JPH03101759A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To finely alter control characteristics by providing a main body with a reading part reading out contents in the image formation control information setting part of an interchangeable unit and with a control part controlling image formation according to the read contents. CONSTITUTION:The interchangeable unit 2 is provided with a setting part 3 setting image formation control information, and the main body 1 is provided with the reading part 4 reading out the contents in the setting part 3 of the interchangeable unit 2 and the control part 5 controlling image formation according to the read contents. The interchangeable unit 2 is provided with the part 3 setting image formation control information, which is read by the reading part 4 of the main body 4. Based on the read contents, the control part 5 controls image formation. Thus, features such as service life that are not adjusted in the interchangeable unit 2 are automatically altered, and moreover fine image formation control is attained according to the feature.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Table of Contents] Overview Industrial Application Fields Prior Art Problems to be Solved by the Invention Means for Solving the Problems (Fig. 1) Working Examples (a) Description of Image Forming Apparatus ( (Figures 2 to 6) (b) Description of the first embodiment (Figures 7 to 9) (C) Description of the second embodiment (Figure 10) (d) Third embodiment (Figs. 11 and 12) (e) Description of other embodiments Effects of the invention [Summary] Regarding an image forming device in which a replaceable unit is set in the main body and performs an image forming operation, characteristics of the replaceable unit. The purpose of this system is to eliminate the need to reconfigure settings on the main body and to make detailed changes to the control characteristics.A replaceable unit is set in the main body, and the main body and the replaceable unit can perform image-forming force movements. In the image forming apparatus, the replaceable unit is provided with a setting section for setting image forming control information, and the main body is provided with a reading section that reads the contents of the setting section of the replaceable unit, and the image forming apparatus is provided with a setting section for setting the image forming control information. A control section for controlling image formation is provided.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs an image forming operation by having a replaceable unit set in a main body.

2. Description of the Related Art Image forming devices such as electrophotographic devices and electrostatic recording devices have components and consumables that need to be periodically replaced as units, and the replacement units are configured to be detachable from the main body.

For example, in an electrophotographic apparatus, a photosensitive drum and a cleaner are used as a drum unit, and a developing device is used as a developing unit, which can be replaced with respect to the main body.

In an image forming apparatus including such a replaceable unit,
In recent years, it has been desired to be able to set not only replaceable units with the same characteristics but also replaceable units with different characteristics due to improvements.

[Conventional technology]

For example, a replaceable unit has a lifespan (replacement time), and if a sheet counter or the like is installed in the main unit, and a certain number of prints (or operating time) is reached, a signal sent by the counter will indicate when it is time to replace the unit. We are trying to notify the operator that something is going on.

Conventionally, when the lifespans of replacement units are different, the lifespan value is reset on the main body side according to the replacement unit.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,941, etc., an electrophotographic apparatus is disclosed in which a replaceable unit containing a pre-charger, a cleaner, a developer, and a photosensitive drum is configured to be replaceable in the main body. ing.

In this conventional example, since the characteristics of the photosensitive drum are not constant,
Manual adjustment means are provided on the replacement unit to make the characteristics of the replacement unit constant.

Examples include a charging voltage switching circuit for adjusting charging characteristics, a mechanism for adjusting the position of the corona wire of the pre-charger, a mechanism for adjusting the opening area, and a mechanism for adjusting the exposure amount.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the conventional example in which the replaceable unit is provided with an adjustment means, the adjustment is limited to the members inside the replaceable unit, and other characteristics such as the life span have to be reset on the main body side.

Further, since the adjustment range is limited, when various process conditions change due to improvements or the like, the adjustment by the adjustment means of the replaceable unit is not enough, and there is a problem that it is difficult to change the control characteristics in detail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that allows detailed changes in control characteristics without having to reconfigure settings on the main body side in accordance with the characteristics of a replacement unit.

[Means to solve the problem]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the principle of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a replaceable unit 2 is set on a zero body 1, and an image forming operation is performed by the main body 1 and the replaceable unit 2. A setting section 3 for setting formation control information is provided, and a setting section 3 of the exchange unit 2 is provided in the main body l.
The apparatus is provided with a reading section 4 for reading the contents of the image, and a control section 5 for controlling the image shape based on the read contents.

[Effect]

In the present invention, the image formation control information setting section 3 is provided in the exchange unit 2, the image formation control information is read by the reading section 4 of the main body 1, and the control section 5 controls image formation based on the read content. Characteristics that cannot be adjusted, such as lifespan, can be automatically changed.
Further, it becomes possible to finely control the image shape according to the characteristics.

〔Example〕

(a) Description of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded block diagram of its essential parts, showing an electrophotographic printer.

In FIG. 2, paper 20a is stored in a cassette 20, and is taken out by a pick roller 21a and guided to a photosensitive drum 22a through a paper transport path 210 by paper feed rollers 2lb and 21C. Further, the paper inserted from the paper insertion opening 211 is also guided to the photosensitive drum 22a through the paper conveyance path 210 by the feeding roller 2Lc.

The drum unit 22 includes a photosensitive drum 22a, a front charger 22b, a cleaner 22c, and a static eliminator 22d, and the developer unit 23 includes a developing roller 23a, a blade 23b, a channel plate 23c, paddle roller 2
3d and a toner replenisher 23e.

The photosensitive drum 22a is pre-charged by a pre-charger 22b, exposed to a light image by a laser optical section (drum writing section) 24, developed by a developer unit 23, and then processed into a sheet 20 by a transfer charger 25.
After the developed image is transferred to a, the static electricity is removed by the static eliminator 22d,
It is cleaned by a cleaner 22c.

The paper 20a to which the developed image has been transferred is thermally fixed by a thermal fixing device 26 consisting of a heat roller 26a and a pressure roller 26b.
It is conveyed through a discharge path 212 by discharge rollers 21d and 21e,
The paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 213.

Note that a controller housing section 27 is provided at the bottom of the printer.

As shown in the exploded perspective view of the main parts in FIG.
are a drum unit 22 and a developing unit 23, which have an external shape as shown in FIG.
It is configured to be detachable.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main part of the drum unit having the structure shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the main part of the developing unit having the structure shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drum unit 22 has a side frame (left side in FIG. 3) that supports the photosensitive drum 22a, etc.
There are three (3 bits) near the photosensitive drum 22a of 220.
An image forming control information setting section 3a is provided.

On the other hand, on the support frame 10 of the main body in which the drum unit 22 is set, there is a setting section 3 at a position corresponding to the setting section 3a.
A reading section 4a is provided to read the contents of a.

Further, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5(A) and the side view of FIG. 5(B), the developing device unit 23 includes a side frame (shown in FIG. Three (3-bit) image forming control information setting sections 3b are provided at the upper part of the left side surface) 230.

On the other hand, on the support frame 10 of the main body in which the developing unit 23 is set, there is a setting section 3 at a position corresponding to the setting section 3b.
A reading section 4b for reading the contents of b is provided.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the setting section and reading section.

In the example of FIG. 6(A), the setting section 3 is composed of a magnet 30, and the reading section 4 is composed of a reed switch 40 that is sensitive to the magnet.

Here, if the setting section 3 sets 3-bit image forming control information, a maximum of three magnets are provided, and three reed switches 40 of the reading section 4 are provided. In the figure, magnet 30
Two reed switches 40 are provided, the upper and middle reed switches 40 of the reading section 4 are turned on, the lower reed switch 40 is turned off, and the image forming control information is "110".

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6(B), the setting section 3 is configured by a projection 3l, and the reading section 4 is configured by a microswitch 41 operated by the projection 31.

In this example as well, the protrusions 31 are provided at the upper and middle stages, the upper and middle microswitches 41 are turned on, and the image forming control information of "110" is read.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 6(C), the setting section 3 is composed of a black and white sticker 32, and the reading section 4 is equipped with a photointerrupter 42 that optically detects the black and white sticker.

In this example, the upper row of the setting section 3 shows white, the middle row shows black, and the lower row shows white, and the photointerrupters 42 on the upper, middle, and lower rows of the reading section 4 are turned on, off, and on, and "101" is displayed. image formation control information is read.

Such a setting section 3 is provided on the replacement unit 2 (22, 23), and a reading section 4 is provided on the support frame 10 of the main body. Image formation control information is set on the replacement unit 2, and the reading section 4 of the main body reads this image Formation control information is read.

(b) Description of the first embodiment FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, only the drum unit 22 is provided with a setting section 3a for image formation control information (referred to as drum type).

In the figure, the same parts as shown in Figures 1 to 6 are:
They are indicated by the same symbols.

50 is a main control unit, which is a microprocessor (MPU)
51 is an I/O port that outputs data from a reading unit 43 etc. under the control of a main control unit (MPU) 50; 52a is a ROM (read-only memory), and in addition to the programs executed by the MPU 50,
52b is a RAM (random access memory) that stores control parameters such as life expectancy value (TYP) etc.
, which is used by the MPU 50 to execute processing,
52c is NVRAM (Non-Voluntary Random Access Memory), which is a non-volatile memory that stores data that should not be lost, such as the cumulative time U and exchange flag F. .

53 is a timer that generates an interrupt to the MPU 50 every predetermined time period; 54 is a motor drive circuit;
Detects the rotation speed of motor M according to instructions from MPU50,
M is a motor that drives the motor M to rotate at a constant speed, and the parts shown in FIG.
, 21e).

55 is a DAC (digital analog converter) that converts the charging voltage value of the MPU 50 into an analog quantity; 56 is a high voltage power supply that applies the charging voltage instructed by the DAC 55 to the front charger 22b; 57 is a surface potential sensor that detects the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 22a, and 5th is an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) that converts the surface potential detected by the surface potential sensor 57 into a digital value, and converts the surface potential detected by the surface potential sensor 57 into a digital value. This is a manual transfer to O-Boat 51.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a display/operation unit, which includes a display unit 6a for displaying replacement requests, etc., and an operation unit 6b for manually indicating replacement status, etc.

In this embodiment, a magnet 30 is used in the setting section 3a of the drum unit 22 to indicate a 3-bit drum type, and a reed switch 40 is provided in the reading section 4a.

FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

8(A) is the main routine, FIG. 8(B) is the interrupt routine, and FIG. 8(C) is the post-exchange processing routine.

In this embodiment, even if a drum unit 22 whose life span differs depending on the characteristics of the photosensitive drum 22a is replaced, the replacement time can be appropriately detected.

First, the main routine shown in FIG. 8(A) will be explained.

■ When the printing operation is started by pressing the operation switch 6b of the display/operation section 6 or by a command from a higher level, the MPU
50 reads the drum type TYP.

That is, depending on the presence or absence of the magnet in the 3-bit setting section 3a of the set drum unit 22, the contact of the reed switch 40 of the reading section 4a opens or closes, and a binary drum type corresponding to the position of the magnet is sent to the /0 port 51. TYP is input,
The MPU 50 receives this.

■ Next, MPU50 reads the drum type TYP.
The lifespan 4fLT (TYP) corresponding to
(The usage time of the drum at which deterioration begins) Set to T.

(2) Next, the MPU 50 drives the motor M via the motor drive circuit 54 in order to perform a printing operation.

At the same time, a timer 53 (an interrupt occurs every second) for accumulating the rotation time of the motor M is activated.

Then, a printing operation is performed.

If it is continuous, print again, otherwise stop.

(2) When stopping, the photosensitive drum 22a is idled for several seconds to several tens of seconds in order to clean the photosensitive drum 22a, and after cleaning is completed, the motor M is stopped, and the timer 23 is also stopped.

Next, the rotation time integration process when there is an interrupt from the timer 23 will be explained with reference to FIG. 8(B).

■ When there is an interrupt from the timer 23, the MPU 50
The cumulative time U of the VRAM 52c is updated to (u+1).

Next, the MPU 50 compares the lifespan T in the RAM 5 2 b with the cumulative time U.

If u<T, that is, the cumulative time U is smaller than the life value T, this interrupt routine is terminated.

On the other hand, if U≧T, that is, if the cumulative time U is greater than or equal to the life value T, then the life has been reached, and the MPU 50 displays a replacement request to the display unit 6a of the display/operation section 6 via the 1/O port 51, and the operator The exchange request generation flag F of the NVRAM 5 2 c is set and the process ends.

In this manner, when a replacement request is issued, the printing operation is stopped and the process proceeds to the post-replacement processing routine shown in FIG. 8(C).

(2) When a replacement request is issued, the MPU 50 checks whether the drum type TYP is "000", that is, whether the drum unit 22 has been removed.

When the drum unit 22 is removed, the output of the reading section 4a becomes all "0", so the MPU 50 can determine whether the drum unit 22 has been removed by checking the read contents of the reading section 4a from the I/O boat 51.

(2) If the drum type is "000", the MPU 50 assumes that the drum unit 22 has been removed and displays a message on the display unit 6a asking whether or not the drum unit 22 has been replaced.

When the operator replaces the drum unit 22, he manually indicates that the drum unit 22 has been replaced from the operation panel 6b.

When "replaced" is input, the MPtJ 50 resets the cumulative time U of the NVRAM 52c to 0, clears the replacement request flag F, and returns the display because the drum unit 22 has been replaced.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 9, if the drum type is "1", the cumulative time T(1) is reached, and if the drum type is "2", the cumulative time T(2) is reached. An exchange request output can be issued at any time.

Here, the reason why the accumulated time is expressed as the rotation time of the motor M rather than the number of printed sheets is that the usage time of the drum is more equal to the rotation time of the motor than the number of printed sheets.

(C) Description of the second embodiment FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, a reduction in the charging potential of the drum due to the usage time of the drum is corrected.

(2) Similar to step (2) in FIG. 8, the MPU 50 reads the drum type TYP from the reading section 4a.

■ Similar to step ■ in Figure 8, the MPU 50 is a ROM
5 2 Pull out the life value T (TYP) of the drum type TYP read from the life value table of a, and store it in RAM5.
Set to 2b.

■ MPU50 is the estimated time U from the start of use of the drum.
Set the target value for drum surface potential control according to.

For example, if the initial voltage is Vo and the correction value for each drum type is α, the target value ■ is obtained from V=Vo+AXuXα −(1).

At this time, the correction value α for each drum type is stored in the ROM 52a as a correction table, and
The corresponding correction value α is derived according to the .

Then, the MPU 50 sets the surface potential to the target value ■ by a surface potential setting process shown in FIG. 12(B), which will be described later, in which the high voltage power supply 56 is controlled using the output of the surface potential sensor 57.

(2) Next, a printing operation is performed in the same manner as step (2) in FIG.

(2) Further, the motor M and the timer 23 are stopped in the same manner as in step (2) in FIG.

Incidentally, the timer processing is performed by the same processing as in FIG. 8(B).
The exchange process is performed by the same process as in FIG. 8(C).

In this embodiment, it is possible to correct not only the lifespan but also the deterioration of the surface potential that accompanies the lifespan depending on the drum unit.

(d.) Description of the third embodiment FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, not only the drum unit 22 but also the developing unit 23 is provided with an image forming control information (referred to as developer type) setting section 3b.

In the figure, the same components as those shown in FIG. 7 are indicated by the same symbols, and 59a is a DAC (digital/analog
converter), which converts the developing bias value from the MPU 50 into analog, and 59b is a high voltage power supply,
It supplies a developing bias voltage to the developing unit 23 based on the amount instructed by the DAC 59a. In addition, the ROM52a contains a life value table T (TYPI).
In addition, a development bias table T (TYP2) that stores development bias voltages for each type and a correction table are provided.

Further, a 2-bit developer type TYP2 is set in the setting section 3b of the developer unit 23, and two reed switches S4 and S5 are provided in the reading section 4b accordingly.

FIG. 12 is a processing flow diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, the developing bias and drum surface potential are controlled depending on the type of developing device to be set.

(2) Similar to step (2) in FIG. 8, the MPU 50 reads the drum type TYPI from the reading section 4a.

■ Similar to step ■ in Figure 8, the MPU 50 is a ROM
5. Pull out the life value T' (TYPI) of the drum type TYPI read from the life value table in 2a, and store it in the RAM.
Set to 5 2 b.

O Next, the MPU 50 reads the developer type TYP2 of the setting section 3b of the developer unit 23 from the reading section 4b.

The O MPU 50 sets target values for the developing bias and surface potential control according to the read developer type TYP2.

The developing bias is determined by referring to the developing bias table T (TYP2) in the ROM52a using the developing device type TYP2.
A corresponding developing bias is obtained and inputted to the DAC 59a via the I/O boat 51, and the developing bias voltage is set in the developing device unit 23 by the high voltage power supply 59b.

Further, the surface potential is determined by the same method as in step (2) in FIG. 10, and the surface potential is controlled by the process shown in FIG. 12 (B), which will be described later.

(2) Next, a printing operation is performed in the same manner as step (2) in FIG.

(2) Further, the motor M and the timer 23 are stopped in the same manner as in step (2) in FIG.

Incidentally, the timer processing is performed by the same processing as in FIG. 8(B).
The exchange process is performed by the same process as in FIG. 8(C).

Next, control of the surface potential shown in FIG. 12(B) will be explained.

When the set value of the surface potential is determined, the MPU 50 sets the drum surface potential Vs of the surface potential sensor 57 to the ADC 58, I/
Read via O boat 5l.

Then, the detected surface potential Vs is compared with the set value, and V
If s>V, the input value DAC of DAC55 is (DAC+1
), and if V≧Vs, set the human power value DAC to (DAC-1), reset it to DAC55, change the voltage applied to the front charger 22b from the high-voltage power supply 56, and control the surface potential (charging potential) of the drum. .

In this way, not only the life of the drum but also the developing bias and surface potential can be controlled depending on the developing device unit.

(e) Description of other embodiments In the embodiments described above, the drum unit and developer unit are separate bodies, but they may be integrated, and only the developer unit is provided with a setting section. You can.

Further, the replacement timing of the developing device unit may be changed depending on the developing device unit, and the replacement timing, developing bias, and surface potential may be changed depending on the combination of the drum unit and the developing device unit.

Furthermore, the application may also be applied to the fixing device unit and the transfer charger unit, and in the replacement process shown in FIG. U etc. may be reset.

Further, only a part of the pre-charger and the cleaner can be provided independently from the drum unit so as to be replaceable, and the present invention can be applied to these parts individually.

Furthermore, the values stored in the ROM 5 2a set target values for the improved lifespan and characteristics of each unit that will be improved in the future.
The value may be reset to the NVRAM 5 2 C by a maintenance command from an operator panel or a maintenance panel provided in the printer, and the MPU 50 may read this value.

Although the present invention has been described above using examples, the present invention can be modified in various ways according to the gist of the present invention, and these are not excluded from the present invention.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, (1) characteristics such as life span that cannot be adjusted within the replaceable unit can be automatically changed, and various controls can be performed in accordance with the characteristics of the replaceable unit.

(2) Also, it has the effect of allowing fine control of characteristics to match the characteristics of the replaceable unit, and is compatible with various types of replaceable units.

In the figure, 11 main body, 2-replacement unit; 31 setting section, 4-reading section, 5-control unit.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a diagram of the principle of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus used in the present invention, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the structure of Fig. 2, and Fig. 4 is a diagram of the structure of Fig. 2. A configuration diagram of a drum unit, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a developing device unit with the configuration shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a setting section and a reading section of the present invention, and FIG. Example block diagram, No. 8
The figure is a process flow diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An image forming apparatus in which a replaceable unit (2) is set in a main body (1), and an image forming operation is performed by the main body (1) and the replaceable unit (2), comprising: is provided with a setting section (3) for setting image formation control information, and the main body (1) is provided with a setting section (3) for setting image formation control information.
An image forming apparatus comprising: a reading section (4) for reading the contents of the setting section (3) of the exchangeable unit (2); and a control section (5) for controlling image formation based on the read contents. Device.