CN100410824C - Image forming device having replacement units mounted thereto - Google Patents

Abstract

When a toner cartridge storing toner, which is an unauthorized product, is attached to the image forming apparatus in relation to set image density S (default mode), the image forming apparatus has the following operation modes that are different from the operation modes corresponding to an authorized product: mode (m1, m2) in which an amount of change (inclination) in set image density in relation to an amount of use of a developing unit is increased or decreased; mode (m1, m2) in which a threshold value is increased or decreased; mode (m3) in which an initial value (an amount of use = 0) is altered; mode (m4) in which alteration of a setting that matches the amount of use is not allowed; and mode (m5) in which alteration of, for example, the initial value for the alteration of the setting that matches the amount of use is not allowed. A user is allowed to select any of the modes.

Description

The image processing system of replacing the unit is installed

Technical field

The present invention relates to image processing system, more specifically, relate to a kind of image processing system that a plurality of replacements unit replacedly can be installed on the apparatus main body.

Background technology

The known image processing system that can easily change consumables and other unit by the user.

Simultaneously, when the unit of being replaced by the user is in addition the product of first wife's product (genuineproduct) of image processing system, can produce following problems, other situation that for example picture quality reduces, fully represent images forms the performance of device, can not guarantee to operate and misoperation etc.This is because image processing system according to the characteristic of the characteristic of toner, image-carrier, charging voltage, sanitary characteristics, photographic fixing characteristic etc., is controlled image forming course.

For the picture quality that keeps image processing system and prevent these problems, JP-A-10-133528 discloses a kind of method, wherein the first wife replaces the data carrier that part has the consumption data that is used to preserve consumables, and by consumption that is arranged on the consumption test section detection in the apparatus main body and the consumption data of preserving, judge whether that these consumables being offered this first wife replaces part by data carrier by relatively.

In addition, JP-A-6-149051 discloses a kind of method, and wherein toner Cartridge (cartridge) has the storage unit that is used for storing predetermined code data, and can not forbid duplicating when this storage unit reads these predetermined code data when the duplicating machine main body.

In addition, JP-A-2001-100598 discloses a kind of method, wherein when reading sky information (when detecting toner and use up should sky information write print cartridge) from the print cartridge that once was full of toner, shows warning prompt and non-print.

In addition, Jap.P. No.2602341 discloses a kind of method, wherein in the storer of print cartridge, store the counting of prepared image, and when expression can be equated with the counting of prepared image by the default termination counting of the amount of images of this print cartridge preparation, forbid further using this print cartridge.

In addition, Jap.P. No.3476704 discloses a kind of method, the wherein two-way communication between the bulk end communication unit of container end communication unit that passes through toner supply container and apparatus main body, judge that mounted toner supply container is incompatible, and in the time of should incompatiblely continuing to supply processing by selecting input block to select to ignore, set rank and be lower than the image forming conditions of suitable image forming conditions, so that can more easily find the incompatibility of toner supply container.

Summary of the invention

First purpose of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system, even wherein when the replacement unit of having installed to the product beyond first wife's product, also can use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product according to user's wish.Second purpose of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system, even wherein when the replacement unit installed to the product beyond first wife's product, also can control under the operator scheme that the product beyond first wife's product is fit to.

To achieve these goals, a first aspect of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system, and it comprises: apparatus main body; At least one replaces the unit, replacedly is installed on this apparatus main body; Judging unit judges that this replacement unit still is first wife's product product in addition for first wife's product; Input block is used for selecting in the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to as the suitable operator scheme in the replacement unit of the product beyond first wife's product; Correcting unit, the correcting value relevant according to the use amount of described replacement unit comes the correcting image formation condition; And correcting value change unit, be used for basis is changed this correcting unit by the operator scheme of above-mentioned input block selection correcting value.Therefore, the user can select in the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to and other operator scheme, and can change the correcting value of this correcting unit according to the operator scheme of selecting by this input block according to user's wish, so that can use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product.

Here, " operator scheme " is meant the control model of image processing system, and it not only comprises program and the controlled variable that is used to form image, and comprise initial conditions and output condition and the display device not directly related with forming image on display mode.

Preferably, above-mentioned correcting value changes the unit and comprises that initial set value changes make zero in the unit at least one of unit and correcting value, wherein this initial set value changes the initial set value that unit is used to change the image forming conditions of being proofreaied and correct by above-mentioned correcting unit, and this correcting value makes zero, and to be used to make the correcting value of the image forming conditions of above-mentioned correcting unit be zero substantially in the unit.Therefore, the user can select to change the initial set value of the image forming conditions of being proofreaied and correct by correcting unit and make the correcting value of image forming conditions is at least a in zero substantially, and can change the correcting value of this correcting unit according to the operator scheme of selecting by this input block according to user's wish, so that can use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product.

Preferably, the operator scheme that will be fit to the replacement unit as first wife's product is set at default mode.Therefore, when the replacement unit is first wife's product, because the operator scheme that will be fit to the replacement unit as first wife's product is set at default mode, the user can easily use this image processing system under the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to.

Preferably, detecting unit also is equipped with, be used for detecting and whether changed above-mentioned replacement unit, and when above-mentioned detecting unit detects when changing above-mentioned replacement unit, above-mentioned correcting value changes the unit changes above-mentioned correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by above-mentioned input block correcting value.Therefore, because the user can come select operating mode by this input block when change replacing the unit, so make it possible to use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product according to user's wish.

Preferably, the predetermined timing after changing above-mentioned replacement unit, above-mentioned detecting unit detects and changes above-mentioned replacement unit.Therefore, even detecting unit can not detect under the situation of this replacement unit immediately after changing this replacement unit, also can change this replacement unit predetermined regularly detecting.

Preferably, when above-mentioned judging unit judged that in above-mentioned a plurality of replacements unit at least one is for the product beyond first wife's product, above-mentioned correcting value changed the unit changes above-mentioned correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by above-mentioned input block correcting value.That is, at least one in a plurality of replacements unit is that the user can pass through this input block select operating mode under the situation of the product beyond first wife's product, thereby can use replacement unit as first wife's product product in addition according to user's wish.

In addition, to achieve these goals, a second aspect of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system, and it comprises: apparatus main body; At least one replaces the unit, replacedly is installed on this apparatus main body; Judging unit is used to judge that this replacement unit still is first wife's product product in addition for first wife's product; Input block is used for selecting in the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to as the suitable operator scheme in the replacement unit of the product beyond first wife's product; Detecting unit is used for testing environment; Correcting unit is used for coming the correcting image formation condition according to the relevant correcting value of the testing result of this detecting unit; And correcting value changes the unit, is used for changing correcting value by above-mentioned correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by above-mentioned input block.Therefore, the user can select in the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to and other operator scheme, and can change the correcting value of this correcting unit according to the operator scheme of selecting by this input block according to user's wish, so that can use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product.

Here, " operator scheme " is meant the control model of image processing system, and not only comprises program and the controlled variable that is used to form image, and comprise initial conditions and output condition and the display device not directly related with forming image on display mode.

Preferably, above-mentioned correcting value changes the unit and comprises that initial set value changes make zero in the unit at least one of unit and correcting value, wherein this initial set value changes the initial set value that unit is used to change the image forming conditions of being proofreaied and correct by above-mentioned correcting unit, and this correcting value makes zero, and to be used to make the correcting value of the image forming conditions of above-mentioned correcting unit be zero substantially in the unit.Therefore, the user can select to change the initial set value of the image forming conditions of being proofreaied and correct by this correcting unit and make the correcting value of image forming conditions is in zero at least one substantially, and can change the correcting value of this correcting unit according to the operator scheme of selecting by this input block according to user's wish, so that can use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product.

Preferably, the operator scheme that will be fit to the replacement unit as first wife's product is set at default mode.Therefore, when this replacement unit is first wife's product, because the operator scheme that will be fit to the replacement unit as first wife's product is set at default mode, the user can easily use image processing system under the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to.

Preferably, the replacing detecting unit also is equipped with, be used for detecting and whether changed above-mentioned replacement unit, and when above-mentioned replacing detecting unit detects when changing above-mentioned replacement unit, above-mentioned correcting value changes the unit changes above-mentioned correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by above-mentioned input block correcting value.Therefore, because the user can come select operating mode by this input block when change replacing the unit, so make it possible to use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product according to user's wish.

Preferably, the predetermined timing after changing above-mentioned replacement unit, above-mentioned replacing detecting unit detects and has changed above-mentioned replacement unit.Therefore, even this replacing detecting unit can not detect under the situation of this replacement unit immediately after changing this replacement unit, also can change this replacement unit predetermined regularly detecting.

Preferably, when above-mentioned judging unit judged that in above-mentioned a plurality of replacements unit at least one is product beyond first wife's product, above-mentioned correcting value changed the unit changes above-mentioned correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by above-mentioned input block correcting value.Promptly, in this a plurality of replacements unit at least one is under the situation of the product beyond first wife's product, the user can come select operating mode by this input block, thereby makes it possible to use replacement unit as the product beyond first wife's product according to user's wish.

By the present invention,, also can use replacement unit according to user's wish as the product beyond first wife's product even when the replacement unit of installing as the product beyond first wife's product.In addition, by the present invention, even when the replacement unit of installing as the product beyond first wife's product, also can under the operator scheme that the product beyond first wife's product is fit to, control.

Description of drawings

According to the detailed description below in conjunction with accompanying drawing, it is more clear that these and other objects of the present invention and advantage will become, in the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram of the image formation system of one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 is the side view of summary of the image processing system of the expression embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is the side view as the following state of example shown, wherein dismantles the replaceable unit of the image processing system of the embodiment of the invention from the image processing system main body.

Fig. 4 is the stereographic map of developing apparatus of the image processing system of the expression embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is the synoptic diagram of section of developing apparatus of the image processing system of the expression embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is the stereographic map of toner Cartridge of the image processing system of the expression embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 is the cut-open view of toner Cartridge of the image processing system of the expression embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 is the block scheme of circuit structure of wireless communication unit of the image processing system of the expression embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 is the block scheme of circuit structure that is illustrated in the memory chip of the toner Cartridge that uses in the image processing system of the embodiment of the invention.

Figure 10 is the cut-open view that the position relation of the wireless communication unit of radio communication and memory chip is carried out in expression.

Figure 11 is the side view that is illustrated in the structure of the image carrier unit that uses in the image processing system of the embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 is the structure of control module of image processing system of the expression embodiment of the invention and the block scheme of the various piece that links to each other with this control module.

Figure 13 is stored in memory of data distribution diagram among program ROM, main body NVM and the unit NVM as example shown.

Figure 14 be expression when controlling so that toner concentration fixedly the time, the charge volume of toner is with respect to the curve map of the variation of the use amount of developing apparatus.

Figure 15 be expression when controlling so that the image density of the image on the intermediate transfer body (spacing) fixedly the time, toner concentration is with respect to the curve map by the number of paper of image processing system printing.

Figure 16 is a curve map, the setting image density S (desired value) according to the use amount of developing apparatus of the image on the expression intermediate transfer body, and this developing apparatus comprises the toner A as first wife's product.

Figure 17 is that expression has been carried out the curve map of the toner density of correction with respect to the number of paper of being printed by image processing system by setting image density S.

Figure 18 is a curve map, the setting image density (desired value) according to the use amount of developing apparatus of the image on the expression intermediate transfer body, and this developing apparatus comprises the toner as the product outside first wife's product.

Figure 19 is a process flow diagram (S10), and presentation video formation device prints the processing of carrying out when preparing according to the operator scheme of toner Cartridge.

Figure 20 is that expression detects the process flow diagram (S20) that the unit replacement of whether having changed toner Cartridge detects processing.

Figure 21 is a process flow diagram (S30), and presentation video forms device the operator scheme of carrying out as the product beyond first wife's product is selected to handle, and is used for selecting to be used for operator scheme as the product beyond first wife's product by the user.

Figure 22 is a process flow diagram (S40), and presentation video forms the operator scheme selection processing that device is carried out first wife's product, is used for being used for by user's selection the operator scheme of first wife's product.

Figure 23 is as picture displayed on the example shown UI device, and wherein the picture of user for the input of first wife's product select operating mode accepted in (A) expression, and (B) picture of user for the input of the product select operating mode beyond first wife's product accepted in expression.

Figure 24 represents operator scheme confirmation/change picture, be used to make the user can confirm the operator scheme that to set for image processing system, this operator scheme is for selecting as the toner B of the product beyond first wife's product etc., and makes the user can change to any in multiple other operator scheme different with the operator scheme of suitable first wife's product.

Figure 25 is the curve map of the setting image density S under the following situation of expression, wherein before arriving judgement regularly, proofread and correct the density that is formed on the image on the intermediate transfer body by this setting image density, and detect toner Cartridge for the product beyond first wife's product after, change operator scheme.

Figure 26 is a curve map, and the charge volume that expression changes with respect to the humidity (relative humidity) as the toner A of first wife's product changes and development amount (image density) changes.

Figure 27 is illustrated in the image density control curve map of the humidity characteristic of toner concentration down.

Figure 28 is that the curve map of image density (desired value) with respect to humidity (relative humidity) set in expression.

Figure 29 is illustrated in execution to have carried out according to operator scheme a under the situation of the image density control of proofreading and correct, and the toner concentration of toner A, B and C is with respect to the curve map of humidity (relative humidity).

Figure 30 is as picture displayed on the example shown UI device, wherein the picture of user for the input of first wife's product select operating mode accepted in (A) expression, and (B) expression is accepted the user and is the picture as the input of the product select operating mode beyond first wife's product.

Figure 31 represents operator scheme confirmation/change picture, be used to make it possible to confirm the operator scheme b that will set for image processing system, this operator scheme is for selecting as the toner B of the product beyond first wife's product etc., and makes it possible to further adjust the correcting value among the operator scheme b.

Figure 32 represents that operator scheme selects picture, is used for making it possible to operator scheme a and other operator scheme b, c, d and e select operating mode from as default mode.

Embodiment

Now embodiments of the invention are described based on accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 represents the image formation system 1 of one embodiment of the invention.Image formation system 1 is made of the PC (personal computer) or other host apparatus 2 that for example link to each other with a plurality of image processing systems 10 by network 3.Host apparatus 2 for example can be such as the control device of MCU (micro controller unit) etc., such as the input/output device of touch pad or the terminal except PC, and this host apparatus 2 has and is used for sending communicator with received signal by network 3.Network 3 can be wired or wireless.In addition, a plurality of host apparatus 2 can link to each other with network 3.

Therefore, image formation system 1 is provided so that host apparatus 2 can be by network 3 control image processing systems 10.

Fig. 2 has briefly represented image processing system 10.Image processing system 10 has image processing system main body 12, and the ON/OFF lid 16 of moving axis 14 rotations that can rotate is arranged on the top of this image processing system main body 12.For example be arranged on the front (left side among Fig. 2) of ON/OFF lid 16 for the user interface (UI device) 18 of touch pad etc.The control information of UI device 18 display images formation device 10, command information etc., and receive customer-furnished command information and other input.That is, the user can be by UI device 18 operation image processing systems 10.UI device 18 can be the device that receives only switch input etc., perhaps can be the device of only output indication etc., perhaps can be the device of these functions of combination.

In addition, be provided with ON/OFF detecting sensor 19 near rotation axis 14, it for example detects the ON/OFF of ON/OFF lid 16 by the open/close contact/separation according to ON/OFF lid 16.

For example be positioned at the bottom of image processing system main body 12 for the paper feed unit 20 of single-stage.Paper feed unit 20 has paper feed unit main body 22 and paper feeding box 24, in this paper feeding box paper is housed.Near the inner end of paper feeding box 24 top is provided with from paper feeding box 24 and the intake roller 26 of paper is provided and roller 28, paper that is provided of this delay roller first separation are provided.In addition, above paper feeding box 24, be provided with the temperature sensor 30 of the internal temperature that is used for detected image formation apparatus main body 12 and the humidity sensor 32 of the interior humidity that is used for detected image formation apparatus main body 12.

Transfer path 34 be paper from intake roller 26 to exit slot 36 path, and 100 are vertically formed this transfer path 34 substantially from paper feed unit 20 to fixing device, to describe this fixing device 100 after a while, and this fixing device 100 is arranged near the rear side (right side of Fig. 2) of image processing system main body 12.The upstream side of the fixing device 100 that the secondary transfer roller 88 described and secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 are positioned at transfer path 34 after a while, and stop that roller (resist roll) 38 is positioned at the upstream side of secondary transfer roller 88 and secondary transfer printing backing roll 82.Exit roller 40 is positioned near the exit slot 36 of transfer path 34.

Therefore, by postponing the paper that roller 28 separates to be provided from the paper feeding box 24 of paper feed unit 20 by intake roller 26, with the transfer path 34 that only uppermost paper led, by stopping that roller 38 temporarily stops it, by between the timing through adjusting is through the secondary transfer roller 88 described after a while and secondary transfer printing backing roll 82, carrying out the transfer printing of toner image, toner image by the transfer printing of 100 pairs of institutes of fixing device carries out photographic fixing, and outputs on the paper delivery part 42 on the top that is arranged on ON/OFF lid 16 from exit slot 36 by exit roller 40.This paper delivery part 42 tilts, so that partly locate lower and uprise gradually along frontal (left-hand among Fig. 2) at exit slot.

For example, the approximate centre in image processing system main body 12 partly is provided with rotary developing device or other developing device unit 44.Developing device unit 44 has developing device unit main body 46, and four developing apparatus 48a to 48d that are used to form toner image are installed on this developing device unit main body 46.These developing apparatuss 48a to 48d rotates to (counter clockwise direction among Fig. 2) with developing device unit main body 46 moving axis 50 left-hands that rotate.The cylindrical toner Cartridge 52a to 52d that comprises yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) toner is installed in respectively on the developing apparatus 48a to 48d.When being installed to toner Cartridge 52a to 52d on the developing device unit main body 46, its outside surface is flushed substantially with the periphery of developing device unit main body 46 by developing apparatus 48a to 48d.

The rear side (right side Fig. 2) that the image-carrier 54 that for example comprises photoconductor is set to from image processing system 10 contacts with developing device unit 44.Promptly, by developing device unit 44, prepare the panchromatic development of Y, M, C and four kinds of colors of K, and developing apparatus 48a to 48d moves rotatably respectively and is positioned at the position relative with image-carrier 54, continuously sub-image is developed on image-carrier 54 with using once a kind of color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) developer.

In addition, wireless communication unit 56 is positioned at the position relative substantially with image-carrier 54 with respect to the rotation axis 50 of developing device unit 44.This wireless communication unit 56 has antenna 58, and carries out radio communication with the memory chip of describing after a while 170.

Charging device 60 is arranged on the below of image-carrier 54, and this charging device 60 for example comprises the charging roller to these image-carrier 54 uniform charging.In addition, image-carrier clearer 62 in rotational direction contacts with image-carrier 54 at the upstream side of charging device 60.Image-carrier clearer 62 for example comprises: cleaning blade 64, and the toner that is used for will remaining on the image-carrier 54 after primary transfer strikes off; And used toner returnable bottle 66, be used to reclaim the toner that strikes off by cleaning blade 64.

On the back side (right side among Fig. 2) of used toner returnable bottle 66, for example be formed with a plurality of ribs etc., and form curved surface thus, to form the part of the transfer path 34 that can steadily transmit paper.

Exposure device 68 is arranged on the below at the rear portion of developing device unit 44, and it writes on sub-image by laser or other light and has been undertaken on the image-carrier 54 of charging by charging device 60.In addition, do not use detecting sensor 70 to be positioned at the top of developing device unit 44, it for example is a reflective photoelectric sensor etc., and detects and whether used the toner Cartridge 52a to 52d that is installed on the developing device unit 44.The top that intermediate transfer device 72 is arranged on developing device unit 44 and does not use detecting sensor 70, this intermediate transfer device 72 changes in the primary transfer position once a kind of color ground to carrying out primary transfer by developing device unit 44 visual above-mentioned toner images in each of intermediate transfer body 74, and after being stacked in the toner image of four kinds of colors on the intermediate transfer body 74 thus, be transferred on the paper in batches in the secondary transfer printing position of describing after a while.

Intermediate transfer device 72 for example comprise intermediate transfer belt or other intermediate transfer body 74, primary transfer roller 76, around go into roller 78, lay out roller 80, secondary transfer printing backing roll 82, scraper backing roll 84 and brush backing roll 86.Intermediate transfer body 74 for example has elasticity, and substantially flat stride across developing device unit 44 tops, to have long limit and minor face.The long limit of the upper surface side of intermediate transfer body 74 is for example crossed over substantially parallel with respect to the paper delivery part 42 that is arranged on image processing system main body 12 tops.In addition, intermediate transfer body 74 has primary transfer part (image-carrier winding zone), this primary transfer part is to contact with image-carrier 54 around going into roller 78 and lay out the mode of twining between the roller 80, thereby only walk around the preset range of image-carrier 54 and follow the rotation of image-carrier 54, wherein around going into the place, long limit that roller 78 is positioned at lower face side and the upstream side of primary transfer roller 76, and lay out the downstream that roller 80 is positioned at primary transfer roller 76.

In addition, at the rear side (right flank among Fig. 2) of intermediate transfer body 74, form a flat (minor face) by laying out roller 80 and secondary transfer printing backing roll 82, and this flat is used as the secondary transfer printing part in the face of transfer path 34.

Therefore, with the toner image on the image-carrier 54 by primary transfer roller 76 for example according to stacked ground of the order primary transfer of yellow, magenta, cyan and black to intermediate transfer body 74, intermediate transfer body 74 partly transmits the toner image of primary transfer towards secondary transferring then.

The toner that scraper backing roll 84 helps will remain on the intermediate transfer body 74 by scraper 94 (describing after a while) after secondary transfer printing strikes off, and the toner that brush backing roll 86 helps will remain on the intermediate transfer body 74 by brush roll 96 (describing after a while) after secondary transfer printing strikes off.

Secondary transfer roller 88 is relative with the secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 of secondary transfer printing device 72 by transfer path 34.Therefore, gap between secondary transfer roller 88 and the secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 is the secondary transfer printing position in the secondary transfer printing part, and the help by secondary transfer printing backing roll 82, secondary transfer roller 88 in the secondary transfer printing position primary transfer to the toner image secondary transfer printing of intermediate transfer body 74 to a piece of paper.Here, secondary transfer roller 88 is set to when intermediate transfer body 74 rotates three times (, when transfer printing during the toner of yellow, magenta and three kinds of colors of cyan), separate from middle transfer article 74, and when the transfer printing black toner image, contact with intermediate transfer body 74.Predetermined potential difference between secondary transfer roller 88 and the secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 is raise, and for example secondary transfer roller 88 is being set under the high-tension situation, with secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 ground connection (GND) etc.

Upstream side in the secondary transfer printing position is provided with and for example is the image density sensor 90 of reflective photoelectric sensor, with relative with intermediate transfer body 74 by transfer path 34.Image density sensor 90 reads the toner piece that is formed on the intermediate transfer body 74, is formed on the density of the image on the intermediate transfer body 74 with detection.

At the lateral ends place relative of intermediate transfer body 74, be provided with intermediate transfer body clearer 92 in the mode that contacts with the image-carrier side.Intermediate transfer body clearer 92 for example comprises: scraper 94 is used for striking off remaining toner and cleans secondary transfer printing body 74 after secondary transfer printing; Brush roll 96 is used for further striking off by scraper 94 and cleans the remaining toner in back; Used toner returnable bottle 98 is used to reclaim the toner that is struck off by scraper 94 and brush roll 96.Scraper 94 is for example formed by thin corrosion resistant plate, and applies voltage with the toner opposite polarity to it.Brush roll 96 for example comprises the brush that is formed by acrylic acid, it has been carried out conductive processing.When middle transfer article 74 transmitted toner image, scraper 94 separated with intermediate transfer body 74 with brush roll 96, and scraper 94 is set to regularly contact integratedly with intermediate transfer body 74 predetermined with brush roll 96.

Fixing device 100 is positioned at the top of secondary transfer printing position.Fixing device 100 has warm-up mill 102 and pressure roller 104, will be on this paper by secondary transfer roller 88 and the secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 secondary transfer printings toner image to the paper, and transmit these paper towards exit roller 40.

In addition, be provided with control module 106 in the inside of image processing system main body 12, its control composing images forms the various piece of device 10.

Image carrier unit 108 is integrated with image-carrier 54, charging device 60 and image-carrier clearer 62.In addition, image formation unit 110 is integrated with image carrier unit 108, intermediate transfer device 72 and intermediate transfer clearer 92.In addition, fixation unit 112 is integrated with fixing device 100 and exit roller 40.

As shown in Figure 3, make image formation unit 110 detachable, and can carry out installation or removal by opening ON/OFF lid 16 with respect to image processing system main body 12.In addition, make image carrier unit 108 detachable with respect to image formation unit 110.

During face side (ON/OFF is covered 16 sides) when toner Cartridge 52a to 52d is positioned at ON/OFF lid 16 and opens, make them detachable with respect to the developing apparatus 48a to 48d that is installed on the developing device unit main body 46.During face side (ON/OFF is covered 16 sides) when developing apparatus 48a to 48d is positioned at ON/OFF lid 16 and opens, make them detachable with respect to developing device unit main body 46.

Make fixation unit 112 detachable with respect to image processing system main body 12 when removing unshowned loam cake.Also make such as other unit of developing device unit 44 and paper feed unit 20 detachable with respect to image processing system main body 12.

Therefore, make it possible to replace each unit by the user.Simultaneously, under situation about the user replaceable unit being installed on the image processing system 10, when the product outside the first wife's product that is used for image processing system 10 has been installed, following problems may occur, for example can not keep satisfied picture quality, can not guarantee operation etc.This is because control image processing system 10 according to the characteristic of employed member in the image processing system 10.Therefore, the sensor that will be used for detecting predetermined state etc. is arranged on the unit that can be replaced by the user etc.

Below, when the expression assembly,, specifically do not indicate the some of those assemblies, and component table can be shown reduced form, for example " developing apparatus 48 " being provided with in a plurality of assembly (for example, developing apparatus 48a to 48d etc.).

Now will describe an example of replaceable unit, this replaceable unit has the sensor that is used for determining predetermined state.

Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 represent the structure as the developing apparatus 48 of replaceable unit.

Developing apparatus 48 has developer roll 116, first auger (auger) 118, second auger 120, triple helical pusher 122 and layer thickness regulating member 124, wherein developer roll 116 is used as developer carrier and is positioned at image-carrier 54 sides of developing apparatus shell (developing apparatus main body) 114, and this developing apparatus 48 for example comprises two-component developing agent, and it comprises nonmagnetic toner and magnetic color tuner.

Developing apparatus shell 114 has: shutter (shutter) 126 is used to open and close after a while with toner receiving port 134 and the developer floss hole 140 described; Cylindrical input transfer path 128 is used to transmit the toner from toner Cartridge 52 inputs; And cylindrical developer transfer path 130,132, be used for stirring ground and transmit toner and carrier.

Input transfer path 128 has: toner receiving port 134 is used to receive the toner from toner Cartridge 52; And toner input port 136, be used for toner is input to developer transfer path 130, and first auger 118 is arranged in the input transfer path 128.First auger 118 will be sent to developer transfer path 130 from the toner that toner Cartridge 52 receives by input transfer path 128.In addition, by regulating the rotation of first auger 118, can regulate the amount that offers the toner of developing apparatus 48 from toner Cartridge 52.Toner concentration (ratio of toner and carrier) and toner charge volume with developer is controlled to be predetermined value thus.

Also can calculate toner use amount (use amount of toner Cartridge 52) by CPU202 by the driving time or the number of revolutions of accumulative total first auger 118.Can also be by the electric current (this electric current flows when exposure device 68 writes on electrostatic latent image on the image-carrier 54) of the form of electrical charges in the accumulative total capacitor etc., and count by the number of times that 202 pairs of electric charges that added up of CPU reach scheduled volume and to calculate the toner use amount.

Toner concentration is controlled to be predetermined value, to prevent following problem.For example, too high toner concentration can cause following problems, promptly, it is too low that the toner charge volume becomes, and toner cloud (cloud) occurs, thereby pollution image forms the inside of device, toner is deposited on the no image section of paper, thereby causes bluring, produces transfer printing again etc.Too low toner concentration can cause following problems, that is, make carrier be deposited on the image section of paper owing to electric charge injects, and Tai Gao makes the transfer efficiency reduction because the toner charge volume becomes, or the like.

In input transfer path 128, between toner receiving port 134 and toner input port 136, be provided with toner detecting sensor 138, and this toner detecting sensor 138 for example by detecting between 2 in the input transfer path 128 because the existence of toner or do not have the impedance variation that causes detects in input transfer path 128 whether have toner.Toner detecting sensor 138 also can be a piezoelectric element.

Toner transfer path 130 has developer floss hole 140, by this developer floss hole 140 too much developer is discharged in the toner Cartridge 52, and second auger 120 is positioned at developer transfer path 130.Second auger 120 stirs ground and mixes toner and the carrier that transmits by input transfer path 128, and potpourri is sent to developer transfer path 132.

Triple helical pusher 122 is positioned at developer transfer path 132.Triple helical pusher 122 stirs ground and transmits the developer that transmits by developer transfer path 130, and this developer is offered developer roll 116.

Demarcation strip 143 and is provided with the passage (not shown) at each end of demarcation strip 143 between developer transfer path 130 and developer transfer path 132, this passage connects developer transfer path 130 and developer transfer path 132.Therefore, transmit developer along the direction that replaces, make the charge volume of toner triboelectric charging to predetermined polarity by carrier by second auger 120 and triple helical pusher 122, and in developing apparatus shell 114 inner loop.In addition, by regularly the developer of degenerating being discharged into the toner Cartridge 52 from developer floss hole 140, can prolong the entire life (dribble-feed (trickle) toning system) of developer predetermined.

Shutter 126 has opening 144 and 146, by making opening 144 and toner receiving port 134 overlapping, form from toner Cartridge 52 to developing apparatus 48 toner passage, and, form from developing apparatus 48 to toner Cartridge 52 the passage that is used for excessive developer by making opening 146 and developer floss hole 140 overlapping.

Developer roll 116 carrying toners also contact with image-carrier 54, with by toner to being carried on the latent electrostatic image developing on the image-carrier 54.Layer thickness regulating member 124 restrictions are carried on the bed thickness of the toner on the developer roll 116.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 represent the structure as the toner Cartridge 52 of replaceable unit.

Toner Cartridge 52 has cartridge bodies 150 and rotating part 152, and this rotating part 152 is arranged on an end of the longitudinal direction of cartridge bodies 150.

Cartridge bodies 150 is formed tubulose, and be formed and make the part of substantial cylindrical become as a whole with narrowed portion gradually, wherein the inside of this substantial cylindrical part is provided with and stirs transmission member 154, and the part that this narrows down is gradually partly extended from this substantial cylindrical along vertical with longitudinal direction basically direction.Cartridge bodies 150 is provided so that also when being installed to toner Cartridge 52 on the developing device unit main body 46 by developing apparatus 48, the outside surface of cartridge bodies 150 flushes with the periphery of developing device unit main body 46.

Be formed for holding the toner accommodating space 156 of the toner that will offer developing apparatus 48 in the inside of cartridge bodies 150.Above-mentioned stirring conveying element 154 is arranged in the toner accommodating space 156.This stirring conveying element 154 is for example reeled in spiral mode, and the toner of agitation of toner spatial accommodation 156 inside, and the toner receiving port 134 towards developing apparatus 48 transmits toner simultaneously.

Rotating part 152 has rotating part main body 154 and cylindrical tubular part 156, and this cylindrical tubular part 156 is arranged on rotating part main body 154 inside, and forms as one with cartridge bodies 150.Tubular portion 156 passes through lateral parts 158 side seals of tubular portion sidewall 160 in rotating part main body 154, and is provided with partition wall 162 in tubular portion 156 inside.Tubular portion sidewall 160 places at partition wall 162, be formed with developer and reclaim space 164, be used to retrieve the excessive developer of autography device 48, and, form above-mentioned toner accommodating space 156 in the mode of extending in the side relative of partition wall 162 with tubular portion sidewall 160 sides.

Rotating part main body 154 has the window shape window portion 166 that is covered by transparent component, and the inboard of this rotating part main body 154 forms cylindrical, and is set to along the outside surface rotation of the cylindrical part of tubular portion 156.In addition, for example be bonded on the outside surface of cylindrical part of tubular portion 156 for the reflecting member 168 of white band etc., and when toner Cartridge 52 being installed on developing apparatus 48 and the rotating part main body 154, reflecting member 168 is set to expose by window portion 166.In addition, when the developing device unit 44 that toner Cartridge 52 is installed during in image processing system main body 12 inner rotation, the reflecting member 168 that is exposed is set to pass the position relative with not using detecting sensor 70, and this does not use detecting sensor 70 to be fixed on the image processing system main body 12.As mentioned above, not using detecting sensor 70 for example is reflective photoelectric sensor, and pass through when not using the relative position of detecting sensor 70 by detecting reflecting member 168 when toner Cartridge 52 (being installed on the developing device unit 44), owing to toner to the volume reflection that the pollution of reflecting member 168 changes, detect whether toner Cartridge 52 is also untapped toner Cartridge.

Memory chip 170 is bonded on the lateral parts 158 of rotating part main body 154.Memory chip 170 has antenna 172, and carries out radio communication with the wireless communication unit 56 that is located at image processing system main body 12 sides.

Next, for wireless communication unit 56 and memory chip 170, with describe separately circuit structure and this two assemblies between the communication carried out mutually.

Fig. 8 is the block scheme of the circuit structure of expression wireless communication unit 56.Fig. 9 is the block scheme of the circuit structure of expression memory chip 170.

As shown in Figure 8, the circuit of wireless communication unit 56 comprises transmission/reception control module 174, modulation circuit 176, transtation mission circuit 178, receiving circuit 180, demodulator circuit 182 and antenna 58.In wireless communication unit 56, the operation of each assembly of transmission/reception control module 174 control wireless communication units 56.Transmission/reception control module 174 will be exported to modulation circuit 176 from the data of control module 106 inputs.In addition, transmission/reception control module 174 will be exported to control module 106 by receiving circuit 180 receptions and by demodulator circuit 182 demodulated data.176 pairs of data from 174 inputs of transmission/reception control module of modulation circuit are modulated, and these data are exported to transtation mission circuit 178.Transtation mission circuit 178 is exported to memory chip 170 by antenna 58 with the radio signal (comprising data, clock signal etc.) in memory chip 170 to be stored.

Receiving circuit 180 receives the signal that sends from memory chip 170 by antenna 58, and this signal is exported to demodulator circuit 182.Demodulator circuit 182 comes the data of demodulation from memory chip 170 transmissions according to the variation of the signal of importing from receiving circuit 180, and these data are exported to transmission/reception control module 174.

As shown in Figure 9, the circuit of memory chip 170 comprises unit NVM (nonvolatile memory) 184, sends logical circuit 182, receive logic circuit 188, transtation mission circuit 190, receiving circuit 192, clock regeneration circuit 194, power supply unit 196 and antenna 172.

When from wireless communication unit 56 when memory chip 170 sends radio signals, receive these radio signals by receiving circuit 192, clock regeneration circuit 194 and power supply unit 196 by antenna 172.In memory chip 170, when receiving this radio signal, 196 pairs of electric currents that produced by the electromagnetic induction of radio signal of power supply unit carry out rectification, and provide it to operate necessary power to each assembly of memory chip 170.For example, if desired than the high voltage of voltage that produces by power unit 196, then memory chip 170 can be set to receive electric power from main part 40.For example, in memory chip 170, power coil etc. can also be set, and can provide electric power from the AC electric current that offers developing device unit 44 in the noncontact mode.

When receiving radio signal, clock regeneration circuit 194 regenerates clock signal, and clock signal is exported to each circuit that constitutes memory chip 170.When receiving radio signal, receiving circuit 192 is exported to receive logic circuit 188 with data or other signal that the clock signal of importing from clock regeneration circuit 194 synchronously will be included in the radio signal.Receive logic circuit 188 synchronously carries out demodulation to data or other signal from the receiving circuit input with the clock signal from clock regeneration circuit 194 inputs, and will export to unit NVM 184 through the signal of demodulation.

Unit NVM 184 can write nonvolatile memory, and, if write data from the signal indication of receive logic circuit 188 inputs, then unit NVM 184 and write (storage) of synchronously carrying out data from the clock signal of clock regeneration circuit 194 inputs, if and this signal indication reading of data, then unit NVM 184 and clock signal from clock regeneration circuit 194 inputs synchronously will be stored in data the unit NVM 184 and export to and send logical circuit 186.The nonvolatile memory that is included among the unit NVM 184 for example can be flash ROM, EEPROM or FeRAM (ferroelectric memory).

Send logical circuit 186 and synchronously the data of importing from unit NVM 184 are modulated, and modulated data are exported to transtation mission circuit 190 with clock signal from clock regeneration circuit 194 inputs.Transtation mission circuit 190 synchronously will send to radio communication unit 56 as radio signal from the signal that sends logical circuit 186 inputs by antenna 172 with the clock signal of importing from clock regeneration circuit 194.

Can be set to as the signal that radio signal sends and receives after having carried out coding and being converted to radio signal subsequently, send and receive.For example can be arranged so that the content that permitted user etc. can use coded radio signal to come rewriting unit NVM184 by the device beyond the control module 106.

Figure 10 illustrates the wireless communication unit 56 and the relation of the position between the memory chip 170 of carrying out radio communication.As mentioned above, each toner Cartridge 52 is installed on the developing apparatus 48, and by serve as that the developing device unit 44 (Fig. 2) of axle rotation moves with rotation axis 50.Wireless communication unit 56 is fixed near developing device unit 44 sides on the image processing system main body 12, each mobile memory chip 170 will be relative with wireless communication unit 56 continuously so that by the rotation of developing device unit 44, and wireless communication unit 56 is set to carry out radio communication under following state, wherein the motion of developing apparatus 48 is controlled and it is stopped in roughly relative position, so that can carry out radio communication with corresponding memory chip 170.In addition, wireless communication unit 56 for example is set to confirmation of receipt signal (this confirmation signal is sent in response to the radio signal from wireless communication unit 56 outputs by memory chip 170), with the beginning of confirming that data send and receive.

Figure 11 represents the structure as the image carrier unit 108 of replaceable unit.

As mentioned above, image carrier unit 108 is integrated with image-carrier 54, charging device 60 and image-carrier clearer 62, and have used toner and be full of sensor 198 and buoy 200, wherein this used toner is full of the top that sensor 198 for example is arranged on image-carrier clearer 62 inside, and buoy 200 is arranged on the below that used toner is full of sensor 198.Used toner is full of sensor 198 and has light path, wherein assign to receive the light that sends from the light radiating portion that is arranged on opposite side, and used toner is full of sensor 198 and whether light receiving part has been received light output gives control module 106 by the light receiver that is arranged on a side.Buoy 200 is set to rise when used toner the used toner returnable bottle 66 surpasses scheduled volume when being recovered to from image-carrier 54, and is set to stop when used toner returnable bottle 66 is full of used toner that used toner is full of the light path of sensor 198.Therefore, whether image carrier unit 108 is full of sensor 198 and buoy 200 by used toner and detects used toner returnable bottle 66 and be full of, and this information is exported to control module 106.

Whether used toner is full of sensor 198 and buoy 200 can also be arranged on intermediate transfer body clearer 92 places, be full of to detect used toner returnable bottle 66.

Therefore, each replaceable unit with sensor of being used to detect predetermined state etc. is set to the testing result of sensor etc. is exported to control module 106, and control module 106 is set to control the various piece that composing images forms device 10 based on the testing result of being imported.

Now will describe the structure of control module 106 in detail.

Figure 12 is the block scheme of expression control module 106 and the various piece that links to each other with control module 106.

Control module 106 has CPU 202, storage unit 204, sensor interface (sensor I/F) circuit 206, wireless communication unit control circuit 208, communication interface (communication I/F) circuit 210, user interface (UI) control circuit 212, image rendering circuit 214, process control circuit 216, image formation unit interface (image forms I/F) circuit 218, paper delivery unit control circuit 220 etc., and these circuit are set to pass through system bus 222 mutual input and output signals.

CPU 202 sends to the various piece that constitutes control module 106 by system bus 222 with signal and from constituting the various piece received signal of control module 106, and control constitutes the various piece of control module 106.

Storage unit 204 has program ROM 224, RAM 226 and main body NVM (nonvolatile memory) 228, and stores required information such as controlling image processing system 10.Program ROM 224 for example is made of flash ROM, and is set to upgrade the content of being stored.RAM 226 for example is made of SRAM, and the storage temporary information, for example the drawing data of importing from image rendering circuit 214.Main body NVM 228 is made of electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory (for example EEPROM or flash ROM).As long as main body NVM 228 can rewrite memory storage (even also can keep data when closing image forms the power supply of device 10), then it can be SRAM (by battery etc. as its back-up source), HDD (hard disk drive) or optical memory etc.

Sensor I/F circuit 206 receives from ON/OFF detecting sensor 19, temperature sensor 30, humidity sensor 32, does not use detecting sensor 70, toner detecting sensor 138, image density sensor 90 and used toner to be full of each testing result in the sensor 198, and by system bus 222 testing result is exported to CPU 202.Wireless communication unit control circuit 208 by wireless communication unit 56 respectively four memory chips in being arranged on toner Cartridge 52a to 52d 170 send signals and from these memory chip 170 received signals, send signal and from received signals such as CPU 202, storage unit 204 by system bus 222 to CPU 202, storage unit 204 etc., thereby each memory chip 170 is linked to each other with CPU 202, storage unit 204 etc.

Communication I/F circuit 210 sends signals and from host apparatus 2 received signals by network 3 to host apparatus 2, sends signal and from received signals such as CPU 202 by system bus 222 to CPU 202 grades, thereby host apparatus 2 is linked to each other with CPU 202 grades.UI control circuit 212 sends signals and from UI device 18 received signals to UI device 18, sends signal and from received signals such as CPU 202 by system bus 222 to CPU 202 grades, thereby UI device 18 is linked to each other with CPU 202 grades.

Image rendering circuit 214 forms signal based on the image from inputs such as host apparatus 2 and comes drawing image, and exports to CPU 202 and RAM 226.Process control circuit 216 is stored in setting value in the storage unit 204 etc. with CPU 202 with reference to what describe after a while, and control image formation unit 230 by I/F circuit 218, this image formation unit 230 comprises exposure device 68, image formation unit 110 and developing device unit 44 etc.Paper delivery unit control circuit 220 is controlled paper delivery unit 232 with CPU 202, and this paper delivery unit 232 comprises intake roller 26, postpones roller 28, stops roller 38 etc.

Because CPU 202 can compare the data that are stored in the data in the storage unit 204 and be stored among the unit NVM184, judge the state that engages the toner Cartridge 52 that memory chip 170 is arranged, so memory chip 170 constitutes the part of detecting unit, though it does not have sensor.

Now detailed description is stored in the data among program ROM 224, main body NVM 228 and the unit NVM 184.

Figure 13 represents to be stored in the example of the data among program ROM 224, main body NVM 228 and the unit NVM 184.

Creation facilities program (CFP) zone 234, setting value zone 236 etc. in program ROM 224.The executive routine 238 that is used for image processing system 10 is operated is stored in program area 234.In setting value zone 236, store lifetime threshold 240, reach lifetime threshold set point number 242, temperature correlation parameter sets 244, humidity correlation parameter set 246, toner concentration parameter sets 248, image density parameter sets 250, judge cycle setting value 252 etc.

Lifetime threshold 240 comprises the life-span (lifetime threshold) of each replaceable unit of image processing system 10.Reach the number of times that each replaceable unit that lifetime threshold set point number 242 comprises image processing system 10 allows to reach corresponding lifetime threshold.Temperature correlation parameter sets 244 comprises each parameter relevant with control image processing system 10 according to temperature.Humidity correlation parameter set 246 comprises each parameter relevant with control image processing system 10 according to humidity.Toner concentration parameter sets 248 comprises and control each relevant parameter of toner concentration in the developing apparatus 48.Image density parameter sets 250 comprises each parameter relevant with image density.Judgement cycle setting value 252 comprises the cycle (judging regularly) before the following time point, at this time point, CPU 202 judges between the original fitting of each replaceable unit of image processing system 10 and non-original fitting in the processing of describing after a while (image processing system 10 prints preparation according to operator scheme in this processing).

In main body NVM 228, set up supporter information area 254, main body side renewal zone 256 etc.

In supporter block of information 254, store support mode code 258 and support country code 260.As support mode code 258, store pattern list (data), this pattern list (data) expression is for each replaceable unit of image processing system 10, with the unit mode of image processing system 10 compatibilities.As supporting country code 260, store the table (data) of respective country, wherein for each replaceable unit set basis country of image processing system 10 and different standards.

Upgrade at main body side store in the zone 256 that the unit is installed record 262, main body side life-span count value 264, reached main body side lifetime threshold counting 266, detection record 268 and operator scheme record 270 etc.The installation record that record 262 comprises each replaceable unit of image processing system 10 is installed in the unit.As the original state (initial value) that record 262 is installed in the unit, store the value that first wife's product has been installed in expression.Main body side life-span count value 264 comprises the life-span count value (from bringing into use to current use amount) of each replaceable unit of image processing system 10.Can calculate the use amount of each unit according to the corresponding accumulative total number of operations of each unit.Reach main body side lifetime threshold counting 266 and comprise that the lifetime threshold of each replaceable unit of image processing system 10 reaches number of times.Detection record 268 comprises the record of the testing result that is arranged on each sensor in the image processing system 10.Operator scheme record 270 comprises the record of the operator scheme of each replaceable unit that is applied to image processing system 10.

In unit NVM 184, set up unit information zone 272, cell side renewal zone 274 etc.

In unit information zone 272, store the schema code 276 of expression pattern, country code 278 that the country of standard has been set in expression, for the lifetime threshold 284 of the unique sequence number 280 in unit, build date 282, expression cell life, be used for processing parameter 286 that processing is controlled etc.

Upgrade in cell side and to store expression toner Cartridge 52 in the zone 274 and reach lifetime threshold counting 290, relative recording information 292 etc. from what bring into use life-span count value 288 to current use amount, number of times that expression has reached the lifetime threshold that is stored as lifetime threshold 284.Relative recording information 292 for example comprises the rate-of-turn record of image-carrier 54 and can be used for determining other relevant information of toner Cartridge 52 states.

When the image processing system 10 to said structure sends images and forms signals, by 60 pairs of image-carrier 54 uniform charging of charging device, and according to picture signal from exposure device 68 with light emission to charging image-carrier 54.Make the face exposure of image-carrier 54 from the light of exposure device 68, thereby form sub-image.

Develop by 44 pairs of sub-images that are carried on the image-carrier 54 of developing device unit in developing position.In developing device unit 44, provide yellow, magenta, cyan and black toner from toner Cartridge 52a to 52d to developing apparatus 48a to 48d respectively.In toner Cartridge 52a to 52d, reclaim the excessive developer that offers developing apparatus 48a to 48d respectively.The toner image primary transfer of will be having been undertaken developing by the developing apparatus 48a to 48d of developing device unit 44 according to color in the mode of stack is to intermediate transfer body 74.In primary transfer is handled, strike off the used toner that remains on the image-carrier 54 by image-carrier clearer 62, and with its recovery.

Simultaneously, the paper that is contained in the paper feeding box 24 is sent by intake roller 26, and roller 28 separates and guiding transfer path 34 by postponing, and by stopping that roller 38 stops once, and is directed between secondary transfer roller 88 and the secondary transfer printing backing roll 82 in the timing through regulating.When a piece of paper being directed between secondary transfer roller 88 and the secondary transfer printing backing roll 82, will be superimposed upon the four colour toners image secondary transfer printings that produce on the intermediate transfer body 74 to this paper by primary transfer by secondary transfer roller 88 and secondary transfer printing backing roll 82.Behind secondary transfer printing, strike off the used toner that remains on the intermediate transfer body 74 by intermediate transfer body clearer 92, and with its recovery.

There is the paper of toner image to be directed to fixing device 100 transfer printing, and makes toner image by warm-up mill 102 and pressure roller 104 heating and pressurization.The paper that will be toner image have been carried out photographic fixing by exit roller 40 outputs to paper delivery part 42 from exit slot 36.Control module 106 is stored the life-span count value of toner Cartridge 52 etc. in unit NVM 184 and main body NVM 228.

Now will describe based on being stored in data in the storage unit 204 (comprising main body NVM 228) the control of image processing system 10.

Figure 14 represents that the toner charge volume is with respect to the variation of developing apparatus use amount when fixing toner concentration is controlled.Make toner A triboelectric charging to the charge volume of predetermined polarity by the carrier in the developing apparatus 48, this toner A is the first wife's product that is contained in as in the toner Cartridge 52 of first wife's product of image processing system 10.Yet, because developer degeneration when be installed to toner Cartridge 52 on the developing device unit 44 and use, so the charge volume of toner reduces according to the use amount of developing apparatus 48.In addition, the charge volume of toner is according to the type of toner and difference.For example, for toner B as the product beyond first wife's product, even identical identical with toner A of the use amount of toner Cartridge 52, its charge volume also liken to into the toner A of first wife's product low.

Figure 15 represents to be controlled to be when constant when the image density with the image on the intermediate transfer body 74 (piece), with respect to the toner concentration of the number of paper of being printed by image processing system 10 (being stored in the use amount or the life-span count value of the developing apparatus 48 among the main body NVM 228).Because when toner Cartridge 52 is installed on the developing device unit 44, and when in printing, using the toner A as first wife's product, the degeneration that produces along with use makes the charge volume of toner reduce and the development amount increases, so when carrying out control so that the image density of the image on intermediate transfer body 74 (piece) when constant, limited the toner supply, and toner concentration reduces gradually.Simultaneously, for example, when toner B (for the product beyond first wife's product) is contained in the toner Cartridge 52, and when in printing, using this toner B, because the toner charge volume of toner B is more than the reduction of toner A, so toner concentration becomes than low under the situation of toner A.In addition, for example, when toner C (for the product beyond first wife's product) is contained in the toner Cartridge 52, and when using in printing, toner concentration is bringing into use the back to raise once, and reduces according to the number of paper of printing subsequently.Therefore, according to the toner type, toner concentration produces different variations along with the quantity of print paper.

Toner Cartridge as the product beyond first wife's product comprises that the toner that only is contained in the toner Cartridge 52 is those toner Cartridges of non-first wife's product.

Figure 16 represents the use amount according to the developing apparatus 48 that holds toner A (for first wife's product), the setting image density S (desired value) of the image on the intermediate transfer body 74.As mentioned above, the rotating speed of regulating first auger 118 by CPU 202 is regulated the toning dosage that offers developing apparatus 48 from toner Cartridge 52.Regulate the image that is formed on the intermediate transfer body 74 to change density according to for example regulating image density (setting image density) that the rotating speed of first auger 118 sets by CPU 202.As shown in figure 16, under the situation of toner A that is first wife's product, be set in the setting image density S of piece on the intermediate transfer body 74 (patch), so that image density increases according to the use amount of developing apparatus 48.Setting image density S for example is stored in the toner concentration parameter sets 248 in the program ROM 224.

For setting image density S, if as in the situation of the image density a that is detected, be lower than setting image density S by image density sensor 90 detected image densities, then CPU 202 prolongs the driving time of first auger 118 in the processing that drives first auger 118, thereby increases the toning dosage that offers developing apparatus 48.In addition, for setting image density S, if as in the situation of the image density b that is detected, be higher than setting image density S by image density sensor 90 detected image densities, then CPU 202 shortens the driving time of first auger 118 or stops first auger 118, offers the toning dosage of developing apparatus 48 with minimizing.Therefore, even when the charge volume of toner A reduces according to the use amount of developing apparatus 48, because by setting image density S, the use amount that image density is set at according to developing apparatus 48 increases, so proofreaied and correct toner concentration, thereby made it remain on predeterminated level.

Figure 17 represents by setting image density S, with respect to the toner concentration of being proofreaied and correct by the number of paper of image processing system 10 printings.Even when reducing according to the use amount of developing apparatus 48 as the charge volume of the toner A of first wife's product, owing to the image density that is formed on the piece on the intermediate transfer body 74 is proofreaied and correct by setting image density S, begin to reduce from initial value so can suppress toner concentration, and toner concentration can be remained on predeterminated level.

Simultaneously, for toner B as the product beyond first wife's product, because charge volume is more than the charge volume reduction of toner A according to use amount, even so, can not suppress toner concentration and begin to reduce from initial value when the image density that is formed on the piece on the intermediate transfer body 74 having been carried out timing by setting image density S.Equally, for the toner C as the product beyond first wife's product, when by setting image density S the image density that is formed on the piece on the intermediate transfer body 74 being carried out timing, toner concentration becomes and is higher than initial value.

Owing to be provided with according to characteristic and set image density S,, can not proofread and correct to toner concentration so be applied to first wife's product product in addition even will set image density S as the toner A of first wife's product.Therefore, image processing system 10 is arranged so that the user can be by UI device 18 for selecting as the toner of the product beyond first wife's product and setting the different setting of image density S.

Figure 18 represents the setting image density value (desired value) according to the image on the intermediate transfer body 74 of the use amount of developing apparatus 48, and wherein developing apparatus 48 accommodates the toner as the product beyond first wife's product.

For image processing system 10, with respect to setting image density S (default mode), provide following various modes as the operator scheme different with the operator scheme of suitable first wife's product, these patterns comprise: the variable quantity (slope) that increases or reduce to set image density according to the use amount of developing apparatus 48, wherein accommodate in the developing apparatus 48 toner as the product beyond first wife's product (m1, m2); Increase or reduce ultimate value (m1, m2); Change initial value (use amount=0); Do not change setting (m4) according to use amount; And, for example change initial value, rather than change setting (m5) according to use amount; Deng.For example, when being contained in the toner Cartridge 52 at toner B (for the toner beyond first wife's product) and under the situation about being used, select m1 (operator scheme 1) for setting image density, the image density that is formed on the piece on the intermediate transfer body 74 will approach to be contained in the toner Cartridge 52 and the image density under the situation about being used as the toner A of first wife's product.

Combine by image density being set, the operator scheme different with the operator scheme of suitable first wife's product also can be set with the setting of other parameter etc.

Image processing system 10 is also controlled the demonstration of being undertaken by UI device 18 etc. according to being stored in data among storage unit 204 and the unit NVM 184.For example, under the control of CPU 202, UI device 18 is presented at the surplus of toner Cartridge 52 for toner under the situation of first wife's product.Under the situation of the product beyond toner Cartridge 52 is first wife's product, use amount of UI device 18 demonstration toners etc. and the prompting that can not guarantee operation, picture quality and the reliability of image processing system 10.In addition, by operation UI device 18, can not show the prompting that can not guarantee reliability etc.

Now will describe according to being stored in data among storage unit 204 and the unit NVM 184 and control the method for image processing system 10.

Figure 19 is presentation video forms the processing that device 10 carries out according to the operator scheme of toner Cartridge 52 in printing set-up procedure a process flow diagram (S10).

Figure 20 is that expression detects the process flow diagram (S20) that the unit replacement of whether having changed toner Cartridge 52 detects processing.

Figure 21 is that presentation video forms the process flow diagram (S30) that 10 pairs of operator schemes of carrying out as the product beyond first wife's product of device are selected processing, and being used for by the user is as the product select operating mode beyond first wife's product.

Figure 22 is the process flow diagram (S40) that presentation video forms the operator scheme selection processing of 10 pairs of first wife's products execution of device, and being used for by the user is first wife's product select operating mode.

As shown in figure 19, in step 100 (S100), CPU 202 judges whether to exist the input of the beginning select operating mode that is undertaken by user operation UI device 18.If there is the input of beginning select operating mode, the processing that then enters S30 is not and if begin the input of select operating mode, the processing that then enters S102.

In step 102 (S102), CPU 202 judges whether ON/OFF detecting sensor 19 has detected the ON/OFF of ON/OFF lid 16.If CPU 202 judges the ON/OFF that has detected ON/OFF lid 16, then enter the processing of S20, and in other cases, enter the processing of S100.That is,,, handles performance element so changing to detect owing to, may change toner Cartridge 52 when opening and closing ON/OFF when covering 16.

At step 200 (S200; Figure 20), CPU 202 reads sequence number 280 from unit NVM 184.

In step 202 (S202), CPU 202 reads the sequence number of the toner Cartridge of last installation, and the unit that this sequence number is included among the main body NVM 184 is installed in the record 262.

In step 204 (S204), CPU 202 judges whether the sequence number of the last toner Cartridge of installing is identical with the sequence number 280 that reads from unit NVM 184.If the sequence number of the last toner Cartridge of installing is identical with the sequence number 280 that reads from unit NVM 184, then enters the processing of S206, and in other cases, enter the processing of S208.

In step 206 (S206), CPU 202 confirms toner Cartridge 52 has been installed once more and does not change (that is, not changing).

In step 208 (S208), CPU 202 confirms to have installed toner Cartridge 52 (, change) when changing.

At step 104 (S104; Figure 19),, then enter the processing of S106, and in other cases, enter the processing of S100 if CPU 202 confirms to have detected the replacing of toner Cartridge 52.

In step 106 (S106), CPU 202 reads judgement cycle setting value 252 from program ROM 224.

Judgement cycle setting value 252 can be 0.

In step 108 (S108), CPU 202 waits to judge whether to arrive according to unshowned timer and is used to begin to judge that the toner Cartridge of being installed 52 is the first wife's product or the judgement timing of first wife's product product in addition.If arrived the timing that is used to begin to carry out the judgement between first wife's product and the first wife's product product in addition, the processing that then enters S110, and in other cases, CPU 202 waits for, till arriving judgement regularly.

In step 110 (S110), CPU 202 is from unit NVM 184 read mode codes 276 and country code 278.

In step 112 (S112), CPU 202 reads support mode code 258 and supports country code 260 from main body NVM 228.

In step 114 (S114), CPU 202 checks schema code 276 and support mode code 258, check country code 278 and support country code 260, if and judge that the toner Cartridge of being changed 52 is first wife's product, then enter the processing of S40, if and judge that the toner Cartridge of being changed 52 is the product beyond first wife's product, the processing that then enters S116.

In step 116 (S116), the data that CPU 202 reads according to the toner Cartridge 52 from current installation are upgraded the installation record of toner Cartridge 52, and the unit that this installation record is included in main body NVM 228 is installed in the record 262, and the processing that enters S30 subsequently.

At step 300 (S300; Figure 21), UI device 18 modes of display operation are selected picture 298, shown in Figure 23 (B).

In step 302 (S302), CPU 202 judges whether to import the button (button 1 being used to select default mode (operator scheme that is fit to first wife's product); Default mode) 296a and the button (button 2 that is used to specify another operator scheme; Operator scheme 1) selection of carrying out between the 296b, wherein button 296a and button 296b are presented in the operator scheme selection picture 298.If carried out any one input among selector button 296a or the 296b, the processing that then enters S304, and if do not specify the input of arbitrary operator scheme, then image processing system 10 is waited for, till the user has selected operator scheme.

In step 304 (S304), the operator scheme that CPU 202 upgrades among (comprising rewriting) main body NVM 228 according to the operator scheme of selecting in S302 writes down 270.

At step 400 (S400; Figure 22), UI device 18 modes of display operation are selected picture 294, shown in Figure 23 (A).

In step 402 (S402), CPU 202 judges whether to import being used to and selects the button 296a of default mode (operator scheme that is fit to first wife's product) and be used to specify the selection of carrying out between the button 296b of another operator scheme, and wherein button 296a and button 296b are presented at operator scheme and select in the picture 294.If carried out any one input among selector button 296a or the 296b, the processing that then enters S404, and if do not specify the input of arbitrary operator scheme, then image processing system 10 is waited for, till the user has selected operator scheme.

In step 404 (S404), the operator scheme that CPU 202 upgrades among (comprising rewriting) main body NVM 228 according to the operator scheme of selecting in S402 writes down 270.

At step 118 (S118; Figure 19), selected operator scheme prints preparation to CPU 202 in the nearest operator scheme record 270 according to being included in, and finishes this processing.In the printing of S118 is prepared, for example, can show on UI device 18 that the toner Cartridge of being installed 52 still is first wife's product product in addition for first wife's product.

In addition, for toner Cartridge 52, can be provided with, so that if image processing system 10 prints in the processing (S10) of preparation according to operator scheme therein, judge that in the processing of S114 the toner Cartridge of being changed is first wife's product, then enter to print and prepare to handle (S118), and be not used for the operator scheme selection processing (S40) of first wife's product.

In addition, can be provided with, so that when selecting to have carried out selector button (button 2 in the picture 294 or 298 in operator scheme; Operator scheme 1) during the input of 296b, UI device 18 modes of display operation confirmation/change pictures 300 (as shown in figure 24) are so that the user can confirm will to be that image processing system 10 is set a kind of operator scheme (m1; Figure 18) (this operator scheme is to select for toner B etc. (for the product beyond first wife's product)), and change into any in multiple other operator scheme different with the operator scheme of suitable first wife's product.In operator scheme confirmation/change picture 300, button 302 accepts to set for image processing system 10 affirmation of the operator scheme of being selected by the user (m1).Button 304a to 304d is used to represent except the operator scheme of being selected by the user (m1), also there be multiple other operator scheme (m2 to m5) different, and be received in the model selection of carrying out in multiple other operator scheme (m2 is to m5) with the operator scheme of suitable first wife's product.Picture 294 or 298 is selected in button 306 expressions modes of display operation once more, this operator scheme selects picture 294 or 298 to show before modes of display operation confirmation/change picture 300, and button 306 accepts to be used for once more the input that modes of display operation is selected picture 294 or 298.

If the judgement timing setting value 252 that CPU 202 reads from program ROM 224 is not 0, even then for example be contained in toner in the toner Cartridge 52 and be not toner A as first wife's product, also can judge regularly up to reaching by setting the density that image density S (setting according to the characteristic of first wife's product toner A) proofreaies and correct the image that is formed by intermediate transfer body 74.If after reaching the judgement timing, CPU 202 judges that the toner Cartridge of being changed 52 is the product beyond first wife's product, then owing to having shown operator scheme selection picture 298, so the user can select the operator scheme different with the operator scheme of suitable first wife's product.For example, as shown in figure 25, before arriving judgement regularly, by setting image density S the density that is formed on the image on the intermediate transfer body 74 is proofreaied and correct, and detect toner Cartridge 52 for the product beyond first wife's product after, the user can select the different operator scheme of the operator scheme with suitable first wife's product such as operator scheme (m3) etc., and changes this setting image density.

Therefore, can be provided with, even so that when the replaceable unit in the image processing system 10 is product beyond first wife's product, also can be by selecting the operator scheme different to improve picture quality with the operator scheme that is fit to first wife's product by the user.

In addition, at all replaceable units all is under the situation of first wife's product, can limit the operator scheme that to select by the user,, and can prevent user error ground reduction picture quality under the operator scheme that is fit to first wife's product so that image processing system 10 can only operate.

As mentioned above, image processing system 10 has a plurality of replaceable units.Can be provided with, so that at least one in these a plurality of replaceable units is under the situation of the product beyond first wife's product, modes of display operation is selected picture 298 etc., so that can select operating mode.

In addition, the assembly that changes according to use amount of its characteristic for example comprises the developing apparatus 48 of intermediate transfer body 74, image-carrier 54, primary transfer roller 76, secondary transfer roller 88 and receiving photographic developer.For intermediate transfer body 74, according to use amount surface degradation, crackle can occur, adhere to external additive, impedance variation etc., and transfer efficiency changes.When crackle on intermediate transfer body 74, occurring or adhere to external additive etc., because the surface reflectivity of intermediate transfer body 74 changes, so the testing result of image density sensor 90 also can change according to use amount.For image-carrier 54, can produce wearing and tearing etc. according to use amount.For primary transfer roller 76 and secondary transfer roller 88, meeting produces the variation of impedance etc. according to use amount.For the developing apparatus 48 of receiving photographic developer, meeting produces the wearing and tearing of developer roll 116 etc. according to use amount.Under the situation of monocomponent toner, can be according to use amount and wearing and tearing can appear on developer roll 116, the external additive that adheres to for the charge characteristic of improving developer etc.Enough part 124 grades of bed thickness restriction structure also can wearing and tearing occur according to use amount.

Proofread and correct or the control of other form as control module 106, making the toner concentration in the developing apparatus 48 with the assembly that changes according to use amount for its characteristic is the method for predetermined value, except change is formed on the setting image density of image density of the toner density piece on the intermediate transfer body 74, can also fixedly be formed on the setting image density on the intermediate transfer body 74, and can change the development bias voltage that in the developing process of developing apparatus 48, imposes on developer roll 116 and image-carrier 54, the exposure of exposure device 68 etc., to change piece density.

In addition, proofread and correct or the control of other form as control module 106, the method that remains predeterminated level with the image density that will be formed on the image on the paper or other image quality characteristics, except change is formed on the setting image density of image density of the image density piece on the intermediate transfer body 74, can also fixedly be formed on the setting image density on the intermediate transfer body 74, and can change the development bias voltage that in the developing process of developing apparatus 48, imposes on developer roll 116 and image-carrier 54, the exposure of exposure device 68 etc., to change piece density.

Proofread and correct or the control of other form by 106 pairs of control modules, also comprise the charging bias voltage, the transfer bias that imposes on primary transfer roller 76 and secondary transfer roller 88 that impose on charging roller 60, impose on the bias voltage of scraper 94 etc. will be formed on object that image quality in images characteristic on the paper remains predeterminated level.

Although it is too high or too low that the user is difficult to judge the toner concentration in the developer, but by above-mentioned structure is provided, make the fabricator and the sellers of first wife's product product in addition can seek the condition that the product beyond this first wife's product is fit in advance, and to the suitable condition of user prompt.

Now will describe according to the control of environment image processing system 10.

Figure 26 represents with respect to the humidity (relative humidity) as the toner A of first wife's product, the variation of the variation of charge volume and development amount (image density).When toner concentration fixedly the time, under the situation of humidity, temperature or other changes in environmental conditions, the charge volume that is contained in the toner of the two-component developing agent in the developing apparatus 48 changes.For example, when humidity uprised, the water absorbing capacity of toner increased, and the charge volume of toner reduces (under the situation of negative charging, the absolute value of negative value reduces).When the charge volume of toner reduces, electrostatic attraction between toner and carrier dies down, the developer level (development amount) that is transferred on the electrostatic latent image on the image-carrier 54 increases, and the density (image density) that is carried on the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 74 uprises.And when the humidity step-down, the water absorbing capacity of toner reduces, and the charge volume of toner increases (under the situation of negative charging, the absolute value of negative value increases).When the charge volume of toner increases, the electrostatic attraction grow between toner and carrier, the developer level that is transferred on the electrostatic latent image on the image-carrier 54 reduces, and is carried on the density step-down of the toner image on the intermediate transfer body 74.

For the density that will be formed on the image on the paper remains predeterminated level, image processing system 10 is arranged so that control module 106 carries out various control according to the characteristic that composing images forms the various piece of device 10.For example, image processing system 10 is arranged so that image density sensor 90 detects the density that is formed on the toner piece on the intermediate transfer body 74, and the CPU 202 of control module 106 controls the rotation of first auger 118 according to the testing result of image density sensor 90, and adjusting offers the toning dosage of developing apparatus 48, with the charge volume of the toner in the maintenance developing apparatus 48, thereby (the image density testing result is to the FEEDBACK CONTROL of toner density for maintainance block density; Image density control).

Figure 27 represents the humidity characteristic by the toner concentration of image density control acquisition.As mentioned above, when humidity (relative humidity) was low, the toner charge volume uprised, and is formed on the density step-down of the image on the intermediate transfer body 74.During the density step-down of the image on being formed on intermediate transfer body 74, because toner concentration is carried out image density testing result FEEDBACK CONTROL, so CPU202 increases the toning dosage that offers developing apparatus 48, when humidity was low, toner concentration uprised.On the other hand, when humidity (relative humidity) is higher, toner charge volume step-down, and the density that is formed on the image on the intermediate transfer body 74 uprises.Because toner concentration is carried out image density testing result FEEDBACK CONTROL, so during the uprising of the density of the image when being formed on intermediate transfer body 74 on, CPU 202 minimizings offer the toning dosage of developing apparatus 48, when humidity is higher, the toner concentration step-down.

For toner A as first wife's product, be lower than approximately 20% the time when humidity drops to, toner A floats in image processing system main body 12 inside, and forms apparatus main body 12 inside and other problem owing to high toner concentration causes pollution image.In addition,, be higher than approximately 70% the time, reduce and other problem owing to low toner concentration causes the image transfer efficiency when humidity becomes for toner A.

For the toner B as the product beyond first wife's product, by toner concentration being carried out image density testing result FEEDBACK CONTROL, A compares with toner, and toner concentration changes bigger with respect to humidity.For toner C, even, the problem that causes owing to toner concentration also can not occur when by toner concentration being carried out image density testing result FEEDBACK CONTROL when toner concentration is changed as the product beyond first wife's product.Except the problem that causes owing to toner concentration, A compares with toner, and toner C for example remains in aspect the toner on the image-carrier 54 relatively poor in cleaning, thinks that therefore it is a product beyond first wife's product.

Figure 28 represents the setting image density (desired value) with respect to humidity (relative humidity).For toner A, even when toner concentration is carried out image density testing result FEEDBACK CONTROL, if proofread and correct, so that under low-humidity environment, to set image density (desired value) is set at than low value, so that it is lower to be formed on the density of the image on the intermediate transfer body 74, and under high humidity environment, to set that image density (desired value) is set at high value so that to be formed on the density of the image on the intermediate transfer body 74 higher, and the problem that causes owing to toner concentration then can not occur.For image processing system 10, for the toner A as first wife's product, a is set at default mode of operation with operator scheme, in this operator scheme, to set image density lower by making under low-humidity environment, and to set image density higher and make under high humidity environment, comes correcting image density.

In addition, for image processing system 10, except operator scheme a (default mode), also provide multiple other operator scheme for the product beyond first wife's product.For example, image processing system 10 has: operator scheme b, wherein compare with operator scheme a, and reduced to set the initial value of image density; Operator scheme c wherein compares with operator scheme a, has increased the initial value of setting image density; Operator scheme d wherein makes the setting image density bigger with respect to the slope of humidity; And operator scheme e, wherein make the setting image density less, and make the user in these operator schemes, to select with respect to the slope of humidity.Following operator scheme can also be provided, wherein set image density and do not change (will be set at 0) with respect to the slope of humidity with the variation of humidity.

Figure 29 is illustrated in execution to have carried out according to operator scheme a under the situation of the image density control of proofreading and correct, and toner A, B and C be with respect to the toner concentration of humidity (relative humidity).

For toner A, when selecting operator scheme a, the toner concentration of toner A drops in the scope that can not go wrong with respect to the variation of humidity.For toner B, even when having selected operator scheme a, the toner concentration of toner B can not be limited in the scope that can not go wrong with respect to the variation of humidity.Here, if for example the user has selected operator scheme d, then the toner concentration of toner B will drop in the scope that can not go wrong with respect to the variation of humidity.Equally, for toner C, when having selected operator scheme a, toner concentration uprises under the situation of high humility, and under the situation of low humidity the toner concentration step-down, and have following ranges, wherein toner concentration becomes big with respect to the variation of humidity.Therefore, by coming select operating mode by the user according to the type of toner, can prevent the problem that causes owing to toner concentration, the density that will be formed on the image on the paper simultaneously remains on predeterminated level.

Can by with the rotation diverse ways of control first auger 118 (that is, for example the exposure by controlling exposure device 68 according to user's selection etc.), regulate the density that is formed on the image on the intermediate transfer body 74.

Also can combine, the operator scheme different with the operator scheme of suitable first wife's product is set by image density being set with the setting of other parameter etc.

In addition, under the situation of the operator scheme outside the select operating mode a (default mode of operation), UI device 18 shows the prompting of operation, picture quality and the reliability that can not guarantee image processing system 10.In addition, by operation UI device 18, also can not show the prompting that can not guarantee reliability etc.

In addition, for toner Cartridge 52, can be provided with, if so that print according to operator scheme in the processing (S10) of preparation at image processing system 10, judge that in the processing of S114 the toner Cartridge of being changed is first wife's product, then enter to print and prepare to handle (S118), do not select to handle (S40) and do not carry out the operator scheme that is used for first wife's product.

Can be provided with, so that when selecting to have carried out selector button (button 2 in the picture 294 or 298 in operator scheme; Operator scheme b) during the input of 296b, UI device 18 modes of display operation confirmation/change pictures 300, as shown in figure 31, so that can confirm to be image processing system 10 setting operation pattern b (for these operator schemes of selection such as toner B), and make it possible in operator scheme b, further regulate correcting value as the product beyond first wife's product.In operator scheme confirmation/change picture 300, button 302 is accepted the affirmation of the operator scheme b that is selected by the user will be set for image processing system 10.Regulate part 304 and show the correcting value that to regulate the operator scheme b that selects by the user (for example can high, medium and low and do not have between four kinds of levels and regulate), and accept to regulate the selection of this correcting value.Picture 294 or 298 (showing) is selected in button 306 expressions modes of display operation once more on UI device 18 before modes of display operation confirmation/change picture 300, and accept to be used for once more any one input that modes of display operation is selected picture 294 or 298.

In addition, can modes of display operation select picture 308 (shown in figure 32) come alternate mode of operation to select picture 294 and 298 so that can be from the operator scheme a of acquiescence and other operator scheme b, c, d and e select operating mode.Select in the picture 308 in operator scheme, button 310a accepts the user is provided with default mode of operation a for image processing system 10 affirmation.Button 310b, c, d and e represent the user can select operating mode b, c, any among d and the e, and accept the user to any selection among operator scheme b, c, d and the e.Button 312 is accepted image processing system 10 is set to selected operator scheme among operator scheme b, c, d and the e.

Therefore, can be provided with,, also can select the operator scheme different to improve picture quality by the user with the operator scheme that is fit to first wife's product even so that the replaceable unit in the image processing system 10 is the product beyond first wife's product.

In addition, at all replaceable units all is under the situation of first wife's product, can limit the operator scheme that to select by the user,, and will prevent user error ground reduction picture quality under the operator scheme that is fit to first wife's product so that image processing system 10 can only operate.

As mentioned above, image processing system 10 has a plurality of replaceable units.Can be provided with, so that at least one in these a plurality of replaceable units is under the situation of the product beyond first wife's product, modes of display operation is selected picture 298 etc., so that can select operating mode.

In addition, the object that changes according to humidity, temperature or the others of the environment of the environment of image processing system 10 present positions or image processing system main body 12 inside of its characteristic for example comprises the developing apparatus 48 of intermediate transfer body 74, image-carrier 54, primary transfer roller 76, secondary transfer roller 88 and receiving photographic developer.For intermediate transfer body 74, the variation of impedance etc. appears in meeting according to environment, and transfer efficiency can change.For image-carrier 54, can occur with respect to the variation of the sensitivity of exposure according to environment etc.For primary transfer roller 76 and secondary transfer roller 88, the variation of impedance etc. appears in meeting according to environment.For charging device 60, can impedance variation etc. appear according to environment.

The density of the image on being formed on intermediate transfer body 74, control module 106 is used for these objects that its characteristic changes according to environment are proofreaied and correct or the control of other form, for example also comprises will be formed on the parameter that picture quality on the paper etc. remains predeterminated level: be the toner concentration (setting toner concentration) that the toner of developing apparatus 48 inside is set; In the developing process that is undertaken by developing apparatus 48, impose on the bias voltage of developer roll 116 and image-carrier 54; Impose on the transfer bias of primary transfer roller 76 and secondary transfer roller 88; The exposure of exposure device 68 etc.This be because, because toner is recharged and makes the sanitary characteristics etc. of controlling the image quality in images, image-carrier 54 and the intermediate transfer body 74 that are formed on the paper according to the characteristic of the various piece of composing images formation device 10.

Claims (12)

1. image processing system, it comprises:

Apparatus main body;

At least one replaces the unit, replacedly is installed on the described apparatus main body;

Judging unit is used to judge that described replacement unit still is first wife's product product in addition for first wife's product;

Input block is used for selecting in the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to as the suitable operator scheme in the replacement unit of the product beyond first wife's product;

Correcting unit is used for coming the correcting image formation condition according to the relevant correcting value of the use amount of described replacement unit; And

Correcting value changes the unit, is used for changing according to the operator scheme of being selected by described input block the correcting value of described correcting unit.

2. image processing system according to claim 1, wherein,

Described correcting value changes the unit and comprises that initial set value changes make zero in the unit at least one of unit and correcting value, this initial set value changes the initial set value that unit is used to change the image forming conditions of being proofreaied and correct by described correcting unit, and this correcting value makes zero, and to be used to make described correcting unit be zero to the correcting value of image forming conditions substantially in the unit.

3. image processing system according to claim 1, wherein,

The described operator scheme that replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to is set to default mode.

4. image processing system according to claim 1 also comprises:

Detecting unit is used for detecting whether changed described replacement unit; And

Wherein, when described detecting unit detects when having changed described replacement unit, described correcting value changes the unit changes described correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by described input block correcting value.

5. image processing system according to claim 4, wherein,

The predetermined timing of described detecting unit after changing described replacement unit detects has changed described replacement unit.

6. image processing system according to claim 1, wherein,

During product beyond in the described a plurality of replacements of the described judgment unit judges unit at least one is first wife's product, described correcting value changes the unit changes described correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by described input block correcting value.

7. image processing system, it comprises:

Apparatus main body;

At least one replaces the unit, replacedly is installed on the described apparatus main body;

Judging unit is used to judge that described replacement unit still is first wife's product product in addition for first wife's product;

Input block is used for selecting in the operator scheme that the replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to as the suitable operator scheme in the replacement unit of the product beyond first wife's product;

Detecting unit is used for testing environment;

Correcting unit is used for coming the correcting image formation condition according to the relevant correcting value of the testing result of described detecting unit; And

Correcting value changes the unit, is used for changing according to the operator scheme of being selected by described input block the correcting value of described correcting unit.

8. image processing system according to claim 7, wherein

Described correcting value changes the unit and comprises that initial set value changes make zero in the unit at least one of unit and correcting value, this initial set value changes the initial set value that unit is used to change the image forming conditions of being proofreaied and correct by described correcting unit, and this correcting value makes zero, and to be used to make described correcting unit be zero to the correcting value of image forming conditions substantially in the unit.

9. image processing system according to claim 7, wherein

The described operator scheme that replacement unit as first wife's product is fit to is set to default mode.

10. image processing system according to claim 7 also comprises:

Change detecting unit, be used for detecting whether changed described replacement unit; And

Wherein, when described replacing detecting unit detects when having changed described replacement unit, described correcting value changes the unit changes described correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by described input block correcting value.

11. image processing system according to claim 10, wherein,

The predetermined timing of described replacing detecting unit after changing described replacement unit detects and changed described replacement unit.

12. image processing system according to claim 7, wherein,

During product beyond in the described a plurality of replacements of the described judgment unit judges unit at least one is first wife's product, described correcting value changes the unit changes described correcting unit according to the operator scheme of being selected by described input block correcting value.

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