Developing cartridge, drum cartridge, belt unit, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To perform appropriate life management for consumable items having a plurality of types.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge comprises a developing roller and a developing memory. The developing memory has a first development storage area for storing development identification information for identifying a specific type from a plurality of types of developing cartridges, and a second development storage area for storing at least one of development accumulated number of prints printed by using the developing cartridges, accumulated number of rotations of the developing rollers, and accumulated dot counts. The developing cartridge can determine whether the developing cartridge has reached the end of life, by using at least one of the development upper limit number of prints representing the upper limit number of prints corresponding to the development identification information, upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller representing the upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller, and upper limit dot counts representing the upper limit number of printable dots, and at least one of the development accumulated number of prints, accumulated number of rotations of the developing roller, and accumulated dot counts stored in the second development storage area(S15 to S17).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a developing cartridge and an image forming apparatus to which the developing cartridge can be attached. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an image forming apparatus capable of mounting a developing cartridge is known (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-265401 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Consumables such as developer cartridges, drum cartridges, and belt units that are installed in image forming devices may have multiple types (such as different manufacturers and different capacities). However, conventional image forming devices have been unable to determine the different lifespans of each type of consumable. This has led to the problem that appropriate lifespan management is not possible for consumables with multiple types.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to perform appropriate lifespan management for consumables of multiple types. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the developer cartridge of the present disclosure includes a developer roller and a developer memory. The developer memory has a first developer storage area that stores developer identification information for identifying the type of developer cartridge, which identifies a specific type from multiple types of developer cartridges, and a second developer storage area that is different from the first developer storage area and allows for storage of at least one of the cumulative number of developed prints printed using the developer cartridge, the cumulative number of developer roller rotations, and the cumulative dot count. The developing cartridge can determine whether it has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the maximum number of developed prints, which indicates the maximum number of prints corresponding to the developing identification information, the maximum number of developing roller rotations, and the maximum dot count, which indicates the maximum number of dots that can be printed, and at least one of the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of developing roller rotations, and the cumulative dot count stored in the second developing memory area.

[0007] With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether a developer cartridge has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the upper limit number of developed prints, the upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller, and the upper limit dot count corresponding to the developer identification information from among the plurality of developer identification information, and at least one of the accumulated number of developed prints, the accumulated number of rotations of the developing roller, and the accumulated dot count. This allows for appropriate life management for multiple types of developer cartridges.

[0008] In the above-described configuration, the developing cartridge may be configured to be capable of determining whether the developing cartridge has reached the end of its life using the maximum number of developed prints, the maximum number of developing roller rotations, and the maximum dot count, as well as the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of developing roller rotations, and the cumulative dot count.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure includes an apparatus main body, a developer cartridge, a main body memory, and a control device. The developer cartridge is attachable to the apparatus main body and has a developer roller and a developer memory. The developer memory has a first developer storage area that identifies the type of developer cartridge and stores developer identification information that identifies a specific type from multiple types of developer cartridges, and a second developer storage area that is different from the first developer storage area. The main body memory stores multiple developer identification information, and for each of the multiple developer identification information, stores at least one of a developer upper limit print count that indicates the upper limit number of prints, an upper limit developer roller rotation count that indicates the upper limit number of rotations of the developer roller, and an upper limit dot count that indicates the upper limit of printable dot count. The control device is capable of executing a storage process for storing at least one of the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative dot count printed using the developing cartridge in a second developing memory area; a reading process for reading out the developing identification information stored in the developing memory; and a determination process for determining whether the developing cartridge has reached the end of its life using at least one of the maximum number of developed prints, the maximum number of rotations of the developing roller, and the maximum dot count corresponding to the read developing identification information from among the multiple developing identification information stored in the main body memory, and at least one of the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative dot count stored in the second developing memory area.

[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether a developer cartridge has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the upper limit number of developed prints, the upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller, and the upper limit dot count corresponding to the developer identification information from among the plurality of developer identification information, and at least one of the accumulated number of developed prints, the accumulated number of rotations of the developing roller, and the accumulated dot count. This allows for appropriate life management for multiple types of developer cartridges.

[0011] In the above-mentioned configuration, the main body memory may store a maximum number of prints to be developed, a maximum number of rotations of the developing roller, and a maximum dot count in association with each of a plurality of pieces of development identification information, and the control device may determine whether the development cartridge has reached the end of its life in the determination process using the maximum number of prints to be developed, the maximum number of rotations of the developing roller, and the maximum dot count, and the cumulative number of prints to be developed, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative dot count stored in the second development memory area.

[0012] According to this configuration, whether the developing cartridge has reached the end of its life is determined using the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative dot count, so life management can be performed more reliably.

[0013] In the above-described configuration, the control device may be configured to generate an error indicating that the development cartridge has reached the end of its life when it determines in the judgment process that at least one of the following occurs: the cumulative number of developed prints exceeds the maximum number of developed prints, the cumulative number of development roller rotations exceeds the maximum number of development roller rotations, or the cumulative dot count exceeds the maximum dot count.

[0014] In the above-described configuration, the control device may be configured to determine that an error occurs when the read development identification information is not included in the plurality of development identification information stored in the main body memory.

[0015] In the above-described configuration, the image forming apparatus may further include a display, and the control device may be configured to display information about the error on the display when the determination process determines that an error has occurred.

[0016] In the above-described configuration, the image forming apparatus further includes a drum cartridge that can be attached to the apparatus main body, and the drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum and a drum memory having a first drum storage area that stores drum identification information that identifies a type of drum cartridge, the drum identification information being for identifying a specific type from a plurality of types of drum cartridge, and a second drum storage area different from the first drum storage area, and the main body memory stores a plurality of pieces of drum identification information, and for each of the plurality of pieces of drum identification information, at least a drum upper limit print number that indicates an upper limit number of sheets that can be printed and a drum upper limit number of drum rotations that indicates an upper limit number of rotations of the photosensitive drum are stored. The control device may be configured to be able to execute a storage process for storing at least one of the cumulative number of prints and the cumulative number of drum rotations printed using the drum cartridge in the second drum storage area, a reading process for reading the drum identification information stored in the drum memory, and a determination process for determining whether the drum cartridge has reached the end of its life using at least one of the maximum number of prints and the maximum number of drum rotations corresponding to the read drum identification information from among the multiple drum identification information stored in the main memory, and at least one of the cumulative number of prints and the cumulative number of drum rotations stored in the second drum storage area.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether a drum cartridge has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the maximum print count and maximum drum rotation count corresponding to the drum identification information, and at least one of the cumulative print count and cumulative drum rotation count, from among the multiple drum identification information. This allows for appropriate lifespan management for multiple types of drum cartridges.

[0018] In the above-described configuration, the image forming apparatus further includes a belt unit that can be attached to the apparatus main body, and the belt unit includes a belt memory having a first belt storage area that stores belt identification information for identifying a type of the belt unit, the belt identification information being for identifying a specific type from among multiple types of belt units, and a second belt storage area that is different from the first belt storage area, and the main body memory stores multiple pieces of belt identification information, and at least one of a belt upper limit print number that indicates an upper limit number of prints and an upper limit belt rotation number that indicates an upper limit number of belt rotations corresponds to each of the multiple pieces of belt identification information. The control device may be configured to be able to perform a storage process for storing at least one of the belt cumulative number of prints and the cumulative number of belt rotations printed using the belt unit in the second belt storage area, a reading process for reading the belt identification information stored in the belt memory, and a determination process for determining whether the belt unit has reached the end of its life using at least one of the belt upper limit number of prints and the upper limit number of belt rotations corresponding to the read belt identification information from among the multiple pieces of belt identification information stored in the main body memory, and at least one of the drum cumulative number of prints and the cumulative number of belt rotations stored in the second belt storage area.

[0019] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether a belt unit has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the belt upper limit number of printed sheets and the upper limit number of belt rotations corresponding to the belt identification information, and at least one of the belt cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations, from among the multiple belt identification information. This allows for appropriate lifespan management for multiple types of belt units.

[0020] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the drum cartridge of the present disclosure includes a photosensitive drum and a drum memory. The drum memory has a first drum storage area that stores drum identification information for identifying the type of drum cartridge, the drum identification information identifying a specific type from among multiple types of drum cartridges, and a second drum storage area different from the first drum storage area that allows storage of at least one of the cumulative number of prints printed using the drum cartridge and the cumulative number of drum rotations. The drum cartridge can determine whether it has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the drum maximum print count, which indicates the maximum number of prints corresponding to the drum identification information, and the maximum drum rotation count, which indicates the maximum number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, and at least one of the drum cumulative print count and cumulative drum rotation count stored in the second drum memory area.

[0021] With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether a drum cartridge has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the maximum print count and maximum drum rotation count corresponding to the drum identification information, and at least one of the cumulative print count and cumulative drum rotation count, from among the multiple drum identification information. This allows for appropriate lifespan management for multiple types of drum cartridges.

[0022] In the above-described configuration, the drum cartridge may be configured to determine whether the drum cartridge has reached the end of its life using the upper limit of the number of prints per drum, the upper limit of the number of drum rotations, the cumulative number of prints per drum, and the cumulative number of drum rotations.

[0023] To solve the above-described problems, the belt unit of the present disclosure includes a belt and a belt memory. The belt memory has a first belt storage area that stores belt identification information for identifying a type of belt unit, the belt identification information identifying a specific type from among multiple types of belt units, and a second belt storage area that is different from the first belt storage area and allows for storage of at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations printed using the belt unit. The belt unit can determine whether the belt unit has reached the end of its life using at least one of the belt upper limit print count, which indicates the upper limit number of prints corresponding to the belt identification information, and the upper limit belt rotation count, which indicates the upper limit number of belt rotations, and at least one of the belt cumulative print count and cumulative belt rotation count stored in the second belt memory area.

[0024] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether a belt unit has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the belt upper limit number of printed sheets and the upper limit number of belt rotations corresponding to the belt identification information, and at least one of the belt cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations, from among the multiple belt identification information. This allows for appropriate lifespan management for multiple types of belt units.

[0025] In the above-described configuration, the belt unit determines whether the belt unit has reached the end of its life using the upper limit of the belt number of printed sheets and the upper limit of the belt rotation number, and the accumulated belt number of printed sheets and the accumulated belt rotation number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the developing cartridge of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately manage the life span of a plurality of types of developing cartridges. According to the image forming apparatus of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately manage the life spans of multiple types of consumables. According to the drum cartridge of the present disclosure, appropriate lifespan management can be performed for multiple types of drum cartridges. According to the belt unit of the present disclosure, it is possible to perform appropriate lifespan management for a plurality of types. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the drum cartridge and the belt unit are removed from the main body housing. [Figure 3] 10 is a table showing life information of developing cartridges corresponding to developing identification information. [Figure 4] 10 is a table showing lifespan information of drum cartridges corresponding to drum identification information. [Figure 5] 10 is a table showing life information of a belt unit corresponding to belt identification information. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a storage process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a process for checking the life of a developing cartridge. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart of a process for checking the life of a drum cartridge. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a life check process for a belt unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser printer. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a device main body 2, a feeder unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a control device 100, a main body memory 110, and a display 26.

[0029] The device body 2 is in the shape of a hollow case. The device body 2 has a pair of left and right side walls 21 and a front wall 22 connecting the side walls 21. The front wall 22 has a body opening 22A. The front wall 22 is provided with a front cover 23 that opens and closes the body opening 22A.

[0030] The feeder unit 3 includes a supply tray 31 and a supply mechanism 32. The supply tray 31 is detachably attached to the lower part of the apparatus main body 2. The supply mechanism 32 feeds the supply tray 31 and the sheets S in the supply tray 31 toward the image forming unit 4.

[0031] The image forming section 4 includes a scanner unit 5, a belt unit 6, a fixing device 7, a drum cartridge 8, and a developing cartridge 9.

[0032] The scanner unit 5 is provided in the upper part of the device main body 2 and includes a laser emitting unit, a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflecting mirror, etc. (not shown). The scanner unit 5 irradiates the surface of a photosensitive drum 81 (described later) with a laser beam by high-speed scanning.

[0033] The belt unit 6 has a belt 61, a driving roller 62, a driven roller 63, and a belt memory 65. The belt unit 6 is detachable from the apparatus main body 2 (see FIG. 2). The belt unit 6 is an example of a consumable item.

[0034] The belt 61 is endless. The driving roller 62 drives the belt 61. The driven roller 63 rotates in accordance with the driving of the belt 61.

[0035] The belt memory 65 is a medium for storing information, such as an IC chip, but is not limited to an IC chip. The belt memory 65 has a first belt storage area and a second storage area. The second storage area is a storage area different from the first belt storage area.

[0036] The control device 100 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and input / output circuits, and performs printing control by performing arithmetic processing based on information about the installed cartridges and programs and data stored in the ROM.

[0037] The display 26 is located on the outer surface of the device body 2. The display 26 displays various messages based on commands from the control device 100.

[0038] The drum cartridge 8 is disposed between the feeder section 3 and the scanner unit 5. The drum cartridge 8 is detachable from the device main body 2. Specifically, the drum cartridge 8 is detachable from the device main body 2 through a main body opening 22A that is opened and closed by a front cover 23 of the device main body 2. The drum cartridge 8 is an example of a consumable item.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 2, the developer cartridge 9 is attachable to the apparatus main body 2. In this embodiment, the developer cartridge 9 is detachable from the drum cartridge 8. The developer cartridge 9 is attached to the apparatus main body 2 in a state where it is assembled with the drum cartridge 8. The developer cartridge 9 is an example of a consumable item.

[0040] 1, the drum cartridge 8 has a frame 80, a photosensitive drum 81, a transfer roller 82, a charger 83, and a drum memory 85. The frame 80 can accommodate a developing cartridge 9. The photosensitive drum 81 and the transfer roller 82 are rotatably supported by the frame 80.

[0041] The drum memory 85 is a medium for storing information, such as an IC chip, but is not limited to an IC chip. The drum memory 85 has a first drum storage area and a second drum storage area. The second drum storage area is a storage area different from the first drum storage area.

[0042] The developing cartridge 9 has a housing 90, a developing roller 91, a supply roller 92, a blade 93, and a developing memory 95. The housing 90 can accommodate toner therein. The developing roller 91 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 81. The supply roller 92 supplies toner from the housing 90 to the developing roller 91. The blade 93 regulates the thickness of the toner layer supplied to the developing roller 91.

[0043] The developing memory 95 is a medium for storing information, such as an IC chip, but is not limited to an IC chip. The developing memory 95 has a first developing memory area and a second developing memory area. The second developing memory area is a memory area different from the first developing memory area.

[0044] In this drum cartridge 8, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 81 is uniformly charged by the charger 83, and then exposed to high-speed scanning of a laser beam from the scanner unit 5. This reduces the potential of the exposed area, and an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 81.

[0045] Next, the toner in the developer cartridge 9 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 81 by the rotationally driven developing roller 91, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 81. Thereafter, the sheet S is transported between the photosensitive drum 81 and the transfer roller 82, and the toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 81 is transferred onto the sheet S.

[0046] The fixing device 7 includes a heating roller 71 and a pressure roller 72. The pressure roller 72 is positioned opposite the heating roller 71. The pressure roller 72 presses against the heating roller 71. The fixing device 7 thermally fixes the toner transferred onto the sheet S while the sheet S passes between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72.

[0047] The sheet S on which the image has been thermally fixed by the fixing device 7 is conveyed to a paper discharge roller 24 disposed downstream of the fixing device 7, and is sent out from the paper discharge roller 24 onto a paper discharge tray 25.

[0048] The main body memory 110 stores lifespan information of the developer cartridges 9 corresponding to the multiple pieces of developer identification information shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the multiple pieces of developer identification information is associated with an upper limit of the number of prints that can be developed, an upper limit of the number of rotations of the developing roller, and an upper limit of the dot count. The developer identification information is information that identifies the type of developer cartridge 9.

[0049] In this embodiment, the developer identification information is assigned one unique identification information according to a combination of manufacturer, capacity, and rank. For example, there are two types of manufacturers: X Company and Y Company. There are three types of capacity: standard (STD), large (HY), and extra large (SHY). There are three types of ranks for products from X Company: A, B, and C. There are three types of ranks for products from Y Company: A and B. In this way, in this embodiment, the developer cartridge 9 is assigned a plurality of developer identification information numbers 001 to 015 corresponding to a plurality of combinations of types.

[0050] The main body memory 110 stores the upper limit number of development prints, the upper limit number of development roller rotations, and the upper limit dot count corresponding to each development identification information. For example, corresponding to development identification information 001, the upper limit number of development roller rotations = 160,000 rotations, the upper limit dot count = 10,000,000 dots, and the upper limit number of development prints = 4,000 are stored. The upper limit number of development roller rotations is a number representing the upper limit number of rotations of the development roller 91. The upper limit dot count is a number representing the upper limit of printable dot count. The upper limit number of development prints is a number representing the upper limit number of prints.

[0051] On the other hand, in the developing memory 95, developing identification information for identifying a specific type from among multiple types of developing cartridge 9 is stored in a first developing storage area. Specifically, one of the developing identification information 001 to 015 is stored in the first developing storage area of ​​the developing memory 95.

[0052] The control device 100 is capable of executing a storage process, a read process, and a determination process.

[0053] The storage process is a process of storing at least one of the cumulative number of developed prints, cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and cumulative dot count printed using the developing cartridge 9 in the second developing storage area of ​​the developing memory 95. Specifically, when a print job is input to the image forming apparatus 1 and a predetermined number of prints are executed, the control device 100 stores the cumulative number of developed prints, cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and cumulative dot count, which are the number of developed prints, cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and cumulative dot count, obtained by adding the number of prints executed for the predetermined number of prints to the number of developed prints, cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and cumulative dot count, in the second developing storage area of ​​the developing memory 95. This storage process is repeated for each predetermined number of prints until the entire print job is completed.

[0054] The reading process is a process of reading out the development identification information stored in the development memory 95. Specifically, it is a process of reading out the developed cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative dot count, and the cumulative number of development roller rotations from the second development storage area of ​​the development memory 95.

[0055] The determination process is a process for determining whether the development cartridge 9 has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the maximum number of development prints, the maximum number of development roller rotations, and the maximum dot count corresponding to the read development identification information from among the multiple development identification information stored in the main memory 110, and at least one of the cumulative development prints, the cumulative number of development roller rotations, and the cumulative dot count stored in the second development memory area of ​​the development memory 95.

[0056] In this embodiment, in the determination process, the upper limit of the number of developed prints, the upper limit of the number of rotations of the developing roller, the upper limit of the dot count, and the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative dot count are used to determine whether the developing cartridge 9 has reached the end of its life. In other words, the cartridge is determined to have reached the end of its life when any one of the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative dot count has reached its upper limit.

[0057] In the judgment process, the control device 100 judges that an error has occurred, indicating that the development cartridge 9 has reached the end of its life, when it judges that at least one of the following occurs: the cumulative number of developed prints exceeds the maximum number of developed prints, the cumulative number of development roller rotations exceeds the maximum number of development roller rotations, or the cumulative dot count exceeds the maximum dot count. If the determination process determines that an error has occurred, the control device 100 causes the display 26 to display information about the error.

[0058] The control device 100 determines that an error has occurred if the read-out development identification information is not found among the multiple pieces of development identification information (see FIG. 3) stored in the main body memory 110. Specifically, when the control device 100 reads out development identification information from the first development storage area of ​​the development memory 95, if there is no corresponding development identification information in the table of the main body memory 110, it determines that there is an error in the type of the development cartridge 9 and displays the error on the display 26.

[0059] The main body memory 110 stores lifespan information for the drum cartridges 8 corresponding to the multiple drum identification information shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, each of the multiple drum identification information is associated with a maximum print count and a maximum drum rotation speed. The drum identification information is information that identifies the type of drum cartridge 8.

[0060] In this embodiment, drum identification information is assigned one unique identification information according to a combination of manufacturer, model, and rank. For example, manufacturers are classified as Company X and Company Y. Models are classified as Basic (BASE), Large (HY), and Flagship (Flagship). Company X's products are classified as A, B, and C. Company Y's products are classified as A and B. Thus, in this embodiment, drum cartridges 8 are assigned multiple IDs from 001 to 015 as drum identification information corresponding to multiple type combinations.

[0061] The main body memory 110 stores the upper limit number of prints per drum and the upper limit number of drum rotations corresponding to each drum identification information. For example, the upper limit number of drum rotations = 200,000 rotations and the upper limit number of prints per drum = 50,000 sheets are stored corresponding to the drum identification information of 001. The upper limit number of drum rotations is a number that represents the upper limit number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 81. The upper limit number of prints per drum is a number that represents the upper limit number of prints.

[0062] Meanwhile, drum memory 85 stores drum identification information in a first drum storage area, which identifies a specific type from among multiple types of drum cartridge 8. Specifically, one of the drum identification information from 001 to 015 is stored in the first drum storage area of ​​drum memory 85.

[0063] The control device 100 is capable of executing a storage process, a read process, and a determination process.

[0064] The storage process is a process for storing at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of drum rotations printed using the drum cartridge 8 in the second drum storage area of ​​the drum memory 85. Specifically, when a print job is input to the image forming apparatus 1 and a predetermined number of sheets are printed, the control device 100 stores the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of drum rotations, which are the number of printed sheets and the number of drum rotations up to the time when the predetermined number of sheets were printed in the drum cartridge 8, plus the number of sheets printed after the predetermined number of sheets have been printed, in the second drum storage area of ​​the drum memory 85. This storage process is repeated for each predetermined number of sheets until the entire print job is completed.

[0065] The reading process is a process for reading out the drum identification information stored in the drum memory 85. Specifically, it is a process for reading out the cumulative drum print count and cumulative developing roller rotation count from the second drum storage area of ​​the drum memory 85.

[0066] The determination process determines whether the drum cartridge 8 has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the maximum number of prints and the maximum number of drum rotations corresponding to the read drum identification information from among the multiple drum identification information stored in the main memory 110, and at least one of the cumulative number of prints and the cumulative number of drum rotations stored in the second drum memory area of ​​the drum memory 85.

[0067] In this embodiment, the determination process uses the upper limit of the drum print count, the upper limit of the drum rotation count, the cumulative number of developed prints, and the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller to determine whether the drum cartridge 8 has reached the end of its life. In other words, the drum cartridge is determined to have reached the end of its life when either the cumulative number of drum prints or the cumulative number of drum rotations has reached its upper limit.

[0068] In the determination process, the control device 100 determines that an error has occurred, indicating that the drum cartridge 8 has reached the end of its life, when it determines that at least one of the following occurs: the cumulative number of printed sheets on the drum exceeds the maximum number of printed sheets on the drum; or the cumulative number of rotations of the drum exceeds the maximum number of rotations of the drum. If the determination process determines that an error has occurred, the control device 100 causes the display 26 to display information about the error.

[0069] The control device 100 determines that an error has occurred if the read drum identification information is not found among the multiple drum identification information (see FIG. 4) stored in the main body memory 110. Specifically, when the control device 100 reads drum identification information from the first drum storage area of ​​the drum memory 85, if there is no corresponding drum identification information in the table of the main body memory 110, the control device 100 determines that there is an error in the type of drum cartridge 8, and displays the error on the display 26.

[0070] The main body memory 110 stores lifespan information of the belt unit 6 corresponding to the plurality of pieces of belt identification information shown in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, each of the plurality of pieces of belt identification information is associated with an upper limit of the belt print count and an upper limit of the belt rotation speed. The belt identification information is information that identifies the type of the belt unit 6.

[0071] In this embodiment, the belt identification information is assigned one unique identification information according to a combination of manufacturer, model, and rank. For example, the manufacturer is classified into two types: X company and Y company. The model is classified into three types: basic (BASE), large (HY), and flagship (Flagship). The ranks of the products of X company are classified into three types: A, B, and C. The ranks of the products of Y company are classified into three types: A and B. In this way, in this embodiment, the belt unit 6 is assigned a plurality of IDs of 001 to 015 as belt identification information corresponding to a plurality of type combinations.

[0072] The main body memory 110 stores the belt upper limit number of prints and the upper limit number of drum rotations corresponding to each belt identification information. For example, the belt identification information 001 stores the upper limit number of belt rotations = 300,000 rotations and the belt upper limit number of prints = 60,000 sheets. The upper limit number of belt rotations is a number that represents the upper limit number of rotations of the belt 61. The belt upper limit number of prints is a number that represents the upper limit number of prints.

[0073] Meanwhile, the belt memory 65 stores in a first belt storage area belt identification information for identifying a specific type from among multiple types of the belt unit 6. Specifically, one piece of belt identification information from among the belt identification information 001 to 015 is stored in the first belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65.

[0074] The control device 100 is capable of executing a storage process, a read process, and a determination process.

[0075] The storage process is a process for storing at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations printed using the belt unit 6 in the second belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65. Specifically, when a print job is input to the image forming apparatus 1 and a predetermined number of sheets are printed, the control device 100 stores the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations, which are the number of printed sheets and the number of belt rotations up to the time when the predetermined number of sheets were printed on the belt unit 6, plus the number of sheets printed after the predetermined number of sheets have been printed, in the second belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65. This storage process is repeated for each predetermined number of sheets until the entire print job is completed.

[0076] The reading process is a process for reading out the belt identification information stored in the belt memory 65. Specifically, it is a process for reading out the belt cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller from the second belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65.

[0077] The determination process determines whether the belt unit 6 has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the belt upper limit number of printed sheets and upper limit number of belt rotations corresponding to the read belt identification information from among the multiple belt identification information stored in the main memory 110, and at least one of the belt cumulative number of printed sheets and cumulative number of belt rotations stored in the second belt memory area of ​​the belt memory 65.

[0078] In this embodiment, the belt unit 6 is determined to have reached the end of its life using the belt upper limit number of printed sheets and upper limit number of belt rotations, the drum cumulative number of printed sheets, and the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller in the determination process. In other words, the belt unit 6 is determined to have reached the end of its life when either the belt cumulative number of printed sheets or the cumulative number of belt rotations has reached its upper limit.

[0079] In the judgment process, the control device 100 judges that an error has occurred, indicating that the belt unit 6 has reached the end of its life, when it judges that at least one of the following occurs: the cumulative number of printed sheets on the belt exceeds the belt's upper limit number of printed sheets; or the cumulative number of belt rotations exceeds the upper limit number of belt rotations. If the determination process determines that an error has occurred, the control device 100 causes the display 26 to display information about the error.

[0080] The control device 100 determines that an error has occurred if the read belt identification information is not found among the multiple pieces of belt identification information (see FIG. 4) stored in the main body memory 110. Specifically, when the control device 100 reads out belt identification information from the first belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65, if there is no corresponding belt identification information in the table of the main body memory 110, the control device 100 determines that there is an error in the type of the belt unit 6, and displays the error on the display 26.

[0081] Next, an example of the storage process executed by the control device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0082] 6, when the control device 100 determines that a print job has been input to the image forming device 1 (S1, Yes), it executes printing of a predetermined number of sheets (S2). The predetermined number of sheets is set in advance and may be one sheet or two or more sheets. When a print job has not been input to the image forming device 1 (S1, No), the control device 100 waits until a print job is input.

[0083] After step S2, the control device 100 stores the cumulative number of developed prints, cumulative number of development roller rotations, and cumulative dot count developed using the development cartridge 9 in the second development storage area of ​​the development memory 95 as a storage process (S3).

[0084] After step S3, the control device 100 performs storage processing to store the cumulative number of prints made using the drum cartridge 8 and the cumulative number of drum rotations in the second drum storage area of ​​the drum memory 85 (S4).

[0085] After step S4, the control device 100 performs storage processing to store the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations printed using the belt unit 6 in the second belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65 (S5).

[0086] After step S5, the control device 100 determines whether all print jobs have been completed (S6). If the control device 100 determines that all print jobs have not been completed (S6, No), the process returns to step S2 and the control device 100 prints a predetermined number of sheets. On the other hand, if the control device 100 determines that all print jobs have been completed (S6, Yes), the control device 100 ends this control.

[0087] Next, an example of the life check process for the developing cartridge 9 executed by the control device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 7. The life check process is repeatedly performed from when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on until it is turned off.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, the control device 100 reads out the development identification information from the first development storage area of ​​the development memory 95 (S10).

[0089] After step S10, the control device 100 determines whether the read development identification information is present in the table (see FIG. 3) of the main body memory 110 (S11).

[0090] In step S11, if the control device 100 determines that the read development identification information is not in the table of the main body memory 110 (S11, No), it determines that the development cartridge 9 is not suitable for the image forming device 1, displays a type error for the development cartridge 9 on the display 26 (S12), and terminates this control.

[0091] On the other hand, in step S11, if the control device 100 determines that the read development identification information is in the table of the main memory 110 (S11, Yes), it determines the maximum number of development prints, maximum dot count, and maximum development roller rotation speed corresponding to the development identification information based on the table of the main memory 110 (S13).

[0092] After step S13, the control device 100 reads out the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative dot count, and the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller from the second development storage area of ​​the development memory 95 as a reading process (S14).

[0093] After step S14, the control device 100 determines whether the cumulative number of developed prints is smaller than the upper limit number of developed prints (S15). In step S15, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative number of developed prints is not smaller than the upper limit number of developed prints (S15, No), the control device 100 determines that the developer cartridge 9 has reached the end of its life and displays an end of life error for the developer cartridge 9 on the display 26 (S18).

[0094] In step S15, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative number of developed prints is smaller than the upper limit number of developed prints (S15, Yes), it determines whether the cumulative dot count is smaller than the upper limit dot count (S16). In step S16, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative dot count is not smaller than the upper limit dot count (S16, No), it determines that the developer cartridge 9 has reached the end of its life and displays an end of life error for the developer cartridge 9 on the display 26 (S18).

[0095] In step S16, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative dot count is smaller than the upper limit dot count (S16, Yes), it determines whether the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller is smaller than the upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller (S17). In step S17, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller is not smaller than the upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller (S17, No), it determines that the developing cartridge 9 has reached the end of its life and displays an end of life error for the developing cartridge 9 on the display 26 (S18).

[0096] In step S17, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller is smaller than the upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller (S17, Yes), it determines that the developing cartridge 9 has not reached the end of its life.

[0097] Next, an example of the lifespan check process for the drum cartridge 8 executed by the control device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 8. The lifespan check process is repeatedly performed from when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on until it is turned off.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 100 reads the drum identification information from the first drum storage area of ​​the drum memory 85 (S20).

[0099] After step S20, the control device 100 determines whether the read drum identification information is present in the table (see FIG. 4) in the main body memory 110 (S21).

[0100] In step S21, if the control device 100 determines that the read drum identification information is not in the table of the main body memory 110 (S21, No), it determines that the drum cartridge 8 is not suitable for the image forming device 1, displays a type error for the drum cartridge 8 on the display 26 (S22), and terminates this control.

[0101] On the other hand, in step S21, if the control device 100 determines that the read drum identification information is in the table of the main memory 110 (S21, Yes), it determines the maximum number of prints and the maximum drum rotation speed corresponding to the drum identification information based on the table of the main memory 110 (S23).

[0102] After step S23, the control device 100 reads out the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of rotations of the drum from the second drum storage area of ​​the drum memory 85 as a reading process (S24).

[0103] After step S24, the control device 100 determines whether the cumulative number of printed pages on the drum is less than the upper limit of the number of printed pages on the drum (S25). If the control device 100 determines in step S25 that the cumulative number of printed pages on the drum is not less than the upper limit of the number of printed pages on the drum (No in S25), the control device 100 determines that the drum cartridge 8 has reached the end of its life and displays an end of life error for the drum cartridge 8 on the display 26 (S27).

[0104] In step S25, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative number of printed sheets is less than the upper limit of the number of printed sheets (S25, Yes), it determines whether the cumulative number of rotations is less than the upper limit of the drum rotation speed (S26). In step S26, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative number of rotations is not less than the upper limit of the drum rotation speed (S26, No), it determines that the drum cartridge 8 has reached the end of its life and displays an end of life error for the drum cartridge 8 on the display 26 (S27).

[0105] In step S26, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative drum rotation number is smaller than the upper limit drum rotation number (S26, Yes), it determines that the drum cartridge 8 has not reached the end of its life.

[0106] Next, an example of the lifespan check process for the belt unit 6 executed by the control device 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. The lifespan check process is repeatedly performed from when the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on until it is turned off.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 9, the control device 100 reads out the belt identification information from the first belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65 (S30).

[0108] After step S30, the control device 100 determines whether the read belt identification information is present in the table (see FIG. 5) in the main body memory 110 (S31).

[0109] In step S31, if the control device 100 determines that the read belt identification information is not in the table of the main body memory 110 (S31, No), it determines that the belt unit 6 is not suitable for the image forming device 1, displays a type error of the belt unit 6 on the display 26 (S22), and terminates this control.

[0110] On the other hand, in step S31, if the control device 100 determines that the read belt identification information is in the table of the main memory 110 (S31, Yes), it determines the belt's upper limit number of prints and upper limit belt rotation speed corresponding to the belt identification information based on the table of the main memory 110 (S33).

[0111] After step S33, the control device 100 reads out the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations from the second belt storage area of ​​the belt memory 65 as a reading process (S34).

[0112] After step S34, the control device 100 determines whether the belt cumulative number of printed sheets is smaller than the belt upper limit number of printed sheets (S35). In step S35, if the control device 100 determines that the belt cumulative number of printed sheets is not smaller than the belt upper limit number of printed sheets (S35, No), it determines that the belt unit 6 has reached the end of its life and displays a belt unit 6 end of life error on the display 26 (S37).

[0113] In step S35, if the control device 100 determines that the belt cumulative number of printed sheets is smaller than the belt upper limit number of printed sheets (S35, Yes), it determines whether the cumulative belt rotation number is smaller than the upper limit belt rotation number (S36).In step S36, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative belt rotation number is not smaller than the upper limit belt rotation number (S36, No), it determines that the belt unit 6 has reached the end of its life and displays a belt unit 6 end of life error on the display 26 (S27).

[0114] In step S36, if the control device 100 determines that the cumulative belt rotation number is smaller than the upper limit belt rotation number (S36, Yes), it determines that the belt unit 6 has not reached the end of its life.

[0115] As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 and the developing cartridge 9 of this embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0116] According to the image forming apparatus 1, it is possible to determine whether the developer cartridge 9 has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the upper limit number of developed prints, the upper limit number of rotations of the developing roller, and the upper limit dot count corresponding to the developer identification information from among the plurality of pieces of developer identification information, and at least one of the accumulated number of developed prints, the accumulated number of rotations of the developing roller, and the accumulated dot count. This makes it possible to perform appropriate life management for developer cartridges 9 of multiple types.

[0117] Furthermore, by determining whether the developing cartridge has reached the end of its life using the cumulative number of developed prints, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative dot count, it is possible to more reliably manage the life of the developing cartridge.

[0118] Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether a drum cartridge has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the maximum print count and maximum drum rotation count corresponding to the drum identification information, and at least one of the cumulative print count and cumulative drum rotation count, from among the multiple drum identification information. This allows for appropriate lifespan management for multiple types of drum cartridges.

[0119] Furthermore, by determining whether the drum cartridge has reached the end of its life using the cumulative number of printed sheets on the drum and the cumulative number of rotations of the drum, life management can be performed more reliably.

[0120] Furthermore, it is possible to determine whether the belt unit 6 has reached the end of its life by using at least one of the belt upper limit number of printed sheets and upper limit number of belt rotations corresponding to the belt identification information, and at least one of the belt cumulative number of printed sheets and cumulative number of belt rotations, from among the multiple belt identification information. This allows for appropriate lifespan management for multiple types of belt units.

[0121] Furthermore, by determining whether the belt unit 6 has reached the end of its life using the cumulative number of printed sheets and the cumulative number of belt rotations, it is possible to more reliably manage the life of the belt unit 6.

[0122] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, identification information for identifying the type of consumable item was assigned according to the manufacturer, capacity, rank, etc., but the type and number of types to which identification information is assigned are not particularly limited and may be determined appropriately depending on the consumable item.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, the developer cartridge is detachable from the main body of the apparatus while assembled to the drum cartridge, but the developer cartridge may be attachable to the main body of the apparatus. In this case, the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge are detachable from the main body of the apparatus separately.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, the development memory, drum memory, and belt memory each have a first storage area and a second storage area, but each memory may have only a first storage area without a second storage area. In this case, the first storage area may store not only the identification information but also the cumulative number of prints, etc.

[0126] In the above-described embodiment, a monochrome laser printer is exemplified as the image forming apparatus, but the image forming apparatus may also be a color laser printer, a copier, or a multifunction machine.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, the error message was displayed on the display 26, but the error message may also be displayed elsewhere (such as a personal computer connected to the image forming device), or may be notified to the user by other means such as audio.

[0128] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples can also be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1. Image forming device 2. Device body 6 Belt unit 8 drum cartridges 9 Developer cartridge 26 Display 61 Belt 65 Belt Memory 81 Photosensitive drum 85 Drum Memory 91 Developing roller 95 Development Memory 100 control device 110 Main Memory

Claims

1. A developer cartridge, A development memory, a first developer storage area for storing developer identification information for identifying a type of the developer cartridge, the developer identification information being for identifying a specific type from among a plurality of types of the developer cartridge; a second developer storage area different from the first developer storage area, the second developer storage area allowing a cumulative dot count of the developer cartridge to be stored; a development memory having Equipped with whether the developer cartridge has reached the end of its life can be determined by using an upper limit dot count that indicates an upper limit of the number of printable dots corresponding to the developer identification information and the cumulative dot count stored in the second developer storage area, A developing cartridge, wherein it is possible to determine that the developing cartridge has not reached the end of its life when the cumulative dot count is smaller than the upper limit dot count.

2. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a manufacturer as the developing identification information.

3. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a rank as the developing identification information.

4. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a capacity as the developing identification information.

5. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a combination of manufacturer, capacity, and rank as the developing identification information.

6. An image forming apparatus, A device body, A developing cartridge that can be attached to the apparatus main body, a developing memory having a first developing memory area for storing developing identification information for identifying a type of the developing cartridge, the developing identification information being for identifying a specific type from among a plurality of types of the developing cartridge, and a second developing memory area different from the first developing memory area; a developer cartridge having the a main memory for storing a plurality of pieces of development identification information, the main memory storing an upper limit dot count representing an upper limit of printable dot count in association with each of the plurality of pieces of development identification information; a control device; The control device a storage process for storing the cumulative dot count in the second development storage area; a reading process for reading the development identification information stored in the development memory; a determination process for determining whether the developer cartridge has reached the end of its life by using the upper limit dot count and the cumulative dot count stored in the second developer storage area from among the plurality of developer identification information stored in the main body memory; is executable, an image forming apparatus that determines that the developing cartridge has not reached the end of its life when the cumulative dot count is smaller than the upper limit dot count;

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a manufacturer as the development identification information.

8. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a rank as the development identification information.

9. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a capacity as the development identification information.

10. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the upper limit dot count is assigned according to a combination of manufacturer, capacity, and rank as the development identification information.

11. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the control device, when determining in the determination process that the cumulative dot count exceeds the upper limit dot count, issues an error indicating that the developing cartridge has reached the end of its life.

12. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the control device determines that an error has occurred if the read-out development identification information is not among the plurality of development identification information stored in the main memory.

13. The image forming device further includes a display, 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control device, when an error is detected by the determination process, causes the display to display information about the error.

Images