JPH0268568A - Simple image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To informing a warning means that the detected frequency of use reaches a specific recorded frequency and to secure a unit replacement period by detecting the passage of a characteristic identification mark moving following up an image carrier by a memory provided to a device main body when the image carrier is driven and used by a unit type image forming means. CONSTITUTION:The unit type image forming means 50 is taken out of a case 11 upward with its upper unit 30 open and the characteristic identification mark 60 is provided to the side edge of the photosensitive body 51 of the unit type image forming means 50; when the photosensitive body 51 is driven to rotate, the mark 60 moves following up the photosensitive body 51. The memory means 71 of this device main body detects the passage of the mark 60 and the frequency of use of the photosensitive body 51 is recorded; when the frequency of use which is recorded in the means 71 reaches the specific frequency, that is reported to the warning means 12. Then a reset means 73 reads the mark 60 and when the means 50 is a new unit after replacement, the frequency of use is reset.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic printer such as a Rede printer, an electrophotographic copying machine, and a transfer type electrostatic recording printer, and in particular, The present invention relates to a simple image forming apparatus having a structure in which a unit type image forming means including an image carrier is replaceably attached to an apparatus main body.

[Technology background]

For example, laser printers generally use a photoreceptor (image carrier)
, a charger for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor, an exposure optical system for performing exposure to form an electrostatic image on the surface of the photoconductor, and developing this electrostatic image with toner to produce toner. A developing device for forming an image, a transfer device for transferring this toner image onto a transfer material, a fixing device for fixing the toner image on the transfer material, and removing the toner remaining on the photoreceptor after transfer. It is equipped with a cleaning device.

Recently, a simple laser printer for home use, for example, has been developed in which a unit type image forming means including an image carrier is replaceably attached to the main body of the apparatus.

This simple laser printer has a structure in which the unit-type image forming means, which is a consumable item, can be replaced as appropriate by the user, and it is convenient to handle because it does not require a service person like conventional large machines. .

The following means are conventionally known as means for knowing when to replace such a unit type image forming means.

(1) A means for issuing a replacement signal when a predetermined amount of toner has been collected by a toner cleaning device that constitutes a part of the image forming means.

(2) A mechanical counting means linked to the drive of the photoreceptor is provided on the photoreceptor, and the counting means counts the number of times the photoreceptor is used, and the count number of the counting means can be detected from outside the device main body. (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-163276, JP-A No. 58-152263)
No., JP-A No. 60-63551).

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, with the above method (1), since the amount of toner consumed differs depending on the area of the black background of the image, the amount of recovered toner does not match the usable life of the photoreceptor, and there is a problem that it is not possible to know the appropriate time to replace it. There is.

Further, in the above means (2), since it is necessary to provide a mechanical counting means for each photoreceptor, there is a problem that the cost of the Uni7) type image forming means is high.

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a simple image forming apparatus that has an inexpensive structure and can reliably know when to replace a unit type image forming means. It is in.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a simple image forming apparatus having a structure in which a unit type image forming means including an image carrier is replaceably attached to an apparatus main body. , a memory that is provided with a unique identification mark that follows the movement of the image carrier, and that detects passage of the unique identification mark in the main body of the apparatus and records the number of times the image carrier related to the image forming means of the unit type is used; a means for notifying when the number of uses recorded in the memory means reaches a predetermined number; and a means for reading the unique identification mark to confirm that the image forming means of the unit type is a new one after replacement. The apparatus is characterized in that it is further provided with a reset means for resetting the number of uses recorded in the memory means at certain times.

Further, it is preferable that the image carrier has an endless belt-like form having a joint, and that the reading means for reading the unique identification mark also serves as the detection means for detecting the joint of the image carrier.

[Effect]

When the image carrier of the unit type image forming means is driven and put into use, the memory means provided in the main body of the apparatus
The passage of a unique identification mark that moves following the image carrier is detected, and the number of times the image carrier is used is recorded.

When the number of uses reaches a predetermined number, the notification means notifies the user of this fact. Therefore, the operator can know that it is time to replace the unit type image forming means.

Then, when the operator removes the old unit type image forming means and attaches a new unit type image forming means to the apparatus main body, the unique identification mark of the image carrier related to the new unit type image forming means is read and the reset means is activated. The number of uses recorded in the memory means is reset.

In this way, with a simple configuration in which a unit type image forming means is provided with a unique identification mark that moves following the image carrier, it is possible to reliably know when it is time to replace the unit type image forming means, and also to replace the new unit type image forming means. The number of times the image carrier of the unit type image forming means is used can be counted again from the beginning.

Further, in the case where the reading means for reading the unique identification mark also serves as the detection means for detecting the joint part of the endless belt-shaped image carrier having the joint part, the number of parts can be reduced.

[Specific structure of the invention]

Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be specifically explained.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a laser printer which is an example of a simple image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

In the figure, 10 is a lower unit, 30 is an upper unit, and 40 is a support shaft. The upper unit 30 is attached to the lower unit 10 via a support shaft 40 so as to be openable and closable.

In the lower unit 10, 11 is a box-shaped case with an opening at the top, 12 is a cassette insertion port, 13 is a paper feed cassette, and P
14 is a recording paper, 14 is a paper feeding roller, 15 is a passage member for the recording paper P, 16 is a feeding roller, 17.18 is a recording paper detector, 5
0 is a unit type image forming means including an endless belt-shaped photoreceptor (image carrier) 51; 19 is a charging/transfer electrode; 20
is a developing roller, 2I is a drive motor, a is a charging/transfer position, b is an exposure position, C is a development/recovery position, and d is a cleaning position. Although not shown, a power supply device, a control device, etc. are arranged.

In the unit type image forming means 50, 51 is an endless belt-shaped photoreceptor, 52 is a frame, 53 and 54 are rollers for rotationally moving the endless belt-shaped photoreceptor 51;
55 is a regulating member that regulates the movement of the photoreceptor 51, and 56 is a cleaning blade. One of the rollers 53 and 54 is rotationally driven by the drive motor 21, and thereby the photoreceptor 51 is rotated counterclockwise as shown by the arrow.

This unit type image forming means 50 can be taken out upwardly from the upper opening of the case 11 with the upper unit 30 open.

In the upper unit 30, 31 is a case with a bottom opening;
32 is an exposure optical system for irradiating the surface of the photoconductor 51 with laser light at the exposure position; 33 is a static elimination lamp for irradiating the surface of the photoconductor 51 with light at the static elimination position e;
34 is a fixing roller, 35 and 36 are discharge paths, 37 and 38 are paper discharge rollers, and 39 is a discharge path switching member.

The exposure optical system 32 includes a laser oscillator, an optical modulator, a rotating polygon mirror, an fθ lens, a reflecting mirror, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, a unique identification mark 60 made of, for example, a bar code is provided on the side edge of the endless belt-shaped photoreceptor 51 of the unit type image forming means 50. When the photoreceptor 51 is rotationally driven, it moves following the photoreceptor 51 .

The identification mark 60 is unique to each unit type image forming means, and has, for example, a serial number and an al number recorded thereon using a bar code or the like.

As shown in FIG.
a memory means 71 for detecting passage of the identification mark 60 of No. 1 and recording the number of times the photoreceptor 51 has been used; and a notice for notifying the user when the number of times of use recorded in the memory means 71 reaches a predetermined number. There are provided a means 72 and a reset means 73 for reading the identification mark 60 and resetting the number of uses recorded in the memory means 71 when the image forming means 50 of the unit type is new after replacement.

T4 is a detector with a simple structure made of a photocoupler or the like, and is arranged opposite to the area through which the identification mark 60 provided on the photoreceptor 51 passes. With this detector 74,
Passage of the identification mark 60 is detected and a detection signal thereof is transmitted to the memory means 71, and the contents of the identification mark 60, such as a serial number, are read and the read contents are transmitted to the reset means 73.

In the memory means 71, the number of times the photoreceptor 510 has passed, that is, the number of times it has been used, is counted based on the detection signal from the detector 74, and the counted number is recorded. This memory means 71 has a structure that allows the memory contents to be retained without being erased even if the main power switch of the main body of the apparatus is turned off. Therefore, the count number is effectively recorded even when the device is not operating.

The notification means 72 notifies you when the count recorded in the memory means 72 reaches a predetermined number of times. Specifically, it is possible to employ means such as lighting a display lamp to appeal to the operator's visual sense, or mechanical means automatically stopping the operation of the device.

In the reset means 73, the identification mark 60 of the photoreceptor 51 is read by the detector 74, and when it is detected that the image forming means 50 of a new unit type has been replaced, the signal is recorded in the memory means 71. The count is reset to zero. Therefore, the number of times the photoreceptor used for a new image forming means is used can be automatically counted from one.

The endless belt-shaped photoreceptor 51 is formed by joining a sheet-shaped member at one end 51A and the other end 51B.
Therefore, a joint 51C exists. Since an image cannot be formed on this joint 51C, a detector is required to detect the joint 51C and adjust the image forming position of the photoreceptor 51.

In the illustrated example, the previously described detector 74 also serves as a detector for detecting this joint 51C.

Therefore, the number of detectors can be saved and an inexpensive configuration suitable for a simple device can be achieved.

This laser printer has two endless belt-shaped photoreceptors 51.
This is a so-called two-rotation, one-image forming apparatus in which each process of charging, exposure, development, transfer, cleaning, and charge removal is performed during rotation to form one image.

That is, first, at the charging/transfer position a, the surface of the photoreceptor 510 is uniformly charged by the charging/transfer electrode 19. Next, at the exposure position, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 51 by laser light from the exposure optical system 32. When the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 51 reaches the cleaning position d, the cleaning blade 5
6 is located at a position apart from the surface of the photoreceptor 51, and cleaning is not performed. Furthermore, when the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor 51 reaches the static elimination position e, the static elimination lamp 33 is inactive at this time, and static elimination is not performed.

Then, when the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 51 reaches the development/collection position C, the toner conveyed to the development/collection position C by the developing roller 20 transfers and adheres to the electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor 51, forming a toner image. is formed. Then, after wiping the charging/transfer position a, a voltage is applied from the back side of the recording paper P toward the surface of the photoreceptor 510 by the charging/transfer electrode 19, thereby transferring the toner image on the photoreceptor 51 onto the recording paper P. Transferred by electrostatic attraction.

Next, when the surface of the photoreceptor 51 after the transfer reaches the cleaning position d, the cleaning blade 56, which has been moved to a state where it is in pressure contact with the surface of the photoreceptor 510 by this time, removes the image onto the surface of the photoreceptor 51 without being transferred. Any remaining toner will be scraped off. Photoreceptor 5 after toner is scraped off
10 surface is neutralized by the static eliminating lamp 33 at the neutralizing potential Wle.

Then, when the cleaning blade 56 moves upward, the scraped toner is carried by the photoreceptor 51 to the development/collection position C, where it is transferred and adhered to the developing roller 20 by magnetic force or the like and is collected.

On the other hand, the recording paper P is first introduced into the passage member 15 from the paper feed cassette 13 by the paper feed roller 14, and when its leading edge is detected by the front recording paper detector 17, the rotation of the feed roller 16 is started. , moves the recording paper P forward. When the leading edge of the recording paper P is detected by the rear recording paper detector 18, the rotation of the feed roller 16 is temporarily stopped in order to adjust the position of the recording paper P and the photoreceptor 51.

After the position adjustment is completed, the rotation of the feed roller 16 is restarted, and the recording paper P moves forward toward the charging/transfer position a.

Then, at the charging/transfer position a, the toner image on the surface of the photoreceptor 51 is transferred onto the recording paper P as described above.

When the recording paper P to which the toner image has been transferred passes between the rollers of the fixing roller 34, the toner image is thermally fixed to the recording paper P during this time, and then passes through the discharge path 35 or 36 selected by the switching member 39. It is discharged to the outside.

According to the simple image forming apparatus having the above configuration, each time the detector C detects the passage of the identification mark 60 on the photoreceptor 51, the number of passages is counted and the memory means 71 counts the number of passages.
recorded in Then, when the count number in the memory means 71 reaches a predetermined number of times, the notification means 72 notifies that fact.

Therefore, the operator can know from the notification that it is time to replace the photoreceptor. Then, the operator removes the used unit-type image forming means 50 attached to the lower unit 10 of the apparatus main body, attaches a new unit-type image forming means 50 to the lower unit 10, and attaches the image forming means 50 of the new unit type to the lower unit 10. When the photoreceptor 51 is rotated, the identification mark 60 of the photoreceptor 51 is read by the detector 74, and the read signal is transmitted to the reset means 73,
When it is detected that the image forming means 50 has been replaced, the operation of the reset means 73 is started and the count number of the memory means 710 is reset.

Therefore, the number of times the photoreceptor 51 of the new unit type image forming means 50 is used can be counted again from the beginning.

In this way, the memory means 71, the notification means 72, the reset 7
3. All the detectors 74 are provided in the main body of the apparatus, and each unit-type image forming means 50 is provided with a unique identification mark 60, so that the unit-type image forming means 50, which is a consumable item, can be used easily and inexpensively. It is possible to achieve a flexible configuration, and it is possible to reduce the cost of consumables.

In the present invention, the shape of the photoreceptor 51 is not limited to the shape of an endless belt, but may be in the shape of a rotating drum, as shown in FIG. When a rotating drum-shaped photoreceptor 51 is used, a unique identification mark 60 may be provided on the periphery of the end side surface of the photoreceptor 51, and the detector 74 may be placed at a position facing the periphery.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a simple and inexpensive configuration is adopted in which unit-type image forming means, which are consumables, are each provided with a unique identification mark, and the passage of the identification mark is Memory means for detecting and recording the number of uses of the image bearing member; notification means for notifying that the number of uses recorded in the memory means has reached a predetermined number; and unique identification when the unit type image forming means is replaced. Since all the reset means for detecting marks and resetting the memory means are provided in the main body of the apparatus, it is possible to know with certainty when it is time to replace the unit-type image forming means, and also to eliminate the need for unit-type image forming means, which is a consumable item. The cost of the means can be reduced, and an extremely practical and simple image forming apparatus can be obtained.

In addition, by adopting a configuration in which the reading means for reading the unique identification mark also serves as the detection means for detecting the joint part of the endless belt-shaped image carrier having the joint part, the number of parts can be reduced and the structure can be improved. Simplification can be achieved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a laser printer which is an example of a simple image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view showing a specific example of a photoreceptor and an identification mark, and FIG. 3 is an identification mark. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the detection section, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory perspective view showing another specific example of the photoreceptor. 10... Lower unit 12... Cassette insertion port 14... Paper feed roller 16... Feed roller 19... Charging/transfer electrode 21... Drive motor 31... Case 11... Case 13... Paper feed cassette 15... Passage members 17, 18... Recording paper detector 20... Developing roller 30... Upper unit 32... Exposure optical system 33... Static elimination lamp 34 ...Fusing roller 3
5, 3 (i... Ejection path 37. 38... Paper ejection roller 39... Ejection path switching member 40... Support shaft 5
0...Unit type image forming means 51...g Light body 52...Frame 53, 54...Roller
55...Restriction member 56...Cleaning blade

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a simple image forming apparatus having a structure in which a unit type image forming means including an image bearing member is replaceably attached to the main body of the apparatus, the unit type image forming means has a unique unit that follows the movement of the image bearing member. an identification mark is provided on the apparatus main body, and a memory means for detecting passage of the unique identification mark and recording the number of times of use of the image carrier related to the image forming means of the unit type; a notification means for notifying when the number of uses reaches a predetermined number; and a use recorded in the memory means when the image forming means of the unit type is a new one after being replaced by reading the unique identification mark. A simple image forming apparatus characterized by being provided with a reset means for resetting the number of times. (2) The image carrier has an endless belt-like form having a joint, and the reading means for reading the unique identification mark also serves as a detection means for detecting the joint of the image carrier. The simple image forming apparatus according to claim 1.