JP7353767B2 - Image forming device, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art An electrophotographic printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) uses various parts such as a developing device and a photosensitive drum in an electrophotographic process. Patent Document 1 discloses a consumable part called a process cartridge in which a developing device, a photosensitive drum, and a toner container are integrated. In this way, when a plurality of consumable parts are integrated into a cartridge, maintenance is easy. On the other hand, in the case of such an integrated cartridge, when one consumable part reaches the end of its lifespan, other consumable parts that have not reached the end of their lifespan must also be replaced at the same time. For example, if only images with low print coverage continue to be printed, the developing device or photosensitive drum will reach the end of its lifespan first, even though toner still remains, and the toner cartridge may need to be replaced. Therefore, such integrated cartridges have the aspect that they are not economical.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-157176

As a method for solving the above-mentioned problems, a method of separating the cartridge into a toner cartridge incorporating a toner container and a developing device and a drum cartridge incorporating a photosensitive drum is being considered. With a separate cartridge, when the photosensitive drum reaches the end of its lifespan, only the drum cartridge needs to be replaced, so the toner remaining in the toner cartridge can be used continuously. By the way, when two cartridges are closely related to each other, the status of one cartridge may greatly influence the status of the other cartridge. For example, if the toner in the toner cartridge is old or the remaining amount is small, the drum cartridge may not be supplied with enough toner, which may cause damage to the drum cartridge. If the drum cartridge is scratched, it will cause image defects. A typical user is not aware of such relationships between cartridges. Therefore, an image forming apparatus that allows a user to recognize the relationship between cartridges is desired.

A first example of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge can be respectively attached and detached, and the apparatus includes: a display section for displaying information; a means for acquiring status information of the toner cartridge being attached; means for displaying a message regarding the future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display unit in a manner that the user can recognize, based at least on the status information , the message regarding the future use of the photoreceptor cartridge being It is characterized by including a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge .
A second example of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge can be respectively attached and detached, and the apparatus includes: a display section for displaying information; a means for acquiring status information of the installed toner cartridge; means for displaying a message regarding the future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display unit in a manner that the user can recognize, based at least on the status information, the message regarding the future use of the photoreceptor cartridge being It is characterized in that it includes a message indicating that a replacement of the mounting position of the photoreceptor cartridge is requested.

It is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that allows a user to recognize the influence of one consumable cartridge among a plurality of consumable cartridges on other consumable cartridges.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross section of a printer, which is an example of a printing device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a toner cartridge. It is a figure showing an example of the structure of a drum cartridge. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printer. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a printer, etc. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message requesting replacement of a toner cartridge. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the lifespan of a developing device and the lifespan of a photosensitive drum. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the drum cartridge has been replaced with a new drum cartridge. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a message requesting replacement of a drum cartridge. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state after the position of the drum cartridge has been replaced. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of toner in a toner cartridge and detection. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting menu related to extending the life of a toner cartridge and a message requesting replacement when the toner cartridge is stopped. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a usage sequence of a user and a service person. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report printout that prints a history of cartridge replacement. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a message requesting replacement of a toner cartridge. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing in Embodiment 3. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing in Embodiment 4. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the fifth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing in Embodiment 6.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
In this embodiment, countermeasures against the influence on the drum cartridge due to the life of the developing device will be explained as an example. A drum cartridge is an example of a photoreceptor cartridge.
As described above, in the case of a separable cartridge, when one of the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge reaches the end of its lifespan, only the cartridge that has reached the end of its lifespan can be replaced. Therefore, when notifying the lifespan of a cartridge, basically, it is sufficient to calculate and notify the lifespan of the toner cartridge based on the information on the toner cartridge, and to calculate and notify the lifespan of the drum cartridge based on the information on the drum cartridge. However, in the case of a combination of closely related consumables, such as a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge, the condition of one may affect the condition of the other.
More specifically, as the developing device of the toner cartridge approaches the end of its lifespan, the toner deteriorates over time and the charging characteristics of the toner deteriorate. In this case, the toner used as a lubricant for the drum cartridge may not be sufficiently supplied to the drum cartridge.

If the drum cartridge is replaced with a new one without being able to supply sufficient toner, there is a risk that the initial coating agent for protecting the drum remaining in the developing chamber may not be removed during the first cleaning. If the initial coating agent is not completely removed, the initial coating agent may move to the recording material such as a sheet together with the toner image during image formation, resulting in streaks or fog on the image. That is, there is a possibility that the initial coating agent that could not be completely removed may cause deterioration in image quality.
Further, in an image forming operation after the drum cartridge is replaced with a new one, if a situation continues in which toner as a lubricant cannot be sufficiently supplied to the drum cartridge, a cleaning operation will be performed in a state where the lubricant is insufficient. Then, the drum and the cleaning member etc. may rub against each other, damaging the drum surface and causing streaks to appear on the image. That is, there is a possibility that scratches on the drum may cause a decrease in image quality. As a result, the drum cartridge that has just been replaced must be replaced again.
The above-mentioned problems basically do not occur if the lifespan of the toner cartridge is set with some margin and the toner cartridge is operated properly. However, consumable parts such as developing units and photosensitive drums are consumable parts that gradually deteriorate as printing is performed, and even after reaching the end of their service life (time for replacement), where the vendor guarantees print quality, the print quality suddenly deteriorates. It does not mean that the quality is degraded. Therefore, in order to respond to a user environment in which a reduction in printing cost is desired to be prioritized over print quality, it is assumed that the use of a developing device or a photosensitive drum that has reached the end of its lifespan is extended. In this case, the toner cartridge may be used until the quality cannot be guaranteed, so the above-mentioned problem may occur.

The internal structure of the printer of this embodiment, which is the premise of the above-mentioned problem, will be explained with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross section of a printer, which is an example of a printing apparatus.
The printer 200 includes a cassette 511, an image forming section 509, a main conveyance path 540, and an ejection conveyance path 541. The printer 200 also includes a plurality of rollers, for example, a feed roller 502, a conveyance roller 510, a registration roller 504, and an ejection roller 520 to convey the recording material in each conveyance path. Furthermore, the printer 200 includes a plurality of sensors for detecting recording materials within the apparatus, such as a recording material presence/absence sensor 501, a registration sensor 505, a recording material detection sensor 506, and an ejection sensor 508.
The cassette 511 supplies recording material for forming an image into the apparatus.
The drum cartridge 507 includes a photosensitive drum for forming an image on a recording material, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum as an image carrier from an exposure section. This electrostatic latent image is formed according to image data received by a controller 210, which will be described later. The toner cartridge 224 includes a developing device and toner, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed by a developing section and transferred to a recording material at a predetermined transfer position. The toner image formed on the recording material is fixed by being heated and pressurized by a fixing device. In the case of a color printer, the drum cartridge 507 and the toner cartridge 224 exist as four pairs each of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black.

The drum cartridge 507 and the toner cartridge 224 are configured to be removably attached to the printer 200. That is, in the printer 200 of this embodiment, the drum cartridge 507 and the toner cartridge 224 can be replaced individually. For example, when a photosensitive drum reaches the end of its lifespan, only the drum cartridge needs to be replaced. Furthermore, when the toner runs out or the developing device reaches the end of its lifespan, only the toner cartridge needs to be replaced. In this manner, the present embodiment has a configuration in which the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge can be replaced independently.
The main conveyance path 540 is arranged from the feed roller 502 to the discharge roller 520, and is a conveyance path that forms an image on the recording material. Here, the conveyance roller 510 exists as a part of the cassette 511. Therefore, when the cassette 511 is pulled out, the recording material conveyance path from the lower cassette 511 is cut off, and the recording material cannot be supplied to the printer, resulting in printing failure. The discharge conveyance path 541 is disposed from the discharge roller 520 to the outside of the printer 200, and is a conveyance path that discharges the recording material to the outside of the printer.
The feeding roller 502 transports the recording materials placed in the cassette 511 one by one into the apparatus. The conveyance roller 510 is a roller that pulls up the recording material fed from each cassette 511 to the printer. Further, the registration roller 504 is a roller that adjusts the timing at which an image is transferred by the drum cartridge 507 on the conveyed recording material. The discharge roller 520 is a roller for discharging the recording material to the outside of the machine.

The recording material presence/absence sensor 501 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a recording material placed on the cassette 511. A registration sensor 505, a recording material detection sensor 506, and an ejection sensor 508 detect the conveyed recording material. These sensors may be mechanical switches or optical sensors. The registration sensor 505 is used to adjust the transfer timing between the conveyed recording material and the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum. Further, the registration sensor 505 is also used to measure the length of the recording material in the sub-scanning direction. The length of the recording material in the sub-scanning direction is determined from the time during which the registration sensor 505 detects the conveyed recording material and the conveyance speed of the recording material. A recording material detection sensor 506 is used to detect the presence or absence of a recording material at both ends of the main transport path 540 and to determine the length of the recording material in the main scanning direction.

The cleaning operation in the drum cartridge will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the toner cartridge 224. The toner cartridge 224 has a developing chamber in which a developing roller 701 as a developer carrying member for carrying toner 700 and a toner supplying roller 702 as a developer supplying member that supplies toner to the developing roller 701 are arranged. are doing. Furthermore, the toner cartridge 224 includes a toner storage chamber 704 that stores the toner 700 and is disposed below the toner supply roller 702 in the gravity direction and communicated with the development chamber and the development opening 703 . Furthermore, the toner supply roller 702 is rotating in contact with the developing roller 701. Inside the toner storage chamber 704, there is an agitation conveyance member 705 for stirring the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 704 and for conveying the toner toward an area indicated by V above the toner supply roller 702. It is provided. The toner conveyed by the developing process is supplied to the drum cartridge 507 side by the developing roller 701.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the drum cartridge 507. The drum cartridge 507 has a cleaning frame 603 as a frame that supports various elements. A photosensitive drum 600 is rotatably attached to the cleaning frame 603 via a bearing. The photosensitive drum 600 is rotationally driven in accordance with the image forming operation by transmitting the driving force of a drive motor serving as a driving means (driving source) to the drum cartridge 507 .
A cleaning member 602 and a charging roller 601 are arranged in the drum cartridge 507 so as to be in contact with the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 600 . The cleaning member 602 is used to remove toner remaining after the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 600, which is an image carrier, is transferred to a recording material. Transfer residual toner removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 600 by the cleaning member 602 falls into the cleaning frame 603 and is accommodated therein.
In this embodiment, toner is used as a lubricant to prevent damage to the cleaning member 602 and the photosensitive drum 600 due to increased frictional force between the cleaning member and the photosensitive drum 600. This reduces the frictional force between the cleaning member and the surface of the photoreceptor, thereby maintaining good cleaning performance and printing performance.
Furthermore, the photosensitive drum 600 of the unused drum cartridge 507 is coated with a coating agent as a protective material. These initial coating agents are removed by the first cleaning operation after replacing the drum cartridge 507, and replaced with toner supplied from the toner cartridge 224.

By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, a separate type cartridge is used in which the toner cartridge and the drum cartridge can be replaced independently. As described above, in the case of a separable cartridge, when the end of the life of a toner cartridge or drum cartridge is notified, only the cartridge that has reached the end of its life needs to be replaced.
Incidentally, consumable parts such as a developing device or a photosensitive drum are consumable parts that gradually deteriorate as printing is performed. Therefore, even if the printer reaches the end of its service life (time for replacement) for which the vendor guarantees the printing quality, the printing quality will not suddenly deteriorate. In view of this, in order to respond to a user environment where priority is given to reducing printing costs over printing quality, it is conceivable to make it possible to extend the use of a developing device or a photosensitive drum that has reached the end of its lifespan.
Here, when the toner cartridge is close to replacement time or has reached the replacement time but continues to be used for an extended period of time, if only the drum cartridge is replaced with a new one, the print quality may deteriorate.

More specifically, when the developing device of a toner cartridge approaches the end of its lifespan, the toner deteriorates over time and the charging characteristics of the toner deteriorate. Therefore, there is a concern that the toner used as a lubricant in the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 2 may not be sufficiently supplied to the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 3. Under these circumstances, even if the above-described initial cleaning of the drum cartridge is performed, there are cases in which the initial coating agent applied to the photosensitive drum cannot be completely removed. In this case, during image formation, the initial coating agent moves to the recording material such as a sheet together with the toner image, which may appear as streaks or fog on the image, which may affect the printing results. Furthermore, if the drum cartridge is not sufficiently supplied with toner as a lubricant during image forming operations after the drum cartridge is replaced with a new one, the cleaning operation will be performed with insufficient lubricant, resulting in the drum being damaged. There is also a risk of damaging the surface. As a result, even if a new drum cartridge is installed, image problems such as streaks in the printed results may occur.
In view of the above problems, the present embodiment provides a function to notify the user of an appropriate replacement method depending on the degree of wear when replacing the drum cartridge 507 with a new one. This will be explained in more detail below.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printer 200. Here, a laser beam printer (FIG. 1) will be explained as an example.
The CPU 201 comprehensively controls access to various devices connected to the system bus 209 based on programs stored in the program ROM of the ROM 203 . The CPU 201 outputs an image signal as output information to the printing mechanism section 220 connected via the printing section interface 205. Here, the printing mechanism section 220 can access the toner cartridge 224 and the drum cartridge 507, and calculates the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, the lifespan of the developing device, and the lifespan of the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge. By the CPU 201 executing processing based on the program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 203, the functions of the printer and the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 6, 8, and 18 to 21, which will be described later, are realized.

The RAM 202 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201. The RAM 202 is configured so that its memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port. The RAM 202 is used as a drawing memory for storing image data received from the host computer, a video signal ON/OFF information storage area, other work areas, and the like. The EEPROM 204 is a nonvolatile memory device, and stores setting values for various functions set on the operation panel 221. This EEPROM 204 is not limited to any non-volatile memory, and may be constructed from a non-volatile memory such as Flash ROM or EMMC. The operation panel 221 is provided with switches and LED indicators for operation, and can be controlled by the CPU 201 via the panel I/F 206. A memory controller (MC) 207 controls access to a hard disk 222 that stores print data and the like received from the host computer. A network controller (NETWC) 208 controls the network communication module 223 and allows it to communicate with various host computers and devices on the network.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration, etc. of the printer 200.
The management server 100 of the printer 200 receives information about the toner cartridges installed in each user's printer 200 via a network such as the Internet, and manages the information.
The printer 200 is functionally broadly divided into a controller 210, an operation panel 221, a printing mechanism section 220, and a toner cartridge 224.
The controller 210 includes an I/F section (interface section) 301 that is an interface with the management server 100, a reception buffer 302 for temporarily holding and managing received data, etc., and a receiving buffer 302 for temporarily holding and managing sent data, etc. Includes a transmission buffer 303. Further, the controller 210 includes a command analysis section 306 that manages the analysis of print data, a print control section 307, an image control section 304, an output control section 309, a status management section 308, a cartridge management section 310, and the like. The interface unit 301 sends and receives print data to and from the management server 100. Print data received through the interface unit 301 is sequentially accumulated in a reception buffer 302 that temporarily holds the data, and is read out and processed by the command analysis unit 306 or the image control unit 304 as needed. The command analysis unit 306 is configured according to each print control command system and print job control language. The commands analyzed by this command analysis unit 306 are related to image data such as bitmap data, and are processed by giving instructions to the image control unit 304. Commands other than drawing, such as paper feed selection and reset commands, are processed by printing. An instruction is issued to the control unit 307 for processing.

The image control unit 304 removes the command portion from the transferred image data command data. If it is compressed image data, the image control unit 304 performs decompression processing and stores it in the image buffer 305. The image buffer 305 may be managed by tracking the image data reception process and the video signal output process to the print mechanism section (printer engine) 220, that is, by banding control. If a memory with a predetermined capacity is available, an area capable of storing one page may be secured as the image buffer 305.
Further, the status management unit 308 determines various states of the printer based on information from the print control unit 307, displays the printer status on the operation panel 230, and responds to a status information acquisition command issued from the management server 100. In contrast, it has a function to send back the status of the printer. The cartridge management unit 310 controls the toner cartridge 224 and the drum cartridge 507 via the printing mechanism unit 220, detects the remaining amount of toner, the life of the developing device, and the life of the drum, and also notifies a replacement request for the toner cartridge 224. . Then, the output control unit 309 converts the image bitmap data stored in the image buffer 305 into a video signal, and transfers the video signal to the printing mechanism unit (printer engine) 220. The printing mechanism section 220 is a mechanism for forming a visible image on recording paper from the received video signal.

Next, a method of checking the state of the paired toner cartridge 224 when replacing the drum cartridge 507 and notifying a request to replace the toner cartridge 224 with a new one will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the first embodiment.
In S11, the CPU 201 waits for the drum cartridge 507 to be replaced with a new one. If replacement with a new drum cartridge 507 is detected, the CPU 201 proceeds to S12, and if replacement with a new drum cartridge 507 is not detected, it repeats the process of S11.
In S12, the CPU 201 obtains the lifespan of the developing device included in the toner cartridge 224 paired with the replaced drum cartridge 507. The lifespan of the developing device is calculated by the printing mechanism section 220 by adding up the usage time of the developing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the lifespan of the developing device may be calculated by any method. The lifespan of the developing device is an example of status information of the toner cartridge being installed.
In S13, the CPU 201 determines whether the developing unit life of the toner cartridge 224 obtained from the printing mechanism unit 220 has exceeded the specified life and has been used. If the developing device has not yet reached the end of its life, the CPU 201 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 and continues using the developing device. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that the developing device is being used with its life extended, the process proceeds to S14.
In S14, the CPU 201 displays a message requesting replacement of the toner cartridge 224 on the display of the operation panel 221, as shown in FIG. The CPU 201 may use the message as a warning message to allow printing to continue without stopping, or may use the message as an error message to stop printing until the toner cartridge is replaced. Here, the display device is an example of a display section. Further, although the explanation has been given using the display of a message as an example of the notification in S14, it may be outputted by voice or the like.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the drum cartridge 507 is replaced with a new one, the CPU 201 checks the lifespan of the developing device of the toner cartridge 224 and determines whether it is being used with an extended lifespan. If the developing device is used after its life has been extended, the CPU 201 displays a message notifying a request to replace the toner cartridge 224 because the surface of the photosensitive drum of the new drum cartridge 507 may be damaged. This has the effect of making it possible to avoid damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, as a method of avoiding damage to the drum surface of a new drum cartridge 507, a message is displayed to request replacement of the toner cartridge 224 paired with the new drum cartridge 507. In the second embodiment, a method of avoiding damage to the drum surface by replacing the position of the drum cartridge 507 without replacing the toner cartridge 224 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of information processing according to the second embodiment.
In S21, the CPU 201 waits for the drum cartridge 507 to be replaced with a new one. If replacement with a new drum cartridge 507 is detected, the CPU 201 proceeds to S22, and if replacement with a new drum cartridge 507 is not detected, it repeats the process of S21.
In S<b>22 , the CPU 201 obtains the life span of the developing device included in the toner cartridge 224 paired with the replaced drum cartridge 507 from the printing mechanism unit 220 .
In S23, the CPU 201 determines whether the developing device life of the toner cartridge 224 obtained from the printing mechanism section 220 has exceeded the specified life and has been used. If the developing device has not yet reached the end of its life, the CPU 201 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and continues using the developing device. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that the developing device is being used with its life extended, the process advances to S24.

In S24, the CPU 201 displays a message notifying a request to replace the mounting position of the drum cartridge 507. Here, a method for replacing the mounting position of the drum cartridge 507 will be explained using a more specific example. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the lifespan of the developing device of the toner cartridge 224 and the lifespan of the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge 507 for each color of YMCK. Since the cyan drum cartridge 507 has reached the end of its life (0%), when it is replaced with a new drum cartridge 507, the result shown in FIG. 10 is obtained. However, looking at cyan in FIG. 10, it can be seen that the developing device life of the toner cartridge 224 that is paired with the new drum cartridge 507 is 0%, and is being used with an extended life. If the drum cartridge 507 is new and the toner cartridge 224 has an extended lifespan, there is a possibility that the photosensitive drum may be damaged. Since the drum cartridge 507 is independent of color, there is no problem in mounting it in any position. Therefore, the CPU 201 displays a message on the display of the operation panel urging the drum cartridge 507 in the magenta position to be replaced with the drum cartridge 507 in the cyan position as shown in FIG. By exchanging the position of the drum cartridge 507 according to the instructions in the message, the arrangement shown in FIG. 12 is achieved, and the combination of the toner cartridge 224 and the drum cartridge 507 that could potentially damage the surface of the photosensitive drum is eliminated. In this example, a request for replacement of the cyan and magenta drum cartridges 507 is notified, but the request is not limited to this, and the combination may damage the surface of the photosensitive drum, such as cyan and yellow or cyan and black. Bye. Further, the CPU 201 may display FIGS. 10 and 11 on the display of the operation panel. Further, although the explanation has been given using a message display as an example of the notification in S24, it may be an audio output or the like.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the drum cartridge 507 is replaced with a new one, the CPU 201 checks the lifespan of the developing device of the toner cartridge 224 and determines whether it is being used with an extended lifespan. If the developing device is used after its life has been extended, the surface of the photosensitive drum of the new drum cartridge 507 may be damaged. Therefore, the CPU 201 displays a message informing that the installation position of the drum cartridge 507 should be replaced so that a new drum cartridge 507 is combined with the toner cartridge 224 whose developing device has not reached the end of its service life. This has the effect of making it possible to avoid damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum.

<Embodiment 3>
In the first and second embodiments, the case where the drum cartridge is affected by the lifespan of the developing device has been described. In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which a drop in the remaining amount of toner cartridge affects the drum cartridge. As described in the first embodiment, if image formation is continued in a state where toner cannot be sufficiently supplied to the drum cartridge, the image quality will deteriorate, and furthermore, the life of the drum cartridge will be shortened.

[Extension of toner cartridge life due to toner factors]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge and detection. Detection of the remaining amount of toner is realized by combining the remaining amount detection information from the remaining amount detection sensor and the video count information that adds output data each time the printing mechanism section 220 prints. More specifically, the states of W%, X%, and Y% (here, 0%, that is, the printing guarantee threshold) can be detected by the remaining amount detection sensor, and during that time, the CPU 201 compensates with the video count. The remaining amount change is determined by . Further, after Y% (here, 0%), the CPU 201 detects the remaining amount of toner only by the video count. In this embodiment, the state in which toner cannot be sufficiently supplied to the drum cartridge (hereinafter referred to as toner limit state) is defined as Z%, and specifically, it is calculated from the video count information after 0%. .

FIG. 14 shows a screen example of a setting menu related to extending the life of the toner cartridge and a message when the toner cartridge is stopped. In FIG. 14A, settings are made regarding the operation when the toner cartridge reaches its lifespan due to toner factors. In FIG. 14(a), if continuation is set, the operation can be continued even when the life span is reached. In FIG. 14(a), if a temporary stop is set, printing is temporarily interrupted when the lifespan is reached, a message indicating that the lifespan has reached the end of the lifespan is displayed on the operation panel 221 as shown in FIG. 14(b), and the user can By operating 221, it is possible to restart the printing operation. * in FIG. 14(b) contains color information for each color of YMCK. In FIG. 14(a), if stop is set, printing is stopped when the life span is reached, and a message indicating that the life span is reached is displayed on the operation panel 221 as shown in FIG. 14(b). At this time, even if the user operates the operation panel 221, the printing operation cannot be restarted.

[Usage sequence]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a usage sequence of a user and a service person. Specifically, it is assumed that the toner cartridge due to the toner reaches the end of its lifespan during printing, that the toner limit value is reached after further printing, and that an image defect occurs after further printing. Further, FIG. 14(a) assumes that the mode is set to temporary stop.
In S29, the CPU 201 displays a message on the operation panel 221 to the effect that printing is now possible.
In S30, the CPU 201 receives a print instruction from the user.
Then, in S31, the CPU 201 performs printing processing.
In S32, the CPU 201 detects that the toner life has reached its end.
Then, in S33, the CPU 201 temporarily stops printing.

In S34, the CPU 201 displays a message on the operation panel 221 to the effect that the toner life has reached its end.
In S35, the CPU 201 receives permission from the user to extend the toner life via the operation panel 221.
In S36, the CPU 201 performs toner life extension processing.
In S37, the CPU 201 resumes printing that was paused in S33.
In S38, the CPU 201 provides the user with a good quality printed matter that is guaranteed to be printed.
After printing, in S39, the CPU 201 displays a message indicating that printing is possible while displaying a toner life warning on the operation panel 221.

In S40, the CPU 201 receives a print instruction from the user via the operation panel 221.
In S41, the CPU 201 performs print processing.
In S42, the CPU 201 detects that the toner limit has been reached.
In S43, the CPU 201 temporarily stops printing.
In S44, the CPU 201 displays a message on the operation panel 221 to the effect that the toner limit has been reached.
In S45, the CPU 201 receives permission from the user to extend the toner limit via the operation panel 221.
In S46, the CPU 201 performs toner limit extension processing.
In S47, the CPU 201 resumes printing that was paused in S43.
In S48, the CPU 201 provides the user with a defective printed matter for which printing is not guaranteed.
In S49, the CPU 201 displays a message on the operation panel 221 to the effect that printing is possible while also displaying a toner limit warning that it may affect the opposing drum cartridge.

At S50, the user calls a serviceman to report a complaint regarding the defective printed matter at S48.
At S51, the service person confirms the history information with the user. More specifically, the service person asks the user to confirm that the toner limit warning notified in S49 is displayed.
At S52, the service person hears from the user the confirmation result that the toner limit warning is displayed.
At S53, the service engineer warns the user that, as the toner limit has been reached, sufficient toner cannot be supplied to the drum cartridge, resulting in a decrease in image quality and a decrease in the lifespan of the drum cartridge. convey the message. Additionally, the service person recommends that the user replace the toner cartridge to resolve this condition.
At S54, the user replaces the toner cartridge. This makes it possible to resolve user complaints.
In S51 and S52, an example is described in which the user is asked to check whether a warning is displayed on the operation panel 221. However, as another confirmation method, the CPU 201 may store the date and time of the toner limit extension process in S46, and output the information to the operation panel 221 or report print so that it can be confirmed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a report printout in which a history of cartridge replacement is printed. Displayed items include serial number, cartridge type, cartridge capacity, date and time when the cartridge was first used, remaining amount of the cartridge at the time of first use, total page count at the time of first use, date and time when the cartridge was last used, remaining amount of the cartridge at the time of last use, and the final Examples include the total page count at the time of use and the date and time of limit extension. Here, as the limit extension date and time, the date and time when the user permitted the toner limit to be reached through the operation panel 221 in S45 is printed. By checking this limit extension date and time, the user can confirm that the cause of the defective print output, which is the user's complaint, is the toner limit extension. Furthermore, during the toner limit extension process in S46, the CPU 201 may notify the external server of the toner limit state so that it can be checked later.

[Screen transition]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the transition of message display from the time when the toner life is reached until after the toner limit has been extended. An example of the message screen notified in S29 of FIG. 15 is shown in FIG. 17(a). FIG. 17B shows an example of a message screen that notifies the user that printing will be interrupted when the toner reaches the end of its life in S34 of FIG. FIG. 17C shows an example of a message screen that notifies you that printing is possible in the toner life warning state in S39 after the toner life extension is permitted in S35 of FIG. 15 and printing is completed. While the display indicates that printing is possible, it also displays a message prompting you to replace the toner cartridge as it has reached the end of its lifespan. FIG. 17D shows an example of a message screen that interrupts printing and notifies you when the toner reaches the limit in S44 of FIG. FIG. 17E shows an example of a message screen that notifies you that printing is possible in the toner limit warning state in S49 after the toner limit extension is permitted in S45 and printing is completed. While it displays that printing is possible, it also displays a message urging you to replace the toner cartridge, indicating that the toner cartridge has reached its limit and will also affect the drum cartridge.

[Toner life and toner limit detection and notification flow]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of toner life and toner limit detection according to the third embodiment.
In S61, the CPU 201 performs printing processing, and when printing is completed, the process advances to S62.
In S62, the CPU 201 updates the toner remaining amount value after printing for each color based on the toner remaining amount value before printing and the video count used in printing, and proceeds to S63.
In S63, the CPU 201 determines whether the remaining amount of the toner cartridge 224 has reached the end of its life. More specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether the remaining amount detection sensor described in FIG. 13 has detected a state of Y% (=0%). If the state of Y% is not detected, the CPU 201 proceeds to S64.

In S64, the CPU 201 checks whether the remaining amount of the toner cartridge 224 has been checked for all colors. In S64, if all colors have been completed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S65. In S64, if all colors are not completed, the CPU 201 returns to S63 and repeats until all colors are completed.
In S65, the CPU 201 checks whether the printing process is completed. In S65, if printing has been completed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S66. In S65, if printing is not completed, the process returns to S61 and the remaining print processing is performed.
In S66, the CPU 201 displays on the operation panel 221 that printing is possible. At this time, the screen display will be as shown in Figure 17(c) if the toner life of each color has been reached, Figure 17(e) if the toner limit has been reached, and Figure 17(a) if neither of the toners has reached its lifespan. becomes.

If it is determined in S63 that the life of the toner cartridge has been reached, the CPU 201 proceeds to S67.
In S67, the CPU 201 determines whether the remaining amount of the toner cartridge 224 has reached the limit value. More specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether the remaining amount of toner updated in S62 has reached Z% in FIG. In S67, if the remaining amount has not reached the limit value, the CPU 201 proceeds to S68.
In S68, the CPU 201 determines whether the toner life extension process for the toner cartridge 224 is being performed. Specifically, the toner life extension process refers to enabling printing without issuing a toner life warning notification. In S68, if the toner life extension process has been executed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S64. In S68, if the toner life extension process has not been executed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S69.
In S69, the CPU 201 displays a toner life warning display as shown in FIG. 17(c) on the operation panel 221, and proceeds to S70.

In S70, the CPU 201 determines whether the toner cartridge has been replaced. If the toner cartridge has not been replaced, the CPU 201 advances to S71. If the toner cartridge has been replaced, the CPU 201 advances to S64.
In S71, the CPU 201 determines whether permission for toner life extension has been received. As a specific example, it is conceivable that the user's pressing of a specific hard key on the operation panel 221 is determined as permission by the user. If the toner life extension is not permitted in S71, the CPU 201 proceeds to S72. If the toner life extension is permitted in S71, the CPU 201 proceeds to S64.
In S72, the CPU 201 determines whether an instruction to cancel the print job has been received. As a specific example, it may be determined that a cancellation instruction from the user has been received when the user presses a specific hard key on the operation panel 221. In S72, if there is an instruction to cancel the print job, the CPU 201 cancels the print job and proceeds to S65. In S72, if there is no instruction to cancel the print job, the CPU 201 returns to S70.

In S67, if the remaining amount has reached the limit value, the CPU 201 proceeds to S73.
In S73, the CPU 201 determines whether the toner limit extension process for the toner cartridge 224 is being performed. Specifically, the toner limit extension process refers to enabling printing without issuing a toner limit warning notification. In S73, if the toner limit extension process has been executed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S64. In S73, if the toner life extension process has not been executed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S74.
In S74, the CPU 201 displays a toner limit warning display on the operation panel 221 as shown in FIG. 17(e), and proceeds to S70.

<Embodiment 4>
In the third embodiment, an example is described in which there is a timing difference between the toner life and the toner limit in a case where the drum cartridge is affected by a decrease in the remaining amount of the toner cartridge. In the fourth embodiment, a case will be described in which the timing of the toner life and the timing of the toner limit are the same.

[Example of drum warning at toner out stage]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of toner life and toner limit detection according to the fourth embodiment. Differences from Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 18 will be explained.
Since the toner lifespan and the toner limit are at the same timing, the determination in S67 and the flow of S73 and S74 are eliminated. In S63, when the CPU 201 determines that the toner life is reached, the process proceeds to S68. In S68, if the toner life extension process has not been executed, S74 will be executed instead of the process in S69. In S66, the screen shown in FIG. 17(c) is displayed when the toner arrives, and in FIG. 17(e) when the toner arrives, but in S81, the screen shown in FIG. 17(e) is displayed when the toner arrives.

<Embodiment 5>
In the third embodiment, the presence or absence of a toner limit warning notification is determined based on the remaining amount of the toner cartridge in the case where the drum cartridge is affected by a decrease in the remaining amount of the toner cartridge, but in the fifth embodiment, the life of the drum cartridge is also taken into account. I will explain about it.

[Example of warning considering the lifespan of the drum cartridge]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of toner life and toner limit detection according to the fifth embodiment. Differences from Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 18 will be explained.
In FIG. 18, when the toner limit is reached in S67, the CPU 201 proceeds to S73, but in FIG. 20, the CPU 201 proceeds to S82.
In S82, the CPU 201 determines whether the life of the drum cartridge satisfies the toner limit warning notification condition. As a specific example of detecting the tram cartridge lifespan, consider calculating the lifespan of the drum cartridge from the travel distance of the photosensitive drum 600. In S82, if the lifespan of the drum cartridge satisfies the conditions, the CPU 201 proceeds to S73. In S82, if the lifespan of the drum cartridge does not meet the conditions, the CPU 201 proceeds to S64. An example of the condition in S82 may be that the item is new. This assumes that there will be adverse effects caused by initial cleaning in a state where sufficient toner cannot be supplied.

<Embodiment 6>
In the third embodiment, the case where the drum cartridge is affected by a decrease in the remaining amount of toner cartridge is determined based on the remaining amount detection during printing, but in the sixth embodiment, a case where the remaining amount is detected at the time of startup will be described.

[Example of warning timing variations (at startup)]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of toner life and toner limit detection at startup in the sixth embodiment. Differences from Embodiment 3 shown in FIG. 18 will be explained.
In FIG. 18, the printing process and the change in the amount of remaining toner accompanying printing are updated in S61 and S62, but in FIG. 21, when the user turns on the image forming apparatus 200, the CPU 201 proceeds to S63. Furthermore, since it is not the time of printing, the process of S65 is deleted. In S64, if all colors have been completed, the CPU 201 proceeds to S66 instead of S65. Furthermore, the process of S82 is also deleted. If the toner life extension is permitted in S71, the CPU 201 proceeds to S66 instead of S72.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that implements one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium. It can also be realized by a process in which one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Although an example of the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiment.
For example, part of the functional configuration of the printer 200 shown in FIG. 5 may be implemented in the printer 200 as a hardware configuration. Further, the hardware configuration of the printer 200 does not need to include only one CPU, RAM, ROM, network controller, etc. A plurality of CPUs may execute processing based on a program while using data stored in a plurality of RAMs and ROMs. Furthermore, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) may be used instead of the CPU.
In the first embodiment, after the drum cartridge is replaced with a new drum cartridge, it is determined whether the developing device in the toner cartridge has been used for an extended period of time, and a notification prompting the user to replace the toner cartridge is displayed according to the determination result. An example is given below. However, the timing of notification is not limited to this. For example, if it is determined that the drum cartridge has reached its replacement time and that the developing device in the toner cartridge has been used for an extended period of time, a screen prompting the user to replace the toner cartridge and drum cartridge at the same time may be displayed. It may also be displayed. More specifically, instead of the process in S11, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the drum cartridge has reached its replacement time. If it is determined that the time for replacement has been reached, processing similar to S12 to S13 is executed. Further, in response to the determination in S13 that the developing device in the toner cartridge is being used for an extended period of time, the CPU 201 controls to display a screen prompting simultaneous replacement of the toner cartridge and drum cartridge. On the other hand, the CPU 201 may perform control to display a screen prompting replacement of the drum cartridge alone, in response to the determination in S13 that the developing device in the toner cartridge has not been used for an extended period of time.
A warning regarding a drum cartridge failure may be displayed on another device using a method such as an RUI.
The drum cartridge warning may be a separate message.

According to each of the embodiments described above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of image problems when replacing the drum cartridge.

200 Printer 201 CPU
224 Toner cartridge 507 Drum cartridge

Claims (20)

An image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge are each detachable,
a display section that displays information;
means for acquiring status information of a toner cartridge being installed;
means for displaying a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display section in a manner that is perceivable by the user, based at least on the status information;
has
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge includes a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge . An image forming apparatus in which a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge are each detachable,
a display section that displays information;
means for acquiring status information of a toner cartridge being installed;
means for displaying a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display section in a manner that is perceivable by the user, based at least on the status information;
has
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge includes a message requesting replacement of the mounting position of the photoreceptor cartridge. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge includes a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the message regarding the failure includes a message indicating that the photoreceptor cartridge may be damaged. According to any one of claims 1 to 4 , the display means also causes the display section to display a message indicating that image formation is possible in the image forming apparatus so that the user can recognize the message. image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display means also causes a message regarding the toner cartridge to be displayed on the display unit so that the user can recognize it. The image according to claim 6, wherein the message regarding the toner cartridge includes a message indicating at least one of the following: that the toner cartridge has reached the end of its lifespan, and that replacement of the toner cartridge is requested. Forming device. 10. The displaying means displays the message on the display section so that the user can recognize the message when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge reaches a first value. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 7. When an image forming instruction is received in a state where the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge has reached the first value, the displaying means causes the displaying unit to display the image forming unit before starting to form an image based on the instruction. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a message indicating that the toner cartridge has reached the end of its life is displayed on the display section in a manner that is recognizable by the user. The display means displays a message indicating that the toner cartridge has reached the end of its life, when an image forming instruction is accepted and image formation based on the instruction is completed after displaying a message indicating that the toner cartridge is at the end of its life. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image forming apparatus displays on the display unit in a manner that is recognizable by a user. The display means is configured to form an image based on the instruction when an instruction for image formation is received in a state where the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge has reached a second value smaller than the first value. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein before starting the image forming apparatus, a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge is displayed on the display section so that the user can recognize it. The display means displays a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge to the user when an image formation instruction is accepted and image formation based on the instruction is completed after displaying a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image forming apparatus displays on the display section in a recognizable manner. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the remaining amount of toner is detected at the end of image formation in the image forming apparatus or at the time of starting up the image forming apparatus. 14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the displaying means causes the display unit to display a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge when the photoreceptor cartridge has reached the end of its life so that the user can recognize it. The image forming apparatus according to any one of the items. The means for displaying includes a timing when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge reaches a first value, and a timing when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge reaches a second value smaller than the first value. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when and, are the same, a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge is displayed on the display unit so that the user can recognize it. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display section is a display of an operation panel. An information processing method carried out by an image forming apparatus having a display section for displaying information and in which a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge can be respectively attached and detached, the method comprising:
a step of acquiring status information of the installed toner cartridge;
displaying a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display section in a manner that is perceivable by the user, based at least on the status information;
including;
An information processing method , wherein the message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge includes a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge . An information processing method carried out by an image forming apparatus having a display section for displaying information and in which a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge can be respectively attached and detached, the method comprising:
a step of acquiring status information of the installed toner cartridge;
displaying a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display section in a manner that is perceivable by the user, based at least on the status information;
including;
The information processing method is characterized in that the message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge includes a message requesting replacement of the mounting position of the photoreceptor cartridge. A computer has a display section for displaying information, and a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge are each removably attached to the computer.
obtaining status information of the installed toner cartridge;
displaying a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display section in a manner that is perceivable by the user, based at least on the status information;
A program for executing
The program includes a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge including a message regarding a failure that may occur in the photoreceptor cartridge . A computer has a display section for displaying information, and a toner cartridge and a photoreceptor cartridge are each removably attached to the computer.
obtaining status information of the installed toner cartridge;
displaying a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge on the display section in a manner that is perceivable by the user, based at least on the status information;
A program for executing
The program includes a message regarding future use of the photoreceptor cartridge that indicates a request to replace the mounting position of the photoreceptor cartridge.

Images