JP4310011B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention generally relates to an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system.In particular,A cartridge that can be mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, that is, a process cartridge, a developing device formed into a cartridge, etc.ofImage forming apparatus for determining a cartridge leaving period using a storage unit mounted on the cartridgeIn placeIt is related.
[0002]
Here, examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile apparatus, and an electrophotographic word processor.
[0003]
The cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging unit that charges the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing unit that supplies a developer to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a cleaning unit that cleans the electrophotographic photosensitive member. This means at least one of the cleaning means for cleaning. In particular, the process cartridge is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit, and a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In other words, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
[0004]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser beam printer uses, for example, a charging means (charging roller) in which a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum) has a roller shape. After charging uniformly, the surface is irradiated with light corresponding to image information to form a latent image, and then this latent image is provided with a developer carrier (development, for example, in the form of a sleeve provided in the developing means). The developer (including toner) in the developer accommodating portion is supplied using a sleeve) to visualize the image, and the image is further transferred from the photoreceptor to the recording medium to form an image on the recording medium. Further, the surface of the photosensitive drum after the transfer is removed by a cleaning blade provided in the cleaning means.
[0005]
In such an image forming apparatus, the electrophotographic photosensitive member and developing means as process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member for the purpose of exchanging consumables such as the electrophotographic photosensitive member and developer and simplifying maintenance. In addition, there is a process cartridge system in which a charging unit, a cleaning unit, a developer storage unit, a waste developer container, and the like are integrated as a process cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself / herself without depending on the service person, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses.
[0006]
Also, for example, in a color image forming apparatus having a plurality of color developing means, when each developing means is consumed differently or when the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing means are consumed, that is, when the lifetime is different, etc. The developing means or the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be individually replaced and maintained so that, for example, the developing means and the developer accommodating portion of each color developing cartridge, the cleaning means, the waste developer container, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member can be maintained. In some cases, the photosensitive drum cartridge or the like in which the cartridge is integrally formed into a cartridge is individually formed into a cartridge.
[0007]
In the above-described cartridge detachable image forming apparatus, when the developer runs out or the electrophotographic photosensitive member is scraped, the user can obtain a good image output again by replacing the cartridge. .
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the cartridge starts to be used, the cartridge is taken out of the sealed packing material, and further, the developer seal that has sealed the developer in the developer storage portion is removed, and the influence of the external environment is thereby removed. Depending on the environment, if left unattended for a long time compared to unused packaging,
The developer on the developing sleeve exposed from the developing device absorbs moisture or dries, causing image density reduction and image density unevenness.
When the cleaning blade is left in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum, a horizontal streak image with the rotation period of the photosensitive drum is generated.
・ A horizontal streak of the rotation cycle of the charging roller is generated due to deformation of the pressure contact portion of the charging roller.
Such problems may occur.
[0009]
On the other hand, the image forming apparatus rotates the photosensitive drum and the developing sleeve idly, develops a certain amount of developer, and rotates the charging roller while being energized for a certain period of time when returning after standing. A return operation is being performed.
[0010]
However, since it is not known how long it has been left in the past, regardless of whether this return operation is necessary or not, image formation such as when the image forming apparatus is turned on or when the door that is the cartridge insertion opening is opened or closed. This is done every time there is a possibility that a cartridge to be mounted on the apparatus main body is left unattended.
[0011]
Also, it is necessary to perform a sufficient amount of the operation so that it is effective for a certain period of time. For this reason, when the number of images to be formed per day is small and the power is frequently turned on / off, the ratio of the return operation to the actual image forming operation is high, and the cartridge is inserted earlier than expected by the user. There is a problem that the life is reached. This invention is made | formed in view of the subject which concerns.
[0012]
  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of determining a leaving period of a cartridge or a cartridge component.PlaceIs to provide.
[0013]
  Another object of the present invention is to determine a leaving period of a cartridge or a cartridge component, determine the necessity or content of a returning operation after leaving according to the period, and return operation after leaving at an appropriate time and amount. By performing the above, image formation that can always obtain a good image without sufficiently depleting the cartridge due to execution of an unnecessary return operation, and can sufficiently form an image as much as the original image formable amount of the cartridge is possible. DressPlaceIs to provide.
[0014]
  Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to determine the leaving period of a cartridge or a cartridge component even when the cartridge is taken out from the image forming apparatus during use and left as it is. Image forming equipment that can be obtainedPlaceIs to provide.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The above object is achieved by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In summary, according to the present invention,Image carrier and developing member for developing an image on the image carrierWhen,Storage means for storing information;,An image forming apparatus in which a cartridge havingThe storage means stores a use date of the image carrier and a use date of the developing member,Based on the information stored in the storage means,An image carrier orSaidDevelopment memberControl means for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus using,The control means includes theImage carrierWith the date of useThe image carrierCalculated the period of neglected without usingThe image carrier was left without being used.The period is longer than the first period, andAboveIf shorter than the second period longer than the first period,The image carrier is driven without developing an image on the image carrier by the developing member.Perform adjustment operationLetCalculatedThe image carrier was left without being used.If the period is greater than or equal to the second period,The image is developed on the image carrier by the developing member, and the developer is consumed.Perform return operationLet,Further, the control means calculates a period of time when the developing member is not used by using a date of use of the developing member, and a period of time when the image carrier is not used is shorter than the first period. And when the calculated period when the developing member is not used is longer than the first period, the second return that consumes a smaller amount of developer than the developer consumed in the first return operation. Control to perform actionsAn image forming apparatus is provided.
[0017]
  Of the present inventiononeAccording to an embodiment, saidFirstReturn operation orIs the second return operationAfter performing, the said memorize | stored in the said memory | storage meansImage carrierThe date of use and the aboveDevelopment memberIf the adjustment date is updated and the adjustment operation is performed, theImage carrierUpdate only the usage date of.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described.PlaceThis will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
Example 1
First, an embodiment of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which a process cartridge constructed according to the present invention can be mounted will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic laser beam printer A, receives image information from a host computer, and records a recording medium such as a recording paper, an OHP sheet, by an electrophotographic image forming process. An image is formed on a cloth or the like.
[0026]
The laser beam printer A has a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member, that is, a photosensitive drum 1. The photosensitive drum 1 is charged by a charging roller 2 that is a charging unit, and then a laser beam L corresponding to the image information is irradiated from the laser scanner 3, whereby a latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 1. It is formed. This latent image is developed by the developing means 5 to be a visible image, that is, a toner image.
[0027]
That is, the developing means 5 has a developing chamber 5A provided with a developing roller 5a as a developer carrying member, and in the developer containing container 4 as a developer containing portion formed adjacent to the developing chamber 5A. The developer T is supplied to the developing roller 5a in the developing chamber 5A. In the developer storage container 4, a stirring means 15 that rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 is provided. By rotating the stirring means 15, the developer T is loosened and supplied to the developing roller 5a. The In this embodiment, as the developer T, an insulating magnetic one-component toner is used. The developing roller 5a has a built-in fixed magnet 5b. When the developing roller 5a is rotated, the developer is conveyed, and a triboelectric charge is applied by the developing blade 5c which is a developer layer thickness regulating member. At the same time, the developer layer has a predetermined thickness and is supplied to the development area of the photosensitive drum 1. The developer supplied to the development area is transferred to a latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 to form a toner image. The developing roller 5a is connected to a developing bias circuit, and normally, a developing bias voltage in which a DC voltage is superimposed on an AC voltage is applied.
[0028]
On the other hand, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium P set in the paper feed cassette 200 is conveyed to the transfer position via the pickup roller 8 and the conveying means 9A. At the transfer position, a transfer roller 6 as transfer means is disposed, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the recording medium P by applying a voltage.
[0029]
The recording medium P that has received the transfer of the toner image is conveyed to the fixing unit 10 by the conveying unit 9B. The fixing unit 10 includes a fixing roller 10b including a heater 10a and a driving roller 10c, and fixes the transferred toner image on the recording medium P by applying heat and pressure to the recording medium P passing therethrough.
[0030]
The recording medium P is discharged to the discharge tray 14 by the transport unit 9C. The discharge tray 14 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 100 of the laser beam printer A.
[0031]
After the toner image is transferred to the recording medium P by the transfer roller 6, the photosensitive drum 1 is subjected to the next image forming process after the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaning means 7. The cleaning means 7 scrapes off the residual developer on the photosensitive drum 1 by an elastic cleaning blade 7 a provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 and collects it in a waste developer container 7 b.
[0032]
On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge B includes a developer storage container (developer storage unit) 4 for storing a developer and a developer frame 11 having a stirring means 15; A developing unit 12 is formed by welding the developing frame 5 holding the developing means 5 such as the developing roller 5a and the developing blade 5c, and a developing unit is integrally formed. Further, the photosensitive drum 1, the cleaning blade 7a, and the waste developer are formed in the developing unit. A cartridge is formed by integrally connecting the cleaning means 7 such as the container 7b and the cleaning frame 13 to which the charging roller 2 is attached.
[0033]
The process cartridge B is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting means 101 (FIG. 1) provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100 by the user.
[0034]
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a method for determining the leaving period of the process cartridge B according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the storage means provided in the process cartridge B of this embodiment and the image forming apparatus main body 100. According to the present invention, a cartridge leaving period discriminating system capable of discriminating the cartridge leaving period using the storage means provided in the cartridge is configured.
[0035]
According to the present embodiment, the process cartridge B includes a ferroelectric nonvolatile memory (hereinafter referred to as “FeRAM”) 20 as a storage unit. Further, a reader / writer 21 serving as reading / writing means is provided on the image forming apparatus main body 100 side, and information is read from and written into the FeRAM 20 by the reader / writer 21.
[0036]
More specifically, in this embodiment, the process cartridge B side incorporates a FeRAM 20 which is a non-contact type nonvolatile memory having a resonance circuit composed of an antenna and a capacitor, and is a reader / writer on the image forming apparatus main body 100 side. An operating power source is generated from the electromagnetic wave transmitted from 21, and information can be read from and written to the FeRAM 20. Accordingly, no power is required on the process cartridge B side, and communication with the image forming apparatus main body 100 can be performed without contact.
[0037]
In the present embodiment, the last date when the process cartridge B was used can be stored in the FeRAM 20. In this way, by storing the last date of use of the process cartridge in the storage unit 20 of the process cartridge B, the process cartridge B is taken out from the image forming apparatus main body 100 during use, and the process cartridge is replaced with another image forming apparatus. In the same way, the last date of using the process cartridge B can be identified.
[0038]
Then, in a state where the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 100 side, the last date using the process cartridge B stored in the FeRAM 20 is read by the reader / writer 21 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100, It is sent to the calculation means 22. The calculation means 22 is provided in an image forming operation control unit (hereinafter simply referred to as “control unit”) 23 that controls the final date of using the process cartridge B read from the FeRAM 20 and the operation of the image forming apparatus A. The remaining period of the process cartridge B is calculated using the current date information from the calendar.
[0039]
Thereafter, when the control unit 23 receives an image formation request from the user, the control unit 23 selects a return operation after leaving the cartridge from the leaving period information of the process cartridge B calculated as described above.
[0040]
Next, with reference also to FIG. 4, the determination of the leaving period of the process cartridge B using the FeRAM 20 and the return operation after leaving the cartridge will be further described. FIG. 4 shows such an operation as a flowchart.
[0041]
According to this embodiment, the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus A in which the process cartridge B is mounted (step 1), or the user turns on a new process while the power is turned on as will be described later. When the cartridge B is taken out from the packing material and attached to the image forming apparatus main body 100 (step 4), the image forming apparatus A reads information stored in the FeRAM 20 of the process cartridge B using the reader / writer 21 (step 2). .
[0042]
Thereafter, the information read by the reader / writer 21 is sent to the calculation means 22 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100, and the image forming apparatus A uses the read process cartridge B for the last date (Dlast) and the current date. Based on the date (Dpresent) of the process cartridge B, the number of days (Ds−lp) in which the process cartridge B has been left, that is, the operation has been stopped is calculated using the following formula:
Ds-lp=Dpresent−Dlast
(Step 3).
[0043]
Subsequently, in the image forming apparatus A of the present embodiment, the process cartridge is in a state where the power is turned on until the user requests an image forming operation (step 7) or until the power is turned off (step 6). Whether or not B has been replaced (step 4) and whether or not the date has been changed (step 5) are monitored. When the process cartridge B has been replaced, the step of reading information in the FeRAM 20 ( Returning to step 2), and if the date changes, return to the calculation step (step 3) of the calculation means 22 using the current date, and recalculate the number of days (Ds-lp) when the process cartridge B was left unattended. To do. In step 4, whether or not the process cartridge B has been replaced can be determined by, for example, detecting the opening / closing of the door 16 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 that is the insertion port of the process cartridge B.
[0044]
When the control unit 23 receives an image formation request from the user (step 7), the control unit 23 determines in advance the calculated number of days the process cartridge B has been left (Ds-lp), for example, in the image forming apparatus main body 100. A plurality of reference days for selecting the return operation after leaving the cartridge stored in the storage unit are compared, and the return operation after leaving the cartridge performed before entering the image forming operation is selected.
[0045]
In this embodiment, two types of one week and one month are set as a plurality of reference days for selecting the return operation, and the number of days (Ds) in which the process cartridge B is left in step 10 and step 8 in FIG. -Lp).
[0046]
That is, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined in step 8 that the number of days that the process cartridge B has been left (Ds-lp) exceeds one month, the “special (return) return” will be described in detail later. "Mode" return operation is executed (step 9), and then the operation proceeds to image forming operation (step 12).
[0047]
Even if it is determined in step 8 that the number of days that the process cartridge B has been left (Ds-lp) is within one month, the number of days in which the process cartridge B has been left in step 10 (Ds-lp) Is determined to have exceeded one week, a return operation in a “minimum return mode” described in detail later is executed, and then the process proceeds to an image forming operation (step 12).
[0048]
If it is determined in step 10 that the number of days that the process cartridge B has been left (Ds-lp) is within one week, the operation proceeds to the image forming operation without performing the return operation after leaving the cartridge. (Step 12).
[0049]
After completion of image formation, the reader / writer 21 writes the current date (Dpresent) to the final date (Dpresent) using the process cartridge B stored in the FeRAM 20 of the process cartridge B, and the final date (Dpresent) using the process cartridge B. ) Information is updated.
[0050]
As described above, these operations are performed when the power is turned on, the process cartridge B is replaced, and the date is updated.
[0051]
Next, details of the return operation after leaving the cartridge will be described.
[0052]
Examples of the deterioration in image quality caused by leaving the process cartridge B or the components of the process cartridge B after the start of use include, but are not limited to, the following.
[0053]
As described above, the process cartridge B includes the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the cleaning blade 7a, the developing roller 5a, and the developing roller 5a that are in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 1. The developer container 4 and the waste developer container 7b connected to the cleaning blade 7a are integrally configured.
[0054]
Since the charging roller 2 is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 1, it is deformed by being left in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, and even if the contact portion is opened by rotation, the deformation is recovered for a while. However, there is a case where a slight charging failure occurs in that portion, and a horizontal streak of the rotation period of the charging roller 2 is generated in a halftone image or the like. With respect to this phenomenon, the deformation can be reduced before the image forming operation by idling with the voltage applied to the charging roller 2. When an AC bias is applied to the voltage applied at this time, the charging roller 2 vibrates, and the deformation is more effective.
[0055]
Further, since the cleaning blade 7a is also in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 1, when it is left in the same high temperature and high humidity environment, a small dent is generated on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and cleaning is performed by rotation. When the blade 7a passes through the recess on the photosensitive drum 1 again, a blur occurs in the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1, and the blur appears as an image blur at the time of image writing or transfer by a laser. Further, even before the dent is generated in the photosensitive drum 1, if the developer removed from the photosensitive drum 1 is left in a state where it remains between the cleaning blade 7a and the photosensitive drum 1, the developer is exposed to light. It adheres to the body drum 1, and similarly, when that portion passes the cleaning blade 7 a, rotational blurring occurs. This rotational blur can be eliminated to the extent that the photosensitive drum 1 is not affected by rotating the photosensitive drum 1 for a while. At this time, by rotating the photosensitive drum 1 while performing the developing operation with the developer, it is effective in eliminating the rotational blur.
[0056]
Further, since the surface of the developing roller 5a is left in a state where the developer is coated, the portion exposed to the outside of the developer storage container 4 is more affected by the external environment than the portion in the developer storage container 4. When it is easily received and left in a high-temperature and high-humidity environment, the developer absorbs moisture, the resistance decreases, and it becomes difficult to have a charge. In the developer located outside the developer storage container 4, the density of the formed image is lowered. . In addition, when left in a low temperature and low humidity environment, the developer dries, resistance increases, and on the other hand, it has too much electric charge, making it difficult to develop. In this case as well, the portion located outside the developer storage container 4 is difficult. In the developer, the density of the formed image is lowered. In these cases, if the portion of the developer exposed outside the developer storage container 4 is consumed, the partial decrease in density is eliminated. In addition, the toner in the developer container 4 may also have a phenomenon that the density of the formed image becomes light due to the aggregation of the developer due to longer standing. In this case, it can be improved to some extent by rotating the stirring means 5 in the developer container 4 before image formation to sufficiently loosen the developer.
[0057]
The above-described deterioration in image quality caused by leaving the process cartridge B or the component of the process cartridge B is caused by a relatively short period of time, such as a reduction in density due to a change in the developer. 2 and those that occur after being left for a relatively long period of time, such as a minute dent of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 7a or the fixing of the developer.
[0058]
For this reason, in this embodiment, as the return operation after leaving the process cartridge B or the component of the process cartridge B, the return operation “Minimum return mode” for the image quality degradation that occurs in a relatively short period of time, Two types of restoration operation “special restoration mode” for image quality degradation occurring in the above are set, and two types of selection reference days are set for one week and one month.
[0059]
Specific contents of the operation are set as follows in this embodiment. That is,
・ "Minimum return mode"
The solid image is developed with a length corresponding to two rounds of the developing roller 5a.
・ "Special return mode"
The agitating means 15 in the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 5a, and the developer container 4 is rotated for 30 seconds, and the development of the solid horizontal streak image in which the total developing amount corresponds to two rotations of the developing roller 5a during the rotation is intermittent. And an AC bias is applied to the charging roller 2.
[0060]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine the leaving period of the process cartridge B regardless of whether the power of the image forming apparatus A is turned on or off and whether the process cartridge B is inserted into or removed from the image forming apparatus main body 100. Since it is possible to determine the necessity and contents of the return operation after being left, and to perform the return operation after leaving the cartridge at an appropriate timing and amount, the process cartridge B can be removed by executing an unnecessary return operation as in the prior art. The user can always obtain a good image without being consumed, and the process cartridge B can be sufficiently used in an amount capable of forming an original image.
[0061]
The cartridge storage means includes not only the last date when the cartridge was used as in the present embodiment but also the reference number of days for selecting the return operation after leaving the cartridge, the operation time of the selected return operation, or Can store information about the number of times. Thereby, for example, it is possible to cope with a difference in the amount of developer stored in the cartridge due to a slight design change, a difference in parts used, and the like.
[0062]
The present invention does not limit the contents of the return operation after leaving the cartridge to the contents of the above-described embodiment, but the effect of the present invention can be used as long as the image quality deterioration caused by leaving the cartridge is improved. Is obtained as well. Further, the number and period of the selection reference days for the return operation after leaving the cartridge is not limited to the contents of the above-described embodiment, and the number may be increased if necessary, and the image quality may be deteriorated. What is necessary is just to select suitably from a leaving period.
[0063]
Example 2
The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is basically the same as the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, in addition to the return operation after leaving the cartridge, the image quality after the leaving is further deteriorated. An embodiment for performing an image quality deterioration avoiding operation when a cartridge is left to prevent the above will be described. In this embodiment, the cartridge component leaving period determination system is configured according to the present invention, and the last storage date of the cartridge component is stored in the storage means 20 of the process cartridge B as the last use date of the cartridge component. The date (Ddlast) and the last date (Dtlast) when the developing operation with the developer is performed are stored. Members having the same functions and configurations as those of the image forming apparatus and process cartridge B of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0064]
With reference to FIG. 5, the determination of the leaving period of the process cartridge B using the FeRAM 20 and the return operation after leaving the cartridge in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 shows such an operation as a flowchart.
[0065]
According to this embodiment, the user turns on the power of the image forming apparatus A in which the process cartridge B is mounted (step 1), or the user turns on a new process while the power is turned on as will be described later. When the cartridge B is taken out of the packing material and attached to the image forming apparatus main body 100 (step 10), the image forming apparatus A reads information stored in the FeRAM 20 of the process cartridge B using the reader / writer 21 (step 2). .
[0066]
Thereafter, the information read by the reader / writer 21 is sent to the calculation means 22 provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100, and the image forming apparatus A and the last date (Ddlast) when the read photosensitive drum 1 is rotated. Based on the last date (Dlast) when the developing operation with the developer is performed and the current date (Dpresent), the photosensitive drum 1 and the developer of the process cartridge B are left, that is, the number of days when the operation is stopped ( Dsd-lp and Dst-lp) are calculated using the calculation means 22 as follows:
Dsd-lp=Dpresent−Ddlast
Dst-lp=Dpresent−Dlast
(Step 3).
[0067]
Next, the control unit 23 determines the calculated number of days (Dsd-lp) for which the photosensitive drum 1 has been left and a predetermined image stored in the storage unit in the image forming apparatus main body 100, for example. A plurality of reference days for determining whether or not a quality deterioration avoiding operation is necessary is compared to determine whether or not an image quality deterioration avoiding operation is required when the cartridge is left.
[0068]
In the present embodiment, the plurality of reference days for selecting the image quality deterioration avoidance operation when left unattended is one week, which is the same as the reference days for selecting the return operation after leaving the cartridge described in the first embodiment. Two types of one month are set, and compared with the number of days (Dsd-lp) in which the photosensitive drum 1 is left in step 4 and step 5 in FIG.
[0069]
That is, according to this embodiment, it is determined in step 4 that the number of days (Dsd-lp) that the photosensitive drum 1 has been left is over one week, and further in step 5 it is determined that it is over one month. If so, the same “special return mode” operation as the return operation after leaving the cartridge described in the first embodiment is immediately executed (step 6). This is because the situation in which the process cartridge B is left to the extent that there is a possibility of causing a decrease in image quality is not further advanced. After executing the operation of the “special return mode”, the image forming apparatus A uses the reader / writer 21 to rotate the photosensitive drum 1 stored in the FeRAM 20 of the process cartridge B and the development date (Ddlast). The current date (Dpresent) is written in the last date (Dlast) when the developing operation is performed with the agent, and the information in the FeRAM 20 is updated.
[0070]
Even if it is determined in step 5 that the number of days (Dsd-lp) in which the photosensitive drum 1 has been left is within one month, if it exceeds one week, the “image quality degradation avoiding mode” is set. (Step 8). In this operation, the photosensitive drum 1 is slightly rotated, and the contact positions of the charging roller 2 and the cleaning blade 7a with respect to the photosensitive drum 1 are shifted. As a result, the pressure contact portion is released at a stage where the deformation of the charging roller 2 and the damage of the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning blade 7a have not progressed relatively, and the above-described deterioration in image quality caused by them. Can be prevented in advance.
[0071]
Then, after the operation of the “image quality deterioration avoiding mode” is executed (step 8), the image forming apparatus A uses the reader / writer 21 to rotate the photosensitive drum 1 stored in the FeRAM 20 of the process cartridge B. The current date (Dpresent) is written in (Ddlast), and the information in the FeRAM 20 is updated.
[0072]
If it is determined in step 4 that the number of days (Dsd-lp) in which the photosensitive drum 1 has been left is within one week, the image quality deterioration avoiding operation is not performed particularly when the cartridge is left.
[0073]
Subsequently, in the image forming apparatus A of the present embodiment, the process cartridge B is in a state where the power is turned on until the user requests an image forming operation (step 16) or until the power is turned off (step 12). Whether or not the date is changed (step 11). If the process cartridge B is replaced, the information reading step in the FeRAM 20 is read (step 10). Returning to 2), and if the date has changed, the process returns to the calculation step (step 3) of the calculation means 22 using the current date, and the number of days the photosensitive drum 1 and the developer are left (respectively Dsd-lp). , Dst-lp) is calculated again. In step 4, whether or not the process cartridge B has been replaced can be determined by, for example, detecting the opening and closing of the door 16 of the image forming apparatus main body 100 that is the insertion port of the process cartridge B.
[0074]
Further, when receiving an image formation request from the user (step 13), the control unit 23 determines in advance the calculated number of days (Dst-lp) for which the developer is left, for example, in the image forming apparatus main body 100. Are compared with the reference days for selecting the return operation after leaving the developer stored in the storage unit (step 14), and the return operation after leaving the developer is selected before entering the image forming operation. . In this embodiment, one week is set as the reference number of days for selecting the return operation after leaving the developer.
[0075]
That is, according to the present embodiment, when it is determined in step 14 that the number of days (Dst-lp) in which the developer is left is over one week, the return operation after the cartridge is left as described in the first embodiment. The same “Minimum return mode” operation is executed, and then the operation proceeds to an image forming operation (step 16). If it is determined in step 14 that the number of days (Dst-lp) that the developer has been left is within one week, the operation proceeds to the image forming operation without performing the return operation after leaving the cartridge (step 16). .
[0076]
After the image formation is completed, the image forming apparatus A uses the reader / writer 21 to rotate the photosensitive drum 1 stored in the FeRAM 20 of the process cartridge B and the last date (Ddlast) when the developing operation is performed with the developer (Ddlast). The current date (Dpresent) is written in (Dlast), and the information in the FeRAM 20 is updated.
[0077]
As described above, these operations are performed when the power is turned on, the process cartridge B is replaced, and the date is updated.
[0078]
As described above, according to the present invention, regardless of whether the power source of the image forming apparatus A is turned on or off and whether the process cartridge B is inserted into or removed from the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus, it is possible to determine the leaving period of the components of the process cartridge B. Depending on the situation, it is necessary to determine whether or not the image quality deterioration avoidance operation at the time of leaving and the return operation after being left is necessary, and perform the image quality deterioration avoidance operation at the time of leaving and the return operation after leaving at an appropriate timing and amount. Therefore, the process cartridge B is not consumed by executing the unnecessary return operation as in the prior art, and the user can always obtain a good image, and the operation that prevents the deterioration of the image quality is the minimum necessary. As a result, the process cartridge B can be used in a sufficient amount for the original image formable amount.
[0079]
The storage means 20 of the process cartridge B is not limited to the last date using the photosensitive drum 1 and the developer as the last date using the cartridge components as in the present embodiment, but also the charging means and developer supply. Means, developer storage container, cleaning blade, waste developer container, etc. are cartridge components incorporated in the cartridge, and if the state changes when left untreated, the last date of use is stored in the cartridge storage means. By memorizing, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. Further, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to store information related to the image quality deterioration avoidance operation when left, the selection reference days of the return operation after being left, the operation time of the selected operation, the number of times, and the like. Thereby, a difference in developer amount, a difference in parts used, and the like may be dealt with.
[0080]
Further, the present invention does not limit the contents of the image quality deterioration avoidance operation during leaving and the return operation after leaving to the contents of the present embodiment, but improves the deterioration in image quality caused by leaving. If there is, the effect of the present invention can be obtained. Further, the number of reference days and the period of selection for the image quality deterioration avoidance operation when the cartridge is left and the return operation after leaving the cartridge are not limited to the contents of the present embodiment, and the number may be increased if necessary. What is necessary is just to select suitably by the leaving period considered that the fall of image quality will generate | occur | produce.
[0081]
In the first and second embodiments, the detachable cartridge of the image forming apparatus main body 100 includes the photosensitive drum 1, the charging unit 2, the developing unit 5, and the cleaning unit as process units that act on the photosensitive drum 1. 7a and the developer container 4 and the waste developer container 7b are described as the process cartridge B integrally formed. However, the cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 100 to which the present invention can be applied is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. 6 and 7 show an embodiment of the developing device (developing cartridge) C and the photosensitive drum cartridge D, respectively, which are other embodiments of the present invention.
[0082]
  That is, as shown in FIG. 6, a developing chamber 5A having a developing roller 5a, a developing blade 5c, and the like as developing means and a developer storage container 4 which is a development storage unit are integrally formed by frames 11 and 12. Detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 100Noh andAs shown in FIG. 7, the photosensitive drum 1, the charging unit 2, the cleaning unit 7 a, and the waste developer container 7 b are integrated into a unit and can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 100. The storage unit 20 is provided in each of the cartridges that can be attached to and removed from the image forming apparatus, such as the photosensitive drum cartridge D, and the present invention described in the above embodiments is similarly applied. Thus, a similar effect can be achieved.
[0083]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the non-contact type non-volatile memory FeRAM 20 is used as a storage means for storing the last date using the process cartridge B or the last date using the photosensitive drum 1 and the developer. . Accordingly, there is no need to provide a power source on the process cartridge B side, and there is an advantage that information can be read and written on the image forming apparatus main body 100 side in a non-contact manner. However, the present invention is limited to this. There is no particular limitation as long as information can be stored. For example, an EEPROM or a combination of a volatile memory and a backup battery may be used.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention.IsThe cartridge having the storage means can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus.
(A) means for storing the last date using the cartridge in the storage means; means for reading the last date using the cartridge from the storage means; and the cartridge according to the last date and the current date using the cartridge read from the storage means Or a means for calculating a leaving period of
(B) means for storing the last date using at least one or a plurality of elements of the cartridge in the storage means; and reading the last date using at least one or a plurality of elements of the cartridge Means for calculating, based on the last date and the current date using the component of the cartridge read out from the storage means, a period for which the element is left,
Furthermore, according to the present invention,
(C) Since the operation of the image forming apparatus such as the returning operation after being left is changed according to the calculated cartridge leaving time,
(1) The leaving period of the cartridge or the cartridge component can be determined.
(2) Determine whether or not to leave the cartridge or cartridge component, and determine the necessity and content of the return operation after leaving or the need and content of the image quality deterioration avoidance operation when leaving Since they can be performed at the time and in the amount, the cartridge can be consumed without performing unnecessary return operation, and a good image can always be obtained, and the original image forming amount of the cartridge is sufficient. An image can be formed.
(3) Even when the cartridge is taken out from the image forming apparatus during use and left as it is, the leaving period of the cartridge or the cartridge component can be determined.
Such effects can be achieved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the process cartridge of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cartridge leaving period determination according to the present invention and a return operation after being left.MadeIt is a flowchart for demonstrating one Example.
FIG. 5 is a cartridge leaving period determination according to the present invention;MadeIt is a flowchart for demonstrating one Example.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the developing cartridge according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a photosensitive drum cartridge according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 Photosensitive drum
  2 Charging means
  3 Laser scanner
  4 Developer container
  5 Development means
  7 Cleaning means
  10 Fixing means
  20 Storage means (FeRAM)
  21 Reading / writing means (reader / writer)
  22 Calculation means
  23 Image forming operation control unit (control unit)
  100 Image forming apparatus main body
  101 Mounting means
  150 Host computer

Claims (2)

An image bearing member, a developing member for developing an image on said image bearing member, an image forming apparatus cartridge is detachable with a storage means for storing information,
The storage means stores a use date of the image carrier and a use date of the developing member,
Control means for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus using the image carrier or the developing member based on the information stored in the storage means ;
The control means, from left the period is calculated, the calculated left time period the first period without using the image carrier without the use of the image bearing member with the use date of the image bearing member even longer, and shorter than the long second period than the first time period, it said developing member by a to execute the adjustment operation to drive the image bearing member without developing an image on the image carrier, was calculated If the period was allowed to stand without using the image bearing member is equal to or greater than the second time period, to develop the image to execute the first recovery operation to consume the developer to the image bearing member by said developing member,
Further, the control means calculates a period of time when the developing member is not used by using a date of use of the developing member, and a period of time when the image carrier is not used is shorter than the first period. And when the calculated period when the developing member is not used is longer than the first period, the second return that consumes a smaller amount of developer than the developer consumed in the first return operation. An image forming apparatus controlled to perform an operation . After performing the first return operation or the second return operation , the use date of the image carrier and the use date of the developing member stored in the storage unit are updated and the adjustment operation is performed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein only the date of use of the image carrier is updated.

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