JPH01255875A - Cartridge type processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the replenishment error of a processing agent by providing a recording medium which has recorded contents data for showing the contained contents on a processing agent replenishing cartridge, reading it and deciding the contained contents and executing setting/release of a replenishment inhibiting state. CONSTITUTION:Contents data of a recording medium 322 which is provided on a processing agent replenishing cartridge 322, and in which contents data for showing the contained contents of the cartridge is recorded is read by a reading means 323. Subsequently, when the read contents data corresponds to storage conforming data, the release of a replenishment inhibiting state is instructed to a replenishment control means 324, and when the contents data does not correspond, setting of the replenishment inhibiting state is instructed. In such a way, the recorded contents data is read, and setting/release of the processing agent replenishing cartridge 322, therefore, the replenishment error of a processing agent can be prevented effectively without changing the shape of the cartridge at every machine kind.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cartridge-type processing device that is equipped with a processing agent replenishment cartridge for replenishing a processing agent, and performs processing by applying the processing agent replenished from the cartridge to a processing object. For example, the present invention relates to a developing device that includes a toner replenishment cartridge and performs development by applying toner replenished from the cartridge to an electrostatic latent image on a photoreceptor.

■Conventional technology For example, in an electrostatic transfer type copying device, an electrostatic latent image is formed by irradiating image light onto a photoreceptor, toner is attached to it to perform a Tfl image, and the toner image is transferred to a recording paper. etc. are transcribed. In other words, since toner is consumed each time a copy is made, it becomes insufficient and needs to be replenished during long periods of use.

Although the replenishment process itself is quite simple, many copying machines use replenishment cartridges to prevent toner from scattering and staining clothes and hands.

In this, the toner tank or a part of the toner tank of the developing unit is replaced with a removable replenishment cartridge, and when the toner runs out, the empty cartridge is removed and a new cartridge is installed.

By the way, in this type of replenishment cartridge, the shape of the cartridge prevents attachment of a cartridge of a different model or a cartridge containing a different type of toner. For this reason, the shape of the cartridge is a
It becomes complicated and production efficiency is not good.

Apart from this, there are copying machines that can be equipped with cartridges containing toner of different colors. In this, monochromatic color copies can be created by developing with toners of different colors. In this case, even if the toner is for the same model, the characteristics of the toner are different, so it is necessary to change control parameters such as development bias and toner end detection. For this reason, conventionally, a sensor for determining the toner color is separately provided, leading to an increase in cost.

■Purpose of the Invention The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cartridge-type processing device that prevents errors in replenishing processing agents without changing the shape of the processing agent replenishment cartridge, and automatically sets controls corresponding to the processing agents. do.

■Structure of the invention In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides.

Equipped with a processing agent replenishment cartridge for replenishing processing agent,
In a cartridge-type processing device that performs processing by applying a processing agent replenished from the cartridge to a processing object, a recording medium provided in the processing agent replenishment cartridge and recording content data indicating the contents contained in the cartridge; reading means for reading the content data; replenishment regulating means for setting a replenishment prevention state to prevent replenishment from the processing agent replenishment cartridge; and replenishment regulating means if the content data read by the reading means corresponds to the memory compatible data. The control device is configured to include a control means for instructing the user to cancel the replenishment blocking state, and instructing the setting of a replenishment blocking letter J if the condition is not met.

According to this method, the recorded content data is read and the contents of the processing agent replenishment cartridge are determined to set/cancel the replenishment blocking state, so the processing agent can be refilled without changing the shape of the cartridge for each model. Replenishment errors are effectively prevented. In other words, the cartridge can have a simple shape, increasing production efficiency.

In addition, by storing a plurality of conformity data and control data associated with each conformity data, when the content data read by the reading means matches the conformity data, the corresponding control data can be read out. This makes it possible to automatically revise the control corresponding to the processing agent supplied from the processing agent replenishment cartridge. In other words, since there is no need for means for detecting the type of processing agent, etc., production costs can be reduced.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1a is a sectional view showing the end configuration of a copying apparatus embodying the present invention as an example.

This copying device has an ADF unit (automatic document feeder)
1. Optical unit 29 Image forming unit 3゜Paper feeding unit 4
．． This is an electrostatic transfer type copying apparatus comprising an automatic double-sided processing unit 5 and a sorter unit 6. Since the work A is already well known, there is no need to explain it again here, but I will give an overview.

When the ADF unit 1 sets a document on the contact glass 21 of the optical unit 2, the optical units 1 and 2 form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 31 of the image forming unit 3 by optical scanning. This latent image is developed with toner in the developing device 32 and transferred onto the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit 4 or the automatic duplex processing unit 5. The recording paper after the transfer is fed to the automatic duplex processing unit 5 or the sorter unit 6.

The developing device 32 includes a developing device main body 321 as shown in FIG. 1b.
and a replenishment cartridge 322 as main components.

The replenishment cartridge 322 is a prismatic box as shown in FIG.
is formed. On one side of this slide is printed a bar code 3222 indicating the lot number of the cartridge, as shown in FIG. 1d.

Further, this bottom plate is provided with an opening for allowing the toner to fall into the developing device main body 321 side, but when it is not in use, it is sealed by a sealing plate (not shown). A handle 3223 is glued to this seal plate, and the handle 32
23 is engaged with the side plate of the replenishment cartridge 322.

The developing device main body 321 is provided with a pair of grooves 3211 for receiving a slide 3221 of the replenishment cartridge 322.

A window 3212 is opened on one side of the groove 3211,
A barcode reader 323 is provided opposite to it. This barcode reader 323 reads a barcode 3222 printed on the entire side 3221 of the replenishment cartridge 322 through a window 3212. Further, on the front side of the window 3212, a mounting switch 3213 is installed to detect whether or not the replenishment cartridge 322 is mounted.

This switch 3213 turns off when slippage 3221 of the replenishment cartridge 322 is detected, and turns on when no slippage is detected.

The replenishment cartridge 322 is pushed in the direction of arrow A+ with its slide 3221 engaged with the groove 3211 of the developing device main body 321 and installed, but there is a stopper 3 downstream in the installation direction.
It is equipped with 24. The stopper 324 is the solenoid 3
241. Stop lever 3242. Return spring 32
43 and a sub stopper 3244. solenoid 3
241. One end of the return spring 3243 and the sub-stopper 3244 are fixed to a fixed part, and the stop lever 3242 is pivotally fixed to the fixed part via a pin 3242a.

A solenoid 3241 is installed at one end of the stop lever 3242.
A plunger and a return spring 3243 are connected, and a rotatable roller 3242b is provided at the other end. The operation of this stop lever 3242 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2a.

When the solenoid 3241 is deenergized, the return spring 32
43 forces the stop lever 3242 to rotate in the arrow B-force direction. That is, if the replenishment cartridge 322 is not attached, the stop lever 3242 rotates to the balance point of the return spring 3243, and the roller 3242b intervenes in the approach path of the replenishment cartridge 322 as shown in FIG. 2a. When the replenishment cartridge 322 is pushed in the direction of the arrow A+ and installed in this state, the side plate at the advancing end contacts the roller 3242b, and the stop lever 3242 attempts to further rotate in the direction of the arrow B-force. However, its rotation is regulated by the subs 1-flange 3244, and in the end,
The replenishment cartridge 322 is installed using the stop lever 324.
2 prevents it.

When the solenoid 3241 is energized, the plunger is pulled in, forcing the stop lever 3242 to rotate in the direction of arrow B+. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2b, the roller 3242b separates from the entry path of the replenishment cartridge 322, so there is no obstacle to the entry of the replenishment cartridge 322, and it becomes possible to mount the replenishment cartridge 322.

As described above, when the solenoid 3241 is deenergized, the return spring 3243 forces the stop lever 3242 to rotate in the arrow B-force direction, but the replenishment cartridge 3
22 is attached, its rotation is restricted by the contact between the roller 3242b and the side plate of the replenishment cartridge 322, as shown in FIG. 2c. Even in this situation,
Since the roller 3242b is rotatable, the replenishment cartridge 322 can be moved. In other words, when pulling out the replenishment cartridge 322 in the direction of arrow B+, the roller 32
42b slides on the side plate of the replenishment cartridge 322 and is removed from the side plate of the replenishment cartridge 322, as shown in FIG. 2a.
Intervene on approach route 2.

Note that when the replenishment cartridge 322 is installed, push down the first handle 3223 to remove it from the side plate of the replenishment cartridge 322, and pull out the seal plate that closes the bottom opening.
When removing the replenishment cartridge 322, the seal plate is inserted to close the bottom opening, and then the handle 3223 is pushed up and engaged with the side plate of the replenishment cartridge 322.

FIG. 3 shows a control unit 7 that controls each of the above components.
FIG.

The control unit 7 includes a main CPU 70 and a ROM 7.
1. RAM72 and engineering/○ interface 73.7
It is composed of 4th grade. Main CPT, J70 and ROM
71. RAM72 and I10 interface 73.
74, information is transmitted and received by parallel signals.

The ROM 71 stores the processing program executed by the main CPU 70 and processing data associated with the lot number of the replenishment carriage 322, and the RAM 72 stores various data being processed, the number of jam occurrences, the total number of copies by toner, etc. Service data of the user, data of the user's personal mode, etc. are stored. Note that the RAM 72 is backed up by a battery.

The I10 interface 73 includes an image forming unit 3. Paper feed unit 4. Various loads such as motors, clutches, chargers, and heaters provided in the automatic double-sided processing unit 5 and the sorter unit 6 are connected, and a keyboard terminal 8 for operation is connected to the I10 interface 74.

As shown in FIG. 4, the keyboard terminal 8 includes a start key 81 for instructing to start printing, and numeric keys 82 for instructing the number of copies, etc. The zoom up key 83 instructs to increment the copy magnification (updates higher in 1% increments), the zoom down key 84 instructs to decrement the copy magnification (updates lower in 1% increments), and the message display 85. Equipped with various key switches and indicators.

Furthermore, the main CPU 70 includes various sensors and switches 9. Driver 75. ADF included in the ADF unit
A control CPU 10 and an optical control CPU 20 provided in the optical unit 2 are connected.

Main CPU 70 and sensor driver 75. ADF control C
Information is transmitted and received between PU10 and the optical control CPU 20 using serial signals.

Various sensors and switches 9 are arranged in each component, and the main C which has been upgraded in the driver 75
It is driven by a time division signal (serial signal) from the PU 70 and returns an on/off signal to the main CPU 70.

The ADF control CPU 10 controls the motor and clutch for driving the rollers and belts for feeding and discharging originals provided in the ADF unit 1, and the optical control CPU 20 controls the scanner motor for optical scanning and lens position change provided in the optical unit 2. Controls the variable magnification motor, exposure lamp, etc.

Next, the operation of the main CPU 70 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c.

When the power is turned on, the main CPU 70 initializes each component, register, memory, etc. in step 81 (indicates the number given in the flowchart; hereinafter the same meaning), and sets the standard mode (standard copy mode) in step S2. , until the start key 81 is operated, S3. S5. A loop consisting of S7 and S8 is set. In this loop, when the monitor switch provided at the rear of the optical unit 2 is turned on, monitoring processing is executed at 84, and when the toner end is detected, replacement processing is executed at 86. When various instructions are received, the corresponding mode is set at 87.

When keys 1 to 81 are operated, the loop described in ``2'' is released, the ADF control CPU 10 is instructed to feed the proof document in S9, and after waiting for the completion of feeding, the copying process is executed in S10. do.

When the copying process for one sheet is completed, in step S11, processes starting from call 1 in which various sheet number counters are counted up are performed.

If it is the repeat mode, the SIO and Sll processes are repeated for the number of sheets set, and if there are documents remaining in the ADI'' unit 1, the process returns to S9 and the above is repeated.

In the above loop, when toner end is detected, 31
The process advances from 2 to 86 to execute exchange processing.

Details of the exchange process will now be described with reference to FIG. 5b.

When the message "Please replenish toner" is displayed on the message display 85 of the keyboard terminal 8 in 5101, in 5102 and 5103,
A loop is set to monitor the cover switch that detects whether the front cover of the image forming unit 3 is opened or closed and the mounting switch 3213 that detects whether or not the replenishment cartridge 322 is mounted.

When the front cover of the image forming unit 3 is opened and the empty replenishment cartridge 322 is pulled out in the manner described above, the cover switch and mounting switch 3212 are turned on, so the above loop is broken and the process proceeds to step 5104.

In 5104, the count data of the count register C and the date data at that time are written into the lot data table. As will become clear from the explanation below, the count register C is the number of replenishment cartridges 322 that have been removed at this time.
The count data is cleared when the replenishment cartridge 322 is installed, and updated in the Sll counting process described above, so that the count data indicates the total number of copies made with this replenishment cartridge 322. Further, the date data at this time indicates the date when the replenishment cartridge 322 was removed, that is, the date when it was used up.

The lot data table is 1 to 1 as shown in Figure 6.
Supply cartridge 32 corresponding to numbers up to 00
Area L(i) for storing lot number 2.

Area N(i) for storing count data indicating the cumulative number of copies for each cartridge, area 5D(i) for storing date data indicating the date of first use of each cartridge, and date data indicating the date of end of use. The area ED(i) stores . That is, in step 5104, the count data and date data of the count register C are stored in the area N(1) and area ED(i) indicated by the value of the digit register i at that time, respectively.

Thereafter, in step 5105, the barcode reader 323 is energized and the reading mode is set to 1-. When a new replenishment cartridge 322 is pushed into the developing device main body 311 in this state, the barcode reader 323 reads the barcode 3222 printed on the slide 3221 of the replenishment cartridge 322 through the window 3212 and indicates the lot number. Output data. The data read at this time is R
If it is registered in OM71, the process proceeds to 8109 and below, but if not, in 8108, the message display 85 displays the message "This toner cannot be used. Please set the correct toner."

The data read by the barcode reader 323 is stored in the ROM 71.
If the barcode reader 323 is registered in 5109, the display of the message display 85 is reset, and the barcode reader 323 is deactivated and the reading mode is reset in 5110.
Then, in S111, the solenoid 3241 of the stopper 324 is energized. As a result, the roller 3242b of the stop lever 3242 is removed from the cartridge entrance path as described above.

5112, control data corresponding to the lot number indicated by the data read by the barcode reader 323;

That is, parameters for developing bias and toner end detection are read from the ROM 71.

In 5114, the value of the register i is incremented by 1, but as mentioned above, the area of the table is associated with the numbers 1 to 100, so i = 1
If it is 00, the value is set to 1 in 5l15.

At 8116, areas L (i), N (i
).

5D(i), RD(i) and count register C are cleared, and in 5117, the data of the lot number read by the barcode reader 323 is stored in the area L(i), and the data of the lot number read by the barcode reader 323 is stored in the area 5D(i). Stores the date data. That is, here, the lot number of the newly installed replenishment cartridge 322 and the date on which it was first used are recorded.

After that, when the seal plate of the replenishment cartridge 322 is removed and the front cover of the image forming unit 3 is closed, the cover switch is turned off, so the solenoid 3241 of the stopper 324 is deenergized in S119 and the process returns to the main routine. return.

Returning to the main routine, in S2, the standard mode is set based on the control data corresponding to the lot number of the newly installed replenishment cartridge 322.

The data stored in the lot table can be confirmed by calling the monitor process. As described above, this process is started by turning on the monitor switch. This monitoring process will be explained with reference to FIG. 5C.

In step 5201, the value of register j is set to the value of register i at that time, and in step 5202, the value of register j is saved in register J.

In 5203, 4 is subtracted from the value of register j at this time, but since the value of register j is a number that specifies the area of the lot table, when the value becomes less than zero by this subtraction, , 5205, lOO is added and corrected.

At 8206, the value in the numeric register is set to 1. The value in this number register is used to specify the display area of the message display Wji 85 of the keyboard terminal 8, as will be described later.

In 5207, data in the area of the lot table indicated by the value of the number register j at that time.

That is, data stored in areas L(j), N(j), 5D(j), and ED(j) is read. At this time, if lot number data is not stored in area L(j), the value of register j is incremented by 1 in step 5212, and the next area is read. However, the value of register j is 1 to 1, which specifies the area of the lot table.
It corresponds to the number 00, so if it is 100, it is 5.
In step 214, 100 is subtracted for correction.

When loft number data is stored in area L(j) of the lot table, it is displayed on the message display 85 of the keyboard terminal 8 in step 5209.

As shown in FIG. 7, a part of this display 85 has five display columns each displaying a number indicating the lot table area, lot number, number of copies, start date of use, and end date of use. , DI (1) to D 1 (5)
, D2(1) to D2(5).

D 3 (1) ~ D 3 (5), D 4 (1) ~
D 4 (5) and D 5 (1) to D 5 (5)
is provided. That is, here, each column D1(k), D2(k), D3(k
), D4(k) and D5(k), the value of the numeral register j, and the areas L(j), N(j), 5D(j) and the lot table indicated by the value of the numeral register j. E
Each data read from D(j) is displayed.

Thereafter, the value in the register j is incremented by 1 at 5210, and the value in the register j is incremented by 1 at 8214 in the same manner as described above.

When the above is executed until the value of register j becomes equal to the value of register J, the message display 85 displays the data corresponding to the value of register J as the lowest tank, and then
The previous data will be displayed. However, if the previous four data are not stored in the lot table, the data will be displayed starting from the stored data.

This display is scrolled by the zoom up key 83 or the zoom down key 84. In other words, when the zoom up key 83 is operated, the value of the numeric register j is incremented by 1 in 8217, so the display shifts upward by one position (shifts to the side where the data becomes newer), and when the zoom down key 84 is operated. and in 8221, register j
Since the value of is decremented by 1, the display shifts down by one (shifts to the side where the data becomes older). Furthermore, if the value of the digit register j is updated and the value falls outside the range of 1 to 100, 5219 will be displayed. Alternatively, the same correction as above is performed at $223.

When the monitor switch is turned off, this monitor processing is ended and the process returns to the main routine.

■As described in detail, according to the present invention, the processing agent replenishment cartridge for replenishing the processing agent is provided with a recording medium on which content data indicating the stored contents is recorded, and this is read and the processing agent replenishment cartridge is loaded. Since the replenishment blocking state is set/cancelled by determining the contents of the cartridge, errors in replenishment of the processing agent can be effectively prevented without changing the shape of the cartridge for each model. In other words, the cartridge can have a simple shape, increasing production efficiency.

In addition, if control data is stored in association with multiple processing agents, control data for each processing agent can be automatically set by reading out the control data corresponding to the processing agent indicated by the content data read by the reading means. becomes possible. In other words, since there is no need for means for detecting the type of processing agent, etc., production costs can be reduced.

Furthermore, as shown in the example, by storing the read content data and data such as processing amount and processing status, it is possible to easily understand the processing amount of each processing agent and problems with the processing agent. There are secondary effects. This is an effect that could not be achieved in the past, and improves serviceability and speeds up troubleshooting.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1a is a sectional view showing the end configuration of a copying apparatus embodying the present invention as an example, FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing in detail a part of the imager 32 of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1c is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the replenishment cartridge 322 installed in the developing device main body 321 shown in FIG. 1b, and FIG.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a barcode 3222 printed on the supply car 1 heritage 322 shown in the figure. 2a, 2b, and 2c show the developing device main body 32.
1 is a plan view showing the relationship between a replenishment cartridge 322 and a stopper 324. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the copying apparatus shown in FIG. 1a. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the appearance of an operation board provided in the copying machine shown in FIG. 1a. 5a, 5b, and 5c are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the main CPU 70 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the lot table. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the display fields of the message display 85 shown in FIG. 4. l: ADF unit 10: ADF control CPU 2: Optical unit 20: Optical control CPLI 21: Contact glass 3: Image forming unit 31: Photosensitive drum (processing target) 32: Developing device 321: Developing device main body (processing means) 3211 : Groove 3212 : Window 3213 , Mounting switch 322 : Supply cartridge, Tsuji (processing agent supply cartridge) 3221 : Slip 3223 : Handle 3222
: Barcode (recording medium) 323: Barcode reader (reading means) 324: Stopper (replenishment regulating means) 3241: Solenoid 3242 Nistop lever 3243: Return spring 3244: Sub stopper 4: Paper feed unit 5: Automatic duplex processing unit 6: Sorter Unit 7: Control unit (control means) 70: Main CPLI 71: ROM 72: RAM 73.
74: I10 interface 75: Driver 8: Keyboard terminal 81 Start key 82: Numeric key 83.84: Zoom key 9: Various sensor voices 2a Figure 3 Figure 1 --- Ah...,, + Figure 6 Figure 7

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) Cartridge-type processing comprising a processing means for applying a processing agent to a processing object; a processing agent replenishment cartridge containing the processing agent and replenishing the processing agent to the processing means; and a control means for controlling the processing means. In the apparatus: a recording medium provided in the processing agent replenishment cartridge and on which content data indicating the contents stored in the cartridge is recorded; a reading means for reading the content data of the recording medium; and a reading means for the processing means of the processing agent replenishment cartridge. Replenishment regulating means for setting a replenishment prevention state to prevent replenishment of the processing agent; the control means stores at least one conformity data, and the control means stores at least one conformity data, and the control means stores at least one conformity data, and the conformity data corresponding to the content data read by the reading means. A cartridge-type processing device that instructs the replenishment regulating means to release the replenishment inhibiting state when there is memory, and instructing the replenishing inhibiting state to be set when there is no memory of conformity data corresponding to the content data. (2) The control means stores a plurality of conformity data and control data associated with each conformity data, and if the conformity data corresponding to the content data read by the reading means is stored, the conformity data corresponds to the conformity data. The cartridge type processing device according to claim 1, wherein control data corresponding to the data is read out and the processing means is controlled based on the control data.