JP2003186357A - Method for returning from energy saving and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce degradation of a photoconductor drum due to preliminary multiple rotational operation when an image forming apparatus returns from an energy saving state and also reduce power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: Implemented contents of the preliminary multiple rotational operation implemented by turning the image forming apparatus on, opening and closing a door to process a paper jam differ from implemented contents of the preliminary multiple rotational operation implemented when the image forming apparatus returns from an energy saving mode to a normal state. Implementation of a part of various initializing operation implemented in normal preliminary multiple rotational operation is omitted, or intensity of a primary charging bias in a recording part is reduced in the preliminary multiple rotational operation implemented when the image forming apparatus returns from the energy saving state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an energy-saving (energy-saving) control technique for an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a laser printer, etc., and is particularly suitable for efficiently returning from an energy-saving state. The present invention relates to an energy saving recovery method and an image forming apparatus using the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a laser printer is generally provided with a control function called an energy saving mode. The energy saving mode is an operation mode in which the power consumption of the image forming apparatus is saved. For example, a fixing heater that consumes a lot of power,
When the device is not operating, control is performed at a temperature lower than usual, or power supply to the heater is stopped to reduce power consumption. Alternatively, the power supply to almost all the components constituting the apparatus is stopped except for the CPU that monitors the return signal from the energy saving mode to the normal state. In this way, the energy saving mode is a CPU (Central Processing Uni) that monitors the pressing of the energy saving key and the reception of printer signals and facsimiles.
The power is supplied only to a small number of parts including t), and otherwise it is in the same state as when the power switch is turned off. Therefore, a great energy saving effect can be obtained.

The transition from the normal state to the energy saving mode is automatically performed by the user pressing a predetermined key or when the apparatus has not been operated for a predetermined time.

Conventionally, the return from the energy saving mode to the normal state is performed by the CPU that detects the pressing of the energy saving key or the reception of the printer signal or the facsimile, and activates the main body CPU that controls the processing of the main body of the apparatus. for that reason,
The main body CPU initializes and restores the device in the same manner as when the power switch is turned on.

In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a laser printer, etc. that performs a printing process using a photoconductor and toner, the initialization operation at the time of restoration includes activation of a recording unit including the photoconductor drum. . That is, when the recording paper is jammed in the device due to a paper jam problem or the like, the user may turn off the power switch in order to remove the recording paper. It is set to always perform multi-rotation in front in response to a door opening / closing signal. Pre-multi-rotation means the rotation of the photoconductor drum before the printing process with various initialization operations, such as photoconductor cleaning operation, transfer roller cleaning, cartridge (CRG) presence / absence detection, toner remaining amount detection, etc. Including initialization of the printer engine, and various initialization operations such as supplying electric power to the fixing heater to heat the fixing pressure roller. By the time the previous multi-rotation is completed,
It takes some time.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the above conventional technique,
The same pre-multi-rotation is performed uniformly without distinguishing between the pre-multi-rotation at the time of returning from the energy saving mode to the normal state and the pre-multi-rotation associated with the door closing after the power switch is turned on and the jam processing is performed.

However, the return from the energy saving mode to the normal state can occur more frequently than when the door is opened / closed when the power is turned on or the jam is removed. Therefore, if the energy-saving mode is canceled due to a cancel factor unrelated to the recording operation, unnecessary pre-multi-rotation will be performed for a long time.
In particular, in the case of an image forming apparatus in which the cleaning member constantly contacts the photoconductor with a constant pressing force to remove the waste toner remaining on the photoconductor, the length of time during which the photoconductor rotates and contacts the photoconductor cleaning member is long. The amount of abrasion of the drum (abrasion of the photosensitive layer on the drum surface) increases accordingly. For this reason, if the pre-multi-rotation is performed for an unnecessarily long time, the life of the photoconductor is shortened as the drum abrasion amount increases. Furthermore, the power supply time to the fixing heater becomes longer as the pre-multi-rotation time increases, resulting in wasted power consumption.

Further, when an image forming apparatus having an energy saving facsimile function receives an incoming call, if the cleaning operation is not completed by the time the first sheet is received, the entire received data is output without outputting the received data to a recording sheet. Will be received by the memory. as a result,
Even if the recording paper is set, there is a problem that the memory is received. In this case, since the printout is not printed on the recording paper, the user may not notice the incoming call, which may cause inconvenience such as delay in contact. Also, a large amount of memory capacity may be unexpectedly wasted, which may affect subsequent reception.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems of the prior art, and an object thereof is to form an image which can reduce deterioration of the photosensitive drum due to pre-multi-rotation at the time of returning from the energy saving state. To provide a device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing power consumption due to pre-multi revolution when returning from an energy saving state.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of preventing other troubles due to multi-pre-rotation associated with a return from the energy saving state when receiving a facsimile in the energy saving state.

[0012]

An energy-saving recovery method according to the present invention is an energy-saving method for an image forming apparatus which executes a pre-multi-rotation operation of a photosensitive drum accompanied by various initialization operations at the time of starting a recording unit including the photosensitive drum. An energy-saving recovery method for recovering from a state to a normal state, wherein the pre-multi-rotation operation executed at startup of the recording unit when returning from the energy-saving state to a normal state includes the various initialization operations. Is partially omitted. As a result, the time required for the pre-multi-rotation operation at the time of returning from the energy saving state to the normal state can be shortened, wear on the surface of the photosensitive drum can be reduced, and its life can be extended. If you have a facsimile function,
It is possible to prevent memory reception when returning from the energy saving state due to an incoming call.

As one of the omitted initialization operations,
When the remaining toner amount detection process of detecting the remaining amount of toner in the recording unit and detecting the absence of toner is included, it is preferable to check the absence of toner flag when returning from the energy saving state, and determine the absence of toner flag. Indicates that there is no toner, the execution of the remaining toner amount detection process is not omitted. This makes it possible to deal with toner replenishment and the like while in the energy saving state.

Another energy-saving recovery method according to the present invention is an energy-saving state in an image forming apparatus that performs a pre-multi-rotation operation of a photosensitive drum accompanied by various initialization operations at the time of starting a recording unit including the photosensitive drum. An energy-saving return method for returning to a state, wherein the pre-multi-rotation operation executed at the time of starting the recording unit when returning from an energy-saving state to a normal state reduces the intensity of the primary charging bias of the recording unit. Is characterized by. This also reduces wear on the surface of the photoconductor drum and prolongs its life.

An image forming apparatus for realizing the above method is an image forming apparatus having a recording section including a photosensitive drum, and is a multi-pre-rotation operation of the photosensitive drum accompanied by various initialization operations at the time of starting the recording section. , A first pre-multi-rotation operation and a second pre-multi-rotation operation having an effect of reducing wear of the photoconductor layer of the photoconductor drum as compared with the first pre-multi-rotation operation The rotation means and the energy saving state in which the power supply to each part of the device is shut off under predetermined conditions are switched to, and the occurrence of a predetermined energy saving state cancellation factor is monitored, and when this cancellation factor is detected, the power supply to each part of the device is detected. And a means for restoring the supply, wherein the front multi-rotation means executes the second pre-multi-rotation operation at the time of starting the recording unit when the energy saving state release factor is detected, and other than the above. The startup of the recording unit and executes the first pre-multi rotation.

More specifically, the second pre-multi-rotation operation executes only a part of various initialization operations of the first pre-multi-rotation operation, and the first pre-multi-rotation operation is performed. This is a shorter time operation than the pre-multi-rotation operation.

Alternatively, in the second pre-multi-rotation operation, the intensity of the primary charging bias of the recording portion is reduced as compared with that in the first pre-multi-rotation operation. In this case, the reduction of the intensity of the primary charging bias is due to charging current, charging voltage,
This can be performed by changing at least one of the charging frequencies to reduce the bias strength.

Further, a toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting the toner remaining amount of the recording portion and setting a toner out flag when toner is detected is further provided, and a toner remaining amount detecting process is performed as one of the omitted initialization operations. If included, preferably
The front multi-rotation means checks the toner-free flag when returning from the energy-saving state, and if the toner-free flag indicates the toner-free state, the first multi-rotation means
The multi-rotation operation before is executed.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the configuration of the multi-function image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.
In FIG. 1, 1 is a multifunctional image forming apparatus, 2 is an image processor CPU, 3 is an energy-saving CPU, 4 is a memory, and 5
Is an operation unit, 6 is a PC interface unit (PC I /
F) and 7 are video interface units (Video I /
F), 8 is an input / output ASIC, 9 is a DRAM, 10 is a modem, 11 is an NCU (Network Communication Unit),
Reference numeral 12 is an image scanner section, 13 is a printer engine section, 13a is an engine CPU, 13b is a sensor switch, 15 is a handset, 16 is a common bus, 17 is a telephone line, and 18 is a personal computer.

The image processor CPU2 controls the overall processing operation of the multi-function image forming apparatus 1. Further, the image processor CPU2 has a timer function (not shown), and when the standby state of the multi-function image forming apparatus 1 exceeds a certain time set by the user, a specific component (energy saving CP
A command to enter the energy-saving mode is issued by shutting off the power supply to units other than U3, NCU4, PC interface unit 6, input / output ASIC8). The memory 4 is a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (ReadOnly M) not shown in the figure.
emory), the operation program and data of the image processor CPU2 (energy saving mode flag 4a described later).
And a toner-free flag 4b) are stored.

An image scanner unit 12 is connected to the DRAM 9, and image data read from the image scanner unit 12 or image data to be transmitted / received by a facsimile is divided into respective address areas and stored. D
The data stored in the RAM 9 is the input / output ASIC 8
Read by.

The input / output ASIC 8 stores a program for performing image processing and calculation of image data read from the image scanner unit 12.

The operation unit 5 includes an energy saving mode key 5a, an input unit 5b including a not-shown one-touch key, a ten-key pad, a start key, and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
And the like, which are used for interactive input / output operations with the user. In the present embodiment, the user can switch to / cancel from the energy saving mode by pressing the energy saving mode key 5a. In addition to this, it is also possible to automatically shift / cancel the energy-saving mode under predetermined conditions.

The PC interface unit 6 uses the SCSI (Sm
All computer systems interface), RS-232C, etc., and controls connection with an external computer such as the personal computer 18.

The video interface unit 7 sends a print command, a pre-multi-rotation execution command, and an energy saving mode shift / cancel command from the image processor CPU 2 via the input / output ASIC 8 to the engine CPU 13 of the printer engine unit 13.
a to the image processor CPU2, and further sends a failure notification or a jam signal from the printer engine unit 13 to the image processor CPU2.

The modem 10 performs modulation processing and demodulation processing of image data to be transmitted / received. The NCU 11 controls connection with the partner device via the telephone line 17.

The image scanner unit 12 is connected to the DRAM 9 and has an optical reading unit such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) not shown, and scans an original document for copying or facsimile transmission to read image data.

The printer engine unit 13 has a laser printer mechanism, receives a signal from the image processor CPU 2 through the video interface 7, and outputs the engine C.
The PU 13a controls the printer engine to record a copy image using a photoconductor and toner, facsimile reception data, image data from a personal computer, and the like. The sensor switch 13b includes a power switch, a cover switch, a toner remaining amount detection sensor, and the like.

An energy-saving CPU 3, an NCU 11 including a ringing detection circuit and a hook detection circuit, an energy-saving mode key 5a in the operation unit 5, a PC interface unit 6
Power is supplied to the data receiving unit from the connection destination computer 18 and the like even in the energy saving state.

Power is supplied to the energy-saving CPU 3 even when shifting to the energy-saving mode, the energy-saving mode is released by a user operation (pressing the energy-saving mode key) on the operation unit, and the NCU 1
The ringing from the line to 1 and the energy saving mode cancellation signal by the printer signal from the personal computer 18 are monitored, and when the energy saving cancellation signal is detected, the image processor CPU2 and the engine CPU 13a are activated. As a result, the multifunctional image forming apparatus 1 returns from the energy saving state to the normal state. At this time, the image processor CPU2 receives the engine CPU 13a via the video interface unit 7.
To the pre-multi-rotation execution signal. Normally, "0" is held in the energy saving mode flag 4a stored in the memory 4, and "1" is written in the energy saving mode flag 4a when the user enters the energy saving mode by pressing the energy saving key 5a or the like. Since the memory 4 is initialized during the pre-multi revolution, "0" is stored again in the energy saving mode flag data after the end of the pre-multi revolution.

Engine CP that has received the pre-multi-rotation execution signal
The U13a also serves as the front multi-rotation means of the present invention, and confirms whether or not this front multi-rotation is due to the return from the energy saving state by the energy saving mode flag 4a stored in the memory 4, and depending on the value. The engine CPU 13a selects and executes the first or second front multi-rotation. At this time, the image processor CPU2 initializes the RAM data and the like in the memory 4 that is temporarily stored.

The pre-multi-rotation execution processing operation of the multi-function image forming apparatus in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation relating to pre-multi-rotation of the multi-function image forming apparatus in FIG.

The image processor CPU2 started from the energy-saving CPU 3 in response to operations such as power-on, return from the energy-saving mode to the normal state, and opening / closing of the cover related to jam clearance, the image processor CPU2 is connected to the engine CPU 13a via the video interface unit 7. To send the previous multi-rotation execution command. The process of FIG. 3 corresponds to the process after this stage.

The engine CPU 13a receiving the pre-multi-rotation execution command (S21) confirms the energy saving mode flag data stored in the memory 4 (S22), and "1" is stored in the energy saving mode flag data. In this case, it is determined that the engine CPU 13a is started by returning from the energy saving state, and the engine CPU 13a executes the pre-multi-rotation only for detecting the cartridge (CRG) presence and memory initialization (S24). If "0" is stored in the energy saving mode flag data, a factor other than the return from the energy saving state, that is,
Before the start of the process including the CRG presence / absence detection and memory initialization, as well as process initialization, toner remaining amount detection, and transfer roller cleaning operation, it is determined that the startup is due to the power switch being turned on or the door opening / closing operation related to jam processing. Multiple rotation is performed (S23).

After that, the engine CPU is executed after the previous multi-rotation is executed.
When there is no print request for 13a (S25, No), the multi-function image forming apparatus 1 shifts to the standby state of the print signal (S2).
6). When there is a print request (S25, Yes), the image forming operation is started by the printer engine unit 13 (S28), and the recording operation ends (S29). Further, when the elapse of a certain time or more is detected by the timer function (not shown) in the image processor 2 without a print request (S27, No), the energy saving mode is entered (S3).
0). The execution contents of the pre-multi-rotation operation are not necessarily limited to the items listed here. the important thing is,
By making the execution contents of the first and second pre-multi-rotation operations different, the execution time of the pre-multi-rotation operation when returning from the energy-saving state is made shorter than the execution time of the normal pre-multi-rotation operation. For example, the drum rotation time in the tested multifunctional image forming apparatus is 1.8 seconds before the multi-rotation operation when returning to the energy saving mode, and 4.0 seconds before the multi-rotation operation before returning from the mode other than the energy saving mode. I was able to cut the time in half. Further, by implementing this control, it has become possible to extend the drum life from about 7,500 sheets to about 8,500 sheets in A4 size.

As described above, at the time of returning from the energy saving mode to the normal state, in the pre-multi-rotation operation, the execution time is reduced by reducing the execution items from the normal pre-multi-rotation operation (first pre-multi-rotation operation). It is possible to shorten the drum rotation time and thereby shorten the drum rotation time, so that the life of the drum can be extended. Further, since the rotation time is shortened, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for the pre-multi-rotation operation. Further, for example, even when the printer is returned due to a facsimile reception, the previous multi-rotation operation is short, and the transition to the recording start state of the printer engine is fast, so that the memory reception is performed even when the recording paper is set. Such a problem is solved.

By the way, it is generally known that the amount of abrasion of the drum of the photoconductor also increases depending on the strength of the primary charging AC bias. Therefore, as a modified example of the first embodiment, when the second pre-multi-rotation operation, that is, the pre-multi-rotation operation at the time of returning to the energy saving mode is executed, the first charging current value at the time of returning from a mode other than the energy saving mode is changed. Is smaller than the previous multi-rotation operation, for example, half the value of normal (600μA constant current control)
By setting (300 μA constant current control), the amount of drum abrasion can be reduced. In addition to the primary charging current value,
It is also possible to reduce the strength of the primary charging bias by lowering the charging voltage or charging frequency. These may be used alone, or a plurality or all may be used. In addition, this modification has steps S23 and S2 in FIG.
It is also possible to use it together with the execution contents of the pre-multi-rotation operation of No. 4.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The device configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and only the operation is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example of processing operations relating to pre-multi-rotation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

This process is almost the same as the process described with reference to FIG. 2, but the normal pre-multi-rotation operation is performed depending on the remaining toner amount detection state even when returning from the energy saving state. Is. In the facsimile function of the multi-function image forming apparatus 1, memory reception is forcibly performed when toner is detected. This is because if the recording operation is performed in the toner-free state, not only the recorded characters will be faint and cannot be reproduced normally, but also no received data will remain and information will be lost. In the first embodiment, when the energy saving state is entered after the absence of toner is detected and the toner is replenished in that state,
If the remaining toner amount detection is omitted during the execution of the second pre-multi-rotation operation at the time of returning from the energy saving state, it is determined that there is no toner. The present embodiment is for coping with such a defect. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, the information on the presence / absence of toner detection immediately before the shift to the energy saving mode is held, and when the state before the shift to the energy saving mode is no toner, the first preparatory operation including the toner remaining amount detection is performed. Execute the rotation operation. As a result, if the cartridge is replaced or the toner is replenished during the energy saving mode, the toner-free state is released during the pre-multi-rotation operation, and it becomes possible to record the received facsimile data in this state. Without going to the memory reception will not be.

In the process of FIG. 3, first, the engine CPU 13a having received the previous multi-rotation execution command (S31) confirms the energy saving mode flag 4a stored in the memory 4 (S32), and saves the energy saving mode flag data. If "0" is stored, it is determined that the activation is due to the power switch being turned on or the opening / closing operation of the door related to the jam processing, and the first front multi-rotation operation is executed (S34).

Further, the energy saving mode flag data is "1".
If is stored, it is determined that the multi-rotation before the return from the energy saving state is performed. Where engine CPU
13a confirms the value of the toner-free flag 4b (not shown) stored in the memory 4 (S33). In the toner-free flag 4b, "0" is stored when there is toner. When the toner remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) of the printer engine unit 13 detects that the toner is out, “1” is written in the toner out flag 4b in the memory 4. This toner remaining amount detection is sequentially executed for each image forming process, and is also performed during the first pre-multi-rotation operation. The engine CPU 13a checks the toner-absent flag 4b in the memory 4, and if "0" is stored in the toner-absent flag data, it is determined that the energy-saving mode has been entered with the toner present, and the second previous Execute multi-rotation operation (S3
5). Further, when “1” is stored in the toner-free flag data, it is determined that the mode has shifted to the energy-saving mode with no toner, and it is possible that toner is being replenished after that. By executing the multi-rotation operation, the remaining toner amount is also detected when returning from the energy saving state (S34).

Subsequent processing steps S36 to S41 are the same as S25 to S30 in FIG.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes other than those mentioned above can be made.

[0045]

According to the present invention, the pre-multi-rotation operation to be executed is different depending on whether the energy-saving state is released or not, so that the energy-saving state can be frequently restored. It is possible to reduce wear of the photoconductor layer of the photoconductor drum due to multiple rotations, extend the life of the drum, and reduce power consumption.

Further, when the toner-free flag indicates the toner-free state before the shift to the energy-saving state, when the energy-saving state is released, the toner remaining amount detecting process is not skipped normally. By performing the operation, even if the toner-free state is cleared after entering the energy-saving state, the presence / absence of toner can be correctly recognized before the recording operation. Or unexpected memory reception.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the configuration of a multifunctional image forming apparatus as a recording apparatus using the energy saving recovery method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing operation example of a part that controls execution of a pre-multi-rotation operation when the multi-function image forming apparatus in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of a part that confirms toner presence / absence information of the multifunctional image forming apparatus in FIG. 1 and controls execution of a pre-multi-rotation operation when returning to an energy saving mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Multi-function image forming apparatus (MFP: Multi Function Pri
nter) 2: image processor CPU 3: energy-saving CPU 4: memory 4a: energy-saving mode flag 4b: toner-free flag 5: operation unit 5a: energy-saving key 5b: input unit 5c: output unit 6: PC interface unit (PCI / F) 7: Video interface section 8: Input / output ASIC 9: DRAM 10: Modem 11: NCU (Network Communication Unit) 12: Image scanner section 13: Printer engine section 13a: Engine CPU 13b: Sensor switch 15: Handset 16: Common bus 17: Telephone line 18: Personal computer

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An energy-saving recovery method for recovering from an energy-saving state to a normal state in an image forming apparatus that executes a pre-multi-rotation operation of a photosensitive drum accompanied by various initialization operations at the time of starting a recording unit including the photosensitive drum. Therefore, in the pre-multi-rotation operation executed when the recording unit is started when the energy saving state is returned to the normal state, a part of the various initialization operations is omitted. How to return to energy saving. 2. As one of the omitted initialization operations,
Includes toner remaining amount detection processing that detects the amount of toner remaining in the recording unit and sets a toner out flag when toner is detected, checks the toner out flag when returning from the energy saving state, and the toner out flag is in the toner out state Is indicated, the execution of the remaining toner amount detection process is not omitted, and the energy saving recovery method is characterized. 3. An energy-saving recovery method for recovering from an energy-saving state to a normal state in an image forming apparatus that executes a pre-multi-rotation operation of a photosensitive drum accompanied by various initialization operations at the time of starting a recording unit including the photosensitive drum. An energy-saving recovery method characterized in that the strength of the primary charging bias of the recording unit is reduced in the pre-multi-rotation operation executed when the recording unit is started when the energy-saving state is returned to the normal state. 4. An image forming apparatus having a recording section including a photoconductor drum, wherein a first multi-rotation operation is performed as a pre-multi-rotation operation of the photo conductor drum accompanied by various initialization operations at the time of starting the recording section. First
And a pre-multi-rotating means for selectively executing a second pre-multi-rotation operation having an effect of reducing the wear of the photoconductor layer of the photo conductor drum as compared with the pre-multi-rotation operation of And a means for restoring the power supply to each part of the apparatus when a predetermined energy saving state canceling factor is detected and the canceling factor is detected. The rotation means executes the second pre-multi-rotation operation when the recording unit is activated when the energy-saving state release factor is detected, and the first pre-multi-rotation operation when the recording unit is activated other than this. An image forming apparatus, which executes the following. 5. The second pre-multi-rotation operation is for performing only a part of various initialization operations of the first pre-multi-rotation operation. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is operated for a shorter time. 6. The second pre-multi-rotation operation according to claim 4, wherein the intensity of the primary charging bias of the recording section is lower than that in the first pre-multi-rotation operation. Image forming device. 7. The strength of the primary charging bias is reduced by changing at least one of a charging current, a charging voltage and a charging frequency to reduce the bias strength. Image forming apparatus. 8. A toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting a toner remaining amount of the recording portion and setting a toner out flag when toner is detected, the toner remaining amount detection being one of the omitted initialization operations. The process, wherein the front multi-rotation means checks the toner-free flag when returning from the energy-saving state, and when the toner-free flag indicates a toner-free state, the first multi-rotation means
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pre-multi-rotation operation is performed.