JPH0635264A - Image forming method and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform optimum maintenance by including a stage for storing information concerning the life of an element such as use history and a stage for judging the propriety of exchange of each element based on the stored information. CONSTITUTION:A front cover 99 is pivotally supported to a main body 1 so that it can be turned in a specified direction at the lower edge part of the main body 1. By turning the cover 99, the main body 1 is opened/closed, and an image forming unit 100 including consumables is attached/detached. A counter for counting the number of using times of each element in the unit 100 is installed in the main body 1, and the number of using times is written in a memory 101 in the unit 100. A control part is connected so that information concerning the consumable element in the unit 100, that is, recyclable exchange of control load obtained based on information from an image forming unit control I/O may be written in the memory 101 through connectors 102 and 110. The propriety of the exchange of each element is judged based on the stored information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming method and apparatus, and more particularly, an image forming unit for forming an image by a plurality of steps, and an image forming unit for performing a part of the plurality of steps is detachable, and constitutes the image forming unit. An image forming method using an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of elements are replaceable, an image forming apparatus that performs a plurality of image forming steps, and a main body unit including an element that performs a part of the plurality of steps, and the remaining The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that includes an element for performing steps and is detachable from the main body unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of image forming apparatus is known as an electrophotographic copying machine or a laser beam printer.

In order to rationalize maintenance, these are referred to as a photosensitive member, a developing device around the photosensitive member, a cleaning unit for cleaning residual toner on the photosensitive member, or a recovery unit for recovering residual toner by cleaning. The image forming element can be attached to or detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus individually or in a predetermined combination unit, and when the usage limit is reached, it can be replaced with a new one and continued to be used. It is commonly done.

In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 58-195854, a RAM is provided in a replaceable image forming unit, and the image forming unit is involved by counting the number of times a transfer sheet passes through the image forming unit and the number of rotations of a photosensitive drum. The number of times the image is formed is obtained and stored in the RAM of the image forming unit.
It discloses that the life of the image forming unit can be grasped.

The information stored in the RAM does not volatilize even when the image forming unit is removed, and when it is reattached, the number of times of image formation is stored and displayed in the RAM.

On the other hand, recently, it is desired to perform optimum maintenance by collecting the usage status of the entire copying machine.

In response to this, a system for collecting information of a copying machine at a remote place by using a communication means such as a telephone line is operated in part.

[0008]

By the way, many elements are required for image formation. Each element must be proper to achieve high quality imaging. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the element when it has reached the end of its life. However, it is preferable to minimize the number of element replacements in terms of resource saving.

The normal image forming unit is equipped with a plurality of elements in order to share a part of the process of image formation.

If the life of the entire image forming unit is judged as in the prior art, and the whole is discarded and replaced with a new one, the elements included in the element whose life has not reached the end are discarded. Sometimes.

In this case, even the elements that have not reached the end of their life are discarded, which is a resource saving problem and cannot be said to be optimum maintenance.

In order to perform optimum maintenance, the method using the communication means requires a telephone line and an interface for connecting to this telephone line, which is expensive.

In addition, there is a limit to the telephone line for collecting information of all the related copying machines, which makes it difficult to put into practical use. It is also difficult to achieve optimum maintenance for all copiers. Therefore, it is still not the optimal method.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming method and an image forming apparatus which enable optimum maintenance.

[0015]

According to the image forming method of the present invention, an image is formed by a plurality of steps, and an image forming unit for performing a part of the plurality of steps is made detachable to constitute the image forming unit. In an image forming method using an image forming apparatus capable of exchanging a plurality of elements, a step of storing information about life of the element, such as usage history, and the necessity of replacement for each element based on the stored information It is characterized by including a process.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a main body unit including elements for performing a part of a plurality of steps for image formation, and an image forming unit detachable for the main body unit including elements for performing the remaining steps. In the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit has means for storing information regarding the life of the elements included in the main body unit.

[0017]

According to the configuration of the method of the present invention, the image forming unit that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus is part of the plurality of steps when an image is formed by the image forming apparatus that forms an image by a plurality of steps. In order to perform the above, the information regarding the service life such as the usage history of the plurality of replaceable elements constituting the image forming unit is stored, and the necessity of replacement for each element is determined based on the stored information. In accordance with this judgment, only the plurality of elements of the image forming unit that have reached the end of their life can be individually replaced with respect to the image forming unit, and the image forming unit can be reused.

Further, according to the structure of the above apparatus of the present invention, the image forming unit and the main body unit to which the image forming unit is detachably mounted share a plurality of steps in accordance with the elements included therein to perform image formation. However, since information about the life of the elements included in the main body unit is stored in the storage unit included in the image forming unit, when the image forming unit is collected, the information stored in the storage unit is used for the entire image forming apparatus. It is possible to collect and deal with the information about the life of the elements contained in the body unit.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal structure of a copying machine as an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a detachable state of an image forming unit provided in the copying machine.

A platen glass 15 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1 of the copying machine. The document placed on the platen glass 15 is scanned by the optical scanning device 10 driven by a scan motor (not shown), and the images of the document are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 2.

The optical scanning device 10 comprises an optical system including an exposure lamp 9, movable mirrors 17, 18a and 18b, an imaging lens 8 and fixed mirrors 19a, 19b and 20.
The reflected light from the original reflected or transmitted in this order exposes the photosensitive drum 2 at a predetermined exposure position E.

The first slider S1 having the exposure lamp 9 and the movable mirror 17 attached thereto and the movable mirror 18a,
The second slider S2 to which 18b is attached is moved in the direction of arrow b by the scan motor.

At this time, the first slider S1 moves at twice the speed of the second slider S2 to scan the original. FIG. 1 shows the positions when the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 are maximally scanned.

A cover 16 is pivotally supported on the platen glass 15 so as to be vertically rotatable on the back side, and the platen glass 15 is opened and closed by vertically moving an end portion on the front side.

As shown in FIG. 2, a front cover 99 is pivotally supported on the front side of the main body 1 at its lower edge so as to be rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow a in the figure. Image forming unit 10 that opens and closes 1 and includes consumable parts
It is designed to be attached and detached at 0.

The photoconductor drum 2 has a photoconductive layer on its outer diameter surface and can be rotated counterclockwise as indicated by an arrow in FIG. .

A charging roller 10 is provided above the photosensitive drum 2.
9 is provided, and charges of a constant potential are applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

The peripheral velocity V of the photosensitive drum 2 is constant,
The moving speeds of the first slider S1 and the second slider S2 of the optical scanning device 10 are V and V / 2, respectively.

A developing device 4 is provided downstream of the exposure position E of the photosensitive drum 2 in the rotational direction.

The developing device 4 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer diameter surface of the photosensitive drum 2 into a toner image by the magnetic brass developing method using the developing sleeve 106.

A transfer roller 10 is provided below the photosensitive drum 2.
4 is provided, and the transfer roller 104 is used as the paper feed cassette 1.
An electric field is applied to the copy sheet P conveyed from 20 from the back surface thereof, and the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by the developing device 4 is transferred onto the copy sheet P.

A cleaning roller 103 is provided on the side of the transfer roller 104 in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive drum 2. The cleaning roller 103 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 after transfer by a roller method.
An eraser lamp may be provided between the cleaning roller 103 and the charging roller 109, if necessary.

The eraser lamp removes electric charges remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 by light irradiation in order to prepare for the magnetic field copying process.

Further, the photosensitive drum 2, the developing device 4, the cleaning roller 103, the charging roller 109, and the transfer roller 10
The image forming unit 100 is integrated as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and is detachable from the main body 1.

Further, in the developing device 4, a developer conveyor 107 is provided facing the opposite side of the developing sleeve 106 from the photosensitive drum 2 and carrying the developer.

The developer conveyor 107 has blades (not shown) for conveyance, and agitates the developer by rotation, and
It is supplied to the developing sleeve 106.

Further, a control unit 1 using a microcomputer for performing various controls of this copying machine is provided substantially in the center of the main body 1.
000 are provided.

On the other hand, the paper feed cassette 120 is detachable from the main body 1. Paper feed cassette 120 of main body 1
A paper feed roller 31 for sending out the copy sheet P in the paper feed cassette 120 is provided at a portion where is mounted.

The paper feed roller 31 is connected to a motor (not shown) provided inside the paper feed roller 31 so as to be rotationally driven.

The copy sheet P sent from the paper feeding cassette 120 passes through the intermediate roller 32 and the timing roller 33.
And is sent to the transfer portion between the photoconductor drum 2 and the transfer roller 104 at a timing by the timing roller 33.

The copy sheet P onto which the toner image has been transferred is sent to the fixing device 34 via the carrying path 22.

The fixing device 34 melts the toner image by heat and fixes it on the copy sheet P.

The copy sheet P on which the toner image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 121 via the discharge roller 35.

The number of ejected copy sheets P is counted by the copy counter 40 immediately before the paper ejection roller 35.

On the other hand, the time or the number of times the paper feed roller 31 is actually driven is counted by the paper feed roller counter 38.

In this embodiment, the copy sheet P is not only fed from the cassette 120, but also the manual feed port 1
It will be done from 22.

When the manual feed sensor 37 senses the feeding of the copy sheet P by the operator, the control unit 1000 drives the manual feed roller 36 and the toner image is copied to the copy sheet P in the same manner as the feeding from the paper feeding cassette 120. After being transferred onto the sheet, the sheet is ejected to the sheet ejection tray 121.

The driving time and the number of rotations of the manual paper feed roller 36 are counted by the counter 39.

The main body shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a usage counter (FIG. 4) for counting the number of times each element in the image forming unit 100 mounted on the main body is used.

Specifically, the photosensitive drum use counter 41 for counting the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 2, the cleaning roller use counter 42 for counting the number of rotations of the cleaning roller 103, and the transfer roller for counting the number of rotations of the transfer roller 104. A usage counter 43, a charging roller usage counter 44 that counts the number of rotations of the charging roller 109, a developing sleeve usage counter 45 that counts the number of rotations of the developing sleeve 106, and the developer conveyor 1.
A developer conveyor usage counter 46 for counting the number of rotations of 07 is provided.

When the image forming unit 100 is mounted on the main body 1, these use counters count the number of times each element is used in accordance with the number of image forming times of the image forming unit 100.

Although these use counters may be provided on the main body 1 side, they may be provided on the image forming unit 100 side.

Further, it is not necessary to have all of these usage counters, and one or more may be provided as required.

When the counter is provided on the main body 1 side, the number of times each image forming element is used depends on the image forming unit 10 to be mounted.
It is written in the memory 101 in 0. Therefore, even if a plurality of image forming units 100 are mounted on the main body 1, the number of times each image forming element is used is counted for each image forming unit 100.

The memory 101 is provided with a connector 102 so that when the image forming unit 100 is mounted on the main body 1, it is connected to the connector 110 (FIG. 3) on the main body 1 side.

In this embodiment, all the counters are the main body 1
The counter value is written in the memory 101 in the image forming unit 100, but the specific configuration of the counter is within the scope of the known art, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

A sensor SE (FIG. 4) for detecting the current remaining amount of the developer in the image forming unit 100 is provided on the main body 1 side.

The result of detection of the remaining amount of the sensor SE is also written in the memory 101 in the image forming unit 100. . Further, the sensor SE may be provided in the main body 1 or may be provided in the image forming unit 100, like the counter.

As an example, a counter 41 may be provided in a gear provided on the side of the main body 1 for rotating the photosensitive drum 2 of the image forming unit 100. Other elements,
Regarding the charging roller 109, the developing sleeve 106, etc.,
By counting the rotations of the gears on the main body 1 side for driving these, all the counters can be installed on the main body 1 side, and the image forming unit 100 can be made compact.

The developer detecting sensor SE may be, for example, one that indirectly detects the remaining amount of the developer by detecting the rotation torque of the gear on the side of the main body 1 that rotationally drives the developer conveyor 107.

Although the image forming unit 100 of the copying machine is described as an example of the consumable part in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the consumable part is used. The consumable parts may be used, and the image forming apparatus may be another image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or a liquid crystal printer.

In this embodiment, the image forming unit 100 in which the photosensitive drum 2, the developing sleeve 106, the cleaning roller 103 and the charging roller 109 are integrated is used. However, it is not necessary to integrate all of these image forming elements. For example, the photosensitive drum 2 and the developing sleeve 106, or the photosensitive drum 2 and the developing sleeve 106.
An image forming unit in which a single or a plurality of image forming elements other than the photosensitive drum 2 and the image forming elements other than the photosensitive drum 2 are integrated can be used, such as the cleaning roller 103.

FIG. 3 shows an external appearance and a partial internal structure of the image forming unit 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming unit 100 includes a memory 101, a connector portion 102 for connecting the memory 101 to the main body 1, a cleaning roller 103, a transfer roller 104, a photosensitive drum 2, a developing sleeve 106, a developer conveyor. 107 and charging roller 1
Has 09.

The control unit 1000 on the side of the main body 1 for judging the recycling process of the image forming unit 100 is the connector 1
It is connected to the memory 101 via 10, 102. The recycle information determined by the control unit 1000 is stored in the memory 101.
Written in.

As the memory 101, RAM, UV-
A semiconductor memory such as EPROM or EEPROM, a magnetic recording medium such as a floppy disk or a hard disk, an optical recording medium such as an optical disk memory, or the like can be applied.

FIG. 4 shows the main body 1 of the copying machine and the image forming unit 10.
3 is a block diagram showing a control unit 1000 when 0 is connected via connectors 102 and 110. FIG.

The control unit 1000 on the main body 1 side has a panel I / O 1 for processing commands from the operation panel 1005 shown in FIG.
003 and a paper feed roller 31, an intermediate roller 32, a timing roller 33, a fixing device 34, a mechanical control I / O 1004 storing a control program for controlling a control load 1006 of the optical scanning device 10, or the inside of the image forming unit 100. Charging roller 109 and developing sleeve 10
6, a transfer conveyor 107, a photosensitive drum 2, a transfer roller 104, a cleaning roller 103, and other control loads 101
Image forming unit control I / O 100 for storing a program for controlling 0 through the connectors 102 and 110
7, further copy counter 40, paper feed roller use counters 38, 39, and other use counters 40-4
6 and the toner remaining amount detection sensor SE are connected.

Further, the control unit 1000 provides the connector 102 with information about the recycling replacement of the consumable element in the image forming unit 100, that is, the control load 1010, which is obtained by the judgment based on the information from the image forming unit control I / O 1007. It is connected to write in the memory 101 via 110.

If the memory 101 is a non-volatile storage medium, the control unit 1000 reads the information in the memory 101, combines past information and present information, and the control unit 1000 causes the memory 101 to read the integrated result. You will be able to write in.

FIG. 5 shows the detailed contents of the memory 101. Basically, it is composed of a two-dimensional matrix. Information on the unique usage conditions of each image forming unit 100 is 1
Stored in one frame.

The rows A to E store the ID number, lot number, and serial number of the main body 1 in which the image forming unit 100 is used. With these, the recycling initial information of the main body 1 to which the image forming unit 100 is attached can be known.

Further, the use conditions of the main body 1 on which the image forming unit 100 is mounted, the copy counter FI, the number of sheets HI and H-II used by the paper feed roller, etc. are stored. That is, the memory 101 in the image forming unit 100 allows the main body 1
Can recognize the actual use environment of.

These pieces of information are not real-time (because there is a time difference between the exchange and the reading of the storage section), and therefore they serve as information as a guide.

Next, in the G row, the use condition of the image forming unit 100 is written by the control unit 1000 on the main body 1 side, and the recycle condition of the image forming unit 100 (replacement parts etc.) is collected by these information. It is read out from the memory 101 of the image forming unit 100 and determined.

For example, in C-IV (use time), the total driving time of all the past of the image forming unit 100 is counted, and in consideration of the count value, the control unit 100 on the main body 1 side is counted.
At 0, replacement parts / cleaning parts, etc. are determined. Also C-V
In (recycling frequency), it is determined whether each image forming element is discarded or regenerated depending on whether the image forming unit 100 is the initial unit or how many times the image forming unit is recycled.

Next, in the I row, the count values of the usage counters 41 to 46 provided on the main body 1 side are written. In this case, the value of the usage counter may not be written each time, but may be written each time the count value reaches an appropriate value.

The written count value does not volatilize in the memory 101 even when the image forming unit 100 is replaced.

Even if the user replaces the image forming unit 100 a plurality of times by the time of recycling, the number of times each image forming element used before the dealer collects the image forming unit 100 for recycling is still used. It is accumulated and stored.

The current remaining amount of toner in the image forming unit 100 is written in I-VII. This value is updated with the use of the imaging unit 100.

On the other hand, the remaining amount written in C-III is
It shows the remaining amount of toner when the developer is replenished at the time of the previous recycling collection. This amount corresponds to the amount of initial developer until the next recycling and collection.

FIG. 6 shows the flow of the entire recycling.

First, the return unit is unpacked (step #
401), the data of the image forming unit 100 is connected to the collection station and read (step # 402).

At this stage, various data (G lines) already written in the memory 101 in the image forming unit 100 gives an instruction to discard the image forming unit (step # 404) or to reproduce (step # 403).

In the case of reproduction, the developer is discarded (step # 4
03), replacement of various consumable elements, cleaning (step # 4
05), starter and toner replenishment (step # 406).

This process is automated, in the case of manual work by a person, and when the image forming unit 100 is completed as a reproduced product, the memory 10 of the image forming unit 100 is again used.
The total usage time (C-IV) up to now, the number of recycles (C-V), etc. are written in a predetermined area in step 1 (step # 4).
07), packaging of the image forming unit 100 (step # 40
After 8), the address is attached (step # 409) and the product is shipped.

This step is carried out since the reproduction of the image forming unit 100 is basically sent to the same dealer and user for address attachment and the like.

If the same user, the image forming unit 100 is mounted on the same main body 1 again.
When 00 is collected, the information of the main body 1 can be continuously recognized.

Further, FI, HI, and H- of the memory 101
In II, information that reflects the current state of the main body 1 side on which the image forming unit 100 is mounted is stored.

Therefore, by reading out this information from the collection station, the service engineer has to bother to do so.
It is possible to recognize the information of the main body 1 without going to the installation location of.

That is, the collecting station is installed in one dealer and the image forming units 100 from a plurality of users are installed.
By constructing a system for collecting, the status of the installation main body 1 for each user can be grasped without leaving the dealer.

In this embodiment, the information of the main body 1 is used as the count value FI of the copy counter 40 and the count value H- of the usage counter 38 of the paper feed roller 31 for the paper feed cassette 120.
I and the count value H-II of the use counter 39 of the manual paper feed roller 36 are used.
Information that reflects the output value of 0, information that reflects the temperature fluctuation of the fixing roller, information that reflects the number of jam occurrences, and the like may be stored.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a main routine for controlling the main body 1 of the copying machine and the entire image forming unit 100. Initialization processing, input processing, communication processing, panel control, mechanical control, memory control, recycling operation calculation. Each subroutine of the process (steps # 1600 to 1606) is called in sequence, and finally, in step # 1607, after waiting a predetermined time, step #
Returning to 1601, the same control is repeated thereafter.

Only the subroutines of the memory control, the recycling work calculation and the recycling work processing, which are the points of the present invention, will be described.

FIG. 8 shows a subroutine for recycle work calculation, which will be described below.

In this embodiment, as described above, the real-time usage status of each consumable element in the image forming unit 100 is written in the memory 101 from each usage counter provided on the main body 1 side.

This count value is a value accumulated without volatilization even when the image forming unit 100 is replaced.

The control unit 1000 on the main body 1 side is the memory 101.
The count value from each counter is added to the inside of the
After reading from the line, first step # 12 shown in FIG.
Processing of 100 to 12127, and step # 1 of FIG.
The processing of 2130 to # 12152 is performed.

Here, not only each count value but also the real-time remaining toner amount is read from the memory 101, and the recycling operation calculation is performed. The calculation result is written in the G row in the memory 101 as shown in FIG.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, first, when the usage time is equal to or longer than Tmax, the development unit recycle prohibition is designated. The developing unit in the image forming unit 100 is prevented from being recycled. When the number of recycles is equal to or exceeds Nmax, the same processing is performed.

Next, the value of the photosensitive drum use counter is PC
When it is equal to or more than max, replacement of the photosensitive drum 2 is designated, and replacement of the photosensitive drum 2 is prompted.

Similarly, when the value CR of the cleaning roller use counter, the value TO of the transfer roller use counter, and the value CH of the charge roller use counter are equal to or more than their respective max values, the replacement designation for the exceeded elements is performed. To do.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the value SL of the developing sleeve use counter is equal to or exceeds the max value, the developing sleeve replacement designation and the bearing replacement designation are performed, and the value of the developer transport conveyor use counter is designated. CV is ma
When the value is equal to or exceeds the x value, the developer disposal designation and starter replenishment designation are performed. When the remaining amount value TS of the toner remaining amount sensor SE is equal to 0, the developer replenishment amount is calculated from the toner remaining amount value and the developer replenishment designation is performed.

FIG. 10 shows a routine and memory control relating to the processing for writing the recycling information of the image forming element provided on the main body 1 side instead of the image forming unit 100 side into the memory 101.

In the present embodiment, the information regarding the paper feed port is stored in the H row in the memory 101, but as described above, the optical scanning device 10 is not limited to the element related to the paper feed.
Information may be stored for all elements such as the operation panel system.

In FIG. 10, steps # 171 to # 1712 are performed only when it is the time to start the paper feed roller operation.
When the paper feed opening is 1, the paper feed opening 1 usage counter is incremented to write to each memory, and when the paper feed opening is 2, the paper feed opening 2 usage counter is incremented. Write to memory.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to step # 1790. If it is not the timing for starting the operation of the paper feed opening in step # 1700, the process directly proceeds to step # 1790.

As a result, other memory writing and memory reading are performed, and this routine ends.

FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of the recycling work process in the recovery station for processing the image forming unit 100 recovered for recycling.

The memory 101 shown in FIG. 5 is read out, and the recycling condition of the image forming unit 100 is determined based on the information of the C row or the G row. Also, the contents of row C are newly written, and rows G and I are updated to the initial state.

On the other hand, based on the information in the H row, it is determined whether maintenance on the main body 1 side is necessary.

When the recycling process and the updating process are completed,
Based on the information of A, B, D, E lines, etc., the image forming unit 10
The address label for the return of 0 is created, this is attached to the package to be returned to the user, and the recycling work is completed.

In FIG. 12, the memory information in the developing device 4 is read once into the buffer, and if the check results in steps # 1101 to # 1103 are good, the information is stored in a predetermined manner according to the model ID, lot number, and serial number. Store in the area.

The read information is collated with the information stored in the recycling controller corresponding to the read information, and if it is proper, the procedure goes to step # 1104.
The process proceeds to 10 and the fact that there was an error is stored.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a recycling process for operating the recycling automatic device according to the recycling work designated in the above process.

When the developer 4 is designated not to be recycled, the process proceeds to step # 1301 to perform the process of proceeding to the unit disposal process, and the development unit is discarded in the unit processing process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for operating the recycling automatic device in accordance with the recycling work designated in the above process. When the image forming unit 100 is designated not to be recycled, the process proceeds to step # 1301 to perform the process of proceeding to the unit disposal process, and the image forming unit 100 is discarded in the unit processing process.

If there is no designation that the image forming unit 100 cannot be recycled, a process for advancing to the unit recycling step is performed in step # 1310, and thereafter, it is determined whether or not there is designation for each element of the image forming unit 100, and if the designations match. , Perform the corresponding processing.

Then, the work according to the replacement designation of the other parts is performed.

In FIG. 14, the image forming unit 100 for which the recycling work has been completed is newly or additionally stored in the memory 101 in the image forming unit 100 according to the work.

When the collected image forming unit 100 is discarded, the necessary information is newly recorded in the new image forming unit 100, and the original (return destination) model information and the like are also recorded.

Further, the number of times of recycling and the usage time data are cleared.

FIG. 15 shows a work for clearing the usage counter of each element exchanged according to the recycling work.

In FIG. 16, the image forming unit 100, which has completed all the recycling operations, prints the addressee of the return destination and attaches it according to the user information in the automatic return mode.

Here, the automatic return mode is a mode in which the collected developing unit 4 is returned to the user of the developing unit 4 after the recycling work is completed.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the calculation related to the recycling process is performed in the control unit 1000 on the main body 1 side.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 17, another control unit 2000 is provided in the image forming unit 100, and the control unit 2000 performs the calculation related to the recycling process. .

For this reason, the control unit 2000 uses the image forming unit 1
00, a memory 101 of the image forming unit 100.
Is connected to a counter on the main body 1 side as well as a counter, and stores information in the memory 101 regarding the life of each element on both the image forming unit 100 side and the main body 1 side and the remaining amount of toner. Every other time, the same control is performed in the case of the first embodiment.

This control is the same as in the case of the first embodiment, so the explanation is omitted.

[Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 3000 provided in the collection station performs the calculation related to the recycling process of each element constituting the image forming unit 100.

In other words, when the image forming unit 100 is collected in the collecting station, the data regarding the life of each element is brought back, but it is determined based on this data whether or not to replace each element, the control unit 3000 of the collecting station. Is done in.

FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of the recycle controller. The controller 3000 has a microcomputer 201. A main storage unit 2030 is connected to the microcomputer 201 so that the memory information in each unit is read and stored. In some cases, a recording medium such as a non-volatile memory, a floppy disk or a hard disk may be used.

The microcomputer 201 further includes
A printer 203 for printing out a processing instruction of the recycling unit and the like is connected via a printer I / F 204, and a recycling automatic device 205 is connected via a mechanical control I / F 206 for controlling the mechanism of the recycling automatic device 205.

Here, the printer 203 serves as information means and drive means for smoothly carrying out recycling.

The memory 101 of the developing device 4 is directly connected to the microcomputer 201, and writing and reading of information is executed.

The microcomputer 201 is controlled by the host computer 207. The host computer 207 gives an execution instruction to the recycle controller, and sometimes feeds back the information to the management side.

FIG. 19 shows the detailed contents of the storage unit 2030. Basically, it is composed of a three-dimensional matrix. Frames A, B, ... Show information for each unit.
The information on the unique usage conditions of each image forming unit 100 is stored in one frame.

Image forming unit 1 for a-1, a-2, a-3
The ID number, lot number and serial number of the main body 1 for which 00 is used are stored.

Further, b-1, ... Is a user, a dealer,
Information such as date and time of mounting and replacement is stored.

From these pieces of information, the initial information of the main body 1 in which the developing device unit 4000 is mounted can be known.

Further, the usage conditions of the main body 1, the copy counter d-1, the number of sheets used by the paper feed rollers f-1, f-2, etc. are stored separately for c to h.

In short, the memory 1 in the image forming unit 100
Even the usage environment of the main body 1 can be recognized by the stored information 01. These pieces of information are not real time as described in the first embodiment.

Next, the usage conditions of the main body 1 are stored below the i-th row, and the recycling conditions, replacement parts, etc. of the image forming unit 100 are determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment based on these information.

FIG. 20 shows the overall flow of recycling.

First, the returned image forming unit 100 is unpacked (step # 401), and the data of the image forming unit 100 is connected to the collecting station and read.

At this stage, various data (row G) already written in the memory 101 in the image forming unit 100 gives an instruction to discard the unit (step # 404a) or reproduce (step # 403a).

In the case of reproduction, the developer is discarded (step # 4
03a), replacement of various consumable elements, cleaning (step #
405a), starter, toner replenishment (step # 406
Carry out a) etc.

In the case where this process is automated, in the case of manual work by a person, the developer unit 400 is used as a recycled product.
When 0 is completed, the total use time (C-IV) up to the present, the number of recycles (C-V), etc. are written in the memory 101 of the image forming unit 100 again in a predetermined area (step # 407a), and the image is created. Packing the image unit 100 (step #
408a) and then attach the address (step # 40
9a) and then shipped.

This step is carried out since the reproduction of the image forming unit 100 is basically sent to the same dealer and user for address attachment and the like.

If the same user, the image forming unit 100 is mounted on the same main body 1 again.
When 00 is collected, the information of the main body 1 can be continuously recognized.

Information of the main body 1 can be recognized using the image forming unit 100 as a medium. Further, if the dealer is the same, it is unlikely to be mounted on the same main body 1, but it is considered that the user group of the dealer can be recognized.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the exchange of information of the image forming unit 100 when it is mounted on the main body 1.

The main body 501 of the copying machine and the image forming unit 100 are roughly connected to each other by a memory access bus 511 and an I / O unit 512 of a control load.

The connection of each bus line is not particularly shown, but it is possible to use a photo-connect method (automatic connection / disconnection) or a normal connect method.

Main body 501 and microcomputer 502
Is an I / O 504 for mechanical control and various loads 50
6 and the panel I / O 503, the operation panel 505, and the developing device control I / O 507.

A program ROM, a work RAM, etc. are omitted. Controls the timing and status of normal body operations.

A load 510 is placed on the developer unit 4000 side.
As such, there are a sensor for stabilizing the state inside the developing device, a toner replenishing motor, and the like.

Various data, the number of copies, the number of toner replenishments, the driving time, etc. are stored in the memory 101 in synchronization with the main body 501 via the bus 511 of the microcomputer 502.

FIG. 22 shows details of stored information in the memory 101. Basically, it overlaps with that shown in FIG.

Data unique to the image forming unit is stored in the A, B, and C sections, and the data is updated in synchronization with the operation of the main body.

Further, the information of the attached main body is read in from the D section onward. HI, H-II, etc. are each paper feed port 1 of the main body,
The number of sheets fed from 2 is counted.

In FIG. 22, the data update and writing of the rows F, H and I are performed by the controller 3 on the main body 1 side.
000, or a suitable CPU may be provided in the image forming unit 100 so that each counter value is input to the CPU for writing.

The recycling operation shown in FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a program incorporated in the recycling controller 3000.

FIG. 24 is a main flowchart of a program built in the main body of the copying machine.

The subroutine in each step is not so different from that in the first embodiment, and the image forming unit in the first embodiment may be replaced with the developing unit.
Illustration and description are omitted.

[0166]

According to the method of the present invention, an image forming unit that is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus performs a part of the plurality of steps as an image is formed by the image forming apparatus that forms an image by a plurality of steps. For this purpose, information regarding the service life of the plurality of replaceable elements constituting the image forming unit is stored, and it is judged whether or not each element needs to be replaced based on the stored information. According to the above, only the ones that have reached the end of their lives in the image forming unit can be replaced individually in the image forming unit, and the image forming unit can be reused, so that usable elements will be replaced. Optimal maintenance that can avoid such a situation is possible.

According to the apparatus of the present invention, the image forming unit and the main body unit to which the image forming unit is detachably mounted share a plurality of steps in accordance with the elements included in each unit to form an image. The information about the life of the elements included in the unit is stored in the storage unit provided in the image forming unit, and when the image forming unit is collected, the information stored in the storage unit causes the main unit unit in the entire image forming apparatus to store the information. Since it is possible to collect and deal with the information about the life of the included elements, all the elements of all related image forming apparatuses can be used without the limitation of the equipment cost and the information collection range as in the case of communication means such as a telephone line. You can collect the information about the life of the product and perform optimal maintenance.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram showing a copying machine as a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

2 is an external perspective view of the copying machine of FIG.

3 is a perspective view of a part of a detachable image forming unit of the copying machine of FIG. 1 as seen in section.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control circuit.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of stored contents of a memory in the image forming unit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of a recycling process operation of the image forming unit.

7 is a flowchart of a main routine of the control circuit of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the first half of the recycling work calculation processing subroutine.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the latter half of the recycling work calculation processing subroutine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a memory control subroutine.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow of a recycling work process.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of an image forming unit memory reading process.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of a recycling process.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of an image forming unit memory writing process.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a flow of an image forming unit memory writing process.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a flow of address label creation and attachment processing.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a control circuit showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a connection state between a recycling controller and another device in a collection station showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a diagram showing an example of stored contents of a main storage unit included in the recycle controller of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of a recycling process operation of the developing device unit.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a control circuit on the image forming apparatus side.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of stored contents of a memory on the developing device unit side.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a main processing flow of the recycling controller.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a main processing flow on the copy machine side.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier main body 2 Photosensitive drum 4 Developing device 39-46 Counter 100 Image forming unit 101 Memory 103 Cleaning roller 104 Transfer roller 106 Developing sleeve 107 Developer conveyor 109 Charging roller 1000, 2000 Control part 3000 Recycle controller SE sensor

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus in which an image is formed by a plurality of steps, an image forming unit for performing a part of the plurality of steps is detachable, and a plurality of elements constituting the image forming unit are replaceable. In the image forming method to be used, an image forming method comprising: a step of storing information about life of the element such as usage history; and a step of judging whether or not replacement of each element is necessary based on the stored information. . 2. An image forming apparatus image having a main body unit including an element that performs a part of a plurality of steps for image formation, and an image forming unit that includes an element that performs the remaining steps and is detachable from the main body unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a unit that stores information regarding a life of an element included in the main body unit.