JPH03246565A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify adjustment which is performed at the time of exchanging a photosensitive body by automatically reading the characteristic value information of the photosensitive body by a machine main body side so that an image may be adjusted. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with a photosensitive body protection means 8 having a surface where the characteristic value information 9 of the photosensitive body 1 is written, an optical detection means 7 which reads both of the concentration of toner on the photosensitive body 1 and the characteristic value information 9 of the photosensitive body 1 in specified timing, and a storage means 10 where the output data of the detection means 7 is stored. The characteristic value information 9 of the photosensitive body 1 written in the means 8 is read by the detection means 7 such as a reflection type photosensor, etc., which is originally provided in order to detect the reference pattern for controlling the toner concentration and the data is stored in the storage means 10. Thus, the adjustment of the image which is performed at the time of exchanging the photosensitive body is simplified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an electrophotographic process, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus characterized by the management of photoreceptor characteristic values.

[Conventional technology]

In general, in an image forming apparatus having an electrophotographic process, a photoreceptor, which is a consumable item, is replaced, for example, every predetermined number of copies.

When replacing the photoreceptor, image adjustments are made in accordance with the characteristic values of the photoreceptor, specifically, charge application voltage adjustment, exposure amount adjustment, development bias adjustment, etc. are performed.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

In the conventional technology, image adjustment must be performed in accordance with characteristic values that differ for each photoreceptor, which has the disadvantage of poor efficiency.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can simplify image adjustment performed when replacing a photoreceptor.

[Means to solve the problem]

The above purpose is to provide a photoconductor protection means with characteristic value information written on the surface of the photoconductor and toner concentration on the photoconductor in an image forming apparatus in which each process unit for performing an electrophotographic process is arranged around the photoconductor. and an optical detection means for reading both the characteristic value information of the photoreceptor and the photoreceptor at a predetermined timing;
This is achieved by comprising a storage means for storing the output data of the optical detection means.

[Effect]

The photoconductor characteristic value information written in the photoconductor protection means is
The reference pattern for toner density control is read by an optical means such as a reflective photosensor that is originally provided, and the data is stored in a storage means.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram around the photoreceptor of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in which 1 is a photoreceptor, and a photoreceptor protection sheet (photoreceptor protection means), which will be described later, is wrapped around the photoreceptor 1. It is being Furthermore, process units such as a charging device 2, an exposure system 3, a developing device 4, a transfer/separation device 5, a cleaning device 6, etc. are arranged around the device. Also 7
is an optical detection element (optical detection means) that is provided in the cleaning device 6 and reads the reference pattern created on the photoreceptor 1. Normally, a reference pattern is created for each predetermined number of sheets, and depending on the amount of reflected light, A predetermined amount of toner is supplied into the developing device 4, and the toner density inside the developing device 4 is controlled to an appropriate density.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the photoreceptor 1, in which the photoreceptor 1 is inserted into a hollow cylindrical photoreceptor protection sheet (photoreceptor protection means) 8 in an initial state (therefore, this figure shows the handle 8a). (The figure shows a state in which the photoconductor protection sheet 8 is pulled out halfway in the direction of arrow a).

This photoreceptor protection sheet 8 is made of a material such as paper, and the inner surface is black to protect the photoreceptor.

Characteristic value information 9 of the photoreceptor 1 constituted by a bar code is written in a portion on the outer periphery that is located on the back side of the machine from the position of the optical detection element 7. This writing is done by means such as printing, and therefore, the characteristic value information is printed and written on the surface of the photoreceptor protection sheet 8.

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which numeral 10 includes a built-in ROMXRAM;
Therefore, it is a CPU that also serves as a storage means, and this CPU
O functions as the main controller of the entire control system.

Regarding the input/output system, only those related to this embodiment will be explained. First, the input system includes the key switch 11 and the optical detection element 7. The output system includes an illumination lamp 13 for the exposure system 3 via a lamp driver 12, a developing sleeve 15 and a charging device 2 via a high voltage power source 14.

After the photoconductor 1 enters the photoconductor exchange mode by pressing the key switch 11 for setting the photoconductor exchange mode, the old photoconductor is removed from the machine body and stored in the photoconductor protection sheet 8. The machine body 10 is attached to a predetermined position.

Thereafter, when the photoconductor protection sheet 8 is grabbed by the handle 8a and pulled out toward the front side of the machine body (in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 2), characteristic value information 9 consisting of a barcode is displayed. Data, that is, data regarding exposure, charging, developing bias, etc., are read by the optical detection element 7, and the C
Stored in RAM (non-volatile memory) in PLIIO. Then, based on the data of the stored characteristic value information 9,
A command signal is output from the CPU 10 to the lamp driver 12 and the high-voltage power supply 14, thereby adjusting the light intensity of the illumination lamp 13, the developing bias of the developing sleeve 15, and the charging voltage applied to the charging device 2.

In this way, when the characteristic value information 9 is composed of barcodes,
When pulling out the photoreceptor protection sheet 8 toward the front of the machine body,
This characteristic value information 9 can be reliably read by the optical detection element 7.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, the image adjustment is performed by automatically reading the characteristic value information of the photoreceptor on the machine body side, thereby eliminating long-time adjustment by service personnel or users and variations in adjustment. I can do it.

Furthermore, the reference pattern sensor can be used for both functions without providing a new function for reading the characteristic value information of the photoreceptor on the machine body side, thereby avoiding an increase in cost.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a photoreceptor and a photoreceptor protection sheet, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the area around the photoreceptor of the image forming apparatus. be. 1... Photoreceptor, 2... Charging device, 3... Exposure system,
4...Developing device, 5...Transfer/separation device, 6...
Cleaning device, 7... Optical detection element, 1o...
CPU. Figure 1 Figure 2

Claims (1)

[Claims] In an image forming apparatus in which each process unit that executes an electrophotographic process is arranged around a photoconductor, a photoconductor protection means with characteristic value information of the photoconductor written on the surface, and a means for protecting the photoconductor with information on the toner density on the photoconductor and the characteristics of the photoconductor. An image forming apparatus comprising: an optical detection means for reading both characteristic value information at a predetermined timing; and a storage means for storing output data of the optical detection means.