JPH06194907A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To estimate the consumption of a developer and to execute prescribed warning by estimating the consumption of the developer with a density setting value set according to the kind of a process cartridge and integrating/storing the estimated consumption. CONSTITUTION:A cartridge identifying sensor S3 identifies the fact that the fitted process cartridge is a negative cartridge or a positive cartridge and each value is inputted to a variable for recording the estimated toner consumption of the selected cartridge. In a density setting part 43, a resistance value at a set density position is converted into a digital value from an analog value by a converting circuit and inputted to the variable to which the estimated toner consumption on the set density is inputted. Whenever processing for a copy is executed, a toner consumption is added to the cumulative toner consumption of a device main body and the fitted cartridge and when residual toner approaches zero, a residual toner display is turned on to display.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of types of process cartridges can be detachably attached and used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a mode for obtaining a positive copy image from a positive original image by attaching and detaching a process cartridge equipped with a developing device (hereinafter referred to as a positive / positive image) and a mode for obtaining a positive duplicate image from a negative original image ( A micro film reader printer that allows you to select one of the following copy image forming processes (hereinafter referred to as negative and positive images) (hereinafter referred to as the copying process), and the original image can be colored in various ways by attaching and detaching the process cartridge. There is an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine for obtaining a hard copy.

The original image photographed on the microfilm may be a positive image or a negative image. In either case, it is difficult to see the image on the paper unless it is a positive image, so the hard copy is preferably a positive image. Therefore, in the reader printer as described above, the main image forming means suitable for each purpose of the positive / positive image and the negative / positive image are separately formed into a cartridge,
The hard copy suitable for each mode can be obtained only by attaching / detaching the cartridge to / from the apparatus body.

On the other hand, in the copying machine as described above, even in the same copying process, it is possible to obtain a hard copy in which various toners are transferred by simply attaching and detaching the cartridge storing the colored toner and the toner having different particles. I have to.

[0005]

As described above, copying is performed by selecting a copying process by attaching and detaching a plurality of process cartridges equipped with a developing device or selecting a developing device storing colored toner. In an image forming apparatus for obtaining an image, a replaceable offset prevention liquid supply device for cleaning the fixing roller and supplying the offset prevention liquid to the fixing roller is provided in the fixing device.

Further, as the toner remaining amount display means, for example, a pseudo system for moving the remaining amount index in association with the rotation of the photosensitive drum to speculatively measure and display the consumed amount is provided in the process cartridge. It is used as an inexpensive method.

However, in the toner remaining amount display means as described above, the toner consumption amount in one developing process is measured as a constant amount regardless of the set value of the manual density, and the photosensitive drum rotates even when the toner is not consumed. Then, since the toner consumption is measured, the reliability of the toner remaining amount display is lacking. Further, in the case of an apparatus in which the process cartridge cannot be seen from the operator's operation position, there is a problem that the toner consumption status of the mounted process cartridge cannot be determined.

Further, when a plurality of types of process cartridges are mixedly used, the amount of work processed by the offset prevention liquid supply device cannot be confirmed, and the operator cannot know when to replace the offset prevention liquid supply device. For this reason, there has been a problem that it is necessary to frequently check the degree of contamination of the fixing roller and the offset prevention liquid supply device.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of accurately estimating the amount of developer consumed and issuing a predetermined warning. It is what

[0010]

A typical constitution according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to provide a plurality of types of process cartridges having a developing means for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member with a developer. In a mountable image forming apparatus, a density switching unit for setting the density of a developed image developed by the developing unit, and a developer consumption amount estimated from a density set value set by the density setting unit are counted. Counting means, discriminating means for discriminating the type of the mounted process cartridge, integrating means for accumulating the counted value according to the type of the mounted process cartridge, and integrated value of the integrating means exceeds a certain value. And a warning means for giving a warning in the event of a failure.

[0011]

In the above structure, the consumption amount of the developer is estimated by the density set value set by the density setting means according to the type of the process cartridge mounted in the apparatus main body, and the accumulated amount is stored. This confirms the cumulative developer consumption of each process cartridge. This makes it possible to give a proper warning when the remaining amount of the developer is low.

[0012]

【Example】

First Embodiment Next, one embodiment according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming control according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a reader printer which is one aspect of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration of the reader printer. It is the figure which showed.

First, the reader printer will be described with reference to FIG. 3. An optical mechanism section for selectively forming an image frame of the microfilm F as an original image on the screen 8 or on the photoconductor 4. 12 and a printer mechanism 13 for obtaining a duplicate of a desired image as an image forming apparatus.

The optical mechanism section 12 is provided with a light source 1 for film illumination, and a light beam from the light source 1 for film illumination is applied to the microfilm F via a condenser lens 2 and a field lens 3 to generate a micro light. The image light transmitted through the film F is projected onto the projection lens 5 and the mirror 6,
It is projected on the screen 8 via 7. The image light of the microfilm F is also projected onto the photosensitive drum 4 via the scanning mirrors 10 and 11.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a printer mechanism section, which records an image by an electrophotographic process by operating a print button 25 shown in FIG. 2, and is a process cartridge in which the photosensitive drum 4 is incorporated. 14 are provided.

The process cartridge 14 can be inserted and removed in the front direction of the optical mechanism section 12 by opening the printer mechanism section 13 from the optical mechanism section 12. Further, the sheets (recording media) P accommodated in the paper cassette 19 are fed one by one by the feed roller 20, and are fed by the register roller 21 in synchronism with the image forming operation to transfer and record the image. Then, the recording medium on which the image is recorded is fixed while passing through the fixing roller 22, and is discharged to a discharging unit (not shown). Further, a fixing pad made of a fibrous member is brought into contact with the fixing roller 22, and this functions as an offset prevention liquid supply device.

In FIG. 3, S1 is a sensor for detecting the feeding of the sheet P, and S2 is a sensor for detecting the ejection of the sheet P.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the main parts around the process cartridge 14 shown in FIG. Inside the process cartridge 14, a primary charger 15 for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 4, and an electrostatic latent image formed by irradiating the charged photosensitive drum 4 with the image light L1 is developed. A developing device 16 which is a developing means for transferring an agent (hereinafter referred to as toner) to a visible image, and further, after transferring the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 4 by the developing device 16 to the sheet P, the photosensitive member Cleaner 2 for removing the toner remaining on the drum 4
0 is attached integrally, or each is detachably attached.

On the other hand, in the printer mechanism section 13, a transfer guide 1 is provided under the cartridge 14 along the conveyance path of the sheet P.
7, a transfer charger 18, and a discharging needle 19 are provided. L2 indicates pre-exposure.

In a process cartridge for obtaining a positive / positive image (hereinafter referred to as a positive / positive cartridge),
The copying process is such that an electrostatic latent image is formed by imagewise exposing the charged photoconductor, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with a toner charged to the opposite polarity. On the other hand, in a process cartridge for obtaining a negative / positive image (hereinafter referred to as a negative / positive cartridge), a so-called reversal development process is carried out in which the toner is charged with the same polarity as the electrostatic charge of the electrostatic latent image. ing.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic perspective views showing an example of a negative / positive cartridge and a positive / positive cartridge. In the figure, 14a and 14a 'are image light entrance slits, 14b and 14b' are pre-exposure entrance slits, 14c and 14c 'are toner remaining amount display windows, and 14d is a negative / positive cartridge and a positive / positive cartridge. Only one cartridge 14 is provided.

When any one of the cartridges is attached to the apparatus body, the cartridge identification sensor S provided in the apparatus body
The presence / absence of the protrusion 14d is detected by 3 so that the negative / positive cartridge and the positive / positive cartridge can be identified.

FIG. 6 is a main part schematic perspective view showing an example of the toner remaining amount display means provided in the process cartridge. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 26 is a toner remaining amount indicating disk,
This disc 26 has a speed reducer composed of gears and the like.
7, the intermediate gear 28, and the gear 4a provided on the concentric core of the photoconductor 4 are connected, and the toner remaining amount display disk 26 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the photoconductor drum 4.

A part of the toner remaining amount indicating disk 26 is
It is visible from the toner remaining amount display windows 14c and 14c 'in FIG. 5, and when the copying process is performed and the photosensitive drum 4 rotates, the toner remaining amount display disk 26 also rotates, and the exposed portion of the toner display window. Indicates that the toner has been consumed.

When the toner is sufficiently stored in the process cartridge, the toner remaining amount display window shows
When the area of the toner remaining amount display disk 26a is exposed and a large amount of toner is consumed and the toner storage amount approaches zero, the speed reducer is arranged so that the area 26b of the toner remaining amount display disk is exposed in the toner remaining amount display window. A reduction ratio of 27 is set.

Next, the control system of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. Figure 1
In the processing means 31 including a microprocessor and the like
Performs a processing operation according to an input instruction from the sheet feeding detection sensor S1, the sheet ejection detection sensor S2, the cartridge identification sensor S3, or the operation unit 34. This processing means 31
Drive unit 35 of optical mechanism unit 12 and printer mechanism unit 13
It has a control unit 32 for controlling. The storage unit 33 of the processing unit 31 has a storage unit for storing the input information from the operation unit 34.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the key arrangement of the front operating section 34. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 34 includes a plus key,
There is a number setting switch 39, which is composed of a minus key and a clear key, for copying the same image. Again 36
Is a number display section for displaying the number of copies processed,
37 is a print switch 2 for executing a copying process.
5. An LED or the like is lit and displayed on the fixing pad display section for notifying that the fixing pad is about to be replaced.

Further, reference numeral 42 is a fixing pad switch which is pressed when the fixing pad is replaced to reset the toner consumption amount processed by the apparatus main body, and 38 is an empty state of the toner of the process cartridge mounted on the main body or It is a toner remaining amount display portion for warning that the state is almost empty. Reference numeral 41 denotes a cartridge reset switch that is pressed when a new process cartridge is mounted and replaced to reset the toner consumption of the same type of process cartridge before replacement.

Reference numeral 43 is a density setting unit for designating a desired development density. The density setting unit 43 is composed of a variable resistor or the like, converts the set resistance value from an analog value to a digital value by a conversion circuit (not shown), and applies a developing bias to the developing machine in proportion to the digital conversion value. Apply. Reference numeral 43a is a setting pointer indicating the density setting position. When the knob 43b of the density setting unit 43 is turned clockwise, the output of the resistance value becomes low, the developing bias of a low voltage is suppressed in proportion to the resistance value, and the development is processed at a low density. As the amount of rotation of the knob 43b increases, the density image becomes lighter. On the other hand, when the knob 43b is turned counterclockwise, the output of the resistance value increases, and a high-voltage developing bias is applied in proportion to the resistance value, and high-density developing is processed. The larger the amount of rotation of the knob 43b, the darker the density image.

Next, the processing procedure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. FIG. 8 is a main flow chart, and FIG. 9 is a process for checking the toner consumption amount of the process cart and the toner consumption amount processed by the apparatus main body to display the remaining toner amount display and the fixing pad display respectively (hereinafter referred to as display process). ) Is a flowchart showing

In FIG. 8, first, the input variable J of the print setting number is set to the initial value 1 (step 101). next,
Whether the process cartridge mounted by the cartridge identification sensor S3 is a negative / positive cartridge or a positive / positive cartridge is identified (step 1).
02).

At this time, when the negative / positive cartridge is discriminated, the variable d for recording the estimated toner consumption amount of the selected cartridge is set to the variable a for recording the estimated toner consumption amount of the negative / positive cartridge. A value is input (step 103). On the other hand, when a positive / positive cartridge is discriminated, the value of the variable b for recording the estimated toner consumption amount of the positive / positive cartridge is input to the variable d (step 104). ).

Next, in step 105, display processing is executed. In the display process, as shown in FIG. 9, first, in step 121, the value of the variable d is checked. Where e ₁
Is a constant in which a numerical value of the toner amount initially stored in the process cartridge is input. At this time, d> e ₁
In the case of, the remaining toner amount display 38 shown in FIG. 7 is lit (step 122). On the other hand, when d> e ₁ is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step 123.

In step 123, the value of the variable c for recording the toner consumption amount processed by the apparatus main body is checked. Here, c ₁ is a constant in which one fixing pad inputs a numerical value of the toner amount (the same amount as the toner amount processed by the apparatus main body) that can be fixed in the work of cleaning the fixing roller and supplying the offset prevention liquid. is there. If c> c _1, the fixing pad display 37 shown in FIG. 7 is lit up (step 124), while if c> c ₁ is not satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step.

The above is the display processing, and when the display processing is completed in the main flowchart, the next reset processing section 61 is executed.
Go to.

In the reset processing 61, first, the pressing of the cartridge reset switch 41 is checked (step 1
06), when pressed, the variable d is reset to 0. If the toner remaining amount display 38 is lit,
The toner remaining amount display 38 is turned off (step 107).

Next, in step 108, the pressing of the fixing pad switch 42 is checked. When the fixing pad switch 42 is pressed, the variable c is reset to 0.
If the fixing pad display 37 is on, the fixing pad display 37 is turned off (step 109).

The above is the reset processing unit 61, and when the reset processing is completed, the process proceeds to the print processing unit 62.

In the print processing unit 62, first, step 1
At 10, the pressing of the number setting switch 39 is checked. When the number of prints is changed by the number of sheets setting switch 39, the value is input to the variable J and output to the number display 36 shown in FIG. 7 (step 111). On the other hand, when the print setting number is cleared by the number setting switch 39 (step 112), the numerical value 1 is input to the variable J,
The number is displayed on the number display 36 (step 113).

Next, the case where the print switch is pressed in step 114 to execute printing will be described.

First, in the density setting section 43, the resistance value at the set density position is converted from an analog value to a digital value by a conversion circuit (not shown), and the value is input to the variable f for inputting the estimated toner consumption amount at the set density. Yes (Step 1
25).

Next, in step 115, the value of the variable J is checked. At this time, if J ≠ 0, the copy process (step 126) is executed once, and at the next step 116, c
= C + f and d = d + f are processed, the toner consumption amount is added to the cumulative toner consumption amount of the apparatus main body and the mounted cartridge. Also, the fact that one copying step has been processed is stored by processing J = J-1.

Next, the display processing described above is performed in step 117, and the process returns to step 115 again. And step 1
The copying process for the set number of sheets is repeated until J = 0 at 15.

When the above print processing is completed, the cumulative toner consumption of the mounted process cartridge is stored by the following processing. That is, in step 118, the negative / positive cartridge is discriminated from the positive / positive cartridge, and if the negative / positive cartridge is identified at this time, the value of the variable d is input to the variable a (step 119),
On the other hand, when the positive / positive cartridge is identified, the value of the variable d is input to the variable b (step 120).

When the above processing is completed, step 1 is performed again.
Returning to 06, reset processing 61 or print processing 62
Will be waiting. Thus, since the density setting resistance value set by the density setting means is input to the variable f as a barometer of the estimated toner consumption amount, the constant e ₁ is a value obtained by converting the initial toner storage amount in the process cartridge into a resistance value. The constant c ₁ is a value obtained by converting the limit amount of toner that can be fixed by one fixing pad into a resistance value. Since it is preferable to display the remaining toner amount before the toner in the cartridge is emptied, the value of the constant e ₁ may be set to be slightly subtracted.

In the process cartridge selected as described above, the cumulative toner consumption amount of the selected process cartridge can be confirmed by cumulatively storing the density setting resistance value. Further, since the cumulative toner consumption amount of the apparatus body can be obtained by cumulatively storing the density setting resistance value in the apparatus body, the work amount processed by the fixing pad can be confirmed.

As a result, when the toner remaining amount of the selected process cartridge is nearly empty, the toner remaining amount display is lit up, and when the fixing pad needs to be replaced, the fixing pad is lit up. Therefore, the operator can easily confirm the toner remaining amount warning and the fixing pad replacement warning from an easily visible position such as the operation unit.

In the above embodiment, the density setting resistance value is used as a barometer of the estimated toner consumption amount. However, when the resistance value and the developing bias, or the resistance value and the toner consumption amount are not in a proportional relationship, the resistance value is not proportional. Alternatively, the value of the developing bias may be set in the barometer of the estimated toner consumption amount.

Regarding the display means, a plurality of LEDs may be arranged in parallel to display the remaining toner amount in stages instead of one display. Further, a buzzer may be used instead of the display means, or a combination of the display means and the buzzer may be used. good.

In the present embodiment described above, the reader printer in which the two types of process cartridges of the negative / positive cartridge and the positive / positive cartridge can be detachably attached and used can be described.
The same effect can be obtained in an image forming apparatus in which process cartridges of various types or more can be detachably attached and used.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus to which a prism lens can be attached and detached.

An image rotating optical system in which a prism lens is rotatably attached around a projection optical axis is generally known as a means for rotating the projected image information of an information recording medium, and the prism lens is arranged downstream of the projection lens. The image rotation optical system is widely applied to image forming apparatuses such as reader printers.

The projection image rotated by using the prism lens has a drawback that the moving direction of the film carrier becomes difficult to understand when it is desired to move the projection image, and since it is expensive, the image formation with the detachable prism lens is performed. A device is provided.

However, in an optical system using a prism lens, when the projection light passes through the prism lens, the amount of projection light decreases due to reflection loss in the prism lens. For this reason, in the above-described image forming apparatus with a detachable prism lens, when the copying process is performed with the prism lens attached, the development processing density is lower than when the prism lens is not attached.

Therefore, in this embodiment, means for detecting the mounting of the prism lens is provided, and when the prism lens is mounted, the density setting resistance value is multiplied by the transmittance of the projection light passing through the prism lens as a correction coefficient. The toner consumption amount is corrected.

10 to 12 are views showing a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a processing operation of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a partial schematic perspective view around the prism lens.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 70 is a film carrier as a micro film transfer means, 71 is a prism lens, 72 is a prism holder for holding the prism lens 71, and this prism holder 72 can be attached and detached downstream of the projection lens 5. There is. S4 is the prism holder 7
This is a prism detection sensor for detecting 2. When the prism holder 72 is mounted, the sensor 54 detects the flange 72a of the prism holder 72. Then, under the control system shown in FIG. 10, the processing operation is performed by the input instruction of the sensor S4.

This embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11, but in this embodiment, steps 127, 1
Since 28, 129, and 130 are different from the above-described first embodiment and are similar to the first embodiment, only this part will be described.

In step 127, the prism lens is detected, and if the prism lens is attached,
A constant n is input to the prism correction variable G for correcting the toner consumption amount in accordance with the light amount variation due to the presence or absence of the prism lens. The constant n in step 128 is an input of the transmittance of the projection light of the original image light image passing through the prism lens. On the other hand, if the prism lens is not attached in step 127, 1 is input to the prism correction variable G (step 129).

In step 130, c = c + f ×
By the processing of G, d = d + f × G, and J = J−1, a value obtained by multiplying the density setting resistance value and the correction coefficient of the light amount variation by the prism lens is added to the cumulative toner consumption amount. That is, when the prism lens is not attached, G = 1, so the processing is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

Even in the image forming apparatus in which the prism lens can be attached and detached as described above, since the fluctuation of the light amount due to the presence or absence of the prism lens is corrected and the toner consumption amount is integrated, the toner consumption amount can be made reliable by an inexpensive method. Can be stored.

In this embodiment, the transmittance of the projection light passing through the prism lens is set to the constant n, but when the projection light amount and the toner consumption amount are not in a proportional relationship, the constant n is corrected and set. May be.

Further, in the image recording apparatus in which a plurality of projection lenses can be attached and detached and replaced, when the light quantity varies depending on the projection lenses, the same effect can be obtained by identifying and correcting the projection lenses.

Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus in which a photoelectric conversion element is provided and automatic image density control (hereinafter referred to as AE) is performed.

AE is an original image of any concentration,
Although the hard copy having the optimum image density is obtained, if the image density obtained by the AE process does not match the operator's preference, the density is manually set.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in the image forming apparatus in which the photoelectric conversion element is provided and the AE is performed, when the image density is manually set, the projection light is received based on the data of the projection light received by the photoelectric conversion element. The density setting resistance value is multiplied by the coefficient for correcting the fluctuation of the light amount, and the toner consumption amount is corrected.

13 to 15 are views showing a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a control system in the reader printer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 14 shows processing operations of the present embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 81 denotes a photoelectric conversion element, which is composed of a single element or a plurality of elements. In the figure, the scanning mirrors 10 and 11 are retracted from the screen projection optical path. Scanning mirror 1 when printing
When 0 and 11 move in the A direction and push up the mirror 7 and enter the screen projection optical path, the photoelectric conversion element 81 receives the projection light of the microfilm. After that, when reaching the start position, the scanning mirrors 10 and 11 move in the B direction and a projection image is recorded on the photosensitive drum 4.

Next, the control system will be described. When the AE switch 44 is pressed in FIG. 13, the photoelectric conversion element 81 obtains the light quantity data of the projection light by the operation of the scanning mirrors 10 and 11 described above. Then, the developing bias is controlled based on the data, and the developing process with the optimum density is performed.

This embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. In this embodiment, steps 131 to 135 are different from those in the first embodiment described above, and the other points are the same as those in the first embodiment. Only explained.

In step 131, the light amount data of the projection light received by the photoelectric conversion element 81 is input to H for inputting the light amount data.

In step 132, the pressing of the AE switch 44 is checked. Here, when the AE switch 44 is pressed, a value obtained by converting the value of the developing bias controlled during the AE process into a resistance value is input to the variable f (step 133). On the other hand, when the AE switch 44 is not pressed, the resistance value set by the density setting unit is input to the variable f (step 134).

In step 135, c = c + f × (H /
H ₁ ), d = d + f × (H / H ₁ ), J = J−1 are processed. Here, H ₁ is a constant that defines the value of the optimum projection light amount, and during AE processing, f × (H / H ₁ ) is a resistance relative to the estimated toner consumption amount for obtaining an image of optimum density. The constant H ₁ is set to be equal to the value.

As described above, when printing is performed by the AE process, the estimated toner consumption amount consumed to obtain an image of optimum density is added to the cumulative toner consumption amount, while when printing is performed by the manual density process. Since the density setting resistance value is multiplied by the coefficient for correcting the projection light amount and added to the cumulative toner consumption amount, inexpensive and highly reliable toner consumption amount can be stored.

Although the present embodiment has been described on the assumption that the projection light amount and the toner consumption amount and the density setting resistance value and the toner consumption amount are in a proportional relationship, if the above relationship is not in a proportional relationship, The variable f and the variable H may be corrected.

[Other Embodiments] The process cartridge used in each of the above-described embodiments is not limited to the case of forming a single-color image, but a plurality of developing means are provided to form a multi-color image (for example, a two-color image or a three-color image). Alternatively, a cartridge that forms a full color or the like) may be used.

As the developing method, various known developing methods such as a two-component magnetic brush developing method, a cascade developing method, a touch-down developing method and a cloud developing method can be used.

The charging means may also be configured by a so-called charging method in which the charging roller is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum and driven to rotate. In addition to the roller type, a blade type (charging blade), a pad type, a block type may be used. Shapes, rod shapes, wire shapes, etc. may be used.

Further, as a method of cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, the cleaning means may be constituted by using a blade, a fur brush, a magnetic brush or the like.

The process cartridge described above is
For example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member as an image carrier and at least one process means are provided. Therefore, as the mode of the process cartridge, in addition to the embodiment described above, for example, the image carrier and the charging means are integrally made into a cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. The image carrier and the developing means are integrally formed into a cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the main body of the apparatus. The image carrier and the cleaning means are integrally made into a cartridge so that it can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Further, there is one in which an image carrier and two or more of the above-mentioned process means are combined into an integrated cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

That is, the above-mentioned process cartridge is one in which the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. . Further, at least one of the charging means, the developing means, and the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so that it can be attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Further, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally made into a cartridge so as to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body.

Further, although the reader printer is exemplified as the image forming apparatus in the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to other image forming apparatuses such as an electrophotographic copying machine, a facsimile machine, a word processor and the like. Of course, it is possible to use.

[0083]

As described above, the present invention estimates the amount of developer consumed by the selected process cartridge from the density set value, and accumulates and stores the value to accumulate the cumulative developer consumption of the selected process cartridge. You can check the quantity.

Further, the amount of the developer to be image-processed by the apparatus main body is estimated from the density set value, and the accumulated value is stored to confirm the supply of the offset preventive agent processed by the coating unit and the work amount of cleaning the fixing unit. it can.

Therefore, when the remaining amount of the developer of the mounted process cartridge becomes almost empty or when the coating means needs to be replaced, the warning means provided in the operation section or the like is used to notify the operator. You can easily warn.

Further, the fluctuation of the projection light amount due to the attachment / detachment of the prism lens and the projection lens is corrected to count the developer consumption amount, and the photoelectric conversion element is provided to correct the fluctuation of the projection light amount to reduce the developer consumption amount. By counting, the more reliable developer consumption amount and the work amount of the coating unit can be measured.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system in an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of a reader printer.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a process cartridge.

FIG. 5 is a perspective explanatory view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of toner remaining amount display means provided in the process cartridge.

FIG. 7 is a key layout diagram showing a configuration example of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing operation according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a main part around a prism lens according to a second example.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a control system in the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a reader printer according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 14 ... Process cartridge 31 ... Processing means 37 ... Fixing pad display 38 ... Toner remaining amount display 41 ... Cartridge reset switch 42 ... Fixing pad switch 43 ... Density setting means

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of types of process cartridges having developing means for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member with a developer can be mounted, and the density of a developed image developed by the developing means is set. A density switching means, a counting means for counting the developer consumption amount estimated from the density set value set by the density setting means, a judging means for judging the type of the mounted process cartridge, An image forming apparatus comprising: an integrating means for integrating a numerical value according to the type of a mounted process cartridge; and a warning means for issuing a warning when the integrated value of the integrating means exceeds a certain value. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has a coating means for coating an offset preventive agent on a fixing means for fixing the developed image transferred on the recording medium. 3. The plurality of types of process cartridges,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the types of developers are different from each other. 4. The image forming apparatus is the same as the electrostatic latent image in a first image forming mode in which development is performed with a developer charged to a polarity opposite to that of the electrostatic charge of the electrostatic latent image formed on the image carrier. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second formation mode in which development is performed with a developer that is charged with polarity. 5. The image forming apparatus, to which a prism lens is attachable / detachable, has a correction means for correcting a variation in light quantity of projection light of an original image light image due to attachment / detachment of the prism lens,
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counting unit multiplies the estimated developer consumption amount by the correction value obtained by the correction unit and counts the amount. 6. The image forming apparatus has a correction means for receiving the projection light of the original image light image by a photoelectric conversion element and correcting a variation in the light quantity of the projection light in accordance with the received light quantity, and the counting means 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the estimated developer consumption amount is multiplied by a correction value obtained by a correction unit to count the developer consumption amount. 7. The image forming apparatus includes a correction unit that corrects a light amount variation of the projection light of the original image light image caused by replacement of the projection lens, and the counting unit estimates the correction value by the correction unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agent consumption amount is multiplied and counted. 8. A process cartridge to be mounted on the image forming apparatus, wherein a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit as the process unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier are integrally made into a cartridge, and the cartridge is formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is removable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. 9. A process cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus is a cartridge in which at least one of a charging unit, a developing unit and a cleaning unit as the process unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier are integrally formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is embodied to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. 10. A process cartridge to be mounted on the image forming apparatus, wherein at least a developing means as the process means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image carrier are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is removable.