Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To maintain the quality of an image forming apparatus even if the characteristics of a component included in a cartridge are different before and after replacement of the cartridge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus (1) comprises a drum cartridge (20) having a memory (22) that stores first characteristic information being information for specifying the characteristics of a photoreceptor drum, and can store at least either one of second characteristic information being information for specifying the characteristics of a cleaning roller and third characteristic information being information for specifying the characteristics of a transfer roller. A controller (61) determines the value of voltage or the value of current applied to the components in image forming processing performed by the image forming apparatus based on at least one of the first characteristic information, second characteristic information, and third characteristic information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for determining a voltage value or a current value.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus is equipped with a cartridge having components such as a photoreceptor drum. The cartridge is detachable from the main body housing of the image forming apparatus and is replaced as the life of the components and the like elapses. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which information on the charging ability of a photoreceptor drum is stored in the memory of a removable photoreceptor unit, and the voltage of a charger is automatically adjusted according to the information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In addition to the photoreceptor drum, the cartridge also includes a cleaning roller, a transfer roller, and the like. The cleaning roller and the transfer roller do not always have the same characteristics.

[0005] For example, when the supplier of the cleaning roller changes, the film of the photoreceptor drum may be easily worn after the cartridge is replaced. In such a case, if the voltage of the charger and the like are not properly adjusted, the durability of the photoreceptor drum may deteriorate, and the image quality may also deteriorate.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to enable the quality of an image forming apparatus to be maintained even when the characteristics of the components included in the cartridge are different.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an image forming apparatus comprising a controller and a drum cartridge, the drum cartridge having a memory that stores first characteristic information which is information for specifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, and at least one of second characteristic information which is information for specifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller and third characteristic information which is information for specifying the characteristics of the transfer roller, and the controller determines a voltage value or current value to be applied to the components in the image forming process by the image forming apparatus based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information.

[0008] The second embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein the first characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the photoreceptor drum, and the controller may determine a voltage value to be applied to the charger based on the characteristics relating to the charge potential of the surface of the photoreceptor drum, which are identified from the supplier or model.

[0009] A third embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the second characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the cleaning roller, and the controller may determine a voltage value to apply to the charger or a current value to apply to the transfer roller based on the characteristics of the material constituting the cleaning surface of the cleaning roller, which are identified from the supplier or model.

[0010] The fourth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the third characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the transfer roller, and the controller may determine the current value to be applied to the transfer roller based on the characteristics relating to the resistance value of the transfer roller identified from the supplier or model.

[0011] The fifth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the memory stores the second characteristic information, the controller determines whether to set the voltage value applied to the charger based on the first characteristic information to the initial value of the voltage, and determines the current value applied to the transfer roller based on the second characteristic information.

[0012] The sixth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, wherein the controller determines, based on the first characteristic information, to change the voltage value applied to the charger from the initial value of the voltage value, and further determines, based on the second characteristic information, whether to set the voltage value applied to the charger to the initial value of the voltage value, based on the first characteristic information.

[0013] The seventh embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the fifth or sixth embodiment, wherein the controller may further determine a voltage value to be applied to the cleaning roller based on the second characteristic information.

[0014] The eighth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the memory stores the third characteristic information, the controller determines a voltage value to be applied to the charger based on the first characteristic information, and the controller determines a current value to be applied to the transfer roller based on the third characteristic information.

[0015] The ninth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein it may determine whether to set the voltage value applied to the charger to the initial value of the voltage value based on the first characteristic information, and further determine whether to set the current value applied to the transfer roller to the initial value of the current value based on the third characteristic information.

[0016] The tenth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the ninth embodiment, wherein if it is determined based on the first characteristic information to change the voltage value applied to the charger from the initial value of the voltage value, the modified voltage value is determined based on the first characteristic information; if it is determined based on the first characteristic information to set the voltage value applied to the charger to the initial value of the voltage value, the modified voltage value is determined based on the second characteristic information; if it is determined based on the third characteristic information to change the current value applied to the transfer roller from the initial value of the current value, the modified current value is determined based on the third characteristic information; and if it is determined based on the third characteristic information to change the current value applied to the transfer roller from the initial value of the current value, the modified current value is determined based on the second characteristic information.

[0017] The 11th embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to the 9th or 10th embodiment, wherein the voltage value to be applied to the cleaning roller may be determined based on the second characteristic information.

[0018] The twelfth embodiment is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein an image is formed on a printing medium by applying the voltage value and current value determined by the controller to the component and performing the image forming process.

[0019] The 13th embodiment is an image forming apparatus comprising a controller, a drum cartridge having a first memory capable of storing first characteristic information which is information for specifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum and second characteristic information which is information for specifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and a transfer cartridge having a transfer belt and a transfer roller having a second memory capable of storing third characteristic information which is information for specifying the characteristics of the transfer roller, wherein the controller determines a voltage value or current value to be applied to the components in the image forming process by the image forming apparatus based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information.

[0020] The 14th aspect is a method for determining a voltage or current value to be applied to a component, comprising the steps of: reading from a memory of a cartridge having components including a charger for charging the surface of a photoreceptor drum, a cleaning roller for the photoreceptor drum, and a transfer roller, first characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, second characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and third characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller; and determining a voltage or current value to be applied to the component in an image forming process based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the configuration of the first aspect, the image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum, a charger for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum, a cleaning roller for the photosensitive drum, and a transfer roller as components, and is provided with a drum cartridge having a memory. The memory stores information for specifying the characteristics of the photosensitive drum, and at least one of the information for specifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller and the information for specifying the characteristics of the transfer roller. Therefore, even if the characteristics of the components differ before and after the replacement of the drum cartridge, the image forming process can be executed using the optimum voltage value and current value. As a result, the quality of the image forming apparatus can be maintained.

[0022] According to the configuration of the second aspect, by the image forming apparatus recognizing from which supplier or of which type the photosensitive drum included in the drum cartridge is supplied, the characteristics of the photosensitive drum can be specified and the optimum voltage value can be determined.

[0023] According to the configuration of the third aspect, by the image forming apparatus recognizing from which supplier or of which type the cleaning roller included in the drum cartridge is supplied, the characteristics of the cleaning roller can be specified and the optimum voltage value and current value can be determined.

[0024] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, by the image forming apparatus recognizing from which supplier or of which type the transfer roller included in the drum cartridge is supplied, the characteristics of the transfer roller can be specified and the optimum current value can be determined.

[0025] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the charging voltage value of the charger can be determined according to the characteristics of the photosensitive drum (for example, the charging potential of the surface). The transfer current value can be determined according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller.

[0026] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the charging voltage value of the charger can be determined according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum (for example, the charging potential on the surface) and the characteristics of the cleaning roller (for example, the material constituting the cleaning surface).

[0027] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the voltage value applied to the cleaning roller can be further determined according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller.

[0028] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the charging voltage value of the charger can be determined according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum. The transfer current value can be determined according to the characteristics of the transfer roller (for example, the resistance value).

[0029] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the charging voltage value of the charger can be determined according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum. The transfer current value can be determined according to the characteristics of the transfer roller.

[0030] According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, the charging voltage value of the charger can be determined according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum and the cleaning roller. The transfer current value can be determined according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller and the transfer roller.

[0031] According to the configuration of the eleventh aspect, the voltage applied to the cleaning roller can be further determined according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller.

[0032] According to the configuration of the twelfth aspect, by forming an image using the voltage value and current value determined according to the characteristics of the components, the image quality is stabilized and the durability of the components is maintained.

[0033] According to the configuration of the 13th embodiment, the image forming apparatus comprises a drum cartridge including a charger for charging the surface of a photoreceptor drum and a cleaning roller for the photoreceptor drum as components, a transfer belt and a transfer cartridge including a transfer roller as a component. The first memory stores information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum and information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and the second memory stores information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller. Therefore, even if the characteristics of the components differ before and after the replacement of each cartridge, the image forming process can be performed using optimal voltage and current values. As a result, the quality of the image forming apparatus can be maintained.

[0034] According to the configuration of the 13th embodiment, a drum cartridge, which includes a photoreceptor drum, a charger for charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum, a cleaning roller for the photoreceptor drum, and a transfer roller as components, reads out from its memory a first characteristic information that identifies the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, a second characteristic information that identifies the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and at least one of a third characteristic information that identifies the characteristics of the transfer roller. Based on the read characteristic information, a voltage value or current value to be applied to the components is determined. Therefore, even if the characteristics of the components differ before and after replacing the drum cartridge, the image forming process can be performed using the optimal voltage and current values. As a result, the quality of the image forming apparatus can be maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus of Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of drum cartridge characteristic information stored in drum memory. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the characteristics of each component and the control voltage and / or control current. [Figure 5]This figure shows an example of a control table for changing the control voltage and / or control current. [Figure 6] This figure shows another example of a control table for changing the control voltage and / or control current. [Figure 7] This figure shows yet another example of a control table for changing the control voltage and / or control current. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of image formation processing. [Figure 9] This flowchart details the process for determining the control voltage and / or control current. [Figure 10] This flowchart explains the details of the process for setting the applied current. [Figure 11] This flowchart illustrates the details of the process for setting the applied voltage and / or control current. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the characteristics of the cleaning roller and the control voltage and / or control current. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] [Embodiment 1] <<Overview of Image Forming Apparatus 1>> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example, the case in which the image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser printer will be described. However, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a color laser printer.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 comprises a main body housing 10, a feeder unit 3, an image forming unit 6, a controller 61, a main memory 62, a display (an example of an output unit) 64, a temperature and humidity sensor 63, and a fan 80. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes a drum cartridge 20 and a toner cartridge 40.

[0038] The main casing 10 is a hollow case. The main casing 10 has a pair of side walls 12 and a front wall 13 connecting the side walls 12. The front wall 13 has an opening 10A. The front wall 13 is provided with a cover 11 that opens and closes the opening 10A.

[0039] The cover 11 is a lid for opening and closing the opening 10A of the main body housing 10. The cover 11 can be rotated around the pivot axis 11A between an open position, where the opening 10A is open, and a closed position, where the opening 10A is closed. In other words, the cover 11 is movable between the open position and the closed position. In Figure 1, the cover 11 in the open position is shown by a solid line, and the cover 11 in the closed position is shown by a dashed line. The user opens the cover 11 and installs the drum cartridge 20 and toner cartridge 40 into the image forming apparatus 1 through the opening 10A.

[0040] The feeder unit 3 comprises a supply tray 31 and a supply mechanism 32. The supply tray 31 is detachably mounted on the lower part of the main body housing 10. The supply mechanism 32 supplies the supply tray 31 and the printing medium M contained in the supply tray 31 toward the image forming unit 6. The type of printing medium is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the printing medium is paper.

[0041] The image forming unit 6 comprises a scanner unit 50, a fuser unit 7, a drum cartridge 20, and a toner cartridge 40.

[0042] The scanner unit 50 is located at the top of the main body housing 10 and includes a laser light-emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror, a lens, and a reflector. This scanner unit 50 irradiates the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 (described later) with a laser beam at high speed.

[0043] The controller 61 includes, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, and input / output circuits, and performs printing control by performing calculations based on information about the installed cartridge and programs and data stored in the ROM. In addition, the controller 61 appropriately performs control processing other than printing control according to information acquired from various parts of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0044] The main memory 62 is a memory that can read and write information. The main memory 62 is, for example, flash ROM or EEPROM (registered trademark, Electronically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory).

[0045] The temperature and humidity sensor 63 is a sensor that measures at least one of the temperature and humidity inside the main unit housing 10. The temperature and humidity sensor 63 outputs the measurement result to the controller 61. The type of temperature and humidity sensor 63 and the output format of the measurement result are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 63 measures both temperature and humidity and outputs them to the controller 61. However, the temperature and humidity sensor 63 may be configured to measure only one of either temperature or humidity and output it to the controller 61.

[0046] The display 64 is an output interface capable of displaying characters and / or images. An example of the display 64 is a liquid crystal display. The display surface of the display 64 may be provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 10 so that the user of the image forming apparatus 1 can easily see the information displayed on the display surface. The image forming apparatus 1 may also be equipped with an audio output device such as a speaker as an example of an output unit.

[0047] Fan 80 is a fan for expelling discharge products from the main housing 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the outside of the housing. The discharge products will be described in detail later. The operation of fan 80 is controlled by controller 61.

[0048] The image forming apparatus 1 may also include an input unit (not shown). The input unit is an input interface for receiving user input operations. For example, the input unit may be various physical buttons and a touch panel. Alternatively, the input unit and the display 64 may be configured as a single unit, such as a touch panel display.

[0049] The drum cartridge 20 is located between the feeder unit 3 and the scanner unit 50. The drum cartridge 20 is detachable from the main unit housing 10. Specifically, the drum cartridge 20 is detachable from the main unit housing 10 through an opening 10A that is opened and closed by the cover 11 of the main unit housing 10. The toner cartridge 40 in this embodiment is detachable from the drum cartridge 20.

[0050] The toner cartridge 40 is attached to the drum cartridge 20 and then attached to and detached from the main unit housing 10. However, in the image forming apparatus 1, the toner cartridge 40 may be mounted independently of the drum cartridge 20, rather than being attached to the drum cartridge 20.

[0051] Furthermore, although Figure 1 illustrates one drum cartridge 20 and one toner cartridge 40, the structure of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to this example. For example, if the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer, the image forming apparatus 1 may be equipped with multiple drum cartridges 20 and multiple toner cartridges 40.

[0052] The drum cartridge 20 comprises a cartridge housing 23 and components located inside the cartridge housing 23, including a photoreceptor drum 21, a transfer roller 26, a charger 24, an eraser lamp 27, and a cleaning roller 28. The drum cartridge 20 also has a drum memory 22.

[0053] The cartridge housing 23 is configured to accommodate a toner cartridge 40. The photoreceptor drum 21 is rotatably supported in the cartridge housing 23. The charger 24 is a corona charger that charges the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor drum 21 according to the instructions of the controller 61. The eraser lamp 27 is a lamp for resetting the charge of the photoreceptor drum 21. In other words, the eraser lamp is a lamp for removing static electricity from the surface of the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor drum 21. The cleaning roller 28 is a roller for removing discharge products adhering to the surface of the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor drum 21. The operation of the eraser lamp 27 and the cleaning roller 28 may be controlled by the controller 61.

[0054] The toner cartridge 40 includes a cartridge housing 43, a developing roller 41, a supply roller 44, a blade 45, and a toner memory 42. The cartridge housing 43 houses the toner inside. The developing roller 41 supplies toner (an example of a consumable) to the photoreceptor drum 21. The supply roller 44 supplies the toner from the cartridge housing 43 to the developing roller 41. The blade 45 regulates the thickness of the toner layer supplied to the developing roller 41.

[0055] In the drum cartridge 20, the surface of the rotating photoreceptor drum 21 is uniformly charged by the charger 24, and then exposed by high-speed scanning of a laser beam from the scanner unit 50. As a result, the potential of the exposed area decreases, and an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0056] Next, the toner in the toner cartridge 40 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 21 by the rotating developing roller 41, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21. After that, the printing medium M is transported between the photoreceptor drum 21 and the transfer roller 26, and the toner image carried on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 21 is transferred onto the printing medium M.

[0057] The fixing device 7 comprises 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 heat-fixes the toner transferred onto the printing medium M as the printing medium M passes between the heating roller 71 and the pressure roller 72.

[0058] The printing medium M, which has been heat-fixed by the fuser unit 7, is transported to the paper discharge roller 73 located downstream of the fuser unit 7, and is then sent out onto the paper discharge tray 25 from the paper discharge roller 73.

[0059] The drum memory 22 is a memory capable of reading and writing information. The type of drum memory 22 is not particularly limited. For example, the drum memory 22 may be a flash ROM, an EEPROM (registered trademark), or an IC chip.

[0060] The toner memory 42 is a memory that can read and write information. The type of toner memory 42 is not particularly limited. For example, the toner memory 42 may be a flash ROM, an EEPROM (registered trademark), or an IC chip.

[0061] <<Software configuration of image forming apparatus 1>> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the image forming apparatus 1. A drum cartridge 20 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0062] The image forming apparatus 1 has a connector 101. The connector 101 is electrically connected to the drum memory 22 of the drum cartridge 20. When the connector 101 and the drum memory 22 are electrically connected, the controller 61 becomes able to communicate with the drum memory 22. That is, the controller 61 becomes able to write information to and rewrite information in the drum memory 22, and read information from the drum memory 22.

[0063] (Controller 61) The controller 61 comprehensively controls the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the controller 61 executes various processes included in the image forming process of the image forming apparatus 1. The controller 61 also reads drum cartridge characteristic information 120 from the drum memory 22 at predetermined timings.

[0064] The "predetermined timing" at which the controller 61 reads the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 from the drum memory 22 is not particularly limited. For example, the controller 61 may read the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 from the drum memory 22 when the drum cartridge 20 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1, and / or when the power supply of the image forming apparatus 1 changes from an off state to an on state. The controller 61 may then store the read drum cartridge characteristic information 120 in the main unit memory 62.

[0065] (Example of drum cartridge characteristic information 120) Figure 3 illustrates an example of drum cartridge characteristic information 120 stored in drum memory 22. As shown in Figure 3, the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 includes drum characteristic information 121, cleaning roller characteristic information 122, and transfer roller characteristic information 123.

[0066] Drum characteristic information 121 is an example of information used to identify the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21, a component included in the drum cartridge 20, and is also referred to as first characteristic information. Here, the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum refer to the characteristics of the surface charge potential of the photoreceptor drum. The surface charge potential of the photoreceptor drum is sometimes referred to as "V0".

[0067] The surface charge potential of photoreceptor drums varies depending on the type. For example, photoreceptor drums supplied by one supplier tend to develop a surface charge potential easily, while those supplied by another supplier do not. Also, for example, one type of photoreceptor drum develops a surface charge potential easily, while other types of photoreceptor drums do not.

[0068] For example, drum characteristic information 121 is information representing the supplier or model of the photoreceptor drum 21. By identifying the supplier or model of the photoreceptor drum 21, the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21 can be identified.

[0069] The cleaning roller characteristic information 122 is an example of information used to identify the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28, a component included in the drum cartridge 20, and is also referred to as the second characteristic information. Here, the characteristics of the cleaning roller refer to the characteristics of the material that constitutes the cleaning surface of the cleaning roller. Depending on the type of cleaning roller, the material that constitutes the cleaning surface differs. For example, a cleaning roller supplied by one supplier has a cleaning surface made of silicone, while a cleaning roller supplied by another supplier has a cleaning surface made of EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber). A cleaning roller using EPDM is more likely to wear down the film on the photoreceptor drum compared to a cleaning roller using silicone. Also, for example, one type of cleaning roller is more likely to wear down the film on the photoreceptor drum compared to another type of cleaning roller.

[0070] For example, the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 is information representing the supplier or model of the cleaning roller 28. Identifying the supplier or model of the cleaning roller 28 allows for the identification of the cleaning roller 28.

[0071] The transfer roller characteristic information 123 is an example of information used to identify the transfer roller 26, which is a component included in the drum cartridge 20, and is also referred to as third characteristic information. Here, the transfer roller characteristic refers to the resistance value of the transfer roller. The resistance value of a transfer roller varies depending on its type; for example, a transfer roller supplied by one supplier may have a low resistance value, while one supplied by another may have a high resistance value. Also, for example, a transfer roller of one type may have a low resistance value, while one type may have a high resistance value.

[0072] For example, the transfer roller characteristic information 123 is information representing the supplier or model of the transfer roller 26. By identifying the supplier or model of the transfer roller 26, the characteristics of the transfer roller 26 can be identified.

[0073] The drum cartridge characteristic information 120 shown in Figure 3 is just an example, and the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 may also include drum characteristic information 121 and cleaning roller characteristic information 122. In other words, unlike in Figure 3, the transfer roller characteristic information 123 may not be included.

[0074] Alternatively, the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 may include drum characteristic information 121 and transfer roller characteristic information 123. In other words, unlike in the case of Figure 3, the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 may be omitted.

[0075] Thus, the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 stored in the drum memory 22 includes drum characteristic information 121, and further includes at least one of cleaning roller characteristic information 122 and transfer roller characteristic information 123.

[0076] ≪Relationship between the characteristics of each component and the control voltage / current≫ Cartridges such as the drum cartridge 20 are detachable from the main unit housing 10. Such cartridges are replaced, for example, when components such as the photoreceptor drum 21, transfer roller 26, and cleaning roller 28 malfunction.

[0077] For example, suppose the material constituting the cleaning surface of the cleaning roller 28 housed in the drum cartridge 20 before replacement is silicone, and the material constituting the cleaning surface of the cleaning roller 28 housed in the drum cartridge 20 after replacement is EPDM. In this case, after replacing the drum cartridge 20, the film on the photoreceptor drum 21 may wear down more easily, and if the voltage of the charger 24, the current of the transfer roller 26, etc. are not properly adjusted, the durability of the photoreceptor drum may deteriorate, and the image quality may also deteriorate.

[0078] As described later, the controller 61 determines the voltage or current value to be applied to the component during the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 1 based on the drum characteristic information 121 and at least one of the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 and the transfer roller characteristic information 123.

[0079] Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between the characteristics of each component and the control voltage / current. Here, the control voltage / current is, for example, the voltage to be applied to the charger 24 and the current to be applied to the transfer roller 26 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process. In the example in Figure 4, two types of characteristics are shown for each of the photoreceptor drum, transfer roller, and cleaning roller.

[0080] In Figure 4, the first photoreceptor drum is supplied by supplier A. The specifications of this photoreceptor drum are such that the surface charge potential V0 is a reference value, and the characteristics related to the surface charge potential are "general." The reference value is, for example, 800V.

[0081] Since the first photoreceptor drum has typical surface charge potential characteristics, the voltage Vg applied to the charger 24 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process can remain at its initial value. In Figure 4, the initial value is indicated as "Def." and is, for example, 800V.

[0082] The second photoreceptor drum is supplied by supplier B. The specifications for this photoreceptor drum state that the surface charge potential V0 is a reference value of -100V, and the characteristic of the surface charge potential is that "V0 is difficult to form." Because the second photoreceptor drum has the characteristic of being difficult to form, the voltage Vg that should be applied to the charger 24 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process becomes a voltage 100V higher than the initial value (Def. +100V).

[0083] In Figure 4, the first transfer roller is supplied by supplier C. The specifications of this transfer roller are that its resistance is a standard value, and its resistance characteristics are "general". Since the resistance characteristics of the first transfer roller are general, the current Itrn that should be applied to the transfer roller 26 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process can remain at its initial value. Note that in Figure 4, the initial value is indicated as "Def.".

[0084] The second transfer roller is supplied by supplier D. The specifications for this transfer roller are that its resistance is the reference value + 1 log Ω, and its characteristic regarding resistance is that "the electric field strength tends to be excessive." Because the second photoreceptor drum has a characteristic regarding resistance that makes it prone to excessive electric field strength, when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process, the current Itrn that should be applied to the transfer roller 26 will be 3 μA less than the initial value (Def. -3 μA). Note that if the potential of the photoreceptor drum is positive, the transfer current will be negative. For example, if the initial value of the transfer current is -16 μA, a current 3 μA less than the initial value means -13 μA.

[0085] In Figure 4, the first cleaning roller is supplied by supplier E. The specifications of this cleaning roller are that it is made of silicone, and the properties of the material constituting the cleaning surface are "general".

[0086] Since the first cleaning roller has typical characteristics regarding the material that makes up the cleaning surface, the voltage Vg to be applied to the charger 24 and the current Itrn to be applied to the transfer roller 26 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process can remain at their initial values.

[0087] The second cleaning roller is supplied by supplier F. This cleaning roller is made of EPDM, and EPDM cleaning rollers are more prone to abrading the film on the photoreceptor drum than silicone cleaning rollers. Therefore, the material properties of the cleaning surface are described as "prone to film abrasion."

[0088] The second cleaning roller has a characteristic related to the material that makes up its cleaning surface, which makes it prone to wearing down the film. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process, it is necessary to change the voltage Vg applied to the charger 24 and the current Itrn applied to the transfer roller 26 from their initial values. In the example in Figure 4, the voltage Vg is 50V less than the initial value (Def. -50V), and the current Itrn is 2μA less than the initial value (Def. -2μA). Note that when the potential of the photoreceptor drum is positive, the transfer current is negative. For example, if the initial value of the transfer current is -16μA, a current 2μA less than the initial value means -14μA.

[0089] Generally, if the amount of current flowing through the photoreceptor of the photoreceptor drum 21 is large when charged, the resin molecular chains are broken, which easily degrades the resin film of the photosensitive layer of the photoreceptor drum. By reducing the voltage Vg and current Itrn from their initial values, the amount of current flowing through the photoreceptor drum 21 when charged can be reduced, thereby reducing wear on the film of the photoreceptor drum 21. In this way, the durability of the photoreceptor drum 21 can be maintained even when using the cleaning roller 28, which is prone to wearing down the film.

[0090] Figure 5 shows an example of a control table used by the controller 61 to change the control voltage and / or control current according to the contents of the drum cartridge characteristic information 120, based on the relationship between the characteristics of each component shown in Figure 4 and the control voltage and / or control current. The control table shown in Figure 5 is stored, for example, in the main unit memory 62.

[0091] In this example, it is assumed that the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 includes drum characteristic information 121, cleaning roller characteristic information 122, and transfer roller characteristic information 123. Furthermore, the drum characteristic information 121, cleaning roller characteristic information 122, and transfer roller characteristic information 123 are assumed to be the suppliers of the photoreceptor drum 21, the cleaning roller 28, and the transfer roller 26, respectively.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 5, if the source for the photoreceptor drum 21 is A, the source for the transfer roller 26 is C, and the source for the cleaning roller 28 is E, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (i) and (iii). That is, (i) Vg = Def. and (iii) Itrn = Def. are set, and the voltage Vg to be applied to the charger 24 and the current Itrn to be applied to the transfer roller 26 remain at their initial values.

[0093] Furthermore, if the source for the photoreceptor drum 21 is A, the source for the transfer roller 26 is C, and the source for the cleaning roller 28 is F, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (v) and (vi). That is, (v)Vg = Def. -50V and (vi)Itrn = Def. -2μA, and the voltage Vg and current Itrn are set to be smaller than the initial values ​​according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28.

[0094] Furthermore, if the source for the photoreceptor drum 21 is A, the source for the transfer roller 26 is D, and the source for the cleaning roller 28 is E, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (i) and (iv). That is, (i) Vg = Def. and (iv) Itrn = Def. -3μA, and the current Itrn is set to a value smaller than the initial value depending on the specific transfer roller 26.

[0095] Furthermore, if the source of the photoreceptor drum 21 is A, the source of the transfer roller 26 is D, and the source of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (iv) and (v). That is, (iv)Itrn = Def. -3μA and (v)Vg = Def. -50V. In this case, the current Itrn is set to a smaller value than the initial value according to the characteristics of the transfer roller 26, and the voltage Vg is set to a smaller value than the initial value according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28. Note that if the characteristics of the transfer roller 26 and the cleaning roller 28 each require a change in the current Itrn from the initial value, the characteristics of the transfer roller 26 take precedence, and the current Itrn is set according to the characteristics of the transfer roller 26.

[0096] Furthermore, if the source for the photoreceptor drum 21 is B, the source for the transfer roller 26 is C, and the source for the cleaning roller 28 is E, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (ii) and (iii). That is, (ii) Vg = Def. + 100V and (iii) Itrn = Def., and the voltage Vg is set to be greater than the initial value according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0097] Furthermore, if the source of the photoreceptor drum 21 is B, the source of the transfer roller 26 is C, and the source of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (ii) and (vi). That is, (ii) Vg = Def. + 100V and (vi) Itrn = Def. - 2μA are set, and the voltage Vg is set to be greater than the initial value according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21, and the current Itrn is set to be less than the initial value according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28. Note that if the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21 and the cleaning roller 28 each require a change in the voltage Vg from the initial value, the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21 take precedence and are applied, and the voltage Vg is set according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21.

[0098] Furthermore, if the source for the photoreceptor drum 21 is B, the source for the transfer roller 26 is D, and the source for the cleaning roller 28 is E, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (ii) and (iv). That is, (ii) Vg = Def. + 100V and (iv) Itrn = Def. - 3μA, with the voltage Vg set to be greater than the initial value according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21, and the current Itrn set to be less than the initial value according to the specific transfer roller 26.

[0099] Furthermore, if the source of the photoreceptor drum 21 is B, the source of the transfer roller 26 is D, and the source of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the control voltage and / or control current are set to (ii) and (iv). That is, (ii) Vg = Def. + 100V and (iv) Itrn = Def. - 3μA are set, and the voltage Vg is set to be greater than the initial value according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21, and the current Itrn is set to be less than the initial value according to the specific transfer roller 26.

[0100] Figure 6 shows another example of a control table used by the controller 61 to change the control voltage and / or control current according to the contents of the drum cartridge characteristic information 120, based on the relationship between the characteristics of each component shown in Figure 4 and the control voltage and / or control current. The control table shown in Figure 6 is stored, for example, in the main unit memory 62.

[0101] In this example, it is assumed that the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 includes drum characteristic information 121 and cleaning roller characteristic information 122. Furthermore, the drum characteristic information 121 and cleaning roller characteristic information 122 are assumed to be the suppliers of the photoreceptor drum 21 and the cleaning roller 28, respectively.

[0102] In Figure 6, the transfer roller characteristic information 123 is not included in the drum cartridge characteristic information 120, so the source of the transfer roller is indicated by "-". In Figure 6, the voltage Vg and current Itrn are set according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21 and the cleaning roller 28.

[0103] Figure 7 shows yet another example of a control table used by the controller 61 to change the control voltage and / or control current according to the contents of the drum cartridge characteristic information 120, based on the relationship between the characteristics of each component shown in Figure 4 and the control voltage and / or control current. The control table shown in Figure 7 is stored, for example, in the main unit memory 62.

[0104] In this example, it is assumed that the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 includes drum characteristic information 121 and transfer roller characteristic information 123. Furthermore, the drum characteristic information 121 and the transfer roller characteristic information 123 are assumed to be the suppliers of the photoreceptor drum 21 and the transfer roller 26, respectively.

[0105] In Figure 7, the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 does not include the cleaning roller characteristic information 122, so the source of the transfer roller is indicated by "-". In Figure 6, the voltage Vg and current Itrn are set according to the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum 21 and the transfer roller 26.

[0106] The image forming apparatus 1 applies voltage and current values ​​determined by the controller based on such a control table to the components and performs an image forming process to form an image on the printing medium.

[0107] Here, drum characteristic information 121, cleaning roller characteristic information 122, and transfer roller characteristic information 123 are described as being the suppliers of the parts. However, drum characteristic information 121, cleaning roller characteristic information 122, and transfer roller characteristic information 123 may also be part model numbers.

[0108] Furthermore, the drum characteristic information 121, cleaning roller characteristic information 122, and transfer roller characteristic information 123 may each represent information that indicates the specifications of the components. In addition, the controller 61 may calculate the control voltage and / or control current based on the specifications of each component. Alternatively, the drum characteristic information 121, cleaning roller characteristic information 122, and transfer roller characteristic information 123 may store information such as "V0 is difficult to form," "the film is easily worn down," and "the electric field strength is easily excessive."

[0109] <Processing performed by controller 61> Next, an example of image formation processing by the image forming apparatus 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0110] In step S21, the controller 61 reads drum cartridge characteristic information 120 from the drum memory 22. In step S22, the controller 61 performs a control voltage and / or control current determination process, which will be described later with reference to Figure 9. This determines the voltage and current values ​​to be applied to the components contained in the drum cartridge 20 as the control voltage and / or control current used in image processing. At this time, the control voltage and / or control current are determined based on the control table described above with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0111] In step S23, the image forming apparatus 1 performs image formation using the control voltage and / or control current determined in step S22, thereby forming an image on the printing medium. In this way, the image forming process is executed.

[0112] Next, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 9, the details of the control voltage and / or control current determination process in step S22 of Figure 8 will be described.

[0113] In step S41, the controller 61 determines the source of the photoreceptor drum 21 based on the drum characteristic information 121 contained in the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 read in the processing of step S21.

[0114] If, in step S41, it is determined that the source of the photoreceptor drum 21 is B, then in step S42, the controller 61 sets the voltage Vg applied to the charger 24 to a value 100V greater than the initial value (Def. +100V).

[0115] On the other hand, if in step S41 it is determined that the source of the photoreceptor drum 21 is A, then in step S43 the controller 61 sets the voltage Vg applied to the charger 24 to its initial value (Def.).

[0116] After the processing in step S42, in step S44, the controller 61 determines whether or not the transfer roller characteristic information 123 was read. If the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 read in step S21 includes the transfer roller characteristic information 123, then in step S44, it is determined that the transfer roller characteristic information 123 was read, and the controller 61 executes the processing in step S46.

[0117] In step S46, the controller 61 performs the applied current setting process described later, referring to Figure 10. This sets the current Itrn applied to the transfer roller 26 according to the characteristics of the transfer roller 26 and the cleaning roller 28.

[0118] On the other hand, if the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 read in step S21 does not include the transfer roller characteristic information 123, step S44 determines that the transfer roller characteristic information 123 could not be read, and the controller 61 executes the process in step S47.

[0119] As described above, the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 stored in the drum memory 22 includes drum characteristic information 121, and further includes at least one of cleaning roller characteristic information 122 and transfer roller characteristic information 123. In this case, since the transfer roller characteristic information 123 is not included in the drum cartridge characteristic information 120, the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 is included.

[0120] In step S47, the controller 61 determines the supplier of the cleaning roller 28 based on the cleaning roller characteristic information 122. The controller 61 then sets the current Itrn according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28. In this case, when the supplier of the cleaning roller 28 is E, the current Itrn is set to the initial value (Def.). When the supplier of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the current Itrn is set to a value 2 μA less than the initial value (Def. -2 μA).

[0121] After the processing in step S43, in step S45, the controller 61 determines whether or not the transfer roller characteristic information 123 has been read. If it is determined in step S45 that the transfer roller characteristic information 123 has been read, the controller 61 executes the processing in step S48.

[0122] In step S48, the controller 61 performs the applied voltage and / or control current setting process described later, with reference to Figure 11. This sets the voltage Vg applied to the charger 24 and the current Itrn applied to the transfer roller 26 according to the characteristics of the transfer roller 26 and the cleaning roller 28.

[0123] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S45 that the transfer roller characteristic information 123 could not be read, in step S49 the controller 61 determines the source of the cleaning roller 28 based on the cleaning roller characteristic information 122. The controller 61 then sets the voltage Vg and current Itrn according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28. In this case, when the source of the cleaning roller 28 is E, the current Itrn is set to the initial value (Def.). Also, when the source of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the voltage Vg is set to a value 50V less than the initial value (Def.-50V), and the current Itrn is set to a value 2μA less than the initial value (Itrn=Def.-2μA).

[0124] Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 10, we will explain the details of the applied current setting process in step S46 of Figure 9.

[0125] In step S61, the controller 61 determines the source of the transfer roller 26. If, in step S61, the source of the transfer roller 26 is determined to be D, then in step S62, the controller 61 sets the current Itrn to a value 3 μA less than the initial value (Def. -3 μA). After the processing in step S62, the applied current setting process is completed.

[0126] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S61 that the source of the transfer roller 26 is C, then in step S63 the controller 61 sets the current Itrn to its initial value (Def.).

[0127] After the processing in step S63, in step S64, the controller 61 determines whether or not the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 was read. If the drum cartridge characteristic information 120 read in step S21 includes the cleaning roller characteristic information 122, then in step S64, it is determined that the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 was read, and the controller 61 executes the processing in step S65.

[0128] In step S65, the controller 61 determines the source of the cleaning roller 28 based on the cleaning roller characteristic information 122. The controller 61 then sets the current Itrn according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28. In this case, when the source of the cleaning roller 28 is E, the current Itrn remains at its initial value (Def.), and when the source of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the current Itrn is set to a value 2 μA less than the initial value (Def. -2 μA). After the processing in step S65, the applied current setting process is completed.

[0129] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 could not be read, the applied current setting process is terminated. The applied current setting process is executed in this manner.

[0130] Next, referring to the flowchart in Figure 11, we will describe in detail the process of setting the applied voltage and / or applied current in step S48 of Figure 9.

[0131] In step S81, the controller 61 determines the source of the transfer roller 26. If, in step S81, the source of the transfer roller 26 is determined to be D, then in step S82, the controller 61 sets the current Itrn to a value 3 μA less than the initial value (Def. -3 μA).

[0132] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S81 that the source of the transfer roller 26 is C, then in step S83 the controller 61 sets the current Itrn to its initial value (Def.).

[0133] After the processing in step S82, in step S84, the controller 61 determines whether or not the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 was read. If it is determined in step S84 that the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 was read, the controller 61 executes the processing in step S86.

[0134] In step S86, the controller 61 determines the source of the cleaning roller 28 based on the cleaning roller characteristic information 122. The controller 61 then sets the voltage Vg according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28. In this case, when the source of the cleaning roller 28 is E, the voltage Vg remains at its initial value (Def.), and when the source of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the voltage Vg is set to a value 50V less than the initial value (Def.-50V). After the processing in step S86, the applied voltage and / or applied current setting process is completed.

[0135] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S84 that the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 could not be read, the applied voltage and / or applied current setting process is terminated.

[0136] After the processing in step S83, in step S85, the controller 61 determines whether or not the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 was read. If it is determined in step S85 that the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 was read, the controller 61 executes the processing in step S87.

[0137] In step S87, the controller 61 determines the supplier of the cleaning roller 28 based on the cleaning roller characteristic information 122. The controller 61 then sets the voltage Vg and / or current Itrn according to the characteristics of the cleaning roller 28. In this case, when the supplier of the cleaning roller 28 is E, Vg remains at its initial value (Def.), and the current Itrn also remains at its initial value (Def.). When the supplier of the cleaning roller 28 is F, the voltage Vg is set to a value 50V less than the initial value (Def. -50V), and the current Itrn is set to a value 2μA less than the initial value (Def. -2μA). After the processing in step S87, the applied voltage and / or applied current setting process is completed.

[0138] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S85 that the cleaning roller characteristic information 122 could not be read, the applied voltage and / or applied current setting process is terminated. In this way, the applied voltage and / or applied current setting process is executed.

[0139] ≪Relationship between cleaning roller characteristics and control voltage and / or control current≫ Up to this point, as examples of control voltage and / or control current, we have described the voltage to be applied to the charger 24 and the current to be applied to the transfer roller 26 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs image forming processing. However, the control voltage and / or control current may also include the voltage to be applied to the cleaning roller 28 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs image forming processing.

[0140] Figure 12 illustrates the relationship between the characteristics of the cleaning roller and the control voltage and / or control current. Here, the control voltage and / or control current represent the voltage that should be applied to the cleaning roller 28 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process. The controller 61 determines the voltage value to be applied to the cleaning roller during the image forming process by the image forming apparatus 1 based on the cleaning roller characteristic information 122.

[0141] In Figure 12, the first cleaning roller is supplied by supplier E. The specifications of this cleaning roller are that it is made of silicone, and the properties of the material constituting the cleaning surface are "general".

[0142] Since the first cleaning roller has typical characteristics regarding the material that makes up the cleaning surface, the voltage Vg to be applied to the charger 24 and the current Itrn to be applied to the transfer roller 26 when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process can remain at their initial values.

[0143] The second cleaning roller is supplied by supplier F. This cleaning roller is made of EPDM, and the material properties of its cleaning surface are described as having "high toner recovery capabilities."

[0144] The second cleaning roller has a characteristic related to the material that makes up its cleaning surface, which is that it has a high toner recovery capacity. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 1 performs the image forming process, the voltage (V_DCLN) applied to the cleaning roller 28 can be lower than the initial value. In the example in Figure 12, the voltage V_DCLN is 50V lower than the initial value (Def.-50V).

[0145] By reducing the voltage V_DCLN from its initial value, the degradation of the resin film in the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum 21 can be reduced. In this way, the durability of the photosensitive drum 21 can be maintained even when using the cleaning roller 28, which is prone to wearing down the film.

[0146] In the above, we have described examples where there are two types of characteristics for each of the photoreceptor drum, transfer roller, and cleaning roller, but there may be many more types for each component. For example, if a component type is added, the appropriate control voltage and / or control current can still be determined by changing the control table stored in the main memory 62.

[0147] (Variation: Types of image forming apparatus) As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 may be a color laser printer. If the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer, it may be equipped with multiple drum cartridges 20 and multiple toner cartridges 40.

[0148] In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 has a transfer cartridge separate from the drum cartridge 20, which is detachable from the main body housing 10, and the transfer roller 26 is arranged inside the transfer cartridge together with the transfer belt and other components. The transfer cartridge also has memory composed of, for example, flash ROM, EEPROM (registered trademark), or IC chip.

[0149] Furthermore, if the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer, the image forming apparatus 1 further has a connector that electrically connects to the memory of the transfer cartridge, and the controller 61 becomes able to communicate with the memory of the transfer cartridge. If the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer, the transfer roller characteristic information 123 may be stored in the memory of the transfer cartridge and read out by the controller 61.

[0150] Even when the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer, it will have the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0151] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 may also be an MFP (Multi-Function Printer) equipped with other functions such as a scanner or facsimile. Even if the image forming apparatus 1 is an MFP, it will have the same effects as the image forming apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0152] (Example: Cartridge type) If the image forming apparatus 1 is a color laser printer, the image forming apparatus 1 may have a developing cartridge having a developing roller, a cartridge housing capable of containing toner, and a toner memory. The developing cartridge may consist of two cartridges. In this case, the first of the two cartridges constituting the developing cartridge has a developing roller. The second of the two cartridges constituting the developing cartridge 30 has a cartridge housing and a toner memory.

[0153] [Examples of implementation using software] The functions of the image forming apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as "apparatus") can be realized by a program that causes the computer to function as the image forming apparatus 1, and by a program that causes the computer to function as the controller 61 of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0154] In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the above program. By executing the above program using this control device and storage device, each of the functions described in each of the above embodiments is realized.

[0155] The above program may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media, rather than temporarily. This recording media may or may not be provided by the image forming apparatus 1. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the image forming apparatus 1 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0156] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the controller 61 can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits that function as each of the control blocks described above are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0157] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. Image forming apparatus 6 Image forming unit 10 Main Unit 10A aperture 11 Cover 20 Drum Cartridges 21 Photoconductor drum 22 Drum Memory 23 Cartridge housing 24 Chargers 26 Transfer Roller 28 Cleaning roller 61 Controllers 62 internal memory 120 Drum Cartridge Information 121 Drum Characteristics Information 122 Cleaning Roller Characteristics Information 123 Transfer Roller Characteristics Information

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, Controller and It is a drum cartridge, Photosensitive drum and A charger for charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum, The cleaning roller of the photosensitive drum, It includes a transfer roller as a component, The drum cartridge has a memory that stores first characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, and is capable of storing at least one of the second characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and the third characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller. The controller determines a voltage or current value to be applied to a component in the image forming process by the image forming apparatus based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information. The first characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the photoreceptor drum, The controller determines the voltage value to be applied to the charger based on the characteristics of the charge potential of the surface of the photoreceptor drum, which are specified by the supplier or model. Image forming apparatus.

2. An image forming apparatus, Controller and It is a drum cartridge, Photosensitive drum and A charger for charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum, The cleaning roller of the photosensitive drum, It includes a transfer roller as a component, The drum cartridge has a memory that stores first characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, and is capable of storing at least one of the second characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and the third characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller. The controller determines a voltage or current value to be applied to a component in the image forming process by the image forming apparatus based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information. The second characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the cleaning roller, The controller determines the voltage value to be applied to the charger or the current value to be applied to the transfer roller based on the characteristics of the material constituting the cleaning surface of the cleaning roller, which is specified by the supplier or model. Image forming apparatus.

3. An image forming apparatus, Controller and It is a drum cartridge, Photosensitive drum and A charger for charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum, The cleaning roller of the photosensitive drum, It includes a transfer roller as a component, The drum cartridge has a memory that stores first characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, and is capable of storing at least one of the second characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and the third characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller. The controller determines a voltage or current value to be applied to a component in the image forming process by the image forming apparatus based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information. The third characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the transfer roller, The controller determines the current value to be applied to the transfer roller based on the resistance characteristics of the transfer roller, which are specified by the supplier or model. Image forming apparatus.

4. The memory stores the second characteristic information, The controller determines, based on the first characteristic information, whether to set the voltage value applied to the charger to the initial value of the voltage value. The current value to be applied to the transfer roller is determined based on the second characteristic information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned controller, If it is determined that the voltage value applied to the charger should be changed from the initial voltage value based on the first characteristic information, the changed voltage value is determined based on the first characteristic information. If it is determined based on the first characteristic information that the voltage value applied to the charger should be set to the initial value of the voltage, then it is further determined based on the second characteristic information whether the voltage value applied to the charger should be set to the initial value of the voltage. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The controller further, The voltage value to be applied to the cleaning roller is determined based on the second characteristic information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The memory stores the third characteristic information, The aforementioned controller, Based on the first characteristic information, the voltage value to be applied to the charger is determined. The current value to be applied to the transfer roller is determined based on the third characteristic information. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The memory stores the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information, The aforementioned controller, Based on the first characteristic information, it is determined whether the voltage value applied to the charger should be set to the initial value of the voltage value. Furthermore, based on the third characteristic information, it is determined whether the current value applied to the transfer roller should be the initial value of the current value. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The aforementioned controller, If it is determined that the voltage value applied to the charger should be changed from the initial voltage value based on the first characteristic information, the changed voltage value is determined based on the first characteristic information. If it is determined that the voltage value applied to the charger should be set to the initial value of the voltage based on the first characteristic information, then it is further determined whether the voltage value applied to the charger should be set to the initial value of the voltage based on the second characteristic information. If it is determined that the current value applied to the transfer roller should be changed from the initial value based on the third characteristic information, the changed current value is determined based on the third characteristic information. If it is determined based on the third characteristic information that the current value applied to the transfer roller should be set to the initial value of the current value, then it is further determined based on the second characteristic information whether to change the current value applied to the transfer roller from the initial value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The controller further, The voltage value to be applied to the cleaning roller is determined based on the second characteristic information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The image forming apparatus is The voltage and current values ​​determined by the controller are applied to the component to execute the image forming process, thereby forming an image on the printing medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.

12. An image forming apparatus, Controller and It is a drum cartridge, Photosensitive drum and A charger for charging the surface of the photoreceptor drum, The cleaning roller of the photosensitive drum is included as a component. A drum cartridge having a first memory capable of storing first characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, and second characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, It is a transfer cartridge, Transfer belt and Includes a transfer roller as a component, The transfer cartridge comprises a second memory capable of storing third characteristic information, which is information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller, The controller determines a voltage or current value to be applied to the component in the image forming process by the image forming apparatus based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information. The third characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the transfer roller, The controller determines the current value to be applied to the transfer roller based on the resistance characteristics of the transfer roller, which are specified by the supplier or model. Image forming apparatus.

13. A method for determining the voltage or current value to be applied to a component, A step of reading from a memory of a cartridge which includes a charger for charging the surface of a photoreceptor drum, a cleaning roller for the photoreceptor drum, and a transfer roller as components, first characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, second characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and third characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller, The process includes determining a voltage value or current value to be applied to the component in an image forming process based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information, The first characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the photoreceptor drum, The step of determining the voltage value or current value is: The voltage value to be applied to the charger is determined based on the characteristics of the surface charge potential of the photoreceptor drum, which are identified from the supplier or model. A method for determining voltage or current values.

14. A method for determining the voltage or current value to be applied to a component, A step of reading from a memory of a cartridge which includes a charger for charging the surface of a photoreceptor drum, a cleaning roller for the photoreceptor drum, and a transfer roller as components, first characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the photoreceptor drum, second characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the cleaning roller, and third characteristic information which is information for identifying the characteristics of the transfer roller, The process includes determining a voltage value or current value to be applied to the component in an image forming process based on the first characteristic information and at least one of the second characteristic information and the third characteristic information, The second characteristic information is information representing the supplier or model of the cleaning roller, The step of determining the voltage value or current value is: The voltage value applied to the charger or the current value applied to the transfer roller is determined based on the characteristics of the material constituting the cleaning surface of the cleaning roller, which is specified by the supplier or model. A method for determining voltage or current values.

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