JP2011232389A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation device which estimates using up of toner more accurately than a prior art by using both a calculating component to calculate an approximate tonner residual amount and a conventional detecting component to detect a toner residual amount.SOLUTION: An image formation device calculates a cumulative printed pages lp by accumulating values obtained by dividing an actual operational printing rate CR with an assumed printing rate crafter printing every page, and calculates a toner residual amount rate TR by dividing a value obtained by subtracting the cumulative printed page lp from a assumed printable page p with the assumed printable page p. If the toner residual amount rate TR is equal to or less than a printed page rate npR, the value of the toner residual amount rate TR is changed to the printed page rate npR until a toner residual amount is detected equal to or less than a predetermined amount. If a toner residual amount detecting section detects that the toner residual amount is detected equal to or less than a predetermined amount and if the toner residual amount rate TR exceeds the printed page rate npR, the image formation device changes the value of the toner residual amount rate TR to the printed page rate npR, and displays the toner residual amount rate TR on a display section.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image using toner supplied from a toner cartridge.

  For example, the image forming apparatus has a function of detecting the remaining amount of toner in the developing device. As a method for detecting the remaining amount of toner, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a magnetic sensor method in which the remaining amount of toner is obtained by detecting the magnetic permeability of the toner. In Patent Document 1, as a method of estimating the remaining amount of toner, a method of estimating toner consumption from an integrated value of operating time of a toner dispense motor, and a toner consumption amount from an integrated value of the number of image pixels of an electrostatic latent image are calculated. An estimation method is disclosed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 describes a method for obtaining the remaining amount of toner from the video count number of an image. The video count number of the image is the same as the method of estimating the toner consumption from the integrated value of the number of image pixels of the electrostatic latent image in Patent Document 1. In order to obtain the integrated value of the number of image pixels of the electrostatic latent image, dedicated hardware is required. Providing such dedicated hardware in an inexpensive image forming apparatus is difficult because it increases the product cost.

  As a function of detecting and displaying the remaining amount of toner in the image forming apparatus, there is a method of detecting and displaying three stages of “Full”, “Near Empty”, and “Empty”. “Full” is displayed when a cartridge is newly loaded, and “Empty” is displayed when there is no toner or printing is not possible. “Near Empty” is displayed when the remaining amount of toner reaches, for example, 10% of the initial amount. Generally, the assumed number of printable sheets per toner cartridge is set in advance. For example, in the case of A4 size and a printing rate of 6%, the estimated number of printable sheets is about 1660. The toner manufacturer does not guarantee the assumed number of printable sheets to the user, but the user trusts and operates the estimated number of printable sheets to some extent. However, the actual number of printed pages per day varies greatly depending on the user or the actual operation of the user, and it is difficult to predict the time until the display from “Near Empty” to “Empty”. It was. Therefore, there is a desire to detect and display the remaining amount of toner in real time from the display of “Near Empty” to the display of “Empty”. However, since new hardware is required for this purpose, the product cost is reduced. There is a problem of pushing up.

  Further, the toner remaining level of “Near Empty” can be detected using a photoelectric sensor or a magnetic sensor as shown in Patent Document 3, but in order to detect the remaining amount of toner linearly and accurately, a hardware such as a sensor is used. There is a problem that it is necessary to add more wear and push up the product cost.

JP 2007-57632 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-40877 JP 2005-181444 A

  Therefore, the present invention calculates an approximate toner remaining amount by calculation without adding a sensor system for detecting the toner remaining amount linearly or a hardware configuration for obtaining an integrated value of the number of image pixels. And an image forming apparatus capable of more accurately predicting that there is no more toner than in the past by using a configuration that detects the remaining toner level of “Near Empty”, for example. .

The image forming apparatus of the present invention includes:
Printing is possible after an assumed number of printable sheets p that is assumed according to the type of toner cartridge, an assumed printing rate cr ₀ that is assumed in advance, and a toner remaining amount detecting unit detecting that the remaining amount of toner is less than a predetermined amount. A first storage unit storing a number np of prints,
An actual operation print rate setting unit for setting an actual operation print rate CR according to the actual operation;
A second storage unit for storing the actual operation printing rate CR set by the actual operation printing rate setting unit;
A cumulative number-of-printed-sheet calculating section that cumulatively adds a value obtained by dividing the actual operation printing rate CR by the assumed printing rate cr ₀ every time one page is printed;
A remaining toner rate calculating unit that calculates a remaining toner rate TR by dividing a value obtained by subtracting the accumulated printed sheet number lp calculated by the accumulated printed sheet number calculation unit from the estimated printable sheet number p by the assumed printable sheet number p. When,
Before the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the remaining toner rate TR is the number of printed sheets obtained by dividing the number of printed sheets np by the assumed number of printable sheets p. In the case of npR or less, the toner remaining amount ratio TR is changed to the print number ratio npR until the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the toner remaining amount is less than a predetermined amount, and the remaining toner amount detection When the toner remaining amount ratio TR exceeds the print sheet number ratio npR when the remaining toner amount is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the remaining toner ratio TR is set to the print sheet ratio npR. Toner remaining rate changing section to be changed,
A display control unit that displays the toner remaining rate TR on a display unit.

The effect of this structure is shown below. The first storage unit includes information on an assumed number of printable sheets p that is assumed according to the type of toner cartridge, information on an assumed print rate cr ₀ that is assumed in advance, and a remaining amount of toner by a toner remaining amount detection unit. Information on the number np of prints that can be printed after being detected as below is stored. The assumed printable sheet number p, the assumed print rate cr ₀ , and the print sheet number np can be extracted using the identification information of the toner cartridge as a search key.

The “assumable printable number p” is a value calculated in advance based on, for example, an initial toner amount and a toner usage amount based on an assumed print rate cr ₀ . The “assumed printing rate cr ₀ ” is a printing rate in an assumed paper size, for example, A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm), and is a value obtained from, for example, the actual value average of the total number of printed sheets per toner cartridge for a plurality of users. It is. The “number of printed sheets np” is the number of printable sheets after the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and is set in advance, for example, 150 sheets. After printing the number np of prints, printing cannot be performed. For example, a toner cartridge replacement sign is displayed on the display unit. “Print ratio” means the print black ratio when the toner is black. Even when the toner is Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), the printing rate can be set similarly.

The actual operation printing rate setting unit sets an actual operation printing rate CR according to the actual operation. For example, the actual operation printing rate setting unit can be configured to store the actual operation printing rate CR manually input using an input unit (for example, a touch panel) in the second storage unit. A configuration in which the actual operation printing rate CR is received and stored in the second storage unit is possible. The actual operation printing rate setting unit can set the actual operation printing rate CR when the toner cartridge is replaced, and can be set at any timing during the next replacement timing period after the toner cartridge replacement. . The ability of a production printing rate setting unit may set the actual operational printing rate CR suitable for actual operation of the user, can be reduced the error between supposed printing rate cr _0, to improve the prediction accuracy of the remaining toner amount Can do.

  “Actual operation” means a state in which the user actually uses the image forming apparatus or a record of use. The “actual operation print rate CR” can be set for each use record for each user or each use record of the image forming apparatus. For example, an average print rate calculated from the number of toner cartridges consumed in the past and the total number of prints is used. Can do.

Cumulative number of printed sheets calculator, for each of printing one page, calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets lp a value obtained by dividing the actual operating printing ratio CR on the assumption printing rate cr ₀ cumulatively added. The formula for calculating the cumulative number of printed sheets lp is shown below. The initial value of lp ₀ is zero.

The toner remaining rate calculation unit divides the value obtained by subtracting the cumulative print number lp calculated by the cumulative print number calculation unit from the assumed printable sheet number p by the assumed printable sheet number p to obtain the remaining toner rate TR (%). calculate. The toner remaining rate calculation unit performs a calculation process every time one page is printed. The formula for calculating the remaining toner ratio TR (%) is shown below.

  The remaining toner ratio changing unit divides the number of printed sheets np by the assumed number of printable sheets p before the remaining toner amount is detected by the toner remaining amount detecting unit to be equal to or less than a predetermined amount. In the case where the printed sheet number ratio npR (= np ÷ p (%)) or less, the remaining toner ratio TR is used as the number of printed sheet ratios until the remaining toner amount detecting unit detects that the remaining toner amount is less than a predetermined amount. Change to npR (hereinafter referred to as “first change process”).

  Before the remaining toner amount detection unit detects that the remaining toner amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the calculated “when the remaining toner rate TR (%) is less than or equal to the print number ratio npR” means the actual operation printing rate. This means that the set value of CR is set higher than the printing rate of the printed matter that is actually printed. Even in such a case, according to the present invention, the prediction of the logical remaining amount of toner obtained by the calculation and the detection of the remaining amount of toner by the conventional remaining toner amount detecting unit are used in combination, thereby making it possible to shift each other from each other. It is possible to appropriately predict the remaining amount of toner and the timing until the toner cartridge replacement.

  In addition, the remaining toner ratio changing unit detects the remaining toner amount when the remaining toner ratio TR exceeds the print number ratio npR when the remaining toner amount detecting unit detects that the remaining toner amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. The value of the rate TR is changed to the print number ratio npR (hereinafter referred to as “second change process”).

  “When the remaining toner amount TR exceeds the print number ratio npR when the remaining toner amount is detected by the toner remaining amount detection unit”, the setting value of the actual operation printing rate CR is actually This means that the printing rate is set lower than the printing rate of the printed matter. Even in such a case, according to the present invention, the prediction of the logical remaining amount of toner obtained by the calculation and the detection of the remaining amount of toner by the conventional remaining toner amount detecting unit are used in combination, thereby making it possible to shift each other from each other. It is possible to appropriately predict the remaining amount of toner and the timing until the toner cartridge replacement.

  The toner remaining amount detection unit is configured to detect the toner amount in the developing unit or the toner cartridge by a photoelectric sensor, a magnetic sensor, a weight sensor, or the like, and determine whether or not the toner amount is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The “predetermined value” is a threshold value and can be arbitrarily set. For example, an amount of 10% of the initial toner amount can be set. This “predetermined value” is set in association with the number np of prints described above.

  The display control unit can display the calculated remaining toner ratio TR (%) on the display unit in real time. Further, the display control unit can display the remaining toner rate TR (%) on the display unit in a graph form. The graph is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a pie graph, a bar graph, a line graph, and various 3D graphs. Further, the display control unit can display the remaining toner ratio TR (%) as a numerical value on the display unit. Further, the display control unit can display the remaining toner ratio TR (%) on the display unit as a graph and a numerical value. Further, the display control unit can display the cumulative number of printed sheets lp on the display unit together with the remaining toner rate TR (%) or independently. In addition, the display control unit can display the difference value (p−lp) between the assumed number of printed sheets p and the cumulative number of printed sheets lp together with the remaining toner rate TR (%) or alone.

  Further, the display control unit can be configured to display the remaining toner rate TR (%) before and after the change changed by the remaining toner rate changing unit on the display unit. The display control unit can be configured to simultaneously display the remaining toner rate TR (%) before and after the change on the same screen, or can be configured to display the remaining toner rate TR (%) before and after the change by switching the screen. . Further, the display control unit can be configured to display information indicating that the remaining toner rate TR (%) has been changed by the remaining toner rate changing unit on the display unit. With the functions of the display control unit described above, the information related to the logical remaining toner amount obtained by the calculation can be confirmed on the display unit, and further, the information regarding the remaining toner amount when actually detected by the remaining toner amount detecting unit is displayed. Display changes can be easily confirmed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, an approximate toner can be obtained by calculation without newly adding a sensor system for linearly detecting the remaining amount of toner or a hardware configuration for obtaining an integrated value of the number of image pixels. By using the configuration for calculating the remaining amount and the conventional configuration for detecting the remaining toner level, it is possible to accurately predict that there will be no more toner than in the past.

  As an embodiment of the above configuration, it is preferable that the actual operation printing rate setting unit is configured to change the actual operation printing rate CR. With this configuration, it is possible to change the actual operation printing rate CR not only at the replacement timing of the toner cartridge but also at a free timing after replacement. Therefore, it is possible to set the actual operation printing rate CR with high reliability according to the actual operation for each user.

In an embodiment of the arrangement, the actual operation printing rate setting unit, upon replacement of the toner cartridge, the actual operation printing ratio CR, multiplies the assumption printable number p in the assumption printing rate cr _0, Further, it is preferable that the value is changed to a value CR1 (hereinafter referred to as “actual printing rate”) divided by the total number of printed sheets TP printed by the toner cartridge before replacement. The formula for calculating the actual printing rate CR1 is shown below.

With this configuration, the setting of the actual operation printing rate CR in the next toner cartridge can be automatically changed to a value based on the latest total number of printed sheets. Since it is based on the latest results, it is possible to improve the prediction accuracy of the remaining amount of toner.

As an embodiment of the above configuration, the assumed printing rate cr ₀ and the actual operation printing rate CR are values based on a preset assumed paper size,
It is preferable that the cumulative number-of-print-sheets calculation unit calculates, as a number of printed sheets, a number of times that is an area ratio with respect to the assumed sheet size when printing of a sheet size different from the assumed sheet size is executed. This configuration assumptions printable number p and the estimated printing rate cr ₀ can be set to one, and sets the assumed printable number p and the estimated printing rate cr ₀ per sheet size necessary to store No, hardware resources and various processes can be simplified.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program for calculating and displaying a toner remaining rate in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus
Printing is possible after an assumed number of printable sheets p that is assumed according to the type of toner cartridge, an assumed printing rate cr ₀ that is assumed in advance, and a toner remaining amount detecting unit detecting that the remaining amount of toner is less than a predetermined amount. A first storage unit storing a number np of prints,
An actual operation print rate setting unit for setting an actual operation print rate CR according to the actual operation;
A second storage unit that stores the actual operation printing rate CR set by the actual operation printing rate setting unit;
In the computer included in the image forming apparatus,
After printing one page, the cumulative number of prints lp is obtained by cumulatively adding a value obtained by dividing the actual operation print rate CR read from the second storage unit by the assumed print rate cr ₀ read from the first storage unit. A step of calculating the cumulative number of printed sheets to be calculated;
A remaining toner ratio TR is obtained by dividing a value obtained by subtracting the cumulative print number lp calculated in the cumulative print number calculation step from the assumed printable number p read from the first storage unit by the assumed printable number p. A toner remaining ratio calculating step for calculating
Before the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the remaining amount of toner is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the remaining toner rate TR is the number of printed sheets obtained by dividing the number of printed sheets np by the assumed number of printable sheets p. A first toner remaining rate that changes the value of the remaining toner rate TR to the printed sheet number ratio npR until the remaining toner amount is detected to be less than or equal to a predetermined amount when the remaining toner amount detecting unit detects npR or less. Change steps,
When the toner remaining amount detection unit detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, if the toner remaining amount rate TR exceeds the print number ratio npR, the value of the toner remaining amount rate TR is A second toner remaining amount ratio changing step for changing to the print number ratio npR;
A display control step of displaying the toner remaining rate TR on a display unit;
It is determined whether printing is possible. If printing is possible, the cumulative number of printed sheets calculation step, the remaining toner rate calculation step, the first remaining toner rate change step, the second remaining toner rate change step, and the display control step are sequentially performed. A program for executing a loop step to be repeated.

  According to this program, it is possible to accurately predict that there will be no more toner than in the past by using a configuration that calculates an approximate toner remaining amount by calculation and a configuration that detects a conventional toner remaining level. It becomes possible.

The figure which shows an example of an image forming apparatus Diagram for explaining the remaining toner detection function The figure for demonstrating the functional element of an image forming apparatus A flowchart showing an operation flow for calculating the toner remaining rate Flow chart showing the operation flow for updating the actual printing rate The figure which shows an example of the time transition of a toner remaining rate The figure which shows an example of the time transition of a toner remaining rate The figure which shows an example of the time transition of a toner remaining rate The figure which shows an example of the display mode of a toner remaining rate. The figure which shows an example of the display mode of a toner remaining rate. The figure which shows an example of the display mode of a toner remaining rate. The figure which shows an example of the display mode of a toner remaining rate. The figure which shows an example of the display mode of a toner remaining rate.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it has a function capable of forming an image on a sheet, and examples thereof include a facsimile machine, a copying machine or a printer, and a complex machine thereof. In the following, the image forming apparatus can be applied without limiting known image forming apparatuses. As a printing mode, either single-sided printing or double-sided printing may be used. Further, the toner cartridge may be configured as an integral set with the photosensitive drum.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a simplified configuration example of a recording unit of the image forming apparatus 1. Briefly described below. By the rotational driving of the pickup roller 19, the sheets are fed one by one along the chain line. The fed paper is conveyed to the recording unit by a feed roller 20 and a press roller 21. The recording unit includes a developing device 22, a paper dust removing roller 23, a corona charger 24, a photosensitive drum 25, a transfer roller 26, an exposure head 27, and a fixing roller (not shown). The toner in a toner cartridge (not shown) is supplied to the developing device 22 by toner supply means. Further, the toner cartridge may be integrated into the developing device 22.

  The developing device 22 is configured by fixing a lid 31 on the upper portion of the container body 30. Three toner chambers 32, 33, and 34 are formed inside the container main body 30, and a supply chamber 37 including a developing roller 35 and a supply roller 36 is formed on the photosensitive drum 25 side. Paddles 40, 41, and 42 are provided as stirring means at substantially the central portions of the toner chambers 32, 33, and 34, respectively. A blade 43 made of a flexible resin film is attached to the tip of the paddle 40 so as to follow the rotational direction. A blade 44 is attached to the paddle 41, and a blade 45 is attached to the paddle 42. The bottom surface of the container body 30 is formed with bottom surface portions 46, 47, and 48 that are curved outward in a circular arc shape so as to follow the trajectory of the rotation of the blade attached to each paddle.

  The toner replenished from the toner cartridge to the toner chambers 32 to 34 is stored in the bottom surface portions 46, 47 and 48. Then, the blades 43, 44, 45 rotate along the bottom surface portions 46, 47, 48 by the rotation of the paddles 40, 41, 42, respectively. By rotating the blades 43, 44, 45 counterclockwise, the toner is transferred from the third toner chamber 34 to the second toner chamber 33 and further to the first toner chamber 32. Then, the toner in the first toner chamber 32 is supplied to the supply chamber 37. The toner replenished to the supply chamber 37 is rubbed and charged by slidingly contacting the developing roller 35 while the supply roller 36 rotates, and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 35. As the developing roller 35 and the photosensitive drum 25 are in sliding contact with each other while rotating, the toner layer adheres to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 25 and is developed.

  The developing device 22 is detachably attached to the front surface of the image forming apparatus 1 in the front-rear direction. After being inserted, the developing device 22 is set in a state in which the container main body 30 is pushed up from below by a pressing mechanism 51 provided in the main body frame 50 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the developing roller 35 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 25. Is done. Further, the toner remaining amount detection sensor 52 rises in conjunction with the pressing operation of the pressing mechanism 51 and is set in the window portion 53 made of a transparent member provided on the bottom surface portion 47. Similarly, the toner remaining amount detection sensor 54 rises in conjunction with the mounting operation of the developing device 22 and is set in the window portion 55 made of a transparent member provided on the bottom surface portion 48.

  The cleaning member 63 attached to the paddle 41 passes through the window 53 by the rotation of the paddle 41 and scrapes off the toner. The cleaning member 64 of the paddle 42 has a similar function.

  Next, the function of detecting the remaining amount of toner will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the toner remaining amount detection sensor 52 is raised and set in the window portion 53. The window portion 53 is formed with a remaining amount detecting portion 68 that protrudes downward at a substantially central portion in the groove when viewed from the outside. The toner remaining amount detection sensor 52 has protrusions 70 and 72, a light emitter 71 is fixed to the protrusion 70, and a light receiver 73 is fixed to the protrusion 72. Each time the cleaning member 63 passes through the remaining amount detection unit 68, the light from the light emitter 71 passes through the remaining amount detection unit 68 and is received by the light receiver 73 to output a detection signal. When a sufficient amount of toner is stored in the toner chamber, the remaining amount detector 68 is filled again with toner after passing through the cleaning member 63, so that the light receiver 73 does not detect the light of the light emitter 71. . On the other hand, when the remaining amount of toner in the toner chamber decreases, the amount of toner filling the remaining amount detection unit 68 decreases, and it takes time until the remaining amount detection unit 68 is filled with toner, and the light receiver 73 detects light. The time will be longer. Based on such a change in the detection signal, the toner remaining amount detection sensor 52 transmits a detection signal indicating the remaining amount of toner to the toner remaining amount detection unit 4. The remaining toner detection sensor 54 functions in the same manner as the remaining toner detection sensor 52 and transmits a detection signal to the remaining toner detection unit 4. The toner supply from the toner cartridge may be supplied based on the detection signals of the remaining toner detection sensors 52 and 54, or may be supplied in conjunction with the rotation of the paddle.

  The toner remaining amount detection unit 4 determines whether the remaining amount of toner is 10% or less of the initial amount of toner based on each received detection signal, and determines that “Near Empty” is determined if it is 10% or less. ”Is transmitted to each component. Accordingly, the display control unit 16 can display information indicating “Near Empty” on the display unit 17. Hereinafter, the display unit 17 will be described as the touch panel monitor 17, but the display unit 17 is not limited thereto.

Next, functional elements of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The first storage unit 11 has an assumed number of printable sheets p identified by the toner cartridge identification information, an assumed printing rate cr ₀ , and a remaining number of prints np that can be printed after the remaining toner amount detecting unit 4 detects “Near Empty”. The information is memorized.

  The actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 is a function for setting the actual operation printing rate CR. The actual operation print rate setting unit 10 stores the actual operation print rate CR manually input using the touch panel monitor 17 in the second storage unit 12. The actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 can set the actual operation printing rate CR when the toner cartridge is replaced, and can be set at any timing during the next replacement timing period after the toner cartridge replacement. For example, the person in charge of the manufacturer of the image forming apparatus 1 can set the actual operation printing rate CR according to the actual operation of the user.

  The first storage unit 11 may be configured with the same storage medium as the second storage unit 12 or may be configured with a different storage medium. The type of storage medium is not limited.

Cumulative number of printed sheets calculating unit 13 every time printing one page, calculates the cumulative number of printed sheets lp a value obtained by dividing the actual operating printing ratio CR on the assumption printing rate cr ₀ cumulatively added. Whether or not one page has been printed can be determined by whether or not the counting unit 2 has counted. The counting unit 2 is configured to count every page printing from when the toner cartridge is loaded into the image forming apparatus 1 until when the next toner cartridge is replaced. The actual operation printing rate CR and the assumed printing rate cr ₀ are read from the first storage unit 11 and stored in the temporary memory or the main memory, from which the cumulative printing number calculating unit 13 performs the actual operation printing rate CR and the assumed printing rate. cr ₀ may be read out, or can be read out from the first storage unit 11 for each calculation process.

Further, the assumed number of printable sheets p, the assumed print rate cr ₀ and the actual operation print rate CR are set as values in a preset A4 size. In this case, when the printing of the paper size different from the A4 size is executed, the cumulative number-of-printing-number calculating unit 13 calculates the number of pages that is an area ratio times the A4 size as the number of printed pages.

  The remaining toner rate calculation unit 14 divides the value obtained by subtracting the accumulated print number lp calculated by the accumulated print number calculation unit 13 from the assumed printable sheet number p by the assumed printable sheet number p, and the remaining toner rate TR (% ) Is calculated. The toner remaining rate calculation unit 14 is executed after the calculation process of the cumulative print number calculation unit 13.

  Information on the remaining toner ratio TR is displayed on the touch panel monitor 17 in real time by the function of the display control unit 16. In the display example of FIG. 7A, the information on the remaining toner ratio TR is displayed as a bar graph indicating “Toner Retaining 80%” and the remaining toner ratio 80%.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the toner cartridge is loaded in the image forming apparatus 1, the display control unit 16 displays “Full” or 100%, and displays a bar graph indicating this. Every time one page is printed, the calculation processing of the cumulative number-of-printed-sheets calculation unit 13 and the remaining toner rate calculation unit 14 is executed, and in conjunction with this, information on the remaining toner rate TR is displayed on the touch panel monitor 17 in real time. Is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the information on the remaining toner ratio TR is displayed as, for example, “100%”, “50%”, “10%”, “5%”, and “Empty”. The display control unit 16 can be controlled to display in 1% increments, and can be controlled to display at arbitrary intervals, for example, 2% intervals and 5% intervals.

  Next, a process for correcting the deviation of the toner remaining rate TR calculated by the toner remaining rate calculating unit 14 will be described. Since the remaining toner rate TR logically obtained by the calculation may differ from the actual remaining toner rate of the toner cartridge, the timing of detection of “Near Empty” detected by the remaining toner amount detection unit 4 Then correct this gap. “Near Empty” is a case where the toner remaining amount detecting unit 4 determines that the toner remaining rate is, for example, 10% or less. Specifically, the processing contents are as follows.

(First change process)
A case where the set value of the actual operation printing rate CR is set higher than the printing rate of the actually printed matter will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the remaining toner ratio TR reaches the “Near Empty” detection level, for example, 10% earlier than the “Near Empty” detection timing. It is necessary to correct this gap. The remaining toner rate changing unit 15 determines whether or not the remaining toner rate TR (%) calculated every time one page is printed is equal to or less than the print number ratio npR. When the print sheet ratio npR or less, the remaining toner ratio TR (%) is replaced with the print sheet ratio npR. The remaining toner rate TR is fixed at the print sheet number ratio npR until the “Near Empty” detection timing by the remaining toner amount detection unit 4. Then, in the calculation of "Near Empty" is detected following cumulative number of printed sheets lp _n toner remaining amount detecting section 4 performs calculation of the cumulative number of printed sheets lp _n replacing lp _n-1 to the number of printed sheets np, toner A remaining rate TR (%) is calculated. The parameters for calculating the toner remaining rate TR (%) are the same. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, the slopes of the lines connecting the values of the remaining toner ratio TR (%) are the same before and after the timing at which “Near Empty” is detected by the remaining toner detection unit 4. Become.

(Second change process)
Next, the case where the set value of the actual operation printing rate CR is set lower than the printing rate of the actually printed matter will be described. As shown in FIG. 6B, the remaining toner ratio TR is a numerical value higher than the “Near Empty” detection level, for example, 10%, at the “Near Empty” detection timing. It is necessary to correct this gap. The toner remaining rate changing unit 15 determines whether or not “Near Empty” is detected by the toner remaining amount detecting unit 4. Then, when the remaining toner ratio TR exceeds the print sheet ratio npR at the “Near Empty” detection timing, the remaining toner ratio change unit 15 changes the value of the remaining toner ratio TR at this time to the printed sheet ratio npR. replace. Then, in the calculation of the next cumulative number of printed sheets lp _n, performs calculation of the cumulative number of printed sheets lp _n replaced by a number of printed sheets np in lp _n-1, calculates a remaining toner ratio TR (%). The parameters for calculating the toner remaining rate TR (%) are the same. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the slopes of the lines connecting the values of the remaining toner ratio TR (%) are the same before and after the timing when the “Near Empty” is detected by the remaining toner amount detecting unit 4. Become.

  FIG. 6C shows a change in the calculated toner remaining amount TR (%) when the actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 changes the setting value of the actual operation printing rate CR during the printing process.

  The display control unit 16 can be configured to display a line graph as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C on the touch panel monitor 17. As a result, the remaining toner rate TR before and after the change changed by the remaining toner rate changing unit 15 can be easily confirmed. Further, the display control unit 16 can display the bar graph before and after the timing at which “Near Empty” in FIG. 6B is detected, as shown in FIG. 7C or FIG. 7D. Further, the display control unit 16 can display the bar graph before and after the timing when “Near Empty” in FIG. 6A is detected as shown in FIG. 7E.

(Operation flow)
An operation flow for calculating the remaining toner ratio TR will be described with reference to FIG. First, the toner cartridge is replaced (step S1). Toner is supplied from the new toner cartridge to the developing device 22, and the toner can be detected by the remaining amount detection sensors 72 and 74. In addition, the count unit 2 initializes the total number of printed sheets TP. Further, the display control unit 16 controls the touch panel monitor 17 to display that the toner remaining rate is “FULL”. Further, the identification number of the toner cartridge is read by reading means (not shown) from an identification information section (not shown) provided in the toner cartridge. The identification information unit is, for example, a memory that stores identification information, a barcode, a QR code, or the like, and the reading unit is, for example, a unit that reads data from the memory, a reader, or the like. The remaining toner rate calculation unit 14 reads the assumed printable sheet number p from the first storage unit 11 using the read identification information as a key, and sets it for the calculation process of the remaining toner rate TR (step S2). The processing in step S2 may be executed by the control unit (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1 instead of the remaining toner rate calculation unit 14. In addition, the control unit reads the assumed print rate cp ₀ and the number of printed sheets np from the first storage unit 11, and reads the actual operation print rate CR from the second storage unit 12, in advance, CR / cr ₀ , np The value of / p may be calculated.

  Next, the printing process is started, and the remaining toner ratio TR is calculated. It is detected that one page has been printed (step S3). Counting is performed when the counting unit 4 detects that one page has been printed, and the counted signal is transmitted to the cumulative number-of-printing-sheet calculating unit 13. The cumulative print number calculation unit 13 calculates the cumulative print number lp (step S4). Next, the remaining toner rate calculation unit 14 calculates the remaining toner rate TR (step S5). The calculated remaining toner ratio TR is controlled so as to be displayed on the touch panel monitor 17. As a result, every time one page is printed, the accumulated number of printed sheets lp and the remaining toner ratio TR can be calculated and displayed.

Next, the toner remaining amount detection unit 4 detects that the remaining amount of toner TR is a print number ratio npR (printing) before the remaining amount of toner is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined amount (hereinafter referred to as “Near Empty” detection). It is determined whether or not it is less than the number of sheets np ÷ the number of printable sheets p) (step S6). When the remaining toner ratio TR is equal to or less than the print sheet ratio npR (TR ≦ npR), the remaining toner ratio TR is replaced with the print sheet ratio npR until “Near Empty” is detected (step S7). In conjunction with the first change process, the display control unit 16 displays the remaining toner ratio TR (= npR). However, the display control unit 16 starts displaying “Near Empty” for the first time when the toner remaining amount detecting unit 4 detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined amount (“Near Empty” detection). The processing of steps S6 and S7 can be easily understood from FIG. 6A. After step S7, the process proceeds to step S10. Further, the toner remaining amount detecting section 4 during "Near Empty" detected following the calculation of the cumulative number of printed sheets lp _n, changes the _{lp n-1} to the number of pages printed np.

If the remaining toner ratio TR is not less than or equal to the value npR (TR ≦ npR), it is determined whether or not the remaining toner ratio TR exceeds the print number ratio npR when the remaining toner detection unit 4 detects “Near Empty”. Judgment is made (step S8). When the remaining toner ratio TR exceeds the print sheet ratio npR (TR> npR), the remaining toner ratio TR is replaced with the print sheet ratio npR (step S9). Also, when calculating the next cumulative number of printed sheets lp _n, it changes the _{lp n-1} to the number of pages printed np. The display control unit 16 starts displaying “Near Empty” when the remaining toner amount detection unit 4 detects that the remaining toner amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount (“Near Empty” detection). The processing of steps S8 and S9 can be easily understood from FIG. 6B. If the remaining toner rate TR does not exceed the value npR, the process proceeds to step S10.

  Next, it is determined whether or not printing is possible (step S10). Whether or not printing is possible can be determined by whether or not the remaining toner amount detection unit 4 has printed np prints after detecting “Near Empty”. If printing is possible, the process returns to step S3 to repeat each step. If printing is impossible, the toner cartridge needs to be replaced, and the process returns to step S1. If printing is not possible, the display control unit 16 changes the display of the remaining toner ratio TR to “Empty”.

  In the above operation flow, a constant actual operation printing rate CR is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the actual operation printing rate CR may be changed at any time and used for calculating the cumulative number of printed sheets as described above. it can.

Further, the identification information of the toner cartridge is read, and the assumed number of printable sheets p corresponding to the read identification information is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the assumed number of printable sheets p is input and set using the touch panel monitor 17. It can be configured as follows. Further, the assumed printing rate cr ₀ and the number of printed sheets np can be similarly input and set using the touch panel monitor 17.

  As another embodiment of determining whether or not printing is possible in step S10, it is determined whether or not the toner remaining amount detecting unit 4 has detected that the amount is equal to or less than a preset amount indicating that printing is not possible. Can be configured.

Next, an operation flow for updating the actual operation printing rate CR based on the latest printing results will be described with reference to FIG. First, the toner “Empty” is detected (step S11). The toner “Empty” can be detected based on the determination result indicating that printing is impossible in step S10 in FIG. Next, the actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 reads the assumed printable sheet number p and the assumed printing rate cr ₀ from the first storage unit 11 or the memory in which they are stored (step S12). Next, the actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 reads the total number of prints TP of the current toner cartridge from the memory in which it is stored or the counting unit 2 (step S13).

Next, the actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 calculates the actual printing rate CR1 (step S14). The calculation formula is CR1 = (p × cr ₀ ) / TP. Next, the actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 sets the calculated actual printing rate CR1 as an initial value of the next actual operation printing rate CR and stores it in the second storage unit 12 (step S15).

(Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIG. 3, a configuration example in which the image forming apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 101 or the server 102 are connected to a network will be described. The image forming apparatus 1 uses, for example, information about the toner remaining amount such as toner cartridge identification information, accumulated print number lp calculated for each page, toner remaining rate TR, total print number TP, and the like by the communication unit 3. The data is transmitted to the processing apparatus 101 or the server 102. The information processing apparatus 101 or the server 102 can receive information on the remaining amount of toner and display information on the remaining amount of toner on the screen. Further, the information processing apparatus 101 can access the image forming apparatus 1 and can set the actual operation printing rate CR by remote control. Further, the server 102 can receive information on the remaining amount of toner from a plurality of image forming apparatuses, and can use the information on the remaining amount of toner for various statistical processes.

(Embodiment 3)
The functional elements of the image forming apparatus 1 can be realized by the cooperative action of software and hardware (CPU (concept including MPU), memory, etc.), and can be realized by a dedicated circuit or firmware, or a combination thereof. You can also

  When realized by software, the program is as follows. This program can be provided as a form recorded in a storage medium and stored in the storage medium, or provided (downloaded) via a communication line. When provided via a communication line, only a part of the functions may be provided, the other part may remain in the server, and the function of the present invention is exhibited as a whole function. It is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

A program for calculating and displaying a toner remaining rate in the image forming apparatus 1,
The image forming apparatus 1
Printing is performed after the assumed number of printable sheets p assumed in accordance with the type of toner cartridge, the assumed printing rate cr ₀ assumed in advance, and the toner remaining amount detecting unit 4 detecting that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. A first storage unit 11 storing a possible number of prints np;
An actual operation printing rate setting unit 10 for setting an actual operation printing rate CR according to the actual operation;
A second storage unit 12 for storing the actual operation printing rate CR set by the actual operation printing rate setting unit;
In the computer provided in the image forming apparatus 1,
After printing one page, the cumulative number of printed sheets is obtained by cumulatively adding a value obtained by dividing the actual operation printing rate CR read from the second storage unit 12 by the assumed printing rate cr ₀ read from the first storage unit 11. a cumulative number-of-print-sheets calculating step for calculating lp;
A remaining toner rate obtained by dividing a value obtained by subtracting the cumulative print number lp calculated in the cumulative print number calculation step from the estimated printable number p read from the first storage unit 11 by the assumed printable number p. A toner remaining ratio calculating step for calculating TR;
Before the remaining toner amount detection unit 4 detects that the remaining toner amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the remaining toner amount ratio TR is obtained by dividing the number of printed sheets np by the estimated number of printable sheets p. When the ratio is less than or equal to npR, the remaining toner ratio TR is changed to the print sheet ratio npR until the remaining toner amount detection unit 4 detects that the remaining toner amount is less than or equal to a predetermined amount. A rate change step,
When the toner remaining amount detection unit 4 detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, if the toner remaining amount rate TR exceeds the print number ratio npR, the value of the toner remaining amount rate TR is set. A second toner remaining rate changing step for changing to the print sheet number ratio npR;
A display control step of displaying the toner remaining rate TR on the display unit 17;
It is determined whether printing is possible. If printing is possible, the cumulative number of printed sheets calculation step, the remaining toner rate calculation step, the first remaining toner rate change step, the second remaining toner rate change step, and the display control step are sequentially performed. A program for executing a loop step to be repeated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Count part 3 Communication part 4 Toner remaining amount detection part 10 Actual operation printing rate setting part 11 1st memory | storage part 12 2nd memory | storage part 13 Cumulative printed sheet number calculation part 14 Toner remaining amount rate calculation part 15 Toner remaining amount Rate changing unit 16 Display control unit 17 Display unit (touch panel monitor)

Claims (8)

The number of prints that can be printed after it is detected that the remaining amount of toner is less than or equal to the predetermined amount by the toner remaining amount detection unit. A first storage unit storing
An actual operation print rate setting unit for setting an actual operation print rate according to the actual operation;
A second storage unit for storing the actual operation printing rate set by the actual operation printing rate setting unit;
A cumulative number-of-printed-sheet calculating section that cumulatively adds a value obtained by dividing the actual operation printing rate by the assumed printing rate every time one page is printed;
A remaining toner rate calculating unit that calculates a remaining toner rate by dividing a value obtained by subtracting the accumulated printed number calculated by the accumulated printed number calculating unit from the assumed number of possible printed sheets by the assumed number of printable pages;
Before the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the toner remaining rate is equal to or less than the print number ratio obtained by dividing the print number by the assumed printable number In addition, the toner remaining rate ratio is changed to the print number ratio until the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. A toner remaining rate changing unit that changes the value of the remaining toner ratio to the printed sheet ratio when the remaining toner ratio TR exceeds the printed sheet ratio when it is detected that the amount is less than a predetermined amount; ,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a display control unit configured to display the toner remaining rate on a display unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actual operation printing rate setting unit is configured to change the actual operation printing rate.   When the toner cartridge is replaced, the actual operation printing rate setting unit multiplies the actual operation printing rate by the estimated number of printable sheets multiplied by the estimated printing rate, and the total number of prints printed by the toner cartridge before replacement. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is changed to a divided value. The assumed printing rate and the actual operation printing rate are values based on a preset assumed paper size,
The cumulative print number calculation unit calculates the number of prints that is an area ratio multiple of the assumed paper size as the number of prints when printing of a paper size different from the assumed paper size is executed. The image forming apparatus described in the item.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a toner remaining rate on the display unit in a graph.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays a toner remaining rate on the display unit as a numerical value.   7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit can display the remaining toner rate before and after the change changed by the remaining toner rate changing unit on the display unit. A program for calculating and displaying a toner remaining rate in an image forming apparatus,
The image forming apparatus
The number of prints that can be printed after it is detected that the remaining amount of toner is less than or equal to the predetermined amount by the toner remaining amount detection unit. A first storage unit storing
An actual operation print rate setting unit for setting an actual operation print rate according to the actual operation;
A second storage unit that stores the actual operation printing rate set by the actual operation printing rate setting unit;
In the computer included in the image forming apparatus,
Cumulative printing that, after printing one page, cumulatively adds a value obtained by dividing the actual printing rate read from the second storage unit by the assumed printing rate read from the first storage unit to calculate the cumulative number of prints. A number calculating step;
A toner for calculating a remaining toner ratio by dividing a value obtained by subtracting the cumulative number of printed sheets calculated in the cumulative number of printed sheets calculation step from the estimated number of printable sheets read from the first storage unit by the estimated number of printable sheets. A remaining rate calculation step;
Before the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, and the toner remaining rate is equal to or less than the print number ratio obtained by dividing the print number by the assumed printable number A first toner remaining rate changing step for changing the value of the toner remaining rate to the print number ratio until the toner remaining amount detecting unit detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount;
When the toner remaining amount detection unit detects that the toner remaining amount is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, if the toner remaining rate exceeds the print number ratio, the remaining toner ratio value is set to the print number ratio. A second toner remaining rate changing step for changing to
A display control step of displaying the toner remaining rate TR on a display unit;
It is determined whether printing is possible. If printing is possible, the cumulative number of printed sheets calculation step, the remaining toner rate calculation step, the first remaining toner rate change step, the second remaining toner rate change step, and the display control step are sequentially performed. A program for executing a loop step that repeats.

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