JP2008203811A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus designed so that even in the case that an amount of recovered waste toner is increased, it is possible for a user to reduce a burden on replacement of a waste toner recovery container, without enlarging the apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus includes a first waste toner recovery container 21, a second waste toner recovery container 23, a first full detection sensor 40 and a second full detection sensor 41 for detecting the full states of the corresponding first and second waste toner recovery containers 21 and 23. If the first waste toner bottle 21 is not full, waste toner is recovered into the first waste toner bottle 21. If the first waste toner bottle 21 becomes full, the recovery of toner into the first waste toner bottle 21 is inhibited. In addition, a replacement display 1 for urging replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 is displayed on a liquid crystal display section 51. When the second waste toner bottle 23 is not full, a recovery path is switched to the second waste toner bottle 23. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer using an electrophotographic process, and more particularly to control at the time of replacement of a waste toner collecting container that collects and stores residual toner removed from the surface of a toner carrier. is there.

  In an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic system such as a copying machine, a printer, or a FAX, a powder developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) is mainly used, and an electrostatic image formed on an image carrier such as a photosensitive drum. In general, the latent image is visualized with toner in the developing device, and the toner image is transferred directly or via an intermediate transfer member onto a recording medium, and then a fixing process is performed. In such an image forming apparatus, a cleaning device for removing residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer member is mounted, and the residual toner removed by the cleaning device is stored in a waste toner collecting container. Is done. When the waste toner collection container becomes full after printing a predetermined number of sheets, the user is notified and the waste toner collection container is discarded or replaced.

  As a replacement method of such a waste toner collecting container, there are a “user replacement method” in which the user replaces itself and a “service replacement method” in which replacement by a service person is assumed. Among these, when the user replacement method is adopted, each time the waste toner bottle is full, the user himself has to replace the bottle, which causes a problem in operability and usability of the apparatus. On the other hand, when the service replacement method is adopted, it is necessary to install a large waste toner collection container that secures a volume corresponding to the amount of waste toner generated in a certain maintenance cycle. It has become an obstacle to conversion.

  In addition, a waste toner recycling method has been proposed in which waste toner is re-introduced into the developing device and reused. However, the waste toner is inferior in charge characteristics and physical characteristics compared to new toner supplied from the cartridge. Image quality degradation has been a problem. In particular, in a full-color image forming apparatus using four color toners, the amount of generated waste toner is more than four times that of a monochrome machine, so that securing the space for disposing a waste toner collection container and improving the replacement workability are significant. It has become a challenge.

  In view of this, various methods have been proposed to reduce the operation burden when the user replaces the waste toner container and to reduce the size of the apparatus. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose waste toner collection for storing waste toner. A configuration is disclosed in which the unit is integrated with the toner cartridge. According to this configuration, the replacement of the waste toner collection container can be performed at the same time as the cartridge replacement, so that the frequency of replacement of the waste toner container by the user is reduced, and it is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the waste toner collection container.

  However, in the methods of Patent Documents 1 and 2, when a large amount of toner is filled in the cartridge in order to reduce the frequency of cartridge replacement by the user, it is necessary to ensure that the waste toner collecting unit also has a volume corresponding to that. This leads to an increase in cartridge size. Further, even if the partition plate is moved and the volume of the waste toner collecting unit is gradually increased as in Patent Document 1, a certain initial volume is necessary, and the cartridge is moved in order to move the partition plate. The structure becomes complicated.

On the other hand, Patent Document 3 discloses a control method for displaying the replacement of the collection container when the detection unit detects that the waste toner collection container is full, and prohibiting image formation when a predetermined number of images are formed thereafter. Has been. However, in the method of Patent Document 3, the user can be surely notified of the replacement timing of the waste toner collection container, so that the internal contamination of the apparatus due to the overflow of the collection container and the damage of the toner collection apparatus can be prevented. The frequency of replacement is the same as before, and the operation burden on the user has not been reduced.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-46025 JP-A-6-242673 JP-A-6-266179

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the burden of replacing a waste toner collection container by a user as much as possible without increasing the size of the apparatus even when the amount of waste toner collected increases. For the purpose.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a cleaning means for removing residual toner on a toner carrier, a first toner recovery container and a second toner recovery container for storing waste toner removed by the cleaning means, According to the detection results of the first full detection means and the second full detection means for detecting the fullness of the first toner recovery container and the second waste toner recovery container, respectively, and the detection results of the first full detection means and the second full detection means. Control means for switching the collection destination of the waste toner, and the control means collects the waste toner into the first toner collection container until the first full detection means detects that the first toner collection container is full. When the first full detection means detects that the first toner collection container is full, the waste toner collection destination is switched to the second toner collection container, and the second full Is known unit is an image forming apparatus to continue the image output operation until detecting the full the second toner recovery container.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the control unit is conditioned on a condition that the first toner collection container is not full when the second full detection unit detects that the second toner collection container is full. The waste toner collection destination is switched to the first toner collection container, and the image output operation is continued until the first full detection means detects that the first toner collection container is full.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, a notification unit that notifies detection results of the first and second full detection units is provided, and the control unit includes the first toner collection container or the first toner collection container. (2) When the fullness of the toner collection container is detected, a notification for urging replacement of the full toner collection container is performed using the notification means.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the fullness of the first toner recovery container or the second toner recovery container is detected, the image output speed is made slower than that during normal output.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, a replaceable toner cartridge that stores toner, a toner remaining amount detecting unit that detects a remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, and a toner in the first toner collecting container First replacement time detection means for detecting whether or not the collected amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and the control means detects the first replacement time when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge becomes empty. When the means detects that the amount of toner collected in the first toner collecting container is less than a predetermined amount, the notifying means notifies the user only to replace the toner cartridge, and the toner in the first toner collecting container When it is detected that the recovery amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the notification means sends a notification prompting replacement of the toner cartridge and the one toner recovery container. It is set to.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the control unit prohibits an image output operation until the completion of the replacement work notified by the notification unit is detected.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, the control unit causes the first replacement timing detection unit to collect the toner in the first toner collection container before the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge becomes empty. When it is detected that the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the notification means notifies that the replacement timing of the first toner recovery container is near.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration, a second replacement time detection unit that detects that the toner recovery amount of the second toner recovery container is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount is provided, and the control unit includes the second replacement timing detection unit. When the toner collection amount in the toner collection container becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the notification means notifies that the replacement timing of the second toner collection container is near.

  According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, both the first replacement time detection unit and the second replacement time detection unit are provided, and either the first toner recovery container or the second toner recovery container is provided. Is full, and when the other toner recovery amount is detected to be greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the image output speed is made slower than that during normal output.

  According to the first configuration of the present invention, since the waste toner collection destination is switched to the second toner collection container when the first toner collection container becomes full, the user can use the first toner collection container during continuous printing. The image output can be continued by deferring the replacement of the first toner collection container even when the toner is full. As a result, the image forming efficiency can be improved, the replacement frequency of the first toner recovery container can be reduced, and the capacity of the second toner recovery container can be reduced.

  According to the second configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the first configuration, when the first toner recovery container is not full when the second toner recovery container is full, the waste toner is discharged. Since the collection destination is switched to the first toner collection container, image output does not stop even if the second toner collection container becomes full during continuous printing, and image formation efficiency is improved. Furthermore, since the image output is stopped when both the first toner recovery container and the second toner recovery container are full, it is possible to reliably prevent overflow of waste toner.

  According to the third configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the first or second configuration, when the fullness of the first toner recovery container or the second toner recovery container is detected, the notification unit is used. By notifying the replacement of the full toner collection container, it is possible to prevent the full toner collection container from being left without being replaced and stopping the image output.

  According to the fourth configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the third configuration, when the fullness of the first toner recovery container or the second toner recovery container is detected, the image output speed is set to the normal output time. By making it slower than this, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the necessity of replacement of the toner collection container by a change in the printing waiting time or the operation sound.

  According to the fifth configuration of the invention, in the image forming apparatus having the third or fourth configuration, whether the toner recovery amount in the first toner recovery container is equal to or more than a replacement reference amount when the toner cartridge is replaced. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the first toner replacement container needs to be replaced. Therefore, if the amount of toner recovered in the first toner replacement container is at a level that should be replaced, the first toner collection is performed in accordance with the replacement of the toner cartridge. Container exchange is also encouraged. Therefore, there is no possibility that the first toner replacement container will be filled immediately after the toner cartridge is replaced, and the work burden on the user is further reduced.

  According to the sixth configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the fifth configuration, the replacement operation of the first toner replacement container whose replacement is prompted in accordance with the replacement of the toner cartridge by the notification unit is completed. By prohibiting the image output operation until the first toner replacement container is forgotten to be replaced, it can be solved.

  Further, according to the seventh configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the fifth or sixth configuration, the toner recovery amount in the first toner recovery container is reduced before the toner amount in the toner cartridge becomes empty. When the amount exceeds the predetermined amount, the notification means notifies that the replacement time of the first toner collection container is near. Therefore, when replacing the toner cartridge by preparing a replacement first toner collection container in advance, etc. The first toner recovery container can be replaced quickly and efficiently.

  Further, according to the eighth configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having any one of the third to seventh configurations, when the toner recovery amount in the second toner recovery container becomes a predetermined amount or more, Since it is notified that it is almost time to replace the second toner collection container, for example, when the second toner collection container is to be replaced periodically by a service person, the user must confirm that the second toner collection container is full. In addition, the serviceman can be notified with a certain margin.

  According to the ninth configuration of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus having the seventh or eighth configuration, either the first toner recovery container or the second toner recovery container is full, and the other When the amount of toner collected is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the image output speed is made slower than that during normal output, so that the decrease in image output efficiency is suppressed as much as possible. Can be surely notified of the replacement time, and the time until both the waste toner collection containers are full and the output is stopped can be extended.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. In the main body of the image forming apparatus 100, four image forming portions Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are sequentially arranged from the upstream side in the transport direction (the right side in FIG. 1). These image forming portions Pa to Pd are provided corresponding to images of four different colors (magenta, cyan, yellow, and black), and magenta, cyan, and yellow are respectively subjected to charging, exposure, development, and transfer processes. And a black image are sequentially formed.

  Photosensitive drums 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d that carry visible images (toner images) of the respective colors are disposed in the image forming portions Pa to Pd, and are formed on the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d. The toner images thus transferred are sequentially transferred (primary transfer) onto an intermediate transfer belt 8 that moves adjacent to each image forming unit while rotating clockwise in FIG. 1 by a driving means (not shown). The image is transferred onto the paper P at a time (secondary transfer) by the next transfer roller 9 and further fixed on the paper P by the fixing unit 7 and then discharged from the apparatus main body. An image forming process is performed on each of the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d while rotating the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d counterclockwise in FIG.

  The paper P onto which the toner image is transferred is housed in a paper cassette 16 at the lower part of the apparatus, and is conveyed to the secondary transfer roller 9 via the paper feed roller 12a and the registration roller pair 12b. A sheet made of a dielectric resin is used for the intermediate transfer belt 8, and a belt in which both ends thereof are overlapped and joined to form an endless shape, or a belt without a seam (seamless) is used. A blade-shaped belt cleaner 19 for removing toner remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 8 is disposed on the downstream side of the secondary transfer roller 9.

  Next, the image forming units Pa to Pd will be described. There are chargers 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d for charging the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d and image information on the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d around and below the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d that are rotatably arranged. The exposure unit 4 for exposing the toner, the developing units 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d for forming toner images on the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d, and the developer (toner) remaining on the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d are removed. Cleaning units 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are provided.

  When the image formation start is input by the user, first, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d are uniformly charged by the chargers 2a to 2d, and then light is irradiated by the exposure unit 4 to each of the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal is formed on the top. Each of the developing units 3a to 3d includes a developing roller (developer carrying member) arranged to face the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d, and magenta, cyan, yellow, and black toners are respectively supplied by a toner cartridge (not shown). A predetermined amount is filled. This toner is supplied onto the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d by the developing rollers of the developing units 3a to 3d, and electrostatically adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed by exposure from the exposure unit 4. A toner image is formed.

  After an electric field is applied to the intermediate transfer belt 8 at a predetermined transfer voltage, magenta, cyan, yellow, and black toner images on the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 8 by the primary transfer rollers 6a to 6d. Primary transferred onto. These four color images are formed with a predetermined positional relationship predetermined for forming a predetermined full-color image. Thereafter, the toner remaining on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d is removed by the cleaning units 5a to 5d in preparation for the subsequent formation of a new electrostatic latent image.

  The intermediate transfer belt 8 is stretched over a driven roller 10, a drive roller 11, and a tension roller 20, and the intermediate transfer belt 8 starts to rotate clockwise as the drive roller 11 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). Then, the sheet P is conveyed from the registration roller 12b to the secondary transfer roller 9 provided adjacent to the intermediate transfer belt 8 at a predetermined timing, and the sheet P is conveyed at a nip portion (secondary transfer nip portion) with the intermediate transfer belt 8. A full color image is secondarily transferred onto P. The paper P on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 7.

  The sheet P conveyed to the fixing unit 7 is heated and pressurized when passing through the nip portion (fixing nip portion) of the pair of fixing rollers 13 to fix the toner image on the surface of the sheet P, and a predetermined full-color image is formed. It is formed. The paper P on which the full-color image is formed is distributed in the transport direction by the branching section 14 that branches in a plurality of directions. When an image is formed on only one side of the paper P, it is discharged as it is onto the discharge tray 17 by the discharge roller 15.

  On the other hand, when forming images on both sides of the paper P, a part of the paper P that has passed through the fixing unit 7 is once projected from the discharge roller 15 to the outside of the apparatus. Thereafter, the paper P is distributed to the paper transport path 18 by the branching section 14 by rotating the discharge roller 15 in the reverse direction, and is transported again to the secondary transfer roller 9 with the image surface reversed. Then, after the next image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 8 is transferred to the surface of the paper P on which the image is not formed by the secondary transfer roller 9 and conveyed to the fixing unit 7 to fix the toner image, It is discharged to the discharge tray 17.

  Also, a first waste toner bottle 21 intended for replacement by a user and a second waste toner bottle 23 that is replaced during regular maintenance by a service person are disposed at the lower part of the apparatus. The capacity of the first waste toner bottle 21 is preferably such that it can be replaced in accordance with the replacement timing of the toner cartridge, and the second waste toner bottle 23 plays a role as a buffer when the first waste toner bottle 21 overflows. Therefore, the capacity is preferably larger than that of the first waste toner bottle 21. The first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 are connected to the cleaning units 5a to 5d and the belt cleaner 19 via a toner collection path (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control path of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Portions common to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In addition, since various controls of each part of the apparatus are performed when the image forming apparatus 100 is used, the control means of the entire image forming apparatus 100 is complicated. Therefore, only the part necessary for waste toner bottle switching and replacement time notification control will be described here.

  The first recovery device 25 and the second recovery device 27 convey waste toner from the cleaning units 5a to 5d and the belt cleaner 19 (both see FIG. 1) to the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23, respectively. For example, it is composed of a transport spiral arranged in the collection path and a motor for rotating the transport spiral. The collection path switching mechanism 28 receives a control signal from the control unit 30 and selectively switches the collection of toner to the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23. The toner cartridges 29a to 29d replenish toner of each color (magenta, cyan, yellow, and black) to the developing units 3a to 3d in the image forming units Pa to Pd.

  The first full detection sensor 40 and the second full detection sensor 41 detect whether or not the amount of waste toner stored in the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 is full, respectively. . The type of sensor used is not particularly limited. However, since the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 are discarded and replaced after they are full, the amount of waste toner can be detected from the outside of the container. The method is preferred. For example, a method of detecting a change in permeability due to an increase in the amount of waste toner with a permeability sensor, or placing a waste toner bottle on a swingable pedestal and swinging the pedestal due to a change in weight of the waste toner bottle For example, using a PI (photo interrupter) sensor.

  The toner remaining amount detection sensor 42 detects the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridges 29a to 29d and detects whether or not the toner in the cartridge is empty. Examples of the type of sensor used include a magnetic permeability sensor capable of detecting the toner amount from the outside of the container. Detection signals from the first full detection sensor 40, the second full detection sensor 41, and the toner remaining amount detection sensor 42 are transmitted to the CPU 31 in the control unit 30 via the I / F (interface) 35.

  The control unit 30 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 31 as a central processing unit, a read only memory (ROM) 32 that is a read-only storage unit, a random access memory (RAM) 33 that is a read / write storage unit, And at least a plurality of I / Fs 35 for transmitting a control signal to each device in the image forming apparatus 100 and receiving an input signal from the operation unit 50. .

  The ROM 32 stores a control program for the image forming apparatus 100, data necessary for control, and the like that are not changed during use of the image forming apparatus 100. The RAM 33 stores necessary data generated during the control of the image forming apparatus 100, data temporarily required for controlling the image forming apparatus 100, and the like. The ROM 32 (or RAM 33) is provided with a message storage table for storing a plurality of messages according to the states of the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 or the toner cartridges 29a to 29d.

  A configuration example of the message storage table is shown in FIG. In the message storage table, various character messages corresponding to the state of the apparatus are stored as data. Here, four types of message data are stored: exchange displays 1 to 3 for prompting the user to perform exchange work, and service display 1 for prompting notification to the service person. The CPU 31 selects message data based on detection signals from the first full detection sensor 40, the second full detection sensor 41, and the toner remaining amount detection sensor 42, and displays the message data on the liquid crystal display unit 51 in the operation unit 50.

  For example, when the first full detection sensor 40 detects that the first waste toner bottle 21 is full, the user is prompted to replace the first waste toner bottle 21 “Waste toner collection container is full. Replace the container. Please select "message (exchange display 1). When the remaining toner detection sensor 42 detects that one or more of the toner cartridges 29a to 29d are out of toner and the first full detection sensor 40 detects that the first waste toner bottle 21 is full, The message (Replacement display 2) is selected and the toner cartridge 29a to 29d is one of the toner cartridges 29a to 29d. When only one or more toner runs out are detected, a message (replacement display 3) “Toner has run out. Replace cartridge.” Is selected. At this time, the toner color of the toner cartridge to be replaced is also displayed at the same time.

  On the other hand, when the second full toner detection sensor 41 detects that the second waste toner bottle 23 is full, it prompts the user to call a serviceman, “The maintenance time. Please call the serviceman.” 1) is selected.

  Further, the control unit 30 transmits a control signal from the CPU 31 to the respective units and apparatuses in the image forming apparatus 100 through the I / F 35. In addition, a signal indicating the state and an input signal are transmitted from each part or device to the CPU 31 through the I / F 35. Examples of each part and device controlled by the control unit 30 in the present embodiment include the operation unit 50, the image forming units Pa to Pd, the first collection device 25, the second collection device 27, the collection path switching mechanism 28, and the like. It is done. The contents of waste toner recovery switching control to the first and second waste toner bottles 21 and 23 in this embodiment will be described later.

  The operation unit 50 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 51, LEDs 52 indicating various states, and a numeric keypad 53, and the user operates the operation unit 50 to input instructions, thereby making various settings of the image forming apparatus 100. And execute various functions such as image formation. The liquid crystal display unit 51 displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100, displays the image forming status and the number of copies, and can be used as a touch panel to perform various settings such as functions such as double-sided printing and black-and-white reversal, magnification setting, and density setting. It has become. The numeric keypad 53 is used for setting the number of copies to be printed and for inputting the other party's FAX number when the image forming apparatus 100 also has a FAX function.

  In addition, the operation unit 50 includes a start button for instructing the user to start image formation, a stop / clear button used when the image formation is stopped, and various settings of the image forming apparatus 100 in a default state. A reset button or the like is provided for use.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image output operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The toner collection switching control to the first and second waste toner bottles 21 and 23 will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, OFSW1 and OFSW2 in FIG. 4 represent the first full detection sensor 40 and the second full detection sensor 41, respectively.

  When printing is started by the user operating the operation unit 50, it is determined whether or not the first full detection sensor 40 is ON (step S1). When the first full detection sensor 40 is OFF, since the first waste toner bottle 21 is not full, the control unit 30 transmits a control signal to the collection path switching mechanism 28 so that the collection path is set to the first waste toner bottle 21 side. And the waste toner recovery to the first waste toner bottle 21 is permitted (step S2).

  At this time, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the second waste toner bottle 23 is full based on whether or not the second full detection sensor 41 is ON (step S21). The prompting service display 1 is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S22). Then, the first recovery device 25 is driven (step S3).

  Next, toner images of respective colors are formed in the image forming units Pa to Pd, sequentially stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 8, and then printed on the paper P at a time (step S4). The residual toner removed by the cleaning units 5 a to 5 d and the belt cleaner 19 is collected into the first waste toner bottle 21 by the first collection device 25.

  Next, whether or not the toner in the toner cartridges 29a to 29d is empty is detected by the toner remaining amount detection sensor 42 (step S5). If all the toner cartridges 29a to 29d have residual toner, printing continues. It is determined whether or not (step S9). If printing is continuing, the process returns to step S1 and the same procedure is repeated (steps S1 to S5). If printing has ended, the process ends.

  In step S5, when one or more of the toner cartridges 29a to 29d are empty, it is determined whether or not the first full detection sensor 40 is ON (step S6). When the first full detection sensor 40 is ON, since the first waste toner bottle 21 is full, the control unit 30 replaces both the empty toner cartridge and the first waste toner bottle 21. The exchange display 2 to be urged is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S7).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the corresponding cartridge has been replaced (step S71). If the cartridge replacement has been completed, it is subsequently determined whether or not the first waste toner bottle 21 has been replaced (step S72). If the replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 is also completed, the process returns to step S9, and the same procedure is repeated until printing is completed (steps S1 to S9). If the replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 has not been completed, the control unit 30 selects the replacement display 1 for prompting the replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 from the message storage table and displays it on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step). S73).

  Also, if the cartridge replacement is not completed in step S71, it is similarly determined whether or not the first waste toner bottle 21 has been replaced (step S74). If the replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 has not been completed, the replacement display 2 prompting replacement of both the empty toner cartridge and the first waste toner bottle 21 is continuously displayed (step S75). When the replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 has been completed, the control unit 30 selects the replacement display 3 for prompting replacement of an empty toner cartridge from the message storage table and displays it on the liquid crystal display unit 51 ( Step S76). That is, until both the toner cartridge and the first waste toner bottle 21 are replaced, the steps S71 to S76 are circulated, so that the image output operation is not performed.

  On the other hand, when the first full detection sensor 40 is OFF in step S6, the first waste toner bottle 21 is not full, and therefore the control unit 30 displays an exchange display prompting replacement of an empty toner cartridge. 3 is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S8). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the corresponding cartridge has been replaced (step S81). If the cartridge has been replaced, the process returns to step S9, and the same procedure is repeated until printing is completed (steps S1 to S1). S9). If the replacement of the cartridge has not been completed, the control unit 30 continues to display the replacement display 3 that prompts the replacement of the empty toner cartridge (step S82). That is, since the steps S81 to S82 are circulated until the toner cartridge is replaced, the image output operation is not performed.

  If the first full detection sensor 40 is ON in step S1, the first waste toner bottle 21 is full, and the control unit 30 prohibits toner collection into the first waste toner bottle 21 ( Along with step S10), the replacement display 1 for prompting replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S11).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second full detection sensor 41 is ON (step S12). When the detection signal of the second full detection sensor 41 is OFF, the second waste toner bottle 23 is not full. Therefore, the control unit 30 transmits a control signal to the recovery path switching mechanism 28 and sets the recovery path to the second waste toner. Switching to the bottle 23 side permits the toner recovery to the second waste toner bottle 23 (step S13) and drives the second recovery device 27 (step S14). Then, the process returns to step S4 to perform printing, and the same procedure is repeated until the printing is completed (steps S1 to S14).

  If the second full detection sensor 41 is ON in step S12, the second waste toner bottle 23 is also full, and therefore the control unit 30 prohibits the toner recovery to the second waste toner bottle 23 (step S15). ), The service display 1 for prompting the serviceman call is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S16). Thereafter, the process returns to Step S1, but since at least one of the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 is replaced, Steps S10 to S16 are circulated, so that the image output operation is not performed.

  By performing the above control, when the first waste toner bottle 21 becomes full, the waste toner collection destination is switched to the second waste toner bottle 23 having a large capacity. The image output can be continued with the replacement postponed. Thereby, even if the first waste toner bottle 21 becomes full during continuous printing, the image output does not stop and the image forming efficiency is improved. In addition, since the replacement frequency of the first waste toner bottle 21 is reduced, it is possible to reduce the work burden on the user. Further, the second waste toner bottle 23 that is regularly replaced by the service person does not need to have a larger capacity than the case where all the waste toners are to be replaced by the service person, and the image forming apparatus can be downsized. It also contributes to space saving.

  If the first waste toner bottle 21 is not full when the second waste toner bottle 23 is full, the waste toner collection destination is switched to the first waste toner bottle 21. Even when the waste toner bottle 23 is full, image output does not stop, and image forming efficiency is improved. Furthermore, since the image output is stopped when both the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 are full, it is possible to reliably prevent overflow of the waste toner.

  Further, since it is determined whether or not the first waste toner bottle 21 is full when the toner cartridges 29a to 29d are replaced, the first waste toner bottle 21 is replaced in accordance with the replacement timing of any toner cartridge. This reduces the work burden on the user. Further, when the first waste toner bottle 21 is full, the image output is stopped until the first waste toner bottle 21 is replaced, so that the forgetting to replace the first waste toner bottle 21 can be solved.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a modification of the image output operation in FIG. In the control of FIG. 5, when it is determined in step S21 that the second full detection sensor 41 is ON, that is, the second waste toner bottle 23 is full, a service display 1 for prompting a serviceman call is displayed (step S21). S22), the image output speed is decreased from the normal time (step S23).

  In step S1, the fullness of the first waste toner bottle 21 is detected. In step S13, after the waste toner collection into the second waste toner bottle 23 is permitted, the image output speed is reduced below normal (step S131). . Then, the image output speed is returned to the normal speed when the first waste toner bottle 21 or the second waste toner bottle 23 is replaced.

  That is, when either the first waste toner bottle 21 or the second waste toner bottle 23 is full, the image output operation speed is increased in addition to the message display prompting the replacement of the waste toner bottle or the service man call. Slower than normal. As a result, the image output efficiency temporarily decreases, but either the waste toner bottles 21 and 23 become full due to a change in the print waiting time or a change in the operation sound of the apparatus accompanying a decrease in the output speed. Thus, the user can be surely notified that the replacement is necessary. If the image output speed is reduced to about 50 to 80% of the normal time, the user can surely recognize the change in the pitch of the operating sound.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a control path of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Portions common to FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, it is detected whether or not the amount of toner collected in the first waste toner bottle 21 has reached a predetermined amount (replacement reference amount) as a bottle replacement reference. The first replacement time detection sensor 43 is provided.

  As the first replacement time detection sensor 43, a magnetic permeability sensor or a PI sensor capable of detecting the amount of toner from the outside of the container is used as in the full detection sensor. The replacement reference amount detected by the first replacement timing detection sensor 43 can be set to an arbitrary value from when the first waste toner bottle 21 is empty until the first full detection sensor 40 detects fullness. .

  A configuration example of the message storage table used in the second embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, a message prompting replacement of the toner cartridge and the waste toner bottle (replacement display 2) indicates that one or more of the toner cartridges 29a to 29d are detected as being out of toner, and the recovery amount of the first waste toner bottle 21 Corresponds to a state in which is detected to be greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an image output operation of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The toner collection switching control to the first and second waste toner bottles 21 and 23 will be described in accordance with the steps of FIG. 8 with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 8, NFSW 1 represents the first replacement time detection sensor 43.

  In the control of FIG. 8, when one or more of the toner cartridges 29a to 29d are empty in step S5, it is determined whether or not the first waste toner bottle 21 needs to be replaced using the first replacement time detection sensor 43. is doing. That is, it is determined whether or not the first replacement timing detection sensor 43 is ON (step S6). If ON, the amount of toner collected in the first waste toner bottle 21 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount, so that the control is performed. The unit 30 selects the replacement display 2 for prompting replacement of both the empty toner cartridge and the first waste toner bottle 21 from the message storage table and displays it on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S7).

  Thereafter, the determination of whether or not the first waste toner bottle 21 has been replaced (steps S72 and S74) is performed in the same manner as in FIG. That is, until both the toner cartridge and the first waste toner bottle 21 are replaced, the steps S71 to S76 are circulated, so that the image output operation is not performed.

  On the other hand, if the first replacement timing detection sensor 43 is OFF in step S6, the toner collection amount of the first waste toner bottle 21 is less than the replacement reference amount, so the control unit 30 determines that the toner cartridge is empty. Is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S8). Thereafter, as in FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the corresponding cartridge has been replaced (step S81). Since the steps S81 to S82 are circulated until the toner cartridge is replaced, the image output operation is not performed. .

  According to the above control, whether or not it is necessary to replace the first waste toner bottle 21 is determined depending on whether or not the toner recovery amount of the first waste toner bottle 21 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount when the toner cartridges 29a to 29d are replaced. Therefore, if the first waste toner bottle 21 is not full but the amount of collected toner is at a level that should be replaced, the replacement of the first waste toner bottle 21 is prompted in accordance with the replacement of one of the toner cartridges. It is.

  Therefore, there is no possibility that the first waste toner bottle 21 becomes full immediately after the replacement of the toner cartridge, and the work burden on the user is further reduced. Furthermore, when the amount of toner collected in the first waste toner bottle 21 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount, the image output stops until the first waste toner bottle 21 is replaced, so that the forgetting to replace the first waste toner bottle 21 is solved. it can.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a control path of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Portions common to FIGS. 2 and 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, it is detected whether or not the amount of toner collected in the second waste toner bottle 23 has reached a predetermined amount (replacement reference amount) that serves as a reference for bottle replacement. The second replacement time detection sensor 44 is provided. Note that the configuration of the second replacement time detection sensor 44 and the setting of the replacement reference amount are exactly the same as those of the first replacement time detection sensor 43, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  A configuration example of the message storage table used in the third embodiment is shown in FIG. In the message storage table of FIG. 10, in addition to the message data shown in FIG. 7, when the first replacement time detection sensor 43 detects that the collected amount of the first waste toner bottle 21 is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount, the user A message (replacement display 4) that notifies that the replacement time of the first waste toner bottle 21 is approaching, and the second replacement toner detection sensor 44 causes the second waste toner to be replaced. When it is detected that the collected amount of the bottle 23 is equal to or larger than the predetermined amount, the user is notified that the replacement time of the second waste toner bottle 23 is approaching. “The maintenance time is approaching. Message "(service display 2) is stored.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an image output operation of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The toner collection switching control to the first and second waste toner bottles 21 and 23 will be described in accordance with the steps in FIG. 11 with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 11, NFSW 2 represents the second replacement time detection sensor 44.

  In the control of FIG. 11, after the collection into the first waste toner bottle 21 is permitted in step S <b> 2, the toner collection amount of the first waste toner bottle 21 depends on whether or not the first replacement timing detection sensor 43 is ON. Is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount (step S21). If ON, the amount of toner collected in the first waste toner bottle 21 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount, so the control unit 30 determines that the first waste toner The replacement display 4 for notifying that the replacement time of the bottle 21 is approaching is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S22).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the second waste toner bottle 23 is full based on whether or not the second full detection sensor 41 is ON (step S23), and if it is ON, the service display 1 prompting a serviceman call is displayed as a message. It selects from a storage table, and displays on the liquid crystal display part 51 (step S24). When the second full detection sensor 41 is OFF in step S23, the toner recovery amount of the second waste toner bottle 23 is greater than or equal to the replacement reference amount depending on whether or not the second replacement timing detection sensor 44 is ON. (Step S25), and if ON, the toner collection amount of the second waste toner bottle 23 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount, so the control unit 30 approaches the replacement time of the second waste toner bottle 23. The service display 2 for notifying that is selected from the message storage table and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 (step S26).

  Further, even after step S13 in which the first waste toner bottle 21 is full and the collection into the second waste toner bottle 23 is permitted, the second waste toner is determined depending on whether or not the second replacement time detection sensor 44 is ON. It is determined whether or not the amount of toner collected in the bottle 23 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference value (step S131). (Step S132). Other control procedures are the same as those in FIG. 7 of the second embodiment.

  According to the above control, when the toner recovery amount of the first waste toner bottle 21 becomes equal to or more than the replacement reference amount before the replacement timing of the toner cartridges 29a to 29d, the replacement timing of the first waste toner bottle 21 is set. Since the notification of approaching is made, the user can quickly and efficiently replace the first waste toner bottle 21 when replacing the toner cartridge by preparing the replacement first waste toner bottle 21 in advance. it can.

  In addition, when both the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 are full and the image output is stopped, the first waste toner bottle 21 and the second waste toner bottle 23 are used to restart the image output. However, when the toner recovery amount of the second waste toner bottle 23 exceeds the replacement reference amount, it is notified that the replacement time of the second waste toner bottle 23 is approaching. Therefore, the user can notify the serviceman with a certain margin before the second waste toner bottle 23 becomes full. As a result, it is possible to avoid as much as possible that the user replaces the first waste toner bottle 21 except when the toner cartridge is replaced.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a modification of the image output operation in FIG. In the control of FIG. 12, after the toner recovery to the first waste toner bottle 21 is permitted in step S2, first, the second full detection sensor 41 is turned on, that is, whether the second waste toner bottle 23 is full. Judgment is made (step S23). When it is determined that the second waste toner bottle 23 is full, a service display 1 for prompting a serviceman call is displayed (step S24), and whether or not the first replacement time detection sensor 43 is ON. Is determined (step S211). When the first replacement timing detection sensor 43 is ON, that is, when the toner recovery amount of the first waste toner bottle 21 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount, the replacement for notifying that the replacement timing of the first waste toner bottle 21 is approaching. The display 4 is displayed (step S221), and the image output speed is decreased from the normal time (step S27).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the second waste toner bottle 23 is not full, it is determined whether or not the second replacement timing detection sensor 44 is ON (step S25). A service display 2 for notifying that the replacement time of the waste toner bottle 23 is approaching is displayed (step S26). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the first replacement time detection sensor 43 is ON (step S212). If it is ON, the replacement display 4 for notifying that the replacement time of the first waste toner bottle 21 is approaching. It is displayed (step S222).

  Further, after the waste toner collection into the second waste toner bottle 23 is permitted in step S13, it is determined whether or not the second replacement time detection sensor 44 is ON (step S131), and the second replacement time detection sensor. When 44 is ON, that is, when the toner recovery amount of the second waste toner bottle 23 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount, the service display 2 for notifying that the replacement time of the second waste toner bottle 23 is approaching is displayed (step S132), the image output speed is lowered than usual (step S133). Then, the image output speed is returned to the normal speed when the first waste toner bottle 21 or the second waste toner bottle 23 is replaced.

  In other words, when either the first waste toner bottle 21 or the second waste toner bottle 23 is full and the other toner collection amount exceeds the replacement reference amount, the replacement of the waste toner bottle or the service man call is prompted. In addition to the message display, the image output speed is slower than normal. As a result, it is possible to promptly notify the user that the amount of waste toner that can be collected is small due to a change in the waiting time for printing due to a decrease in the output speed and a change in the operation sound of the apparatus. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the output operation is continued without being noticed, and both the first and second waste toner bottles 21 and 23 become full and output becomes impossible. Furthermore, since the period during which the output speed is reduced is shorter than that in the control example of FIG.

  Further, the transfer efficiency in the primary transfer from the photosensitive drums 1a to 1d to the intermediate transfer belt 8 or the secondary transfer from the intermediate transfer belt 8 to the paper P is improved due to the decrease in the image output speed. The amount of toner can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to extend the time until both the first and second waste toner bottles 21 and 23 are full, and to secure the time required for the replacement waste toner bottle and the service man call. If the image output speed is reduced to about 50 to 80% of the normal time as in the case of FIG. 5, the user can surely recognize the change in the pitch of the operating sound, and the amount of waste toner is sufficiently reduced. The

  In FIG. 12, the output speed is reduced when either the first waste toner bottle 21 or the second waste toner bottle 23 is full and the other toner recovery amount is equal to or greater than the replacement reference amount. For example, the output speed may be decreased when the toner recovery amount of both the waste toner bottles 21 and 23 is equal to or greater than the replacement reference value. Furthermore, if the reduction in image formation efficiency is not taken into account, at least one of the first full detection sensor 40, the second full detection sensor 41, the first replacement time detection sensor 43, and the second replacement time detection sensor 44 is turned on. It is also possible to reduce the output speed at the time.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the full detection sensor and the replacement timing detection sensor are provided separately. However, the full detection sensor is used to detect whether the toner recovery amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined replacement reference value. The full detection sensor may also serve as the replacement time detection sensor.

  Further, instead of providing the toner remaining amount detection sensor 42, the remaining toner in the toner cartridges 29a to 29d is based on the amount of toner replenished from the toner cartridges 29a to 29d to the developing units 3a to 3d (integrated rotation speed of the toner replenishing motor) The amount may be calculated.

  In the above embodiment, a character message is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 51 of the operation unit 50 to notify the replacement timing of the first and second waste toner bottles 21 and 23 and the toner cartridges 29a to 29d. However, for example, voice message data may be stored in a message storage table instead of text message data, and a voice message selected by the control unit 30 may be notified using a speaker.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the tandem type color image forming apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, but includes a rotary type color copying machine and printer, a monochrome copying machine, a monochrome printer, a digital multifunction machine, a facsimile machine, etc. Of course, the present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses having a waste toner collecting mechanism.

  The present invention provides a cleaning means for removing residual toner on a toner carrier, a first toner recovery container and a second toner recovery container for storing waste toner removed by the cleaning means, the first toner recovery container, First full detection means and second full detection means for detecting the fullness of the second waste toner collection container, respectively, and the waste toner collection destination is switched according to the detection results of the first full detection means and the second full detection means. Control means, wherein the control means collects waste toner into the first toner recovery container until the first full detection means detects that the first toner recovery container is full, and the first full detection means is the first full detection means. When the fullness of one toner collection container is detected, the waste toner collection destination is switched to the second toner collection container, and the image is displayed until the second full detection means detects that the second toner collection container is full. An image forming apparatus to continue the power operation.

  As a result, even if the first toner collection container becomes full during continuous printing, the replacement of the first toner collection container can be postponed and image output can be continued, and the replacement frequency of the first toner collection container is reduced. In addition, since the capacity of the second toner collecting container can be reduced, it is possible to provide a space-saving image forming apparatus with less work burden on the user.

  If the first toner collection container is not full when the second toner collection container is full, the waste toner collection destination is switched to the first toner collection container, and the first toner collection container and the second toner collection container are switched. Since the image output is stopped when both of them are full, the image forming efficiency is further improved and the image forming apparatus can reliably prevent the overflow of the waste toner. In addition, since the notification prompting the replacement of the full toner collection container is performed, it is possible to prevent the full toner collection container from being left without being replaced and stopping the image output.

  Further, when the toner cartridge is replaced, whether or not the first toner replacement container needs to be replaced is determined depending on whether or not the toner recovery amount of the first toner recovery container is equal to or greater than the replacement reference value. Thus, the first toner recovery container can be replaced at an appropriate time, and the image forming apparatus is further reduced in the work burden on the user. At this time, forgetting to replace the first toner replacement container can be solved by prohibiting the image output operation until the replacement operation of the first toner replacement container that is prompted to be replaced is completed.

  In addition, when the toner collection amount in the first toner collection container and the second toner collection container exceeds a predetermined amount, the notification means informs in advance that the replacement time is near. Preparations for replacement of the collection container can proceed. Furthermore, if the output speed is reduced in addition to the notification, even if the user misses the notification, the replacement time can be quickly known by the change of the printing town time and the operation sound, and both the first and waste toner collecting containers are full. The output time can be avoided by extending the time until the

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control path of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a message storage table used in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image output operation of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. These are flowcharts which show the modification of the image output operation | movement of FIG. These are the block diagrams for demonstrating the control path | route of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. These are the figures which show the structural example of the message storage table used for the image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. These are the flowcharts which show the image output operation | movement of the image forming apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. These are the block diagrams for demonstrating the control path | route of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. These are the figures which show the structural example of the message storage table used for the image forming apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. These are the flowcharts which show the image output operation | movement of the image forming apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. These are flowcharts which show the modification of the image output operation | movement of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

Pa to Pd Image forming portions 1a to 1d Photosensitive drum (toner carrier)
5a to 5d Cleaning section (cleaning means)
8 Intermediate transfer belt (toner carrier)
19 Belt cleaner (cleaning means)
21 First waste toner bottle (first toner collection container)
23 Second waste toner bottle (second toner collection container)
25 First recovery device 27 Second recovery device 28 Recovery path switching mechanisms 29a to 29d Toner cartridge 30 Control unit (control means)
40 First full detection sensor (first full detection means)
41 Second full detection sensor (second full detection means)
42 Toner remaining amount detecting sensor (toner remaining amount detecting means)
43 1st replacement time detection sensor (1st replacement time detection means)
44 Second replacement time detection sensor (second replacement time detection means)
50 Operation part 51 Liquid crystal display part (notification means)
100 Image forming apparatus

Claims (9)

Cleaning means for removing residual toner on the toner carrier;
A first toner recovery container and a second toner recovery container for storing waste toner removed by the cleaning means;
First full detection means and second full detection means for detecting the fullness of the first toner recovery container and the second waste toner recovery container, respectively;
Control means for switching the collection destination of the waste toner according to the detection results of the first full detection means and the second full detection means,
The control means collects waste toner in the first toner collection container until the first full detection means detects that the first toner collection container is full, and the first full detection means uses the first toner collection container. When the collection container is detected to be full, the waste toner collection destination is switched to the second toner collection container, and the image output operation is continued until the second full detection means detects that the second toner collection container is full. An image forming apparatus.   The control means sets the waste toner collection destination to the first toner collection container on the condition that the first toner collection container is not full when the second full detection means detects that the second toner collection container is full. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output operation is continued until the first full detection unit detects that the first toner collecting container is full.   Notification means is provided for notifying the detection results of the first and second fullness detection means, and the control means detects the notification when the first toner recovery container or the second toner recovery container is full. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a notification that prompts replacement of a full toner collection container is performed using the unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the fullness of the first toner collection container or the second toner collection container is detected, the image output speed is made slower than that during normal output.   Replaceable toner cartridge for storing toner, toner remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge, and detecting whether or not the amount of toner collected in the first toner collecting container is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount A first replacement time detection unit configured to perform the operation, and the control unit detects the amount of toner collected in the first toner collection container when the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge becomes empty. Is detected to be less than a predetermined amount, the notification means prompts only replacement of the toner cartridge, and when it is detected that the toner recovery amount in the first toner recovery container is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification unit issues a notification urging replacement of the toner cartridge and the one toner collection container. .   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit prohibits an image output operation until the completion of the replacement work notified by the notification unit is detected.   When the control unit detects that the amount of toner collected in the first toner collection container is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount before the remaining amount of toner in the toner cartridge becomes empty, 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit notifies that the replacement timing of the first toner recovery container is near.   A second replacement timing detection unit configured to detect that the toner recovery amount in the second toner recovery container is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount; and the control unit determines that the toner recovery amount in the second toner recovery container is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the notification means notifies that the replacement timing of the second toner recovery container is almost reached.   Both the first replacement timing detection means and the second replacement timing detection means are provided, and either the first toner recovery container or the second toner recovery container is full and the other toner recovery amount is predetermined. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when it is detected that the amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the image output speed is made slower than that during normal output.

Images