JPH01205176A - Consumables cartridge and image forming device using it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To set a processing condition optimum for each cartridge by providing an information recording part, where a recording pattern which can be read is recorded, driven with a driving power transferred from an image forming device. CONSTITUTION:In order to initialize a photosensitive drum 7, the photosensitive drum 7 is usually rotated nearly once without printing. At such a time, the information recording part 1 is simultaneously driven and the information of a bar code label 2 is read with an optical sensor 3. Characteristic peculiar to a consumables cartridge 9, for example, developing bias information optimum for the photosensitive drum 7 is recorded in the above-mentioned information. Thus, the processing condition optimum for the cartridge can be set. The ID number peculiar to the cartridge can be included in said information. By integrating and storing the lifes of consumables every ID number on a device main body, the life of each cartridge can be accurately controlled even if plural consumables cartridges are used by being replaced in the middle of the life.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and particularly to a consumable cartridge that is removably attached to a main unit, and an image forming apparatus that uses this consumable cartridge.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in this type of cartridge, for example, a consumable cartridge that is removably installed in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, information for selecting a developing bias that matches the characteristics of the photoreceptor, etc. is stored in the cartridge case. In addition, information on the lifespan of the photoreceptor and developing device was stored in a mechanical counter installed in the cartridge or in a non-volatile or battery-backed semiconductor memory.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, as described above, the method of transferring information regarding cartridge components using a protrusion or the like provided on the outside of the cartridge case has the drawback that the amount of information that can be transferred is small. Ta. In addition, the accuracy of counting the lifespan of consumables using mechanical counters is not very good,
This had the disadvantage of requiring a separate mechanism to transmit the lifespan to the main body. Furthermore, the method of storing the life of consumables in a semiconductor memory has problems such as high cost, the need for many contacts, and the need for a separate battery for backup.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a consumable cartridge and an image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridge, which solve the above-mentioned problems.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the consumable cartridge of the present invention includes an information recording section that records a readable recording pattern that is driven by a driving force transmitted from an image forming apparatus. have In addition to the information recording section, the apparatus includes a reading section for reading the recording pattern of the information recording section and means for transmitting the read information to the main body of the apparatus. Further, the image forming apparatus using the consumable cartridge of the present invention includes at least an information recording section in which a readable recording pattern is recorded, which is driven by a driving force transmitted from the apparatus main body, and the consumable cartridge is removably attached to the apparatus main body. the consumable cartridge; and a reading mechanism that reads the recording pattern of the information recording section of the consumable cartridge.

[Example] Next, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1st
The figure shows an embodiment of the consumable cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 5(a) is a side view, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view. The consumable cartridge 9 has a cylindrical drum as an information recording section 1, and a barcode label 2 recording a barcode pattern is attached to the surface of the drum.
．． It rotates in synchronization with the photosensitive drum 7 via the second gear 6. The photosensitive drum 7 is driven by a driving force transmitted from the main body of the apparatus by a gear (not shown). The consumable cartridge 9 has an opening 8 as a reading section in which the light from the light source 4 that illuminates the barcode label 2 and the optical signal of the information recorded on the barcode label 2 are emitted from the apparatus main body side to the optical sensor 3. The recorded information on the barcode label 2 can be read by the main unit. Consumable cartridge 9
When the photosensitive drum 7 is replaced and attached to the main body of the apparatus or the power of the main body is turned on, the photosensitive drum 7 is usually rotated about one revolution without printing in order to initialize the photosensitive drum 7. , At this time, the information recording section 1 is also driven at the same time, and the information on the barcode label 2 is read by the optical sensor 3. This information records the unique characteristics of the consumable cartridge 9, such as the optimum developing bias information for the photosensitive drum 7, so that the optimum process conditions can be set for the cartridge. This information can also include a unique ID number for each cartridge, and by storing the cumulative lifespan of consumables for each ID number on the device side, it is possible to insert multiple consumables cartridges in the middle of their lifespan. Even if the cartridge is used while being replaced, the lifespan of each cartridge can be correctly managed.

In this embodiment, the barcode label is pasted on the cylindrical surface of the drum, but of course the barcode label may be pasted on the disc part on the side of the drive shaft, or one disc on the circumferential surface that is not used as the recording part of the photosensitive drum 7. You can also use the section.

Further, although an optical bar code is used as the recording pattern of the information recording section 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and a magnetic pattern may be used as the recording pattern and read out with a magnetic head. You can also create a recording pattern with your body and read it out while tracing it with a spring contact.

That is, the recorded pattern may be of any type as long as it is readable. Particularly when a magnetic pattern is used, it is possible to rewrite the information later, and it is also possible to store life information etc. in the cartridge side, even if it is not stored in the main body of the device.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, the characteristic data and cartridge ID of the consumable cartridge are written as a recording pattern in the information drive unit driven from the main body of the apparatus, and the data is recorded when replacing the cartridge or when the power is turned on. A simple configuration in which the recorded pattern is read by a sensor installed in the main body of the device or in the cartridge makes it possible to set the optimum process conditions for each cartridge.Furthermore, even if multiple cartridges are mixed, each cartridge's This has the effect of correctly managing lifespan.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, with FIG. 1(a) being a side view and FIG. 1(b) being a plan view. 1... Information recording section 2... Barcode pattern 3... Optical sensor 4... Light source 5... First
Gear 6...Second gear 7...Photosensitive drum
8...Opening part 9...Consumables cartridge (d) (b') Fig. 1

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A consumable cartridge that is removably attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus, and an information recording section that records a readable recording pattern that is driven by a driving force transmitted from the main body of the image forming apparatus. Consumable cartridges. 2. A consumable cartridge that is removably attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus, and an information recording section that records a readable recording pattern that is driven by a driving force transmitted from the main body of the apparatus, and an information recording section of the information recording section. A consumable cartridge having a reading section that reads a recording pattern. 3. The consumable cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising means for transmitting the read information to the main body of the apparatus. 4. A consumable cartridge that is removably attached to the device main body and includes at least an information recording section recording a readable recording pattern driven by a driving force transmitted from the device main body, and an information recording section of the consumable cartridge. An image forming apparatus using a consumable cartridge having a reading mechanism that reads a recording pattern of the image forming apparatus.