the toner increase check. However, the cartridge is provided with a measuring means for measuring the physical property value of the consumable product (reflection density, resistance value, etc.). It may be determined that the consumable item has been refilled when the item has changed. Further, in the case where the cartridge needs to be disassembled for refilling the toner, it is possible to determine that the consumable item has been refilled by detecting the presence or absence of the disassembly.

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

[0108]

As described in detail above, the present invention is
By limiting the number of times the consumables are refilled, it is possible to prevent the cartridge that has reached the end of its life from being used repeatedly, so that it is possible to prevent deterioration of print quality due to deterioration of the performance of the parts.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately judge the refilling of the consumables because the refilling of the consumables is judged by detecting the increase of the consumables.

Further, according to the present invention, the number of refills is written in the storage means, and when the number of refills reaches the limit value, a warning is given and the printing operation is prohibited. The cartridge will not be repaired and ready for use. If this information is encrypted or a special reading procedure is adopted to protect the information, the use of the improper cartridge is surely prohibited.

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

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a program for prohibiting detection / use of an improper cartridge stored in a CD is installed in the 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

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --- Continuation of front page (56) Reference JP-A-9-114334 (JP, A) JP-A-5-224479 (JP, A) JP-A-64-57272 (JP, A) JP-A-2000-326518 (JP, A) JP 2001-100530 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/08 507 G03G 15/08 112 G03G 21/00 510 G03G 21/16

Claims (18)

(57) [Claims] 1. A means for detecting refilling of a consumable item stored in a cartridge that is set to be replaceable in an image forming apparatus, and a number of refilling of the consumable item is calculated based on a signal from the consumable item refilling detecting means. Means, a means for storing the obtained consumables refill count, and a means for determining that the consumable refill count read from the storage means has reached a predetermined value is an improper cartridge, The consumable goods refill detection means stores means for measuring the remaining quantity of the consumable goods, means for writing the measured remaining quantity of the consumable goods in the storage means, and the remaining quantity of the consumable goods measured this time and the storage means. Inappropriate, characterized by comprising means for comparing the remaining amount of the consumables at the previous time and means for determining that the consumables have been refilled when the remaining amount has increased. Cartridge detection device. 2. A means for issuing a warning when it is determined that the cartridge is an improper cartridge is provided.
Incorrect cartridge detection device described. 3. 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 an improper cartridge. 4. The refilling detection of the consumable item and the determination of an improper cartridge are performed when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus or when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. 3. An improper cartridge detection device according to any one of 1 to 3. 5. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is provided in the cartridge. 6. A cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising means for judging whether or not the cartridge is provided with a storage means, and determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge when the storage means is not provided. Incorrect cartridge detection device. 7. A cartridge-side storage unit for storing identification information for identifying each cartridge, a unit for detecting refilling of consumable items stored in the cartridge, and an exhaustion unit based on a signal from the expendable item refill detecting unit. Based on the means for calculating the number of refills of the article, the device-side storage means for storing the obtained number of refills of the consumables together with the identification information, and the identification information of the cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus. The consumables refilling detection unit measures the remaining amount of the consumables, which is determined as an improper cartridge when the consumables refill count read from the device-side storage unit has reached a predetermined value. Means, a means for writing the measured remaining amount of the consumables in the device-side storage means, and a previously measured remaining amount of the consumables and the previous time stored in the device-side storage means. Of the consumable item, and when the remaining amount is increasing, it is determined that the consumable item has been refilled. Detection device. 8. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising means for issuing a warning when it is determined that the improper cartridge is an improper cartridge. 9. The apparatus for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising means for prohibiting an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the improper cartridge is an improper cartridge. 10. The refilling detection of the consumable item and the determination of the improper cartridge are performed when the cartridge is set in the image forming apparatus or when the power of the image forming apparatus is turned on. 7. An improper cartridge detection device according to any one of 7 to 9. 11. An eraser comprising: a means for determining whether or not the cartridge-side storage means is provided, and determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge when the cartridge-side storage means is not provided. 11. An improper cartridge detection device according to any one of 7 to 10. 12. The remaining amount of consumables stored in a cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus is measured,
The measured remaining amount of the consumable item is written in the storage means, the remaining amount of the consumable item measured this time is compared with the previous remaining amount of the consumable item stored in the storage unit, and the remaining amount is increased. When the consumables are refilled, the number of refills of the consumables is detected, and when the number of refills of the consumables reaches a predetermined value, the cartridge is determined to be an improper cartridge. And a method for detecting an improper cartridge. 13. The method for detecting an improper cartridge according to claim 12, wherein a warning is issued or the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is prohibited when it is determined that the improper cartridge is an improper cartridge. 14. A cartridge, which is set to be replaceable in an image forming apparatus and stores a predetermined amount of consumables at the time of manufacture, is provided with a storage means for storing the number of refills of the consumables. The writing of the number of times of refilling into the means is performed by the writing means provided in the cartridge main body or the writing means provided in the image forming apparatus, and further, the replenishment of the consumables is performed in the storage means.
As information to detect whether or not the
A cartridge characterized in that the remaining amount or identification information of the cartridge is stored . 15. A function of detecting refilling of consumables stored in a cartridge that is replaceably set in an image forming apparatus, a function of calculating the number of refills of consumables, and the number of refilling of consumables is stored. A storage medium that stores a program for implementing the function of writing to the means and the function of determining that the cartridge whose consumables refill count has reached a predetermined value as an inappropriate cartridge by a computer of the image forming apparatus, The function of detecting the refilling of the consumable goods includes a step of measuring the remaining quantity of the consumable goods, a step of writing the measured remaining quantity of the consumable goods in the storage means, a remaining quantity of the consumable goods measured this time, and a storage means. Comparing with the previously stored remaining amount of the consumables, when the remaining amount is increasing, it is determined that the consumables have been refilled. Storage medium characterized and. 16. A function of reading identification information for identifying each cartridge from the cartridge-side storage means, and a function of detecting refilling of consumables contained in a cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus. A function of calculating the number of refills of consumables, and a function of writing the number of refills together with identification information in the device-side storage means,
A storage medium that stores a program for implementing a computer of an image forming apparatus that has a function of determining that the consumable refill count read from the apparatus-side storage means has reached a predetermined value is an improper cartridge. Then, the function of detecting the refilling of the consumable goods includes a step of measuring the remaining quantity of the consumable goods, a step of writing the measured remaining quantity of the consumable goods in the storage means, and a remaining quantity of the consumable goods measured this time. Comparing with the last remaining amount of consumables stored in the storage means, when the remaining amount is increasing, it is determined that the consumables have been refilled. Storage medium. 17. A cartridge having a consumables storage chamber for storing consumables used for image recording, a storage unit for storing the number of refills of the consumables, and a print unit for forming an image on recording paper, which are replaceable. Means for detecting the refilling of the consumables of the cartridge set in, the means for calculating the number of refills of the consumables based on the signal from the refilling detection means, and the means for writing the obtained consumables refilling frequency in the storage means And an image forming apparatus having a unit for determining that the consumable item refill count read from the storage unit has reached a predetermined value as an improper cartridge, and the unit for detecting the refill of the consumable item is A means for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables, a means for writing the remaining amount of the measured consumables in the storage means, and a memory for storing the remaining amount of the consumables measured this time in the storage means The present invention is characterized in that it comprises means for comparing the remaining amount of the consumables used last time, and means for determining that the consumables have been refilled when the remaining amount has increased. Appropriate cartridge detection system. 18. A consumables storage chamber for storing consumables used for image recording, and a first storage for cartridge identification information.
Of the consumables based on a signal from the refill detection means, a cartridge having a storage means of Second means for calculating the number of times of refilling, and secondly storing the number of times of refilling of this consumable item together with cartridge identification information
And an image forming apparatus that determines that the cartridge is an improper cartridge when the consumables refill count read from the second storage means has reached a predetermined value. The means for detecting refilling are stored in the storage means, the means for measuring the remaining amount of the consumables, the means for writing the measured remaining amount of the consumables in the storage means, and the remaining amount of the consumables measured this time and the storage means. An improper cartridge characterized by including means for comparing the remaining amount of the previous consumables present and means for determining that the consumables have been refilled when the remaining amount is increasing. Detection system.