KR20030017252A - Method for Toner Cartridge Replacement Decision in Electronic Duplicating Machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A method for judging replacement of a toner cartridge of an electronic copier is provided to prevent a large quantity of remnant toner from being left in the toner cartridge so as to reduce printing cost per page and protect environment from contaminations. CONSTITUTION: A memory reads the total number of papers printed up to the present and the number of times of replacing a toner cartridge using a process cartridge, and the number of papers capable of being printed in future is calculated using the process cartridge(S14,S18). The memory reads a percentage of toner to be used by the finally replaced toner cartridge until the lifetime of the process cartridge is ended(S22). When the number of papers capable of being printed in future is smaller than the value obtained by multiplying the value, which is acquired by dividing the total number of papers printed up to the present by the number of times of replacing the toner cartridge, by the percentage(S24), a message informing a user that the process cartridge requires replacement(S26). When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one(S28), the total number of papers printed up to the present and the number of times of replacing the toner cartridge are initialized and stored in a corresponding memory and the printing operation is carried out(S30).

Description

{Method for Toner Cartridge Replacement Decision in Electronic Duplicating Machine}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for determining toner cartridge replacement of an electronic copying apparatus. In particular, the toner of the electronic copying apparatus which enables a software to determine whether toner cartridge replacement is performed in a process cartridge in which a developing unit and a drum unit are integrally formed. It relates to a cartridge replacement determination method.

In general, an electronic copy apparatus emits light of a light source onto a photosensitive drum as an image formed on a charged photosensitive drum, and charges of charging potential are generated in the photosensitive drum portion where the light is scanned, thereby acting only as an ink. When the paper passes through the photosensitive drum, the toner on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the paper to form an image and discharged.

The toner described above is contained in a toner cartridge, supplied to a process cartridge, and is in powder form.

Then, the paper to which the above-mentioned toner is soaked is discharged in a completely hardened state while passing through a heating roller or a pressure roller that presses the toner to high temperature with heat and pressure in order to completely harden the toner.

1 is a road showing a configuration of a process cartridge in which a developing unit and a drum unit are integrally mounted and detachably mounted to an electronic copying device, in which a toner cartridge 11 having an opening 12 of a predetermined length is inserted at one side thereof. A guide portion (a, b) is provided inside the process cartridge housing (10), and has an opening (14) formed by the guide portions (a, b) and of a predetermined length to guide the toner, and the toner cartridge (11) The first digitator 13 is provided inside, and one end of the first digitator 13 is rotatably provided in the main body of the electronic copy apparatus so as to uniformly supply the toner included in the toner cartridge 11. It is connected to a drive gear of (not shown), the inner side of the process cartridge housing 10 is installed is connected to a predetermined drive gear (not shown) so that the second digitator 15 is rotatable. In addition, a magnet roll 19 is provided at one side spaced apart from the second edger 15 by a predetermined distance, and one side of the magnet roll 19 is attached to and fixed to one surface of the process cartridge housing 10. And a blade 17 for charging and evenly distributing the toner carried by the second digitator 15. Then, a charging roll (BCR) 25 is provided around the drum 21, and a cleaning blade 23 for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the drum 21 is provided with the drum 21. It is formed to be in contact with the surface.

As described above, the process cartridge also separately supplies a toner cartridge, which is one of the components, and conventionally, since the life of the process cartridge is determined based on the life of the drum unit, a large amount of residual toner remains in the toner cartridge. There is a problem that the printing cost per page becomes high.

For example, assuming that the total number of printable sheets that a process cartridge can print is 10,000, and that the total number of printable sheets that can be printed with one toner cartridge is approximately 3,000 sheets, the life of a process cartridge is conventionally Since it is determined based on the life of this drum unit, the toner cartridge is replaced for the fourth time with only about 1,000 prints remaining for the process cartridge to be printed in the future. Therefore, the toner which can print about 2,000 more sheets is left in the fourth toner cartridge replaced, resulting in a high printing cost per page, and there is a problem in that environmental problems due to residual toner may occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and includes an empty detection signal authorized by the toner blank detection unit, the number of prints printed by the process cartridge so far, the number of prints that can be printed in the future, and a single toner cartridge. Based on the number of prints that can be printed and the last toner cartridge that was replaced, to determine whether to replace the process cartridge or toner cartridge based on the percentage of toner that you intend to use until the end of the life of the process cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for determining toner cartridge replacement of an electronic copy apparatus.

1 shows a configuration of a process cartridge.

Figure 2 shows the electrical configuration of the electronic copy apparatus to which the toner cartridge replacement determination method according to the present invention is applied.

3 is a flowchart for explaining a method for determining a toner cartridge replacement of an electronic copy apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart for explaining a method for determining a toner cartridge replacement of an electronic copy apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

*** Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawing ***

30. Toner Ball Detector, 40. Display,

50. Memory section, 60. Process cartridge replacement notification unit,

70. Toner cartridge replacement notice, 80. Control

Toner cartridge replacement determination method of the electronic copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, from the toner ball detection unit in a state that the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints When a blank detection signal is applied, the total number of prints printed so far and the number of replacement of the toner cartridges are read from the memory using the process cartridge, and the number of printables that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is calculated. Process; When the number of prints that can be printed forward using the process cartridge is smaller than the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge divided by the number of replacement toner cartridges is small, the last replacement in the memory is performed. Reading a percentage of the toner to be used by one toner cartridge until the end of the life of the process cartridge; When the number of prints that can be printed forward using the process cartridge is smaller than the value obtained by multiplying the percentage by the total number of prints printed so far by using the process cartridge divided by the number of replacement toner cartridges, Displaying a message for replacing the process cartridge; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, the process includes initializing the total number of prints printed so far and the number of replacement of the toner cartridge using the process cartridge, storing the same in the corresponding memory, and performing a printing operation.

Here, the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is calculated by subtracting the total number of prints that can be printed using the process cartridge from the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge. It is characterized by.

When the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is greater than or equal to the value obtained by dividing the total number of prints printed so far by using the process cartridge by the number of replacement toner cartridges, multiplied by the percentage, Displaying a message for replacing the toner cartridge; If the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, increasing the number of replacement of the toner cartridge by one; And setting the life of the process cartridge to be determined based on an empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit, and performing a printing operation.

If the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is greater than or equal to the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge divided by the number of replacement toner cartridges, the toner cartridge should be replaced. Displaying a message; When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, the number of replacement of the toner cartridge is increased by one, and the printing operation is further performed.

And when the empty detection signal is applied from the toner empty detection unit while the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit, displaying a message for replacing the process cartridge. and; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, the process further comprises the step of initializing the total number of prints printed so far and the number of replacement of the toner cartridge by using the process cartridge to store in the corresponding memory, and performing a print operation. It features.

On the other hand, in the toner cartridge replacement determination method of the electronic copying apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit in a state where the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints. If so, the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge and the total number of prints printed with the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying device can be read from the memory and printed in the future using the process cartridge. Calculating a number of prints; If the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is smaller than the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently installed in the electronic copying device, the last toner cartridge replaced in the memory is the process cartridge. Reading the percentage of toner to be used until the end of its life; If the number of prints that can be printed by using the process cartridge in the future is smaller than the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently installed in the electronic copying device by the above percentage, the replacement of the process cartridge is required. Displaying a message; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, the total number of prints printed so far and the total number of prints printed with the toner cartridge mounted in the current electronic copying device are initialized and stored in the corresponding memory using the process cartridge, and printing It includes the process of performing the operation.

Here, the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is calculated by subtracting the total number of prints that can be printed using the process cartridge from the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge. It is characterized by.

If the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is greater than or equal to the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying device, multiplied by the percentage, the toner cartridge should be replaced. Displaying a message; When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, initializing the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copy apparatus; And setting the life of the process cartridge to be determined based on an empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit, and performing a printing operation.

And when the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is greater than or equal to the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying device, displaying a message for replacing the toner cartridge; ; When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, the method may further include initializing the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying apparatus and performing a printing operation.

And when the empty detection signal is applied from the toner empty detection unit while the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit, displaying a message for replacing the process cartridge. and; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, the total number of prints printed so far and the total number of prints printed with the toner cartridge mounted in the current electronic copying device are initialized and stored in the corresponding memory using the process cartridge, and printing Characterized in that it further comprises the process of performing the operation.

Hereinafter, a method of determining toner cartridge replacement of an electronic copy apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 shows a road, an toner ball detecting unit 30, a display unit 40, a memory unit 50, and a process cartridge showing the electrical configuration of the electronic copy apparatus to which the toner cartridge replacement determining method according to the present invention is applied. The replacement notification unit 60, the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70, and the control unit 80 is provided.

In such a configuration, the toner ball detecting unit 30 detects the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge.

The display unit 40 displays various operation states of the electronic copy apparatus, information provided by the electronic copy apparatus, and the like under the control of the controller 80.

The memory unit 50 stores a system operation program, a program for implementing the toner cartridge replacement determination method of the present invention, and various data.

The process cartridge replacement notifying unit 60 is installed in place of the process cartridge and informs that the replacement process cartridge is new, and may be implemented as a memory chip or a fuse.

The memory chip indicates that the process cartridge is new with a variable value stored inside, and the fuse indicates that the process cartridge is new with the internal line disconnected. For example, the variable value stored in the memory chip is “ If it is set to 0 ', the process cartridge is new and if the variable is set to' 1 ', the process cartridge is in use, if the fuse's internal line is connected, the process cartridge is new, If it is disconnected, the process cartridge is in use.

As described above, the internal line of the variable value or fuse in the memory chip is changed or disconnected under the control of the control unit 80, and the control unit 80 is replaced based on the variable value read from the memory chip or the disconnection state of the fuse. After recognizing that the process cartridge is new, set the variable value in the memory chip to '1' or blow the fuse. As described above, the reason why the controller 80 changes the variable value in the memory chip or blows the fuse may be due to jam or the like while printing using the newly replaced process cartridge. This is to prevent the control unit 80 from recognizing the process cartridge as new when it is remounted after being detached from the electronic copy apparatus.

On the other hand, the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is installed in place of the toner cartridge to inform that the replacement process cartridge is new, it can be implemented as a memory chip or fuse.

Here, the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 performs the same operation as the above-described process cartridge replacement notification unit 60, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 80 controls the overall operation of the electronic copying apparatus. The control unit 80 controls the overall operation of the electronic copying apparatus, and detects the detection value received from the toner ball detecting unit 30, the number of prints (A) performed by using the process cartridge, and prints forward by using the process cartridge. The number of prints you can make (B), the number of toner cartridge replacements (C) / the number of prints performed using the toner cartridge (C '), and the last toner cartridge you want to use until the end of the life of the process cartridge. Based on the percentage D of the toner, it is determined whether the toner cartridge and the process cartridge are replaced, and the result message is displayed on the display unit 40.

3 is a flowchart for explaining a toner cartridge replacement determination method of the electronic copying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, it is determined whether the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, that is, whether the variable E value representing the life cartridge determination method is set to '0' (S10).

In step S10, the initial value of the variable E, which indicates the method of determining the life of the process cartridge, is set to '0'. If the value of the variable E, which indicates the method of determining the life of the process cartridge, is set to '0', The lifetime is determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, and when it is set to '1', it is determined based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit 30.

As a result of the determination in step S10, when the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, it is determined whether the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit 30 (S12).

If the empty detection signal is not applied from the toner ball detection unit 30 as a result of the determination in step S12 described above, printing is normally performed (S32), and if the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit 30, until now, The number of prints A that has been printed using the process cartridge is read (S14).

The number of prints A printed using the process cartridge up to the present time as read in step S14 is a value that is increased by one for every one print when the initial value is set to '0', and the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 ) Is stored in the memory chip when implemented as a memory chip, and stored in the memory unit 50 when the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 is implemented as a fuse.

Then, the number of prints B that can be printed in the future is calculated using the process cartridge (S16).

The number of prints (B) which can be printed in the future using the process cartridge in the above-described process S16 is the current read in the above-described process S14 in the total number of printable sheets that the process cartridge can print, as shown in Equation (1). This is the value obtained by subtracting the number of prints A that has been printed using the process cartridge.

Then, the number of times of replacing the toner cartridge C is read (S18).

The number of times of replacing the toner cartridge (C) read in step S18 described above is a value that is increased by one each time the toner cartridge is replaced while the initial value is set to '1', and the toner cartridge replacement notifying unit 70 stores the memory. When implemented as a chip is stored in the memory chip, when the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a fuse is stored in the memory unit 50.

Subsequently, as shown in equation (2), the number of replacements of the toner cartridge is the number of prints (A) which have been printed using the process cartridge so far as the number of prints (B) that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge. It is determined whether greater than or equal to the value divided by (C) (S20).

As a result of the determination in step S20, the number of prints (B) which can be printed in the future by using the process cartridge is the number of prints (A) which have been printed using the process cartridge so far as the number of replacement of the toner cartridge (C). If it is not greater than or equal to the divided value, the percentage D of the toner to be used is read from the memory unit 50 until the last replacement toner cartridge ends the life of the process cartridge (S22).

The percentage D of the toner to be used by the last replaced toner cartridge read in step S22 described above until the end of the life of the process cartridge is a value input at the time of production of the electronic copy apparatus.

Subsequently, as shown in Equation 3, the number of prints A that can be printed from the process cartridge B in the future is the number of times of replacing the toner cartridge C by the number of prints A that has been printed using the process cartridge. It is determined whether the value divided by is greater than or equal to a value multiplied by the percentage (D) read in the above-described process S22 (S24).

As a result of the determination in step S24, the number of prints (B) that can be printed from the process cartridge in the future is the value obtained by dividing the number of prints (A) that have been printed using the process cartridge so far by the number of replacement of the toner cartridge (C). If not greater than or equal to the value multiplied by the percentage (D) read in step S22 described above, a message to display the process cartridge is displayed on the display unit 40, and it is determined whether the process cartridge is replaced with a new one (S26). , S28).

Determination as to whether the process cartridge is replaced with a new one in the above-described process S28 can be known based on the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60. When the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 is implemented as a memory chip, Recognize that the process cartridge replaced is new based on the variable value stored in the chip, and if the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 is implemented as a fuse, recognize that the replaced process cartridge is new based on the disconnection state of the fuse. do.

When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one in the above-described process S28, the toner cartridge is also replaced with the new one.

If the process cartridge is replaced with a new one as a result of the determination in step S28, the message to replace the process cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, and the number of prints A that has been printed using the process cartridge so far is determined. Initialize to '0' and store in the corresponding memory, initialize the number of replacement of the toner cartridge (C) to '1' and store in the corresponding memory, set the E value to '0', process cartridge replacement notification unit (60) ) Is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the corresponding process cartridge is not new is changed to the memory chip to change a variable value in the memory chip, and when the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 is implemented as a fuse, Disconnect the wire (S30).

The reason why the variable value in the memory chip is changed or the fuse is blown in step S30 may be caused by jam or the like during printing using the newly installed process cartridge. This is to prevent the controller 80 from recognizing the process cartridge as a new one and resetting the various variables A, B, C, and E when it is detached and then remounted.

As described above, after the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge, printing proceeds normally (S32).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S24, the number of prints A that can be printed using the process cartridge in the future is the number of times to replace the toner cartridge (C). If the value divided by) is greater than or equal to the value multiplied by the percentage (D) read in the above-mentioned step S22, the display unit 40 prompts the display unit to replace the toner cartridge and checks whether the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one. It judges (S34, S36).

Determination as to whether the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one in the above step S36, can be known based on the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70, if the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a memory chip, Recognize that the toner cartridge replaced is new based on the variable value stored in the chip, and if the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a fuse, recognize that the replaced toner cartridge is new based on the disconnection state of the fuse. do.

When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one as a result of the determination of step S36, the message to replace the toner cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, the number of times of replacing the toner cartridge (C) is increased by 1, and the toner cartridge replacement notification is performed. When the unit 70 is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the corresponding toner cartridge is not new is applied to the memory chip to change a variable value in the memory chip, and the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a fuse. In this case, the fuse is disconnected (S38).

The reason why the variable value in the memory chip is changed or the fuse is blown in step S38 is that the user artificially removes the toner cartridge from the electronic copy apparatus while printing using the newly installed toner cartridge. This is to prevent the controller 80 from recognizing the toner cartridge as new when it is remounted and increasing the number of replacements C of the toner cartridge by one.

As described above, after the toner cartridge is replaced with a new toner cartridge, a method for determining the life of the process cartridge is determined in order to determine the life of the process cartridge based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit 30. The variable E value to be set is set to '1' and stored in the memory unit, and the life of the process cartridge is changed to that determined based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit 30, and printing proceeds normally (S40). , S32).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S20, the number of prints A that can be printed using the process cartridge in the future is the number of replacements of the toner cartridge (C). If greater than or equal to the value divided by), a message is displayed on the display unit 40 to replace the toner cartridge, and it is determined whether the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one (S42, S44).

If the result of the determination of step S44 is that the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, the message to replace the toner cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, the number of times of replacing the toner cartridge (C) is increased by 1, and the toner cartridge replacement notification unit When 70 is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the corresponding toner cartridge is not new is changed to the memory chip to change a variable value in the memory chip, and when the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a fuse. The fuse is disconnected (S46).

As described above, after the toner cartridge is replaced with a new toner cartridge, printing proceeds normally (S32).

On the other hand, when the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the empty detection signal applied by the toner empty detection unit 30 as a result of the determination in step S10, the empty detection signal is applied from the toner empty detection unit 30. It is determined (S48).

In the case where the empty detection signal is not applied from the toner ball detection unit 30 as a result of the determination in step S48, printing is normally performed (S32), and if the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit 30, the display unit is displayed. The message 40 is displayed to replace the process cartridge, and it is determined whether the process cartridge is replaced with a new one (S26, S28).

When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one as a result of the determination in step S28, the message to replace the process cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, and the number of prints A which has been printed using the process cartridge to date is' Initialize to 0 'and store in the corresponding memory, initialize the number of replacements (C) of the toner cartridge to' 1 'to store in the corresponding memory, set the E value to' 0 ', process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 Is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the corresponding process cartridge is not new is changed to the memory chip to change a variable value in the memory chip, and when the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 is implemented as a fuse, Disconnect (S30).

As described above, after the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge, printing proceeds normally (S32).

4 is a flowchart for explaining a toner cartridge replacement determination method of the electronic copy apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, it is determined whether or not the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, that is, whether the variable E value representing the life cartridge determination method is set to '0' (S50).

In the above process S50, the initial value of the variable E representing the process cartridge life determination method is set to '0'. If the variable E representing the lifetime of the process cartridge method is set to '0', The lifetime is determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, and when it is set to '1', it is determined based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit 30.

As a result of the determination in step S50, when the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, it is determined whether the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit 30 (S52).

When the empty detection signal is not applied from the toner ball detection unit 30 as a result of the determination in step S52, printing is normally performed (S72), and if the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit 30, The number of prints A that has been printed using the process cartridge is read out, and the number of prints B that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is calculated (S54, S56).

The number of prints (B) which can be printed in the future using the process cartridge in the above-described process S56 is the current read in the above-described process S54 from the total number of printable sheets that the process cartridge can print, as shown in Equation 4. This is the value obtained by subtracting the number of prints A that has been printed using the process cartridge.

Then, the number of prints C 'that has been printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying apparatus is read (S58).

The number of prints (C ') printed using the toner cartridge installed in the current electronic copying device read in step S58 described above is a value that is incremented by one for every one print with the initial value set to' 0 '. When the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a memory chip, the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is stored in the memory chip.

Subsequently, as shown in Equation 5, the number of prints B that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is larger than the number of prints C ′ that are printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copy apparatus. It is determined whether it is greater than or equal to (S60).

As a result of the determination in step S60, the number of prints (B) that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is not greater than or equal to the number of prints (C ') printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying apparatus. In this case, the percentage D of the toner to be used is read from the memory unit 50 until the last replaced toner cartridge has reached the end of the life of the process cartridge (S62).

Subsequently, as shown in Equation 6, the above-described process for the number of prints B that can be printed from the process cartridge to the number of prints C 'printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copy apparatus. It is determined whether or not the greater than or equal to the value multiplied by the percentage (D) read in S62 (S64).

As a result of the determination in step S64, the number of prints (B) which can be printed from the process cartridge forward is read in the number of prints (C ') printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying apparatus in step S62. If it is not greater than or equal to the value multiplied by the percentage D, the display 40 displays a message to replace the process cartridge, and determines whether the process cartridge is replaced with a new one (S66, S68).

In the case where the process cartridge is replaced with a new one as a result of the determination of step S68, the message to replace the process cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, and the number of prints A which has been printed using the process cartridge to date is' Initialize to '0' and store in the corresponding memory, initialize the number of prints (C ') printed using the toner cartridge currently installed in the electronic copying device to' 0 'and store it in the corresponding memory, and set the E value to' 0 '. ', And when the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the process cartridge is not new is applied to the memory chip to change a variable value in the memory chip, and notify the process cartridge replacement. If the unit 60 is implemented as a fuse, the fuse is disconnected (S70).

As described above, after the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge, printing proceeds normally (S72).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S64, the number of prints B that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is the same as the number of prints C ′ printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying apparatus. If greater than or equal to the value multiplied by the percentage (D) read in step S62, a message is displayed on the display unit 40 to replace the toner cartridge, and it is determined whether the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one (S74, S76). .

If the result of the determination of step S76 is that the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, the message to replace the toner cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, and the number of prints printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying apparatus ( C ') is initialized to' 0 'and stored in the corresponding memory. When the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the toner cartridge is not new is applied to the memory chip. The value of the variable is changed, and when the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a fuse, the fuse is disconnected (S78).

As described above, after the toner cartridge is replaced with a new toner cartridge, a method for determining the life of the process cartridge is determined in order to determine the life of the process cartridge based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit 30. Set the variable E value to '1' and store it in the memory, change the life of the process cartridge to determine based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit 30, and proceed with printing normally (S80). , S72).

On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S60, the number of prints (B) that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is larger than the number of prints (C ') printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copy apparatus. In the same case, the display unit 40 displays a message to replace the toner cartridge, and determines whether the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one (S82, S84).

If the result of the determination of step S84 is that the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, the message to replace the toner cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, and the number of prints printed using the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying apparatus ( C ') is initialized to' 0 'and stored in the corresponding memory. When the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the toner cartridge is not new is applied to the memory chip. The value of the variable is changed, and when the toner cartridge replacement notification unit 70 is implemented as a fuse, the fuse is disconnected (S86).

As described above, after the toner cartridge is replaced with a new toner cartridge, printing proceeds normally (S72).

On the other hand, when the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the empty detection signal applied by the toner empty detection unit 30 as a result of the determination in step S50, the empty detection signal is applied from the toner empty detection unit 30. It is determined (S88).

In the case where the empty detection signal is not applied from the toner ball detection unit 30 as a result of the determination in step S88, printing is normally performed (S72), and if the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit 30, the display unit A message 40 is displayed to replace the process cartridge, and it is determined whether the process cartridge is replaced with a new one (S66, S68).

In the case where the process cartridge is replaced with a new one as a result of the determination of step S68, the message to replace the process cartridge is deleted from the display unit 40, and the number of prints A which has been printed using the process cartridge to date is' Initialize to '0' and store in the corresponding memory, initialize the number of prints (C ') printed using the toner cartridge currently installed in the electronic copying device to' 0 'and store it in the corresponding memory, and set the E value to' 0 '. ', And when the process cartridge replacement notification unit 60 is implemented as a memory chip, a code indicating that the process cartridge is not new is applied to the memory chip to change a variable value in the memory chip, and notify the process cartridge replacement. If the unit 60 is implemented as a fuse, the fuse is disconnected (S70).

As described above, after the process cartridge is replaced with a new process cartridge, printing proceeds normally (S72).

The toner cartridge replacement determination method of the electronic copying apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

According to the method for determining toner cartridge replacement of the electronic copy apparatus of the present invention as described above, the empty detection signal received from the toner empty detection unit, the number of prints printed with the process cartridge so far, the number of prints that can be printed in the future, The number of prints that can be printed until the process cartridge reaches the end of life, based on the number of prints that can be printed with one toner cartridge, and the percentage of toner that the last replaced toner cartridge intends to use until the end of the life of the process cartridge. Calculate the number of printable prints with one toner cartridge, and if the number of printable prints is greater than the printable prints with one toner cartridge until the process cartridge reaches its end of life, prompt the user to replace the Cross cartridge By displaying prompts, and the remaining toner in the toner cartridges can reduce your printing costs per page to prevent a lot of that left, it is possible to avoid environmental contamination.

Claims (10)

When the empty detection signal is applied from the toner blank detection unit while the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, the total number of prints and toners printed so far using the process cartridge in the memory Reading the number of replacement cartridges and calculating the number of prints that can be printed in the future by using the process cartridge; When the number of prints that can be printed forward using the process cartridge is smaller than the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge divided by the number of replacement toner cartridges is small, the last replacement in the memory is performed. Reading a percentage of the toner to be used by one toner cartridge until the end of the life of the process cartridge; When the number of prints that can be printed forward using the process cartridge is smaller than the value obtained by multiplying the percentage by the total number of prints printed so far by using the process cartridge divided by the number of replacement toner cartridges, Displaying a message for replacing the process cartridge; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, an electronic copy including a process of initializing the total number of prints printed so far and the number of replacement of the toner cartridge by using the process cartridge, storing them in a corresponding memory, and performing a printing operation. How to determine toner cartridge replacement for your device. According to claim 1, The number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge, And the total number of printable sheets that can be printed using the process cartridge is calculated by subtracting the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is greater than the total number of prints that have been printed so far using the process cartridge divided by the number of replacement toner cartridges, multiplied by the percentage. Or the same, Displaying a message for replacing the toner cartridge; If the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, increasing the number of replacement of the toner cartridge by one; And setting a lifespan of the process cartridge to be determined based on an empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit, and performing a printing operation. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the number of prints that can be printed forward using the process cartridge is greater than or equal to the total number of prints printed so far by using the process cartridge divided by the number of replacement toner cartridges, Displaying a message for replacing the toner cartridge; And replacing the toner cartridge with a new one, increasing the number of replacement of the toner cartridge by one, and performing a printing operation. The empty detection signal according to claim 1, wherein the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit in a state where the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner ball detection unit. Displaying a message for replacing a process cartridge; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, the process further comprises the step of initializing the total number of prints printed so far and the number of replacement of the toner cartridge by using the process cartridge to store in the corresponding memory, and performing a print operation. A determination method of replacing a toner cartridge of an electronic copy apparatus. If the empty detection signal is applied from the toner blank detection unit while the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the calculated value of the number of prints, the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge in the memory and present Reading the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge mounted on the electronic copying device, and calculating the number of printable prints using the process cartridge; If the number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge is smaller than the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently installed in the electronic copying device, the last toner cartridge replaced in the memory is the process cartridge. Reading the percentage of toner to be used until the end of its life; If the number of prints that can be printed by using the process cartridge in the future is smaller than the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently installed in the electronic copying device by the above percentage, the replacement of the process cartridge is required. Displaying a message; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, the total number of prints printed so far and the total number of prints printed with the toner cartridge mounted in the current electronic copying device are initialized and stored in the corresponding memory using the process cartridge, and printing A toner cartridge replacement determination method of an electronic copying device comprising performing an operation. According to claim 6, The number of prints that can be printed in the future using the process cartridge, And a total number of printable sheets that can be printed using the process cartridge is calculated by subtracting the total number of prints printed so far using the process cartridge. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein when the number of prints that can be printed forward by using the process cartridge is greater than or equal to the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copy apparatus, multiplied by the percentage, Displaying a message for replacing the toner cartridge; When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, initializing the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copy apparatus; And setting a lifespan of the process cartridge to be determined based on an empty detection signal applied from the toner empty detection unit, and performing a printing operation. The method according to claim 6, wherein when the number of prints that can be printed forward by using the process cartridge is greater than or equal to the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying device, Displaying a message for replacing the toner cartridge; When the toner cartridge is replaced with a new one, the method further comprises initializing a total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge currently mounted in the electronic copying device and performing a printing operation. How to determine cartridge replacement. The empty detection signal according to claim 6, wherein the empty detection signal is applied from the toner ball detection unit in a state where the life of the process cartridge is set to be determined based on the empty detection signal applied from the toner ball detection unit. Displaying a message for replacing a process cartridge; When the process cartridge is replaced with a new one, the total number of prints printed so far and the total number of prints printed with the toner cartridge mounted in the current electronic copying device are initialized and stored in the corresponding memory using the process cartridge, and printing The toner cartridge replacement determination method of the electronic copy apparatus, characterized in that further comprising the step of performing an operation.