JP2007102024A - Image forming apparatus, and control method and control program for the image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus devised such that even when a cartridge is refilled with developer, the volume of the developer with which the cartridge is refilled can be managed. <P>SOLUTION: When an empty state in which the volume of developer in the toner cartridge (300) is zero is determined, information indicating the empty state is recorded in a nonvolatile memory (303). When determination is made, with reference to the information recorded in the nonvolatile memory, that the information indicating the empty state has been recorded, it is determined that the toner cartridge is a refill cartridge subjected to replenishment with developer. Then, information indicating the empty state, recorded in the nonvolatile memory, is replaced with information indicating the refill state. The amount of developer replenished in the toner cartridge, used to form images onto recording mediums, is calculated until empty state is determined, after the determination of the re-replenishment cartridge, and the calculated amount of developer is managed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, and a multifunction machine, and a control method and a control program executed by the image forming apparatus, and in particular, a developer (toner, carrier) in a cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus. , Ink, etc.), and an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using the developer in the refilled cartridge, and a control method and a control program performed by the image forming apparatus.

  In the image forming apparatus, a cartridge filled with a developer such as toner or ink is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. This cartridge is constructed so that when it is determined that the remaining amount of developer in the cartridge is insufficient, the remaining amount of developer is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus and is replaced with a new cartridge. .

  Used cartridges are collected by an image forming apparatus supplier through a cartridge distributor. Manufacturers of image forming equipment disassemble used cartridges and inspect each part of the cartridge from the viewpoint of environmental pollution prevention and effective use of resources, re-use normal parts, and plastic parts are plastic. It will be reused as a material.

  In addition, not all used cartridges are returned to the image forming apparatus supplier, but some of them may be sent to a toner refiller. The toner refilling company contracts for refilling at a predetermined charge, disassembles the cartridge, and refills the appropriate toner.

  Note that the toner used by the toner refiller has a composition component of the toner that is different from that of a genuine toner that is filled when the cartridge is manufactured. For this reason, as a technical document filed earlier than the present invention, there is provided a measuring means for measuring the remaining amount of toner stored in a cartridge set to be replaceable in the image forming apparatus, and the cartridge. The storage means for storing the remaining amount measured by the measuring means, the current remaining amount measured by the measuring means is compared with the previous remaining amount read from the storage means, and the remaining amount increases. Means for determining that the cartridge is an improper cartridge that has been refilled with toner, detects an improper cartridge that has been refilled with consumables such as toner and ink, and detects the detected improper cartridge. There is a document disclosing a method for disabling a simple cartridge (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, as in the invention of Patent Document 1 described above, a method for detecting an improper cartridge refilled with consumables such as toner and ink and making the improper use of the cartridge impossible is from the standpoint of the Antimonopoly Act. Is not realistic and is not preferable from the viewpoint of distribution.

For this reason, there is a document disclosing an image forming apparatus using a process cartridge in which a toner container and a waste toner collection container are integrated, which is removable and has a non-volatile memory and can be recycled by refilling toner (for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent No. 3396191 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-287583

  However, since the invention of Patent Document 2 stores information on the toner capacity of the process cartridge in the nonvolatile memory, when a refiller other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus refills the developer such as toner, carrier, and ink. When the toner capacity information stored in the nonvolatile memory cannot be updated, the capacity of the developer refilled in the process cartridge cannot be managed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when a person other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus refills the cartridge with developer such as toner, carrier, or ink, the capacity of the refilled developer. Image forming apparatus capable of managing the image, a control method performed by the image forming apparatus, and a control program.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention has the following features.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using the developer in the cartridge, and determines that the end state indicates that the developer in the cartridge has no capacity. The end state recording means for recording the information indicating the end state in the storage means and the information recorded in the storage means are referred to, and it is determined that the information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage means. A refill status recording unit that determines that the cartridge is a refill cartridge that has been refilled with a developer, and rewrites information indicating the end state recorded in the storage unit to information indicating the refill state. The amount of developer used when an image is formed on a recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge from the determination of the refill cartridge to the end state. Calculated, it is characterized in that it has a developer amount management means for managing the amount of the developer the calculated, the.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the developer amount managing means uses the developer refilled in the cartridge from the determination of the refill cartridge to the determination of the end state to form an image on the recording medium. Managing the image area ratio of the recording medium obtained from the number of recording media at the time of formation, the printing area of the recording medium and the number of pixels at the time of image formation, and the number of recording media to be managed; The usage amount of the developer is calculated based on the image area ratio.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the developer amount management means calculates the average image area ratio of the recording medium based on the number of recording media and the image area ratio of the recording medium, and calculates the calculation. The average image area ratio is managed.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention further includes a detecting unit that detects the presence or absence of the developer in the cartridge. When the detecting unit detects that there is no developer in the cartridge, the image forming apparatus determines that the end state has occurred. It is characterized by this.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention calculates a usage amount for calculating the capacity of the developer when an image is formed on a recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge after determining that the cartridge is a refill cartridge. A remaining amount calculating unit that subtracts the volume of the developer calculated by the usage amount calculating unit from the usage amount of the developer managed by the developer amount managing unit, and calculates the remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge; It is characterized by having.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the usage amount calculating unit determines the number of refill cartridges, and then the number of recording media when an image is formed on the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge. And managing the image area ratio of the recording medium obtained from the printing area of the recording medium and the number of pixels at the time of image formation, and developing based on the number of recording media to be managed and the image area ratio of the recording medium The capacity of the agent is calculated.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the developer amount management unit manages the usage amount of the developer together with the identification information for identifying the cartridge, and the storage unit stores the identification information, and the remaining amount The calculating means refers to the information recorded in the storage means, and determines that the information indicating that the refill state is recorded in the storage means, the cartridge is refilled with the refilled developer. Determining, acquiring the identification information recorded in the storage means, acquiring the usage amount of the developer managed by the developer amount management means based on the acquired identification information, and acquiring the acquired usage amount of the developer From this, the developer volume calculated by the usage amount calculating means is subtracted to calculate the remaining amount of developer in the cartridge.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the remaining amount calculation unit stores the storage unit when the usage amount of the developer managed by the developer amount management unit cannot be acquired based on the identification information acquired from the storage unit. The developer usage amount managed by the developer amount management unit is acquired together with other identification information different from the identification information acquired from the developer amount, and the developer amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit is obtained from the acquired usage amount of the developer. It has a preliminary calculation means for subtracting the capacity and calculating the remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a preliminary calculation unit execution determination unit that determines whether or not to perform the preliminary calculation unit.

  In addition, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes the remaining amount of developer in the cartridge calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit or the preliminary calculating unit, the number of recording media managed by the usage amount calculating unit, and the recording It has a notifying means for notifying the progress information until it is determined to be in the end state based on the image area ratio of the medium.

  Further, in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the usage amount calculating means calculates an average image area ratio of the recording medium based on the number of recording media and the image area ratio of the recording medium, and the calculation is performed. An average image area ratio error calculating means for calculating an error between the average image area ratio and the average image area ratio managed by the developer amount management means, and an error calculated by the average image area ratio error calculating means, The developer capacity is calculated based on the number of recording media and the image area ratio of the recording media.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, the storage means is provided in the cartridge, and the storage means is provided when the cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus main body. It is characterized by referring to the information recorded in (1).

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the cartridge includes a plurality of subunits including a developing device having a developer, an image carrier, and an image process unit used when an image is formed on the image carrier. The process cartridge is integrated and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus. The storage means is provided in the process cartridge, and information recorded in the storage means when the process cartridge is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by referring to.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the image process means includes at least one of a cleaning device and a charging device.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, the storage means is any one of a non-contact type IC chip, a non-contact type IC cart, and a nonvolatile memory.

  A control method according to the present invention is a control method performed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using a developer in a cartridge having a storage unit, and has no capacity of the developer in the cartridge. An end state recording step for recording information indicating the end state in the storage unit when the end state indicating the state is determined, and the information recorded in the storage unit are referred to, and the information indicating the end state is stored. When it is determined that the cartridge is recorded, the cartridge is determined to be a refill cartridge that has been refilled with developer, and information indicating that the end state is recorded in the storage means is in a refill state. The refill status recording process for rewriting information and the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge from the determination of the refill cartridge to the end status. A developer amount management step of calculating a usage amount of the developer when forming an image, recording the calculated usage amount of the developer in a storage unit included in the image forming apparatus, and managing the usage amount of the developer; Are performed by the image forming apparatus.

  A control program according to the present invention is a control program that is executed in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using a developer in a cartridge having storage means, and has a capacity of the developer in the cartridge. When it is determined that there is no end state, the end state recording process for recording the information indicating the end state in the storage unit and the information recorded in the storage unit are referred to. When it is determined that the cartridge is recorded in the storage unit, the cartridge is determined to be a refill cartridge that has been refilled with the developer, and information indicating that the end state is recorded in the storage unit is in the refill state. The refill status recording process to rewrite the information, and the cartridge was refilled from the judgment of the refill cartridge to the end status. The amount of developer used when an image is formed on a recording medium using an image agent is calculated, the calculated amount of developer used is recorded in a storage unit provided in the image forming apparatus, and the amount of developer used is calculated The image forming apparatus executes a developer amount management process for managing the amount of developer.

  According to the present invention, when it is determined that the cartridge is in an end state indicating that there is no developer capacity, information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage unit, and the information recorded in the storage unit is referred to. When it is determined that the information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage unit, it is determined that the cartridge is a refill cartridge that has been refilled with the developer, and the end state is recorded in the storage unit. When the image is formed on the recording medium by using the developer refilled in the cartridge from the time when the refill cartridge is rewritten to the end state after the refill information is rewritten. The usage amount of the developer is calculated, and the calculated usage amount of the developer is managed. As a result, even when a person other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus refills the cartridge with a developer such as toner or ink, it is determined that the cartridge has been refilled with the developer, and the developer is refilled into the cartridge. It is possible to manage the capacity.

  First, the features of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus in the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using the developer in the cartridge (300). First, a state in which there is no capacity of the developer in the cartridge (300). When it is determined that the end state is indicated, information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage means (303). Then, referring to the information recorded in the storage means (303), when it is determined that the information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage means (303), the cartridge (300) is refilled with the developer. And the information indicating the end state recorded in the storage means (303) is rewritten to the information indicating the refill state. Then, the amount of developer used when an image is formed on a recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge (300) from when it is determined as a refill cartridge until it is determined as an end state is calculated. The calculated usage amount of the developer is managed. Thus, even when a person other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus refills the cartridge (300) with a developer such as toner or ink, the developer can be refilled based on the information stored in the storage means (303). It is possible to manage the capacity of the developer that has been determined as a cartridge that has been refilled and that has been refilled in the cartridge (300). Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with a paper feed cassette (101) for feeding transfer paper horizontally below the image forming apparatus. Further, a transport belt (102) for transporting transfer paper fed from the paper feed cassette (101) is provided.

  On the conveying belt (102), a photosensitive drum (3Y) for yellow Y, a photosensitive drum (3M) for magenta M, a photosensitive drum (3C) for cyan C, and a photosensitive drum for black K are provided. Drums (3K) are arranged at equal intervals in order from the upstream side. Hereinafter, subscripts Y, M, C, and K are appropriately added to the reference numerals for distinction.

  The photosensitive drums (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K) mounted on the image forming apparatus of this embodiment are all configured with the same diameter, and around the photosensitive drums (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K) Process members for executing the electrophotographic process are sequentially arranged. For example, a charging module (4Y), an optical scanning optical system (10Y), a developing module (5Y), a transfer module (7Y), and a cleaning module (6Y) are sequentially arranged around the photosensitive drum (3Y). Yes. It is also arranged in the same manner around other photosensitive drums (3M, 3C, 3K).

  For this reason, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the surface of each photosensitive drum (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K) is used as a scanned surface or an irradiated surface, and each photosensitive drum (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K) is used. And the optical scanning optical system (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence relationship.

  A belt charging charger (110) and a registration roller (109) are sequentially provided around the transport belt (102) upstream of the photosensitive drum (3Y). ), A belt separation charger (111), a charge removal charger (112), and a cleaning device (113) are provided in this order.

  A fixing device (114) is provided downstream of the belt separation charger (111) in the transfer paper conveyance direction, and a paper discharge roller (116) is provided toward the paper discharge tray (115).

  In the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 described above, when performing the printing process in the full color mode (multiple color mode), the optical scanning of the light beam by each of the optical scanning devices (10Y, 10M, 10C, 10K) An electrostatic latent image corresponding to each color signal is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K). The electrostatic latent images are developed by developing modules (5Y, 5M, 5C, 5K) corresponding to the respective photosensitive drums (3Y, 3M, 3C, 3K) to become toner images, and are transferred onto the conveying belt (102). By sequentially transferring the toner images onto the transfer paper that is conveyed to the transfer paper, a full color image is formed on the transfer paper. Then, after fixing the full-color image on the transfer paper by the fixing device (114), the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray (115) by the paper discharge roller (116).

  Next, a control device that controls the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (201), a ROM (202), a RAM (203), a scanner (204), a plotter (205), an operation display control unit (206), and communication control. Unit (207), modem (208), SAF (Store and Forward) memory (209), encoding / decoding unit (210), network control unit (211), bus (212), network interface A control unit (213) and a refill toner control unit (214) are included.

  The CPU (201) controls and executes each part constituting the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment according to a program in the ROM (202). The ROM (202) stores a basic program as an image forming apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as an apparatus), a program described later, and the like. A RAM (203) forms a work area and stores various data necessary for controlling the image forming apparatus.

  The scanner (204) reads a document. A plotter (205) performs copying and printing of a received document. The operation display control unit (206) inputs operation information from the operator or displays information.

  The communication control unit (207) exchanges facsimile control signals with the counterpart image forming apparatus and executes a facsimile communication procedure. The modem (208) modulates the transmission signal and demodulates the reception signal.

  The SAF memory (209) accumulates images. The encoding / combining unit (210) encodes the image information according to a predetermined encoding method, and decodes the encoded image information.

  The network control unit (211) controls the communication line. The bus (212) connects each part to each other. The network interface control unit (213) controls the network.

  The refill toner control unit (214) performs non-contact data communication processing with the toner cartridge (300) shown in FIG. 3 and performs control related to the refill toner cartridge.

  Note that the refill toner cartridge refers to a toner cartridge when it is determined that the toner cartridge is refilled after the toner end state indicating that the toner cartridge has no capacity. As shown in FIG. 1, the toner cartridge (300) shown in FIG. 3 is mounted independently of the process members (3, 4, 5, 6) for executing the electrophotographic process, and the developing module ( Toner is supplied to 5). The toner cartridge (300) is configured to be detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus between the antennas (301, 2141) indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 3, and the image forming apparatus is detected by a detecting means (not shown). It is determined whether or not the toner cartridge (300) is installed at a predetermined position of the main body. If it is determined that the toner cartridge (300) is not installed at a predetermined position of the main body of the image forming apparatus, refill toner control is performed. Control is performed so that data communication between the unit (214) and the toner cartridge (300) is not performed.

  Next, the internal configuration of the refill toner control unit (214) and the toner cartridge (300) will be described with reference to FIG.

  The refill toner control unit (214) includes a main body antenna (2141), a communication circuit unit (2142), a CPU (2143), a ROM (2144), and a RAM (2145). . The toner cartridge (300) includes a cartridge antenna (301), a communication circuit unit (302), a nonvolatile memory (303), and a toner end detection sensor (304).

  Data communication between the refill toner control unit (214) and the toner cartridge (300) is performed in a non-contact manner by the communication circuit unit (2142, 302) and the antenna (2141, 301) between the main body side and the cartridge side. From the non-volatile memory (303) attached to the toner cartridge (300) by the CPU (2143), ROM (2144), and RAM (2145) provided in the refill toner control unit (214). The data is read out and the data is written into the nonvolatile memory (303). The toner end detection sensor (304) detects the presence or absence of toner in the toner cartridge (300). Based on the information of the toner end detection sensor (304), the CPU (2143) determines whether or not the toner cartridge (300) is in an end state indicating that there is no toner capacity.

  Next, a control operation performed by the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following control operation, when the toner cartridge (300) is in a toner end state, a person other than the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus refills the toner cartridge (300) with the toner to form a refill toner cartridge. In the following description, it is assumed that the refill toner cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus to form an image. Note that when the refill toner cartridge is not mounted in the image forming apparatus and the normal toner cartridge is mounted for image formation, a normal control operation is performed.

  First, a printing operation is performed in the image forming apparatus, an image is formed on a recording medium using toner in the toner cartridge (300) (step S1), and the toner is detected based on information from the toner end detection sensor (304). It is determined whether or not the toner in the cartridge (300) is in a toner end state (step S2). If it is determined that the toner end state has been reached (step S2 / Yes), information indicating the toner end state is written into the nonvolatile memory (303) in the toner cartridge (300). Then, the replacement operation of the toner cartridge (300) in the toner end state is prompted (step S3).

  Next, when the replacement operation of the toner cartridge is completed and a new toner cartridge (300) is installed at a predetermined position of the main body of the image forming apparatus, a toner supply operation is performed. When it is determined that the toner in the toner cartridge (300) is “present” based on the information obtained by the toner end detection sensor (304) mounted in the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge Referring to the information in the non-volatile memory (303) in (300), it is determined whether or not the information indicating the toner end state is recorded in the non-volatile memory (303). When it is determined that the information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory (303), it is determined that the toner cartridge (300) installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus is a refill toner cartridge in which the toner has been refilled (step) S4 / Yes), the information indicating the end state recorded in the non-volatile memory (303) is written in the information indicating the refill state. It will be replaced (step S6).

  In step S4, if the information indicating the toner end state is not recorded in the nonvolatile memory (303), it is determined that the toner cartridge (300) installed in the image forming apparatus main body is not a refill toner cartridge. Then (step S4 / No), a normal control operation is performed, and an image is formed on the recording medium using toner in the normal toner cartridge (300) that is not in the refill state (step S5).

  If the refill information is rewritten in step S6, an image is formed on the recording medium using the toner in the refill toner cartridge (300) (step S7). Every time an image is formed on a recording medium using the toner in the refill toner cartridge (300), the recording medium is obtained from the number of printed sheets of the recording medium, the printing area of the recording medium, and the number of pixels at the time of image formation. The image area ratio is acquired, and the acquired number of prints of the recording medium and the image area ratio of the recording medium are recorded and managed in the image forming apparatus (step S8). Based on the information from the toner end detection sensor (304), it is determined whether or not the refill toner cartridge (300) is in a toner end state (step S9). Note that the number of prints of the recording medium and the image area ratio of the recording medium are acquired until it is determined that the toner end state, and the acquired number of prints of the recording medium and the image area ratio of the recording medium are formed as an image. It will be managed in the device. As a result, the recording medium when an image is formed on the recording medium using the toner refilled in the refill toner cartridge (300) from the determination of the refill toner cartridge to the determination of the toner end state. The number of printed sheets and the image area ratio of the recording medium can be managed in the image forming apparatus.

  Next, when it is determined in step S9 that the toner end state has been reached (step S9 / Yes), the number of prints of the recording medium acquired from the determination of the refill toner cartridge until the end state is determined, When an image is formed on a recording medium using the toner refilled in the toner cartridge (300) from when it is determined as a refill toner cartridge to when it is determined as a toner end state based on the image area ratio The amount of toner used is calculated. When calculating the amount of toner used, first, the prescribed toner amount corresponding to the image area ratio is multiplied by the image area ratio of the recording medium, and the result of the multiplication is the number of prints on the recording medium. It is calculated by multiplying. That is, it is calculated by the following formula (1).

  Expression (1): Amount of toner used (A) = image area ratio of recording medium (B) × specified toner amount according to image area ratio (C) × number of printed sheets of recording medium (D)

  By calculating the toner usage amount (A) by the above equation (1), it is possible to acquire the toner filling amount when the toner is refilled in the refill toner cartridge (300) (step S10).

  Further, the average image area ratio of the recording medium is calculated based on the number of prints of the recording medium and the image area ratio of the recording medium acquired from the determination of the refill toner cartridge to the determination of the toner end state. It will be. As a result, it is possible to obtain the average image area ratio of the recording medium in the refill state in which an image is formed on the recording medium using the toner refilled in the refill toner cartridge (300) (step S10).

  Next, a cartridge ID for identifying the refill cartridge (300) is acquired from the non-volatile memory (303), and together with the acquired cartridge ID, the toner filling amount acquired by the above calculation process and the recording medium in the refill state The average image area ratio is recorded in the image forming apparatus, and the toner filling amount and the average image area ratio of the recording medium in the refill state are managed in association with the cartridge ID (step S11). . As a result, the image forming apparatus can recognize the print information of the toner filling amount when the refill cartridge (300) is used for the printing operation and the average image area ratio of the recording medium. The cartridge ID includes identification information unique to the refill toner cartridge, such as a manufacturing number of the refill toner cartridge (300).

  Next, the replacement operation of the refill toner cartridge (300) in the toner end state is prompted (step S12), the replacement operation of the refill toner cartridge (300) is completed, and a new toner is placed at a predetermined position on the image forming apparatus main body. When the cartridge (300) is installed, a toner replenishment operation is performed. When it is determined that the toner in the toner cartridge (300) is “present” based on the information obtained by the toner end detection sensor (304) mounted in the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge Referring to the information of the non-volatile memory (303) in (300), it is determined whether or not the information indicating the refill state is recorded in the non-volatile memory (303). When it is determined that the image is recorded in the non-volatile memory (303), it is determined that the toner cartridge (300) installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus is a refill toner cartridge that has been refilled with toner (step S13 / Yes), the cartridge ID recorded in the non-volatile memory (304) is acquired, and an image is obtained based on the acquired cartridge ID. A toner filling amount in the forming apparatus is managed, so that to obtain an average image area of the recording medium at the time of refilling state, the (step S15).

  In step S13, if information indicating that the refill state is not recorded in the nonvolatile memory (303), it is determined that the toner cartridge (300) installed in the image forming apparatus main body is not a refill toner cartridge. (Step S13 / No), a normal control operation is performed, and an image is formed on the recording medium using the toner in the normal toner cartridge (300) that is not in the refill state (Step S14).

  In step S15, when the toner filling amount managed in the image forming apparatus and the average image area ratio of the recording medium in the refill state are acquired, the toner in the refill toner cartridge (300) is used. Each time an image is formed on the recording medium (step S16), each time an image is formed on the recording medium using the toner in the refill toner cartridge (300), the number of prints of the recording medium, The image area ratio of the recording medium obtained from the print area and the number of pixels at the time of image formation is acquired, and the refill toner cartridge is obtained based on the acquired number of prints of the recording medium and the image area ratio of the recording medium. Then, the toner volume when the image is formed on the recording medium using the toner refilled in the refill toner cartridge is calculated, and the calculated toner is calculated. The amount of toner remaining in the refill toner cartridge (300) is calculated by subtracting the toner volume from the toner filling amount based on the toner filling amount acquired in step S15 (step S18). Then, the calculated toner remaining amount is displayed on the display unit included in the image forming apparatus (step S19).

  For the remaining amount of toner, first, the toner capacity is calculated by the following equation (2). Then, it is calculated by subtracting the toner volume calculated by the equation (2) from the toner filling amount acquired in step S15.

  Expression (2): Toner capacity (A) = image area ratio of recording medium (B) × specified toner amount according to image area ratio (C) × number of printed sheets of recording medium (D)

  As described above, the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment performs a printing operation (step S1), and based on the information obtained by the toner end detection sensor (304) mounted in the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge ( 300), it is determined that the toner in the toner cartridge (300) is in a toner end state (step S2 / Yes), and information indicating that the toner is in an end state is stored in a nonvolatile manner. The toner cartridge (300) is urged to replace the toner cartridge (300) (step S3). Thereafter, when the image forming apparatus recognizes the toner cartridge (300) replacement operation, the toner replenishing operation is performed. Will do. Here, the refill toner control unit (214) refers to the information in the nonvolatile memory (303), determines that the information in the nonvolatile memory (303) is information indicating that the toner end state has occurred, and When it is determined that the toner in the toner cartridge (300) is “present” based on the information obtained by the toner end detection sensor (304) mounted in the image forming apparatus, the refill toner control unit ( 214) determines that the toner cartridge (300) is a refilled toner cartridge (step S4 / Yes), and the non-volatile memory (303) in the toner cartridge (300) is refilled. Information to that effect is written (step S6).

  The refill toner control unit (214) then obtains the image area ratio obtained from the number of printed sheets, the paper size at the time of printing, and the number of print pixels each time a printing operation is performed using the toner in the refill toner cartridge. Are stored in the image forming apparatus. Further, the refill toner control unit (214) calculates an average image area ratio for each printing from the number of printed sheets and the image area ratio, and stores the calculated average image area ratio for each printing in the image forming apparatus. (Steps S7 to S9).

  Next, the refill toner control unit (214) determines that the toner in the toner cartridge (300) is “None” based on the information obtained by the toner end detection sensor (304) mounted in the image forming apparatus. If it is determined that the toner is in a state, the toner in the toner cartridge (300) is determined to be in a toner end state (step S9 / Yes), and the refill toner controller (214) determines the number of prints stored in the image forming apparatus, and Based on the image area ratio, the toner filling amount refilled in the refill toner cartridge and the average image area ratio for each printing when the printing operation is performed using the toner in the refill toner cartridge are calculated. (Step S10), the refill toner control unit (214) identifies the toner cartridge (300) from the nonvolatile memory (303). When a printing operation is performed using the acquired cartridge ID, the toner filling amount refilled in the toner cartridge (300) together with the toner in the toner cartridge (300), and the acquired cartridge ID. The average image area ratio for each printing is recorded in the image forming apparatus (step S11).

  Next, the image forming apparatus prompts a replacement operation of the toner cartridge (300) (step S12), and performs a toner supply operation when the replacement operation of the toner cartridge (300) is recognized. At this time, the refill toner control unit (214) refers to the information in the non-volatile memory (304) in the toner cartridge (300), and determines that the information in the non-volatile memory (303) is information indicating the refill state. In this case, the refill toner controller (214) determines that the toner cartridge (300) is a refilled toner cartridge (step S13 / Yes), and the refill toner controller (214) is non-volatile. The cartridge ID is acquired from the memory (303), and based on the acquired cartridge ID, the toner filling amount and the average image area ratio for each printing recorded in the image forming apparatus together with the cartridge ID are acquired (step S15). ), Based on the acquired information, the refill toner control unit (214) moves the inside of the toner cartridge (300). The remaining toner is calculated in a plurality of stages, and notifies the toner remaining amount calculated in the plurality of stages to the outside, you will be notified of the toner near end condition showing a state before the toner-end condition (step S16 to S19). As a result, it is possible to notify the toner near end state before the toner end state is reached.

  In step S17, when calculating the remaining amount of toner, the refill toner control unit (214) manages the number of prints managed each time a printing operation is performed using the toner in the refill toner cartridge, and the printing time. On the basis of the image area ratio obtained from the paper size and the number of printing pixels in the image, the average image area ratio for each printing up to the present when the printing operation was performed using the toner in the refill toner cartridge was calculated. Based on the average image area ratio for each printing up to now and the average image area ratio for each printing recorded in the image forming apparatus, an error of the average image area ratio for each printing is calculated, and the calculated average area is calculated. By performing fine adjustment when calculating the remaining amount of toner based on the error in the rate and calculating the remaining amount of toner, the accuracy in calculating the remaining amount of toner can be improved. Specifically, when the average image area ratio for each printing up to now is larger than the average image area ratio for each printing recorded in the image forming apparatus, a large amount of toner is used per sheet. Therefore, fine adjustment is performed when calculating the remaining amount of toner, the degree of decrease in the remaining amount of toner is advanced, and the remaining amount of toner is calculated. If the average image area ratio for each printing up to now is smaller than the average image area ratio for each printing recorded in the image forming apparatus, it is determined that the amount of toner used per sheet is reduced. Then, fine adjustment at the time of calculating the remaining amount of toner is performed, the degree of decrease in the remaining amount of toner is delayed, and the remaining amount of toner is calculated.

  On the other hand, in step S15, based on the cartridge ID acquired from the non-volatile memory (303), it is possible to acquire the toner filling amount and the average image area ratio for each printing recorded in the image forming apparatus together with the cartridge ID. If not, it is determined that there is no cartridge ID corresponding to the cartridge ID acquired from the non-volatile memory (303) in the image forming apparatus, and the refill toner cartridge that has undergone the replacement operation is transferred to another image forming apparatus. Thus, it is considered that the information indicating the refill state is written in the nonvolatile memory (303). In this case, the refill toner control unit (214) uses the toner filling amount and the average image area ratio for each printing recorded together with another cartridge ID recorded in the image forming apparatus as substitute information. The toner remaining amount is calculated. Whether or not to calculate the remaining amount of toner by using the toner filling amount recorded with another cartridge ID and the average image area ratio for each printing as alternative information is determined by the operation unit included in the image forming apparatus. It is possible to arbitrarily set from above.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is constructed such that the toner cartridge (300) is detachable from the image forming apparatus body, and the toner cartridge (300) is attached to the image forming apparatus body. Reference is made to the information recorded in the non-volatile memory (304) provided in the toner cartridge (300) when the toner cartridge (300) is installed. The image forming apparatus in the second embodiment is shown in FIG. When the toner cartridge (300) is provided in the developing device (5) shown in FIG. 5 and an image is formed on the developing device (5), the image carrier (3), and the image carrier (3). When the process cartridge (1) in which a plurality of subunits of the image processing means (4, 6) used in the image forming apparatus is integrated is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge ( 00) it is characterized in that referring to the information recorded in the nonvolatile memory (304) provided. Accordingly, even when the toner cartridge (300) shown in FIG. 3 is mounted in the process cartridge (1), the control operation shown in FIG. 4 similar to that of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment can be performed. . The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment, the toner cartridge (300) shown in FIG. 3 mounted in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment is placed in the developing module (5) as shown in FIG. The process cartridge (1), which is mounted and integrated with the photosensitive drum (3), the charging module (4), the developing module (5), and the cleaning module (6), is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. It is characterized by that. The control operation in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment is illustrated by replacing the replacement operation of the toner cartridge (300) with the replacement operation of the process cartridge (1) in the control operation of the first image forming apparatus. The control operation similar to the control operation of the first image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

  Next, the configuration of the process cartridge (1) serving as a process member for executing the electrophotographic process will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the process cartridge (1) according to the present invention includes a process cartridge frame (2a, 2b), a photosensitive drum (3) as a latent image carrier, and each process means. A charging module (4) as a charging means to be constructed, a developing module (5) as a developing means, and a cleaning module (6) as a cleaning means are configured. In this embodiment, the process cartridge (1) is replaced with a new one for the photosensitive drum (3), the charging module (4), the developing module (5), and the cleaning module (6). It is built to be possible.

  The process cartridge frame (2a, 2b) has an open position in which the first process cartridge frame (2a) and the second process cartridge frame (2b) are centered on the engaging portion (2c). And a closed position are rotatably engaged. In the closed position, the first process cartridge frame (2a) and the second process cartridge frame (2b) are arranged so that the photosensitive drum (3) cannot be removed. It is built to surround. The engaging portion (2c) is provided with a protrusion and a hole in the first process cartridge frame (2a) and the second process cartridge frame (2b), and the protrusion is inserted into the hole. It is constructed so that it can be engaged and held on the protrusion with a C-ring. Furthermore, in the closed position, the frame body position with respect to the hole provided in the place where the first process cartridge frame (2a) and the second process cartridge frame (2b) overlap. The first process cartridge frame (2a) or the second process cartridge frame (2b) is positioned by passing through two pins planted in the fixing member (74) (see FIG. 8). It will be fixed at the same time. Thus, the process cartridge can be easily separated by assembling the process cartridge without integrally forming the first process cartridge frame (2a) and the second process cartridge frame (2b). It is possible to construct the photosensitive drum (3), the charging module (4), the developing module (5), and the cleaning module (6) so that the units can be individually replaced.

  Further, the process cartridge (1) in the present embodiment can be configured to be provided with a detection means, and as shown in FIG. 7, the temperature and humidity in the process cartridge (1) are detected as the detection means. Temperature / humidity sensor (21), a potential sensor (22) for detecting the potential of the photosensitive drum (3), and a toner concentration sensor for detecting the amount of toner developed on the photosensitive drum (3) after development It is also possible to arrange (23).

  The temperature / humidity sensor (21) is disposed on the second process cartridge frame (2b) and has a positive temperature characteristic, for example, platinum, tungsten, nichrome, Kanthal, or a negative humidity characteristic, for example, Sic. It is detected by a detection element such as a fine wire such as (carbonized diatom) or TaN (tantalum nitride) or a minute temperature sensitive element such as a thin film or thermistor. In addition, although the temperature / humidity sensor (21) in this embodiment was arrange | positioned in the upper part of the 2nd frame (2b), as shown in FIG. 7, it is not limited to this position, A various change It is possible to arrange them.

  The potential sensor (22) is disposed on the second process cartridge frame (2b), and includes a potential detection unit and a control unit. The potential sensor (22) can detect the surface potential of the photosensitive drum (3) by being arranged at a distance of 1 to 3 mm from the surface of the photosensitive drum (3) of the object to be measured. It is. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the potential sensor (22) in the present embodiment is provided on the upper part of the first process cartridge frame (2a), and further, with the charging module (4) and the developing module (5). It is arranged so as to be on the downstream side of the laser beam to be exposed. At this position, the potential of the photosensitive drum (3) on which a latent image that becomes a patch-like solid black portion is formed is detected, and the detected signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus main body through a signal line. The control unit provided in the apparatus main body determines the magnitude of the developing bias applied by the developing module (5), and controls the power supply to apply the voltage. This potential sensor (22) can also be constructed to detect the potential of the photosensitive drum (3) as the white background portion and control the light amount and exposure time of the laser beam forming the solid black portion. It is.

  The toner density sensor (23) is arranged on the first process cartridge frame (2a), and visualizes the latent image of the solid black portion formed outside the image forming area on the photosensitive drum (3) with toner. The toner adhesion amount of the solid black portion is optically detected as an image density, and the detection result is transmitted as a signal to a control unit included in the image forming apparatus main body. The toner density sensor (23) is composed of a light emitting element (for example, LED) and a light receiving element, and the light receiving element receives the light amount of the light emitting element reflected from the solid black portion, and is on the photosensitive drum (3). The amount of toner is detected. The toner density sensor (23) detects the amount of toner on the photosensitive drum (3), and is accommodated in the developing module (5) from the table recorded in the control unit provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The toner density of the developing developer is determined. The toner density sensor (23) in the present embodiment is provided on the downstream side in the developing module (5).

  Each sensor related to the photosensitive drum (3) is arranged in the process cartridge frame (2a, 2b), so that the process means can be easily replaced. In addition, it is possible to reduce the cost of each replaceable process means.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the process cartridge (1) in the present embodiment can be provided with a pre-transfer charge eliminating device (25) and a pre-cleaning charge eliminating device (26). The pre-transfer neutralization device (25) is provided on the upstream side of the transfer region, and the pre-cleaning neutralization device (26) is provided on the downstream side of the transfer region and on the upstream side of the cleaning device, thereby eliminating the charge on the photosensitive drum (3). By fading, transfer or cleaning becomes easy. In particular, the pre-cleaning static eliminator (26) facilitates cleaning of residual toner that has not been transferred onto the photosensitive drum (3). Note that the pre-transfer static eliminator (25) and the pre-cleaning static eliminator (26) are provided with light emitting diodes (LD), LEDs, electroluminescence (EL), fluorescent lamps, etc. as issuing means. In this case, the photosensitive drum (3) is exposed to extinguish charges on the photosensitive drum (3). The issuing means is preferably EL or LD. Furthermore, the structure is simple and it is more preferable to use EL. It is also possible to provide a pre-charge neutralization device upstream of the charging device. Thereby, the residual potential of the photosensitive drum (3) can be erased, and the photosensitive drum (3) can be uniformly charged.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment includes a developing device (5) having a toner cartridge, an image carrier (3), and an image used when an image is formed on the image carrier (3). When a process cartridge (1) that integrates a plurality of subunits of the process means (4, 6) and is detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 300), by referring to the information recorded in the non-volatile memory (303) provided in the image forming apparatus 300 and performing the control operation shown in FIG. 4 in the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment, Even if a person other than the toner refills the toner cartridge (300), it is determined that the toner has been refilled based on the information stored in the nonvolatile memory (303). It becomes possible to manage the capacity of the toner at the time of refilling the toner cartridge (300).

  The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment alone, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation is possible.

  For example, in the embodiment described above, data from the nonvolatile memory (303) is provided by the CPU (2143), ROM (2144), and RAM (2145) provided in the refill toner control unit (214) shown in FIG. 2 and data writing to the non-volatile memory (303), the CPU (201) shown in FIG. 2, which controls the entire image forming apparatus, reads from the non-volatile memory (303). It is also possible to construct such that data is read and data is written to the nonvolatile memory (303).

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the toner end detection sensor (304) for detecting the presence or absence of toner in the toner cartridge (300) is provided in the toner cartridge (300). As long as it is a detection sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of toner in the toner cartridge (300), the position where the detection sensor is provided is not particularly limited, and the detection sensor can be placed anywhere in the image forming apparatus. It is also possible to construct such that the presence or absence of toner in the toner cartridge (300) is detected by the provided detection sensor and the control operation shown in FIG. 4 described above is performed. The toner end detection sensor (304) in the present embodiment can apply any detection method as long as it can detect the presence or absence of toner in the toner cartridge (300). The toner cartridge (300) can be configured to detect the presence or absence of toner based on information such as the potential sensor (22) and the toner density sensor (23) shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 3, the nonvolatile memory (303) is provided in the toner cartridge (300). However, the present invention is not limited to the nonvolatile memory (300). Storage means such as a contact type IC chip or a non-contact type IC cart may be provided in the toner cartridge (300).

  In addition, the control operation in the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment described above can be executed by software such as a computer program instead of a hardware configuration, and the above program is stored in an optical recording medium, a magnetic recording medium, It is also possible to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the above-described control operation by recording on a magneto-optical recording medium or a recording medium such as a semiconductor and causing the image forming apparatus to read the program from the recording medium. It is also possible to cause the image forming apparatus to execute the control operation described above by causing the image forming apparatus to read the program from an external device connected via a predetermined network.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be applied to a printer, a facsimile machine, a copying machine, a multifunction machine, and the like.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device that controls the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a refill toner control part (214) and a toner cartridge (300). 3 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the image forming apparatus in the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating a configuration of a process cartridge (1) mounted in an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a configuration of a process cartridge (1) mounted in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating a configuration of a process cartridge (1) mounted in the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Process cartridge 3 Photosensitive drum 4 Charging module 5 Development module 6 Cleaning module 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 Scanner 205 Plotter 206 Operation Display Control Unit 207 Communication Control Unit 208 Modem 209 SAF Memory 210 Coding / Decoding Unit 211 Network Control Unit 212 Bus 213 Network Interface Control Unit 214 Refill Toner Control Unit 2141 Body Side Antenna 2142 Communication Circuit Unit 2143 CPU
2144 ROM
2145 RAM
300 Toner Cartridge 301 Cartridge Side Antenna 302 Communication Circuit Unit 303 Nonvolatile Memory 304 Toner End Detection Sensor

Claims (17)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using a developer in a cartridge,
An end state recording unit that records information indicating the end state in a storage unit when it is determined as an end state indicating a state in which there is no developer capacity in the cartridge;
With reference to the information recorded in the storage means, when it is determined that the information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage means, the cartridge is determined to be a refill cartridge that has been refilled with developer. Refill status recording means for rewriting the information indicating the end state recorded in the storage means into information indicating the refill status;
The amount of the developer used when an image is formed on the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge from when it is determined as the refill cartridge until it is determined as the end state is calculated. Developer amount management means for managing the amount of developer used,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The developer amount management means includes
The number of the recording media when the image is formed on the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge from the determination of the refill cartridge to the end state, and the recording medium The image area ratio of the recording medium obtained from the print area and the number of pixels at the time of image formation is managed, and the developer is based on the number of the recording media to be managed and the image area ratio of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the amount of use is calculated. The developer amount management means includes
3. The average image area ratio of the recording medium is calculated based on the number of the recording media and the image area ratio of the recording medium, and the calculated average image area ratio is managed. The image forming apparatus described. Detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of the developer in the cartridge;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end state is determined when the detection unit detects that the developer in the cartridge is empty. A usage amount calculating means for calculating the volume of the developer when an image is formed on the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge after determining the refill cartridge;
Remaining amount calculating means for calculating the remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge by subtracting the capacity of the developer calculated by the used amount calculating means from the used amount of the developer managed by the developer amount managing means. When,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The usage amount calculating means includes:
After determining that the cartridge is a refill cartridge, the number of the recording medium when the image is formed on the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge, the print area of the recording medium, and the time of image formation The image area ratio of the recording medium obtained from the number of pixels is managed, and the capacity of the developer is calculated based on the number of the recording media managed and the image area ratio of the recording medium. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5. The developer amount management means manages the usage amount of the developer together with identification information for identifying the cartridge,
In the storage means, the identification information is recorded,
The remaining amount calculating means
With reference to the information recorded in the storage means, when it is determined that the information indicating the refill state is recorded in the storage means, the cartridge is determined to be a refill cartridge that has been refilled with developer. And acquiring the identification information recorded in the storage unit, acquiring the usage amount of the developer managed by the developer amount management unit based on the acquired identification information, and acquiring the acquired developer. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge is calculated by subtracting the developer volume calculated by the used amount calculating means from the used amount.   The remaining amount calculating means, based on the identification information acquired from the storage means, if the usage amount of the developer managed by the developer amount management means cannot be acquired, the identification acquired from the storage means The usage amount of the developer managed by the developer amount management unit together with other identification information different from the information is acquired, and the developer usage amount calculated by the usage amount calculation unit is obtained from the acquired usage amount of the developer. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising preliminary calculation means for subtracting the capacity and calculating a remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge.   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a preliminary calculation unit execution determination unit that determines whether or not to perform the preliminary calculation unit.   The remaining amount of the developer in the cartridge calculated by the remaining amount calculating unit or the preliminary calculating unit, the number of recording media managed by the usage amount calculating unit, and the image area ratio of the recording medium 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a notification unit that notifies progress information until the end state is determined based on the information. The usage amount calculating means includes:
Based on the number of recording media and the image area ratio of the recording medium, the average image area ratio of the recording medium is calculated, and the calculated average image area ratio is managed by the developer amount management unit. An average image area ratio error calculating means for calculating an error between the average image area ratio and the average image area ratio;
The capacity of the developer is calculated based on the error calculated by the average image area ratio error calculating means, the number of recording media, and the image area ratio of the recording medium. 6. The image forming apparatus according to 6. The cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and the storage means is provided in the cartridge.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the cartridge is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the information recorded in the storage unit is referred to. The cartridge is formed by integrating a plurality of subunits of a developing device having a developer, an image carrier, and an image processing unit used when forming an image on the image carrier, into the image forming apparatus main body. A removable process cartridge, wherein the storage means is provided in the process cartridge;
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the process cartridge is installed in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the information recorded in the storage unit is referred to.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the image processing unit includes at least one of a cleaning device and a charging device.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is any one of a non-contact type IC chip, a non-contact type IC cart, and a nonvolatile memory. A control method performed by an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using a developer in a cartridge having a storage means,
An end state recording step of recording information indicating the end state in the storage means when it is determined that the end state indicates a state in which there is no developer capacity in the cartridge;
With reference to the information recorded in the storage means, when it is determined that the information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage means, the cartridge is determined to be a refill cartridge that has been refilled with developer. A refill status recording step of rewriting the information indicating the end status recorded in the storage means into the information indicating the refill status;
The amount of the developer used when an image is formed on the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge from when it is determined as the refill cartridge until it is determined as the end state is calculated. A developer amount management step of recording the used amount of the developer in a storage unit included in the image forming apparatus and managing the used amount of the developer;
Is performed by the image forming apparatus. A control program executed in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using a developer in a cartridge having a storage unit,
An end state recording process for recording information indicating the end state in the storage means when it is determined that the end state indicates a state where there is no capacity of the developer in the cartridge;
With reference to the information recorded in the storage means, when it is determined that the information indicating the end state is recorded in the storage means, the cartridge is determined to be a refill cartridge that has been refilled with developer. A refill status recording process for rewriting the information indicating the end status recorded in the storage means into the information indicating the refill status;
The amount of the developer used when an image is formed on the recording medium using the developer refilled in the cartridge from when it is determined as the refill cartridge until it is determined as the end state is calculated. A developer amount management process for recording the used amount of the developer in a storage unit included in the image forming apparatus and managing the used amount of the developer;
Is executed in the image forming apparatus.

Images