Image forming apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus is disclosed. An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus main body including a cartridge that accommodates a portion and a memory; and a control unit configured to acquire reuse information, toner information, and life information stored in the memory of the cartridge. The toner information includes first toner information. The life information includes first life information corresponding to the first toner information. The control unit is configured to: (i) acquire second toner information related to an amount of toner of the cartridge that has been reused, in a case where the reuse information is acquired from the memory, (ii) set second life information, in a case where the first toner information is different from the second toner information, and store the second life information in the memory, and (iii) control a timing of prompting a replacement of the cartridge based on the second life information stored in the memory.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Background Technology

[0002] JP 2005-331539 A discloses an image forming apparatus in which a processing cartridge is detachably attached to the main body of the apparatus. The processing cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charging roller, a developing sleeve, a developer container, a cleaning blade, and a waste toner container, all integrally modularized. The processing cartridge can be recycled after being collected by its manufacturer. The processing cartridge includes a memory that stores information related to the lifespan of each component of the processing cartridge. A control unit provided in the main body of the apparatus reads the information from the memory of the processing cartridge, determines whether each component can still be reused even after recycling, and records the determination result.

[0003] JP 2004-98564 A discloses an inkjet printer equipped with an ink cartridge including a memory chip. The memory chip records data such as the amount of ink remaining in the cartridge and the cartridge's manufacturing date. The data regarding the amount of remaining ink is updated each time the inkjet printer performs a print job. Furthermore, upon reuse, the data regarding the amount of remaining ink is rewritten from "empty" to "full" by a calibration device.

[0004] The amount of toner contained in the original cartridge of the image forming apparatus at the time of manufacture may differ from the amount of toner refilled in the cartridge when reused. The image forming apparatus can be controlled based on the amount of toner contained in the original cartridge. However, in the case of using a reused cartridge, because the amount of toner contained in the reused cartridge differs from that in the original cartridge, there is a risk that proper control is not performed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus body; a cartridge including a receiving portion and a memory removably attachable to the apparatus body, the receiving portion being configured to receive toner; and a control unit configured to acquire reuse information, toner information, and lifetime information stored in the memory of the cartridge. The toner information relates to the amount of toner contained in the receiving portion and includes first toner information, and the lifetime information relates to the lifetime of the cartridge and includes first lifetime information corresponding to the first toner information. The control unit is configured to: (i) acquire second toner information related to the amount of toner contained in the receiving portion of the cartridge that has been reused, in the case of acquiring the reuse information from the memory; (ii) set second lifetime information different from the first lifetime information, and store the second lifetime information in the memory, the second lifetime information being set based on the second toner information, in the case of the first toner information being different from the second toner information; and (iii) control the timing of prompting the replacement of the cartridge based on the second lifetime information stored in the memory.

[0006] The features of this disclosure will become clear from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the printer according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image forming apparatus.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a storage device including two external contacts.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage area of ​​the storage unit according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the correction control.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage area of ​​a storage unit according to a second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the calibration table stored in the memory of the engine control unit.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the correction control.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage area of ​​a storage unit according to a third embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the calibration table stored in the memory of the engine control unit.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the correction control. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are necessarily essential to the invention, and these features can be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the drawings, identical or similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0019] First Embodiment

[0020] Overall configuration

[0021] First, a first embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The image forming apparatus 100, which serves as an image forming apparatus, is an electrophotographic laser beam printer that forms monochrome toner images.

[0022] Image forming apparatuses include printers, copiers, fax machines, and multifunction peripherals, and refer to apparatuses that form images on a sheet used as a recording medium based on image information input from an external PC or image information read from a document. In addition to the main body with image forming capabilities, image forming apparatuses can be connected to auxiliary devices such as optional feeders, image reading devices, and sheet handling devices, and the entire system connected to such auxiliary devices is also a type of image forming apparatus.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a sheet feeding unit 30 for feeding a supported sheet P, and an image forming unit 50 for forming an image on the fed sheet P. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a fixing unit 8 that fixes and transfers the image onto the sheet P; and a sheet discharge roller pair 84 capable of discharging the sheet P to a sheet discharge tray 83. An engine control unit 102 is provided in the apparatus body 103 of the image forming apparatus 100, and the engine control unit 102 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on the sheet P. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 does not necessarily include the processing cartridge 10 of the image forming unit 50, which will be described below.

[0024] When an image forming command is output to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming unit 50 begins image forming processing based on image information input from an external computer or the like connected to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming unit 50 includes a processing cartridge 10 serving as a cartridge, a laser scanner 3, and a transfer roller 9. The processing cartridge 10 includes a photosensitive drum 1 that rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A, a charging roller 2, a developing roller 5, and a cleaning blade 7 arranged along the photosensitive drum 1, and a toner container 4 serving as a toner-containing container. The developing roller 5 carries the toner and supplies it to the photosensitive drum 1. The processing cartridge 10 is detachable from the apparatus body 103 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0025] The laser scanner 3 irradiates the photosensitive drum 1 with a laser based on the input image information. At this time, the photosensitive drum 1 is pre-charged by the charging roller 2, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 when irradiated with laser. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing roller 5, and a monochrome toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0026] In parallel with the image forming process described above, sheet P is fed from sheet feeding unit 30. Sheet feeding unit 30 includes a cassette 11, which is configured to be pulled out from and inserted into device body 103. Sheet P, housed in cassette 11, is fed by pick-up roller 12 and conveyed toward the clamping portion formed by photosensitive drum 1 and transfer roller 9.

[0027] The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the sheet P by an electrostatic load bias applied to the transfer roller 9. Residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 is collected into the waste toner container 15 by a cleaning blade 7.

[0028] The heating roller 81 and pressure roller 82 of the fixing unit 8 apply predetermined heat and pressure to the sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred, and the toner melts and adheres (is fixed). The sheet P that has passed through the fixing unit 8 is conveyed to the sheet discharge roller pair 84 and discharged by the sheet discharge roller pair 84 to the sheet discharge tray 83.

[0029] Control configuration of image forming apparatus

[0030] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 Describe the control configuration of the image forming apparatus. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. Note that... Figure 2 Only the parts necessary for the description of this disclosure are illustrated, and the parts not necessary for the description of this disclosure are omitted.

[0031] The main body 103 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes a controller 101, an engine control unit 102 serving as a control unit, and a display unit 120. The controller 101 includes a control unit 28 containing one or more processors, memory, etc., and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as the user IF) 27 for user operation of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 28 controls the entire image forming apparatus 100. The user IF 27 serves as a receiving unit for receiving commands and setting values ​​input to the image forming apparatus 100 by the user; that is, it serves as an input interface. Furthermore, the user IF 27 serves as a notification unit for presenting and notifying the user of necessary information; that is, it serves as an output interface. The display unit 120 includes a display and physical keys, and can display various messages and images on the display. Note that the display unit 120 may not be provided in the main body 103, and may be provided in an information processing device such as an external PC electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 100. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 can transmit signals for displaying messages or images to the display unit provided externally to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0032] Under the control of controller 101, the CPU 104 of engine control unit 102 controls each unit of image forming apparatus 100 to form an image on sheet P. Memory 108 includes, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory, and stores programs to be executed by CPU 104 and various types of data to be used by CPU 104 for control. Communication unit 109 is configured to communicate with access control unit M1 of storage device M provided in processing unit 10 when processing unit 10 is attached to device body 103. For example, communication unit 109 has one or more external contacts. Furthermore, storage device M has external contacts corresponding to the respective external contacts of communication unit 109.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a storage device M including two external contacts S. When the processing cartridge 10 is attached to the device body 103, one or more (e.g., two) external contacts of the communication unit 109 are electrically connected to corresponding (e.g., two) external contacts S of the storage device M. The communication unit 109 and the access control unit M1 send and receive data / commands via this electrical connection. In this embodiment, the storage device M has two external contacts S, but is not limited thereto. For example, the storage device M may have one external contact S, or it may have three or more external contacts S.

[0034] like Figure 2As shown, the storage unit M2 of the storage device M includes electrically rewritable non-volatile memory, such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The access control unit M1 may include, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) storing a program and a processor executing the program.

[0035] The access control unit M1 writes information (data) to and reads information from the storage unit M2 based on instructions from the communication unit 109. For example, when the communication unit 109 instructs the access control unit M1 to read data stored at a predetermined address in the storage unit M2, the access control unit M1 reads the data stored at the predetermined address in the storage unit M2 and notifies the communication unit 109 of the read data. That is, the engine control unit 102 can obtain information stored in the storage unit M2, which is used as a memory.

[0036] When the communication unit 109 notifies the access control unit M1 of the data to be stored at a predetermined address in the storage unit M2, the access control unit M1 writes the data to the predetermined address in the storage unit M2. In this way, the communication unit 109, under the control of the CPU 104, acts as an access unit for accessing the storage device M and reading and updating the information stored in the storage device M.

[0037] Note that the control unit 28 of the controller 101 is configured to communicate with a host computer 110 outside the image forming apparatus 100 via a network. When receiving image data and image forming instructions from the host computer 110, the control unit 28 instructs the engine control unit 102 to form an image based on the image data.

[0038] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the configuration of the storage area of ​​the storage unit M2 according to this embodiment. In the storage unit M2, various information related to the processing box 10 is stored at each address. In this embodiment, the information to be stored in the processing box 10 is categorized into two attributes. Then, the storage area of ​​the storage unit M2 is divided into two areas corresponding to each attribute: a read-only (RO) area and a read-write (RW) area. The read-only (RO) area is an area where updating the stored data (information) is prohibited, and is an example of a first area storing non-rewritable information. The read-write (RW) area is an area where the stored data (information) can be updated to any value, and is an example of a second area storing rewritable information.

[0039] In this way, storage device M is configured such that information stored in the RO region cannot be updated. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on updating information in the RW region, and storage device M is configured such that information in the RW region can be updated to any value. The attribute of information that is prohibited from being updated is called the RO attribute, and the attribute of information that is not prohibited from being updated and is updated during reuse or image formation is called the RW attribute.

[0040] Information that does not need to be changed is stored in the RO area. For example, at address "01h" in the RO area, information related to the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 of the processing cartridge 10 when the image forming apparatus 100 is manufactured (hereinafter referred to as the original toner capacity) (first toner information and first coloring material information) is stored. That is, the original toner capacity is the toner information pre-stored in the storage unit M2.

[0041] At address "02h" in the RO region, the toner life warning threshold is stored as life information. The toner life warning threshold is a threshold for the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 that causes the display unit 120 to display an instruction (image) prompting the replacement of the processing cartridge 10. That is, when the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 becomes equal to or less than the toner life warning threshold, the engine control unit 102 causes the display unit 120 to display an instruction (image) prompting the replacement of the processing cartridge 10 and an instruction to purchase a new processing cartridge 10. The toner life warning threshold can be calculated by the CPU 104 based on the original toner capacity or the refilled toner capacity and stored in the storage unit M2, or it can be pre-stored in the storage unit M2. When the original toner capacity differs from the refilled toner capacity, the toner life warning threshold determined based on the original toner capacity is different from the toner life warning threshold determined based on the refilled toner capacity as a first threshold and a third threshold.

[0042] At address "03h" in the RO region, the developing voltage change threshold is stored as lifetime information. The developing voltage change threshold is a threshold for adjusting the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4, which is used to change the voltage (developing bias) applied to the developing roller 5. That is, when the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 becomes equal to or less than the developing voltage change threshold, the engine control unit 102 changes the voltage applied to the developing roller 5. For example, a voltage obtained by adding a predetermined developing voltage offset from the reference voltage to the developing roller 5 is applied to the developing roller 5. Therefore, even if the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 decreases, the supply of toner from the developing roller 5 to the photosensitive drum 1 can be stabilized, and the concentration of the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 can be stabilized. The toner lifetime warning notification threshold and the developing voltage change threshold are examples of control information used to control the image forming apparatus 100. The developing voltage change threshold can be calculated by the CPU 104 based on the original toner capacity or the refilled toner capacity and stored in the storage unit M2, or it can be pre-stored in the storage unit M2. When the original toner capacity is different from the refilled toner capacity, the developing voltage change threshold determined based on the original toner capacity is different from the developing voltage change threshold used as a second threshold determined based on the refilled toner capacity.

[0043] At address "11h" in the RW area, information (second toner information) related to the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 after the image forming apparatus 100 is manufactured by filling the toner container 4 with toner (hereinafter referred to as the refilled toner capacity) is stored. In this embodiment, the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity are indicated by the number of printable sheets, but may also be indicated by weight or volume.

[0044] At address "21h" in the RW area, the number of prints after the image forming apparatus 100 has been manufactured or reused is stored. At address "22h" in the RW area, the amount of remaining toner contained in the toner container 4 of the processing cartridge 10 is stored. The amount of remaining toner can be calculated based on the original toner capacity or the refilled toner capacity and the number of prints. The refilled toner capacity is an example of reuse information, which is information related to the reuse of the processing cartridge 10, and the number of prints and the amount of remaining toner are examples of usage information related to the usage status of the processing cartridge 10.

[0045] Each piece of information in the storage unit M2 stores an initial value when the image forming apparatus 100 is shipped from the factory or reused. The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can use small-capacity cartridges, medium-capacity cartridges, and large-capacity cartridges. The small-capacity cartridges, medium-capacity cartridges, and large-capacity cartridges are filled with toner in amounts allowing for printing 1000, 2000, and 4000 sheets, respectively. Note that the small-capacity cartridge is included in the image forming apparatus 100 at the time of shipment.

[0046] Figure 4 The values ​​shown in the table are examples of the initial values ​​when processing cartridge 10 is reused. The initial value corresponding to the amount of toner refilled is written into the refilled toner capacity. That is, Figure 4 The example shows that the image forming apparatus 100 is filled with enough toner to print 1,000 sheets at the time of manufacture, and is filled with enough toner to print 4,000 sheets when reused. In addition, the same values ​​of 0 [sheets] and 100 [%] as at the time of manufacture of the image forming apparatus 100 are written into the number of sheets printed and the amount of toner remaining, respectively.

[0047] Correction control

[0048] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 The correction control of the image forming apparatus 100 is described by means of correction control information. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the correction control. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the CPU 104 of the engine control unit 102 reads information stored in storage unit M2 of the storage device M of the processing box 10 while the processing box 10 is attached to the device body 103. Then, the CPU 104 determines whether the processing box 10 attached to the device body 103 is a reused processing box 10, i.e., a processing box 10 refilled with toner (step S10). For example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is manufactured, the value of the refilled toner capacity is set to 0, and when the value of the refilled toner capacity is non-zero, it can be determined that the processing box 10 is refilled with toner. In other words, the reuse information indicates that the refilled toner capacity stored in storage unit M2 is different from the original toner capacity. Furthermore, in the RW area, the reuse information (reuse bit) indicating that the processing box 10 is reused can be stored separately from the refilled toner capacity. That is, the reuse information can be information independent of the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity. The CPU 104 can determine that the processing box 10 has been reused by reading the reuse information stored in the storage unit M2. In other words, the CPU 104 determines that it has obtained information about reuse.

[0049] When the processing cartridge 10 is not determined to be refilled with toner (step S10: No), the CPU 104 ends the calibration control. When the processing cartridge 10 is determined to be refilled with toner (step S10: Yes), the CPU 104 determines whether the original toner capacity is different from the refilled toner capacity (step S11). When it is determined that the original toner capacity is equal to the refilled toner capacity (step S11: No), the CPU 104 ends the calibration control.

[0050] When it is determined that the original toner capacity is different from the refilled toner capacity (step S11: Yes), the CPU 104 calculates a correction factor (step S12). In this embodiment, the correction factor corresponds to the ratio between the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity. For example, if the original toner capacity is 1000 [sheets] and the refilled toner capacity is 4000 [sheets], the CPU 104 calculates the correction factor to be 4.

[0051] Then, the CPU 104 corrects the control information that needs to be corrected by using the correction coefficient calculated in step S12, and controls the control target of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S13). For example, when the original toner capacity is 1000 sheets and the toner life warning notification threshold is 12%, when the remaining printable sheets reach 120, the CPU 104 causes the display unit 120 to display a message prompting to replace the processing cartridge 10. On the other hand, when the refilled toner capacity is 4000 sheets and the reused processing cartridge 10 is used, the CPU 104 divides 12% (the toner life warning notification threshold) by 4 (the correction coefficient) and corrects the toner life warning notification threshold to 3%. Then, when the remaining printable sheets reach 120 (obtained by 4000 × 3%), the CPU 104 uses the display unit 120 (the control target) to display a message prompting to replace the processing cartridge 10. Therefore, a message prompting the replacement of the processing box 10 can be displayed on the display unit 120 at an appropriate time.

[0052] When a reused processing cartridge 10 is used with a factory-set developer voltage change threshold of 20%, the CPU 104 divides the 20% threshold by a correction factor of 4, thus correcting the developer voltage change threshold to 5%. Then, when the remaining printable sheets reach 200 (obtained from 4000 sheets × 5%), the CPU 104 changes the voltage (developer bias) applied to the developer roller 5, which serves as the control target. Therefore, control over changing the voltage (developer bias) applied to the developer roller 5 can be performed at appropriate timing.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, even when the original toner capacity differs from the refilled toner capacity, the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity are used to correct the control information read from the storage unit M2 of the processing cartridge 10. More specifically, the CPU 104 of the engine control unit 102 calculates a correction coefficient corresponding to the ratio between the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity, and divides each type of control information by the correction coefficient. Therefore, the timing of prompting to replace the processing cartridge 10 can be controlled, for example, based on a toner life warning notification threshold. More specifically, when the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 of the processing cartridge 10 becomes equal to or less than the toner life warning notification threshold, an instruction to replace the processing cartridge 10 is displayed on the display unit 120. Furthermore, when the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 of the processing cartridge 10 becomes equal to or less than a developing voltage change threshold, the voltage applied to the developing roller 5 is changed. Therefore, the control objectives of the image forming apparatus 100 can be appropriately controlled.

[0054] Furthermore, by using correction coefficients, the control information can be appropriately corrected even if the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity are not predetermined capacities such as small, medium, and large capacities. That is, the degree of freedom in the toner capacity of the processing cartridge 10 can be increased.

[0055] In this embodiment, since the control information (toner life warning notification threshold and developing voltage change threshold) indicates a threshold value for the decrease in the amount of remaining toner (toner life), the control information is divided by a correction factor when it is corrected. However, the correction of the control information is not limited to this. For example, control information such as threshold values ​​for increases can be corrected by multiplying the control information by the correction factor.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a correction factor for the toner capacity is calculated from the ratio between the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity, but the calculation of the correction factor is not limited to this. For example, the correction factor can be calculated from the lifetime information of each component included in the processing cartridge 10, such as the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing roller 5. Additionally, the correction factor can be used to correct the control information associated with each component.

[0057] Second Embodiment

[0058] Next, a second embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the control information is corrected using a different method than that of the first embodiment. Therefore, configurations similar to those in the first embodiment in the second embodiment will not be illustrated or will be described using the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage area of ​​the storage unit M2 according to the second embodiment. For example... Figure 6As shown, developer voltage offset 1 is stored at address "04h" in the RO region, and developer voltage offset 2 is stored at address "05h" in the RO region. Developer voltage offset 1 and developer voltage offset 2 are examples of control information according to the second embodiment.

[0060] The developing voltage offset is a value indicating the difference (offset) between the voltage applied to the reference voltage on the developing roller 5 and the reference voltage. In this embodiment, the developing voltage is first set based on the developing voltage offset 1, and then set based on the developing voltage offset 2 when the developer (toner) is consumed to a certain extent. That is, as the number of printed sheets increases and the toner is consumed, the image density becomes unstable due to the deterioration of the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 5, the charging roller 2, and the toner.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the voltage applied to the developing roller 5 is increased from the reference voltage by a value indicated by developing voltage offset 1 or developing voltage offset 2. This stabilizes the image density, thereby suppressing image defects.

[0062] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a calibration table stored in the memory 108 of the engine control unit 102. In the calibration table, developing voltage offset 1 is set to 0 [V], 0 [V], and 5 [V], corresponding to toner capacities of 1000 [sheets], 2000 [sheets], and 4000 [sheets], respectively. Furthermore, in the calibration table, developing voltage offset 2 is set to 10 [V], 10 [V], and 20 [V], corresponding to toner capacities of 1000 [sheets], 2000 [sheets], and 4000 [sheets], respectively. That is, the voltage applied to the developing roller 5 is changed based on the toner capacities being refilled.

[0063] In this embodiment, the refill toner capacities used are 1000, 2000, and 4000 sheets, corresponding to calibration tables for small, medium, and large capacity cartridges, respectively, but the calibration tables are not limited to these. For example, the refill toner capacities can be set to any value of one or two levels, or to four or more levels instead of the three levels mentioned above.

[0064] When the refilled toner capacity is 4000 sheets (corresponding to the large capacity cartridge), the time it takes for the processing cartridge 10 to be attached to the device body 103 tends to be longer. Therefore, image quality may deteriorate due to the degradation of the charging characteristics of each component of the processing cartridge 10 and the toner. For example, the RO region of the storage unit M2 includes a second developing voltage change threshold (%) in addition to the developing voltage change threshold (%) at address "03h". The second developing voltage change threshold (%) can be set arbitrarily, but for example, it can be set to 60%. When the original cartridge is attached to the device body 103, when the remaining printable number of sheets reaches 20% of the original toner capacity, the CPU 104 applies a voltage to the developing roller 5 obtained by adding a developing voltage offset of 2 from the reference voltage to the developing roller 5. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the example shown, since the original toner capacity [sheets] is 1000 [sheets], even if the remaining printable sheets become 60 [%] of the original toner capacity [sheets], the developing voltage offset 1 [V], which is the voltage added from the reference voltage to the developing roller 5, is 0 [V]. When the reused processing cartridge 10 is attached to the device body 103, the developing voltage change threshold [%] and the second developing voltage change threshold [%] are corrected, as in the first embodiment. That is, when the refilled toner capacity is 4000 [sheets], when the remaining printable sheets become 4000 [sheets] × 60 [%] ÷ 4 = 600 [sheets], the CPU 104 applies a voltage to the developing roller 5 obtained by adding the developing voltage offset 1 (i.e., 5 [V]) from the reference voltage to the developing roller 5. The timing of adding the developing voltage offset 1 to the reference voltage does not need to be corrected using a correction factor and can be defined solely by the remaining printable sheets [sheets].

[0065] In addition to the control of the developing voltage, control information for extending the life of the processing cartridge 10 (such as toner stirring control for preventing toner fusion due to the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus 100) can be stored in the storage unit M2 of the refilled processing cartridge 10.

[0066] Furthermore, control information for performing controls suitable for the original cartridge can be stored in the storage unit M2 of the small-capacity cartridge included in the image forming apparatus 100 at the time of manufacture. On the other hand, control information for not performing controls suitable for the original cartridge can be stored in the storage unit M2 of the medium-capacity or large-capacity cartridge.

[0067] Correction control

[0068] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 The correction control of the image forming apparatus 100 is described by means of correction control information. Figure 8This is a flowchart illustrating the correction control according to the second embodiment. Since it has already been referenced in the first embodiment... Figure 5 Steps S10 and S11 have been described, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0069] When it is determined that the original toner capacity differs from the refilled toner capacity (step S11: Yes), the CPU 104 refers to a calibration table stored in the memory 108 (step S22). In this embodiment, the calibration table is a table that displays calibration values ​​for calibration control information in tabular format.

[0070] Then, the CPU 104 uses the calibration table referenced in step S22 to correct the control information that needs to be corrected and controls the control target of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S23). For example, when using a reused processing cartridge 10 with a refilled toner capacity of 4000 sheets, the CPU 104 corrects the developing voltage offset 1 and developing voltage offset 2 to 5 [V] and 20 [V], respectively. That is, the voltage applied to the developing roller 5 is changed based on the amount of toner contained in the toner container 4 of the processing cartridge 10 attached to the apparatus body 103 and the refilled toner capacity. Therefore, the developing voltage applied to the developing roller 5, which serves as the control target, can be appropriately changed, thereby appropriately controlling the developing roller 5.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, even when the original toner capacity differs from the refilled toner capacity, the control information read from the storage unit M2 of the processing cartridge 10 is corrected by referring to the correction table stored in the memory 108. At this time, the CPU 104 uses the original toner capacity and the refilled toner capacity to determine that the cartridge is a processing cartridge 10 that has been refilled with toner (step S10), and uses the refilled toner capacity to specify the reference value of the correction table.

[0072] By using the calibration table in this way, control information that cannot be corrected using calibration coefficients, as in the first embodiment, can be corrected. For example, even control information that is unrelated to toner life, such as developer voltage offset 1 and developer voltage offset 2, can be appropriately corrected.

[0073] In this embodiment, the refilled toner capacity described in the calibration table matches the refilled toner capacity stored in the storage unit M2, but they are not limited to this. For example, when the refilled toner capacity described in the calibration table does not match the refilled toner capacity stored in the storage unit M2, the CPU 104 can refer to the calibration table for a calibration value corresponding to the refilled toner capacity that is closest to the refilled toner capacity stored in the storage unit M2.

[0074] Third Embodiment

[0075] Next, a third embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The third embodiment is a combination of the correction control of the first embodiment and the correction control of the second embodiment. Therefore, configurations similar to those of the first and second embodiments in the third embodiment will not be illustrated or will be described using the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0076] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the storage area of ​​the storage unit M2 according to the third embodiment. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the original toner capacity, toner life warning notification threshold, developing voltage change threshold, developing voltage offset 1, and developing voltage offset 2 are stored at addresses "01h", "02h", "03h", "04h", and "05h" in the RO region, respectively. Detailed descriptions of these have already been given in the first and second embodiments and are therefore omitted. The original toner capacity, toner life warning notification threshold, developing voltage change threshold, developing voltage offset 1, and developing voltage offset 2 are examples of control information according to the third embodiment.

[0077] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a calibration group table stored in the memory 108 of the engine control unit 102. The calibration group table describes calibration groups that indicate calibration methods for each type of control information stored in the memory unit M2. For example... Figure 10 As shown, when the correction group is "0", this indicates that the control information is not corrected. When the correction group is "1", this indicates that the control information is corrected using correction coefficients as in the first embodiment. When the correction group is "2", this indicates that the control information is corrected using a correction table as in the second embodiment.

[0078] exist Figure 10 In this context, the correction groups for the original toner capacity, toner life warning threshold, developing voltage change threshold, developing voltage offset 1, and developing voltage offset 2 are "0", "1", "1", "2", and "2", respectively. The toner life warning threshold and developing voltage change threshold with correction group "1" correspond to the first control information that can be corrected using correction coefficients. The developing voltage offset 1 and developing voltage offset 2 with correction group "2" correspond to the second control information that can be corrected using a correction table as correction values.

[0079] Correction control

[0080] Next, we will refer to Figure 11 The correction control of the image forming apparatus 100 is described by means of correction control information. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the correction control according to the third embodiment. Since it has already been referenced in the first embodiment... Figure 5 Steps S10 and S11 have been described, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0081] When it is determined that the original toner volume and the refilled toner volume are different (step S11: Yes), CPU 104 references... Figure 10 The correction group table is shown in the figure (step S32). Next, the CPU 104 proceeds as in step S12 of the first embodiment (see...). Figure 5 The CPU 104 calculates the correction coefficients as in step S33. Then, the CPU 104 uses the correction coefficients calculated in step S33 to correct the control information whose correction group is "1" and controls the control target of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S34).

[0082] Additionally, CPU 104 is referenced as in the second embodiment. Figure 7 The calibration table shown in the figure is used (step S35). Then, the CPU 104 uses the calibration table referenced in step S35 to correct the control information that its calibration group is "2", and controls the control target of the image forming apparatus 100 (step S36).

[0083] As described above, in this embodiment, even when the original toner capacity differs from the refilled toner capacity, the control information read from the storage unit M2 of the processing cartridge 10 is classified into correction groups and appropriately corrected. More specifically, control information whose correction group is "1" is corrected using correction coefficients, and control information whose correction group is "2" is corrected using a correction table. Therefore, although the correction table increases, for example, when the type of control information or the type of toner dosage increases, the increase in the correction table can be suppressed by combining the corrections of control information using correction coefficients.

[0084] Note that, Figure 11 Steps S35 and S36 can be executed before steps S33 and S34, or can be executed simultaneously with steps S33 and S34.

[0085] Other embodiments

[0086] In any of the above embodiments, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 has been described, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, this disclosure can also be applied to an inkjet image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by ejecting ink from a nozzle. For example, the original ink capacity related to the amount of coloring material at the time of manufacture, the refill ink capacity related to the amount of coloring material when reused, and control information are stored in a storage unit provided in an ink cartridge, which serves as a cartridge. The ink cartridge includes a receiving portion that holds ink used as coloring material. Then, when the original ink capacity used as information for the first coloring material differs from the refill ink capacity used as information for the second coloring material, the control unit of the image forming apparatus corrects the control information using the original ink capacity and the refill ink capacity, and controls the control target (display unit 120, nozzle head, etc.). As in the first embodiment, the control information may be an ink life warning notification threshold for prompting the replacement of the ink cartridge, etc.

[0087] The technologies described in this article can help achieve sustainable societies such as decarbonized / circular societies.

[0088] Appropriate controls can be implemented based on this disclosure.

[0089] The embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more embodiments of the above embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing the functions of one or more embodiments of the above embodiments, and by a method executed by a computer of a system or device, for example, by reading and executing computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more embodiments of the above embodiments and / or controlling one or more circuits to perform the functions of one or more embodiments of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include a network of individual computers or individual processors to read and execute computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), storage devices for distributed computing systems, optical discs (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs). TM One or more of the following: flash memory devices, memory cards, etc.

[0090] Other embodiments

[0091] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method: providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0092] While this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the following claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: The device body, including a housing portion and a memory housing, can be detachably attached to the device body, the housing portion being configured to hold toner; as well as A control unit configured to acquire reuse information, toner information, and lifetime information stored in the memory of the cartridge. The toner information is related to the amount of toner contained in the container and includes first toner information, and the lifetime information is related to the lifetime of the cartridge and includes first lifetime information corresponding to the first toner information. The control unit is configured as follows: (i) In the case of retrieving the reuse information from the memory, second toner information related to the amount of toner contained in the receiving portion of the already reused cartridge is obtained. (ii) In the case that the first toner information is different from the second toner information, a second lifetime information different from the first lifetime information is set, and the second lifetime information is stored in the memory, wherein the second lifetime information is set according to the second toner information; as well as (iii) The timing of prompting the replacement of the box is controlled based on the second lifetime information stored in the memory.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to set the second lifetime information based on the ratio between the first toner information and the second toner information.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, The second lifetime information includes a first threshold, and The control unit is configured to cause the display unit to display an indication prompting the replacement of the cartridge when the amount of toner contained in the receiving portion becomes equal to or less than the first threshold.

4. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a developing roller configured to carry toner contained in the receiving portion. The second lifetime information includes a second threshold, and The control unit is configured to change the voltage applied to the developing roller when the amount of toner contained in the receiving portion becomes equal to or less than the second threshold.

5. The image forming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a developing roller configured to carry toner contained in the receiving portion, and The control unit is configured to change the voltage applied to the developing roller based on the second toner information.

6. The image forming apparatus of claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to change the voltage applied to the developing roller based on the amount of toner contained in the receiving portion and the second toner information.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit, The cartridge includes a developing roller configured to carry the toner contained in the receiving portion. The second lifetime information includes a third threshold, and The control unit is configured to: (i) When the amount of toner contained in the receiving portion becomes equal to or less than the third threshold, the display unit displays an instruction prompting the replacement of the cartridge; and (ii) The voltage applied to the developing roller is changed based on the amount of toner contained in the containing portion and the second toner information.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reuse information is obtained by determining whether the second toner information stored in the memory is different from the first toner information.

9. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the cartridge, the cartridge including the receiving portion configured to receive toner and the memory configured to store the reuse information, the toner information and the lifetime information.

10. The image forming apparatus of claim 9, wherein the memory includes a first region storing non-rewritable information and a second region storing rewritable information. The first toner information is stored in the first area of ​​the memory, and The second toner information is stored in the second area of ​​the memory.

11. The image forming apparatus of claim 9, wherein the reuse information is stored independently of the first toner information and the second toner information, and indicates that the cartridge has been reused.

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